Getting married is an exciting time in your life. It can also a very stress full time. More and more couples are choosing to have a destination wedding. Having one in the U.S. Virgin Islands means no passports are required. It also means your ceremony could be on any of the multiple beaches, tropical gardens  or one of several denominational Churches located on the islands.   A destination wedding can be as simple as bridal couple on a secluded beach or as elaborate as inviting 200 guest.
Regardless of the size of your wedding these steps can lead you through it.

1. Set a date for wedding.
2. Determine a budget.
3. Research destination location for ceremony (I am partial to St. Thomas, St. John in the Virgin Islands)
4. Research travel arrangements. Cruise or air reservations.
5. Determine the number of guest that will be attending.
6. Choose your wedding party,
7. Reserve wedding planner or coordinator and have consultations.
8. Your wedding planner will then with your approval arrange:
a. Hair and makeup appointments.
b. Reserve Flowers for ceremony and reception.
c. Wedding Cake.
d. Reserve wedding ceremony and reception locations.
e. Reserve music for ceremony and or reception.
f. Reserve caterer for reception.
g. Arrange toasting table after ceremony.
h. Arrange for chairs at ceremony.
i. Arrange for transportation to and from ceremony and reception for wedding party and or guest.
9. Reserve photographer if not included in package and have consultation.
10. Send out save the date cards.
11. Set up website for guest with destination, travel, hotel information.
12. Place wedding announcement in local press.
13. Arrange for wedding dress and or attire.
14. Coordinated wedding party attire.
15. Send out invitations.
16. Visit jeweler for wedding bans or wait and visit one of many in St. Thomas or St. John.
17. Finalize travel and or hotel arrangements;
18. Mail in marriage license and wedding applications to wedding planner to bring to court house.
19. Arrive to destination.
20. Pick up marriage license at courthouse in St. Thomas.

There are, of course, many more things than those listed above that you will need to put on your specific wedding planning checklist that are personal to your wedding, but the above will give you an idea of the things you need to include.

Remember, planning a wedding at home is challenging, planning one in a distant location can be over whelming. A wedding planner that you feel comfortable with will give you the ultimate reward of a happier and more stress-free wedding day.
21. Have a wonderfully planned and happy wedding Day.