Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
*We are planning a beach wedding in the Virgin Islands next February. We're not fond of crowds (We originally wanted to come in May, but a local travel agent suggested feb. because it is difficult to get flights from Detroit off peak season) St. John seems perfect for the actual wedding, but we are having difficulty finding reasonable accommodations at that time for our guests. (If it was just the 2 of us, it would be fine) Is it feasible to stay on St. Thomas, but still have the ceremony on St. John with 30-50 guests, then go back to St. John for the honeymoon? Is it easy to get between the islands? Is it reasonable to rent a boat to take people back & forth? Would renting a villa be a better idea? For hotels on St. Thomas, we are looking at Bolongo Bay, Blackbeard's castle, & anchorage condos.
I am from Lake Orion, MI, and I have never had any problem getting a flight from Detroit Metro to here (STT) in 7 years. Sounds like your travel agent is trying to up her (or his, don't wanna be sexist! Haha!) commission by having you go when it is more expensive. I've seen flights in the $300 range, r/t, in the summertime.
Yep, it's very feasible. The ferry is only a 20 minute ride and costs $3 per person. Having the service there (I recommend www.islandweddingservices.com) while all 50 of you stay here is not a problem at all. Then, when they all leave, you can hop right back over to start your new life with an incredible honeymoon.
Bewteen Bolongo, Anchorage or Blackbeard's, I'g go with Bolongo for the group.
If you would like to get some fantastic ratesfor yourself, as well as them, just e-mail me and I will send you some info.
Have fun!!
Hi Diane,
We were married on the beach in August of 2004, on STJ. We just returned from STJ in Feb, and, depending on what beach you wish to be married on, there are some things to keep in mind for a Feb wedding vs a May wedding. First of all, Feb is high season therefore alot more people on the beaches, second, this year in Feb it was particularly windy and the ocean was rougher than normal-in fact the beach we were married on in Aug was practically not even there (we were married on Gibney, and in Feb the water was right up almost to the fence line of the cottages where we stayed)-in May the water will be alot calmer. Depending on where people wish to stay, and if they all want to be in the same location, you can work great rates with the hotels on STJ. We had 10 rooms booked out at Gallows and the rates were great (it was Aug, but I think they offered us $198.00 per night) Hope this helps.
Hi Diane,
You should email me in 3 weeks because I am doing just what you are talking about in 1 1/2 weeks!
We are staying in a huge villa on STT; and chartering a big cat for the day of the wedding (holds up to 49ppl) and sailing to STJ for the ceremony; then to JVD to party for the rest of the day!
I've researched tons of places to stay (besides the villas) for my guests as well as restaurants and things to do. Some guests wanted to stay apart from the group and make it their own personal holiday as well as attending the wedding.
I would be happy to share my adventures with you and recommend anyone to help you with the planning, photography, ceremony, etc. after we come back.
Angela
Another option for the wedding and reception would be Romantica. She seats, I believe, 129 and serves a lovely dinner. Can probably be rented for an afternoon .... wedding and reception under way and can drop you off at the dock in St. John so your guests can continue the party on the way back?
Pamela.
Diane
I checked internet pricing for tickets from Detroit to St Thomas during May. I found lots of them priced from about $350 rt.
I don't know what your travel agent has been smoking, but the fact is there are lots of flights (cheaper than February) in May. You will also have better weather, fewer crowds and lower priced accomodations.
stxer
good night
i agree, fire the travel agent....february is high tourist season some days the beaches are very crowded. most major hub airlines continue flying daily to st.thomas during the off season, getting a flight should not be a problem. if you are not fond of crowds, may would be more of the atmosphere you want. good luck.
kathy
Diane,
If you want to get married in May further research that plan, do not let a travel agent change you mind due to airfare. If you keep looking you can always find great airfare. Even if you have to make a short drive or additional short flight to a different city for a great fare. This is YOUR WEDDING do WHAT YOU WANT. If you are one of the lucky ones (or two:-) you will never do it again!
There is GREAT information on this board read all you can and ask any questions you want thay will always get ansewered. 🙂
Good luck and conratulations!
Deana Holt
Hi, we live in Toledo, so we fly from either Detroit or Cleveland to St. Thomas a couple of times a year (usually in April/May). You have several options - including trying Orbitz, etc.
USAir flies from Detroit to St. Thomas at least once a day through Charlotte. Right now we're on a 6:50 a.m. connecting thru that gets us to STT at 1:05; there's also a later flight (around 8:15 that connects thru Charlotte getting you there around 4).
USAir also does STT from Philly.
You can also fly Continental from Cleveland to San Juan and then STT; or Cleveland to STT connecting through Newark.
You can do United from Detroit to Chicago, then STT.
Delta also goes to STT from Atlanta - so any flight that gets you there could connect.
We purchased our tickets late this year (today!) and still only paid about $500/ea. We didn't want to drive to Cleveland with a 3 year old, but the other day there were Continental flights connecting through San Juan for $394.
My experience has been that May flights are cheaper (some), but you just have to decide what you want to pay, and put a deal detector or something like that on Orbitz. Be ready to buy when you see the ticket, though.
Hope this helps.
Lori
