Why St. Croix, USVI Is the Hidden Gem for Caribbean Destination Weddings 🌴
- Tracey Campbell McLamb
- Sep 26
- 5 min read
If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean wedding but don’t want the crowds, cookie-cutter resorts, or sky-high prices that come with places like Mexico or the Dominican Republic, let me introduce you to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. This understated island has everything couples love — stunning beaches, authentic culture, affordable accommodations, direct flights, and endless ways to celebrate.
Here’s why St. Croix is quickly becoming a favorite for destination weddings.
🏨 Affordable & Welcoming Accommodations
One of the best-kept secrets about St. Croix is how affordable the accommodations are compared to other Caribbean destinations. You’ll find a wide range of options, from boutique hotels to beachfront resorts — many of them eager to welcome weddings.
A few favorites include:
Hotel on the Cay — A private-island escape just off Christiansted, offering intimate beachfront charm and easy access to town.
King Christian Hotel — Overlooking Christiansted Harbor, this boutique property features stylish rooms and a rooftop event space perfect for receptions.
The Waves Cane Bay — Perched right on the water, with an oceanfront restaurant and bar ideal for hosting celebrations.
Sand Castle on the Beach — An adults-only resort in Frederiksted with seaside dining, a laid-back vibe, and gorgeous sunset views.
These hotels are fantastic partners: we’ll handle your ceremony on the beach, and they can host your reception — giving you the best of both worlds.
🏡 Vacation Rentals for Intimate Celebrations
For couples who want privacy and flexibility, St. Croix is filled with vacation rentals whose owners are often open to hosting small weddings.
Imagine walking out your back door onto the sand for your ceremony — or enjoying a hilltop vacation rental with a stunning ocean view. These elevated properties are perfect for couples who love the water but prefer not to be directly in the sand, or for guests who may have mobility challenges and would be more comfortable with an easy-access terrace or patio.
From there, you can design a celebration that feels just right:
A catered dinner under the stars at your vacation rental, with affordable personal chefs who will come to your space and prepare a custom meal right on-site
A picnic on the beach, fully set up by local picnic companies who take care of every detail
A small group dinner at one of the island’s fabulous restaurants, many of which are delighted to host wedding groups
This flexibility gives you the ability to match your celebration to your style, comfort, and guest needs — all while keeping the Caribbean sea as your backdrop.
✈️ Easy & Affordable Travel
Getting to St. Croix is easier than most people realize. U.S. citizens don’t need a passport, and there are daily direct flights into Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX). Airlines like United and American serve the island with competitive fares, often in the same price range as Mexico or the Dominican Republic.
For guests already visiting the Virgin Islands, daily flights and ferries connect St. Croix with St. Thomas — making it easy for island-hopping guests to join your wedding.
🍽️ Flexible Reception Options
Not every couple wants a big ballroom wedding. On St. Croix, you can shape your reception the way you want:
Hotel receptions at King Christian, Hotel on the Cay, Waves Cane Bay, or Sand Castle on the Beach
Beach picnics, styled and set up by local picnic companies so all you have to do is arrive and enjoy
At your vacation rental, with catering or a private chef
At a local restaurant, many of which are excited to host wedding groups and offer special menus
This flexibility lets you design a reception that truly matches your style.
🌿 Things to Do on St. Croix
A wedding in St. Croix isn’t just one day — it’s a vacation for you and your guests. The island is overflowing with activities that will keep everyone entertained before and after the wedding:
Buck Island Reef National Monument — Snorkel a protected reef and explore Turtle Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful spots.
Christiansted & Frederiksted — Stroll cobblestone streets, shop boutiques, and visit historic Danish forts.
Frederiksted Pier diving — Famous for crystal-clear water, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life.
Annaly Bay Tide Pools — A rewarding hike leads to natural seaside pools.
Bioluminescent Bays — Watch the water glow at night when tiny organisms light up with movement.
St. George Village Botanical Garden — Lush gardens built among the ruins of a sugar plantation.
Horseback riding on the west side — A romantic and unique way to see the island.
Rum tours & local cuisine — Visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and sample island specialties.
Craft breweries — St. Croix even has its own local breweries! Leatherback Brewing Company offers tours and tastings of its locally made craft beer, while Brew STX is a lively boardwalk microbrewery and restaurant right in Christiansted Harbor. For couples and guests from places like North Carolina where breweries are part of the culture, this adds a familiar (and fun) local twist to your wedding trip.
Sailing & sunset cruises — Charter a boat for a private island tour or a romantic evening on the water.
With so much variety, your guests can snorkel reefs one day, hike a rainforest the next, and finish the week sipping craft beer by the boardwalk or enjoying cocktails at sunset.
🏝 Why Choose St. Croix Over Other Destinations?
Less crowded than St. Thomas or Puerto Rico
Surrounded entirely by the Caribbean Sea — giving it that turquoise “Caribbean dream” look
More affordable accommodations and airfare
Authentic, laid-back island feel with plenty of personality
Stronger vendor relationships — you’re not just another wedding in a long line of resort packages
💍 Why Choose Incredible Beach Weddings for St. Croix
Planning a wedding from afar can feel overwhelming — but that’s where we come in. For over 20 years, we’ve specialized in beach weddings that are simple, beautiful, and stress-free. We personally design, set up, photograph, and direct every ceremony — so nothing is outsourced, and you’ll know exactly who you’re working with from start to finish.
When it comes to St. Croix, we’re not just recommending hotels and venues. We’ve already built relationships with local partners, scouted the beaches, and crafted packages designed for this island. That means you’ll get the same hands-on, detail-oriented service we’ve been trusted for in North Carolina — now brought to the Caribbean.
Our couples love us because we handle the details so they can focus on the moment. From décor and sound to photography and coordination, we bring everything together seamlessly — so all you have to do is show up and enjoy your day in paradise.
✨ The Bottom Line
St. Croix is the Caribbean’s best-kept secret for weddings — beautiful, affordable, stress-free, and unforgettable. With trusted local hotels, welcoming vacation rentals, endless activities, and the turquoise Caribbean as your backdrop, it’s the destination that truly has it all.
👉 Ready to start planning your St. Croix wedding? Explore our packages and let us take care of the details while you enjoy the magic of the island.
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