Beach Wedding Venues // Virgin Islands

A GUIDE TO YOUR DREAM WEDDING ON THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS!

US Virgin Islands

Beach Weddings
Choosing the perfect beach in the US Virgin Islands for your wedding, elopement, or engagement can be a delightful yet challenging decision simply because each beach presents its own alluring slice of paradise.
The islands are home to many stunning beaches, each offering crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sands, and lush tropical backdrops, making every location seem perfect for a dream wedding.
From the secluded tranquility of Neltjeberg Beach on Saint Thomas to the iconic beauty of Trunk Bay Beach on Saint John, the diversity and sheer beauty of these settings provide an abundance of choices that can overwhelm couples trying to find that one perfect spot to tie the knot.
Please scroll down to check out my breakdown of each beach.
Lime Tree Beach Virgin Islands
Peace Hill Beach St Thomas USVI
Trunk Bay Beach US Virgin Islands
Lindquist Beach USVI St Thomas
Neltiburg Beach United States Virgin Islands

SOME OF MY FAVORITE USVI BEACHES (check back for more!) —

Neltiburg Beach USVI
Selecting a favorite beach in the USVI proves challenging due to the abundance of stunning options available, each boasting its own unique beauty and charm.
  1. Neltiburg Beach, St. Thomas
  2. Lime Tree Beach, St. Thomas
  3. Peace Hill Beach, St. John
  4. Trunk Bay Beac, St. John
  5. Lindqvist Beach, St. Thomas
  6. Neltjeberg Beach, St. Thomas
  7. Hawksnest Bay Beach, St. John
  8. Hull Bay Beach, St. Thomas
  9. Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas
  10. Cinnamon Bay Beach, St. John
  11. Trunk Bay Overlook, St. John
  12. Magens Bay Beach, St. Thomas
  13. Pretty Klip Point Beach, St. Thomas
Hawknest Bay Beach Virgin Islands
Hull Bay Beach Virgin Islands USA
Sapphire Beach USVI

US VIRGIN ISLANDS BEACH RECOMMENDATIONS —

The beaches in the US Virgin Islands each possess distinct characteristics that cater to various wedding styles and preferences, making them VERSATILE venues for different wedding ceremonies. For instance, the expansive and popular Magens Bay is ideal for large, grand weddings, offering ample space and facilities, while the secluded Neltjeberg Beach provides a more intimate setting perfect for smaller, private gatherings. Additionally, with its vibrant coral reefs and water sports, Sapphire Beach is great for couples seeking a dynamic, adventurous wedding experience. This diversity allows each couple to find a beach that matches the scale and style of their wedding while adding a personalized touch to their special day.
Hawksnest Bay Beach US Virgin Islands

HAWKSNEST BAY BEACH —

Saint John

Hawksnest Bay Beach in St. John is a serene and picturesque destination, favored for its accessibility and stunning natural beauty. The beach offers crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, bordered by lush greenery that enhances its secluded feel. It’s relatively smaller and less crowded than other popular beaches, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat or an intimate gathering.

AMENITIES:
  • Free Parking
  • Shade
  • Restrooms
  • Changing Rooms
  • Showers
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming
  • Overnight Mooring Ball
  • Picnic Areas w/BBQs
PERKS:
The contrasting colors make it an excellent beach for a photo sesh. The black rocks stand out from the beautiful turquoise waters, lush green landscape, and white sand beach. Enjoy the beautiful beach and snorkeling, but make sure to pack a towel, beach chair, drinks, and snacks.

NELTJEBERG BEACH —

Saint Thomas

A hidden gem on St. Thomas, Neltjeberg Beach offers visitors a tranquil and pristine escape from the more crowded tourist spots. This secluded beach is accessible by a rough road, adding to its untouched and exclusive feel. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters and fine white sand, Neltjeberg Beach is surrounded by lush greenery and rugged natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for those seeking privacy and a deeper connection with nature.

AMENITIES:
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming
PERKS:
Although it takes a little effort to get to the unspoiled Neltjeberg Beach, the rewards are worth it. A tropical forest of wild coconut palms, ruins, a gorgeous secluded beach, and beautiful sky colors offer excellent photo ops. Bring anything you may need (pack-in/pack-out), as the only company you’ll keep is the local wildlife, making it a serene sanctuary away from human crowds.
Neltiburg Beach USVI
Sapphire Beach St Thomas

SAPPHIRE BEACH —

Saint Thomas

Renowned for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere, Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas offers a picturesque beach boasting crystal-clear waters and fine, white sand. It’s a popular destination for both relaxation and water sports. The beach is backed by lush green hills, adding to its scenic charm.

AMENITIES:
  • Free Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Snorkeling
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Beach Chair Rentals
  • Snack Bar
  • Watersport Rentals
  • Boutique Shops
PERKS:
With its striking turquoise waters and panoramic views of lush hills, Sapphire Beach provides an idyllic and romantic backdrop perfect for capturing unforgettable photographs.

CINNAMON BAY BEACH —

Saint John

Cinnamon Bay Beach on St. John is a captivating natural haven known for its broad, sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters. Nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park, this beach offers a pristine setting enhanced by lush, tropical foliage and towering coconut palms.

AMENITIES:
  • Free Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Picnic Areas
  • Snack Bar
  • Watersports Rentals
  • General Store
  • Campground
  • Historical Ruins
  • Hiking Trails
  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking
PERKS:
With its expansive sandy shores and lush tropical backdrop, Cinnamon Bay Beach offers a naturally picturesque setting that is ideal for capturing stunning wedding or family photographs filled with the beauty and tranquility of the Caribbean.
Lindquist Beach USVI

LINDQUIST BEACH —

Saint Thomas

A serene and relatively undeveloped stretch of coastline, Lindquist Beach on St. Thomas is known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. This secluded beach features powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it a picturesque spot for swimming and sunbathing. Its unspoiled charm is enhanced by a backdrop of lush greenery and minimal commercial development, offering visitors a peaceful escape.

AMENITIES:
  • Paid Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Changing Rooms
  • Picnic Areas
  • Snorkeling
PERKS:
Lindquist Beach is part of a protected area, which helps preserve its pristine condition, white sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery. This makes it a favorite among locals, knowledgeable travelers seeking tranquility and a touch of paradise, and photographers for a serene photo shoot.

TRUNK BAY —

Saint John

A picturesque destination renowned for its serene and relatively secluded ambiance, Trunk Bay on St. John is a charming beach nestled away from the more crowded tourist spots. It offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the surrounding lush hillsides and the expansive blue Caribbean Sea.

AMENITIES:
  • Limited Parking
  • Picnic Areas
  • Snorkeling
PERKS:
Visitors to Trunk Bay should be prepared to bring their essentials, such as water, snacks, and sun protection, since services are minimal. This beach is perfect for those looking for a quiet, natural experience on St. John and an ideal spot for a photo shoot to capture the quintessential Caribbean paradise.

MORE TIPS TO ASSIST YOU —

WEDDING, ENGAGEMENT, ELOPEMENT & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER —

Narrowing down the perfect beach in the US Virgin Islands is challenging because each offers its unique blend of stunning beauty, from serene coves to vibrant coral reefs, making it hard to pick just one. I can help you decide based on your must-haves, or if narrowing it down causes too much anxiety, we can plan on shooting at more than one location or splitting it up over multiple days and locations.
You couldn’t choose a better photo backdrop than the beauty of the USVI. The picture-perfect setting is sure to gather likes and awes from family, friends, and followers on your social media feeds.

The breathtakingly beautiful beaches of the Virgin Islands, with their vast stretches of white sand, boast some of the most stunning waters fringed by lush tropical vegetation, creating striking backdrops that enhance any photo session.

  • Time of Day — Schedule your photo shoot during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset—to capture the soft, warm light and avoid harsh shadows and squinting in bright sunlight.
  • Attire Considerations — Opt for lightweight, flowy fabrics that move beautifully in the beach breeze, and choose colors that complement the scenery’s natural blues and greens.
  • Footwear — Consider going barefoot or wearing sandals that are easy to remove, as high heels can sink into the sand and make walking difficult.
  • Preparation for Wind — The beach can be breezy, so secure hairstyles with pins and choose styles that will look natural when windswept, and consider makeup that withstands light wind and moisture.

MORE TIDBITS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE CONSIDERED —

  • Changing Weather — Weather can shift rapidly in tropical environments; sudden rain showers or increased wind speeds can affect your photography session, so I always try to have a backup plan.
  • Sunscreen Shine — While sunscreen is essential for SPF protection, it can create an unwanted shiny effect on the skin in photos. Use a matte or non-greasy formula to maintain a natural complexion in your wedding photos.
  • Crowd Control — Beaches can draw crowds, especially during peak seasons, which might interfere with the backdrop of your photos. Choosing a less popular time or a more secluded section of the beach ensures a more private and controlled setting.
  • Permit Requirements — Many don’t realize that certain beaches in the USVI require permits for weddings, especially for larger gatherings or if you’re planning to set up structures like arches or chairs. If you’ve hired a good wedding planner, they should know the ins and outs. If you need recommendations, I’d be glad to help. Since I photograph a LOT of weddings, I can suggest some of my favorite wedding planners to work with.
  • Tide Levels — It’s important to check the tide schedule to ensure your setup remains dry throughout the ceremony, as rising tides can encroach on beach space unexpectedly. Again, a good wedding coordinator should account for water levels.
MY FAVORITE PINTEREST IDEAS

SOME OTHER TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN TRAVELING TO THE USVI —

The US Virgin Islands enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, but the peak tourist season runs from December to March when the weather is most temperate. If you prefer fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in late spring or early fall. Be sure to check the local weather a few days before your trip to pack appropriately, as occasional rain showers are common throughout the year.
Packing — Lightweight clothing and sun protection are must-haves when packing for the USVI. The Caribbean sun can be intense, so bring plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. Since you’ll likely spend a lot of time on the beach or participating in water activities, don’t forget your swimsuit, a cover-up, and water-resistant sandals. Packing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste is also a good idea, as the islands are working towards environmental sustainability.
Navigation — While taxis and some public transportation are available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Remember, traffic moves on the left side of the road, which can be surprising for visitors from countries where driving on the right is the norm. If you choose not to rent a car, consider organized tours, which can provide a hassle-free way to see the sights, especially if you need more time or are unfamiliar with the area.
Food — The local cuisine is a must when visiting the Virgin Islands. The islands boast a delicious blend of Caribbean flavors, with seafood being a prominent component of many dishes. Try local specialties like conch fritters, johnnycakes, and callaloo soup. For an authentic experience, visit a “food truck” or local eatery to enjoy freshly prepared Creole dishes. Remember to sample the local rums in cocktails or straight up to get an authentic taste of the island spirit.
Study up — The USVI is not just a tourist destination; it’s a vibrant community with its own customs and history. Take time to learn the local culture and environment to enhance your experience. The US Virgin Island’s ecosystems are delicate, and the local communities are proud of their heritage. Stick to marked trails when hiking, support local businesses, participate in eco-friendly tours, and always ask permission before taking photos of residents or private property. Being mindful of these aspects helps preserve the beauty and integrity of the islands, ensuring they remain a paradise for future visitors.
Trunk Bay Overlook Beach US Virgin Islands
Trunk Bay St John Beach St Thomas
Magens Bay Beach USVI

Traveling to the USVI

Overall – soak it up! Take every moment slowly; there is so much beauty and history in every corner. Listen to the stories, appreciate the vibrant culture, savor the amazing food, and embrace whatever each day brings!

Oh, and take me with you!!!

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Are you planning to travel to the United State Virgin Islands and looking for someone to capture your special moments? Let’s chat – I can assist you in planning your dream Caribbean trip, whether for an elopement, a big wedding celebration, or a romantic engagement. I’m always game to capture your romantic experiences in a beautiful place that I call home. I’d be happy to join you on your extraordinary adventure!
YEP, LET'S DO THIS!
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Brooke is a wedding and elopement photographer based in St. Thomas, USVI. She captures stunning keepsake memories throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through visual storytelling imagery. She captures raw moments that treasure genuine emotions.

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