With it's Caribbean charm, luscious natural beauty and romantic accommodations, the U.S. Virgin Islands has long provided the ideal setting for married couples to reaffirm their commitment to each other. Many couples choose to renew their vows on St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas because it allows them to combine a Caribbean vacation with one of the most romantic events of their lives together.
The U.S. Virgin Islands offers every type of setting any couple could desire to reaffirm their vows. Whatever couples wish - either outdoors or inside, on a beach or in a garden, sunrise or sunset, on a boat or on a mountaintop, or even underwater - the islands can supply the desired setting.
St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas are home to many professional wedding coordinators ready to assist couples with every detail of the perfect ceremony. Most hotels and resorts are staffed with wedding planners who are experienced in vow-renewal ceremonies. Special packages are often offered for couples renewing their vows. Because legal documents are not required for vow renewals, these ceremonies are often considerably less expensive than - but just as romantic as - a couple's original wedding.
Many couples choose to renew their vows while visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands for a day on a cruise ship. Others choose to stay awhile when they visit. "Because the U.S. Virgin Islands is so close to the U.S. mainland and offers all the comforts of home, many couples choose to spend their second honeymoon here," said wedding planner Patsy Hirst of Island Bride. "Couples who visit on second honeymoons often take time out to renew their vows."
For those who choose to extend their stay beyond a day trip, a wide variety of accommodations - from luxurious resorts to cozy inns to romantic villas - are available. Whether a couple chooses to renew their vows during an intimate getaway for two or a vacation for the entire family, accommodations can be arranged to suit every need.
Patty Wallen of Weddings by IPS has planned vow-renewal ceremonies for couples who have been married for only one year and for couples celebrating their fiftieth anniversary. "I enjoy vow-renewal ceremonies almost more than weddings," she said. "It's always especially exciting to see a copule's children witnessing their parents' reaffirmation of their love for each other.
Often, one spouse will surprise the other with a ceremony. Wedding coordinators work around the clock to ensure that every detail of the ceremony is perfect. Vacationers who have surprised their spouses with an impromptu ceremony admit that the most difficult task of arranging the event is keeping it a secret.
"The love in the eyes of couples reaffirming their vows always seems stronger the second time around," stated Debra Williams of Fantasia Wedding & Honeymoons. "Vow-renewal ceremonies are always my favorite because of the intense love shared by the couples."
"Emotions always run high when couples renew their vows," said wedding coordinator Kathleen Armstrong of Weddings The Island Way. "Many couples who choose to reaffirm their commitment to each other have endured special hardships that have brought them closer. I plan these ceremonies all the time, and I still get teary-eyed when I hear couples renew their vows."
For additional information about renewing your vows in the U.S. Virgin Islands, call 1-800-330-8272.
