Thinking about an exotic and romantic setting for your wedding or vow renewal?  Why not try something a little different like a barefoot tropical beach wedding in paradise.

Picture yourself on an beautiful white sand beach, with fragrant tropical flowers in your hair, standing under majestic coconut trees. Lazy azure water lapping at the beach just a few feet away with melodic steel pan music playing softly in the background. Hypnotic sounds and smells are surrounding you during these special moments. A group of your closest friends and family are by your side, listening to the romantic words the local official is saying.  You complete your union... you are now joined for life.

If this sounds like the perfect wedding setting... it is.  So why not get married in the US Virgin Islands? It's simple, romantic, and exotic. Should you decide to get married or have your vow renewal in the US Virgin Islands, it's a good idea to plan ahead. Most wedding planners and consultants recommend starting several months in advance, and if this is going to be a large affair, add another month to your planning schedule.

How could anything be more romantic than sharing your vows and beginning your life together in one of the most exotic locations on earth; the U.S. Virgin Islands. You simply can't go wrong having you wedding on any of the three islands that make up the US Virgin Islands... St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Any of the three Islands are considered upscale wedding destinations.

It doesn't matter whether you choose a beautiful white sand beach, or something something totally different like an underwater wedding. You'll find lush green tropical gardens, sexy remote locations, and even traditional church weddings are available and make great memories. There are many experienced wedding planners who can assist you with your wedding in paradise. One popular suggestion I can give you is Island Wedding Services in St. Thomas.

Another idea is to get married on a boat. Capt. Frank Barnes and his wonderful boat, Sea More, can get you into the most secluded and beautiful coves imaginable... and it's tough to beat a boat wedding at Sunset.

As a U.S. Territory, the laws of the United States Government apply... and your wedding will be as problem free as if you were getting married in your own city and state.

What to Know:

* No blood tests or physical examinations are necessary, but there is a $25 license fee a $25 notarized application

* There's an 8-day waiting period, which is sometimes waived, depending on circumstances.

*Civil ceremonies before a judge of the territorial court cost $200

*Religious ceremonies performed by clergy are equally valid. Fees and schedules for church weddings must be negotiated directly with the officiate.

*More information is available from the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism, 1270 Ave. of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 (tel. 800/372-USVI or 212/332-2222; www.usvitourism.vi).

The guide Getting Married in the U.S. Virgin Islands is distributed by U.S.V.I. tourism offices; it gives information on all three islands, including wedding planners, places of worship, florists, and limousine services. It also provides a listing of island accommodations that offer in-house wedding services.

Contact the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, P.O. Box 70, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. 00804 (tel. 340/774-0640). Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, Family Division, P.O. Box 929, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S.V.I. 00821 (tel. 340/773-1130).

Article by: Terry Hudson