Wedding planning can be a lot of details to think about, but the most important part of your entire wedding is the wedding license–that is, if you want it to be a legal ceremony. To make this step as easy as possible, I’ve put together a guide that outlines everything you’ll need to know about getting your license in St. Thomas. It’s a process that seems hard and scary, but I’m here to help! It’s so easy as long as you follow these steps!
Step 1: The Application
Your marriage license is made up of two separate forms that you will need to fill out: The marriage license application and the license and certificate of marriage. You can find them both below in the downloadable links.
These forms allow you to fill them out on your computer and then you can print and sign them. You can print them out and fill them in by hand, but I recommend typing it in so that it is as neat as possible. Below, you’ll find some helpful tips for each form.
Application for Marriage License
- Make sure your addresses are complete. Include zip codes. Use full words, including the state you are in. (ex. Georgia, not GA or Road, not Rd.)
- Leave the signature blank, as this must be signed in the presence of a clerk.
Application and Certificate of Marriage
- Lines 15-26 should be left blank for the court to fill out.
- Leave the signature blank, as this must be signed in the presence of a clerk.
Step 2: Write a Cover Letter
Your paperwork package should include a short letter that includes the approximate arrival date and time for the courthouse, your officiant’s name (ask me; I can tell you) and contact information, and the contact information for both you and your fiance.
Step 3: Divorce Decree
If you and/or your fiance have been previously divorced, you must include a certified copy of your divorce decree. This copy must have a raised seal or a hand-written signature from your local court clerk to be considered acceptable. If your copy does not have either of these, you will need to contact the court where your divorce was finalized in order to obtain a certified copy.
Step 4: The Fees
As with anything fun, there is a fee involved in filing your application. The total fee is $200 ($100 for the license and $100 as a filing fee). This can be paid with a certified check or money order made out to “Virgin Islands Superior Court”.
Step 5: Filing the Application
You’re almost done! See? Totally painless so far! Once you have all the paperwork mentioned above together in one packet. it’s time to send it in! Your envelope should be made out to the following address:
Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center
Family division – Marriage Licenses
Post Office Box 70
St. Thomas, VI 00804
These papers are required to be at the court at least 8 business days prior to your ceremony. I highly recommend that you send the whole packet at the 1-month mark so that it gets there with plenty of time for the mail to get there and for the clerks to have time to do their work. You should send this in a USPS Priority Mail envelope so that you can track the progress.
Once it has arrived, give the courthouse a few days, and give them a call to see that they received it and see if they need anything else from you. This is just a courtesy. None of my clients have had to do anything additional.
Step 6: At the Courthouse
So close!!! Once you’ve arrived on island you will need to go tot he courthouse to pick up your license forms. You’ll sign those papers, as mentioned before, and you’ll be all set!
Please note, the courthouse has a strict dress code. The following is not allowed inside the building:
- Shorts
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
- Slippers/Flip flops
- Tank, halter or tube tops
Also, keep in mind that since you are entering a courthouse, you will need to pass through security, so leave anything extra in your rental or the taxi. You’ll just need a government-issued ID.
After you’ve received the paperwork, you can hand them over to me and myself and your officiant will take care of them from there.
Step 7: Finalizing the Marriage
Once you’ve said your vows, the last step is making it legal. Your officiant will return the papers to the court and your license will be sent to you within three weeks of the big day!
If you feel that anything within this process is overwhelming, feel free to reach out to me. I will walk you through it.
If you don’t want to do any of it. I would be more than happy to take care of all of it for you so that you only need to send me the necessary paperwork. Ask me about adding this service to your estimate.
I hope this detailed guideline helps! Please feel free to email or call with any other questions!
- After you give the forms to me, you are done! Your certified VI marriage license will be shipped to you within 3 weeks of your ceremony.