How to get Ordained in Virgin Islands, U.S. to Officiate
Written and reviewed by the wedding law liaison team at the Universal Life Church.
Welcome to the Virgin Islands marriage laws guide. Being the officiant at a wedding is a great honor and responsibility - which is why we've assembled this page to give guidance to ministers and couples. To ensure everything goes as planned on the big day, we encourage you to follow the steps laid out below. The page will explain how to become a wedding minister, how to marry someone, and how to ensure that the ceremony is legal on the Virgin Islands.
Here are the basic steps to follow for officiating a wedding:
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Getting Ordained in Virgin Islands, U.S.
Becoming a marriage officiant with the Universal Life Church is easier than you might think. Our online ordination process is straightforward, fast, and completely free. Legally licensed ministers of the ULC perform countless marriages each year. Once you have your minister license in hand, officiating a wedding is right around the bend! Click the button below to get started.
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How Do You Perform a Wedding in Virgin Islands, U.S.
For starters, you'll want to contact the marriage licensing office in the Family Division of the Superior Court. You may be asked to show a number of items to verify your ordination status. Identify yourself as a minister and inquire about what documents the officials will need to see from you. Any documents or materials you might require are available in the Minister Store here on our site!
St. Thomas/St. John
Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center
2nd Floor, South Wing
Room S219
5400 Veteran's Drive
St. Thomas, VI 00802
(340) 774-6680 x6435
St. Croix
R. H. Amphlett Leader Justice Complex
1st Floor, Room 104
RR1 9000
Kingshill, VI 00850
(340) 778-9750 x6636 -
Virgin Islands, U.S. Wedding Officiant Requirements
Once you've determined what you need, simply log in to your account and order the materials from our online catalog. We usually advise our ministers in the Virgin Islands to get a Classic Wedding Set. Although ministers are generally not required to register in the Virgin Islands, it's not uncommon for the clerk to ask for proof of your ordination. Thus, it's always a good idea to have a hard copy of your credentials and letter of good standing on hand. Keep in mind that the couple may like to see them as well. Please place your order well in advance of the wedding to avoid complications.
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How to Get a Virgin Islands, U.S. Marriage License
Virgin Islands, U.S.'s Top Wedding Venue
Secret Harbour Beach ResortThe couple will need to get the marriage license from the Family Division of the Superior Court by either submitting an application in person or, if the couple resides off-island, by contacting the Family Division and requesting the required applications to obtain the license be mailled to them. If the couple resides off-island they will be required to submit a a letter detailing the date of their visit and length of stay.
Keep in mind that there is an 8 day waiting period while the marriage application is posted by the court for public examination unless an exception has been granted. Once the couple obtains the marriage license it will be valid for a period of 3 months. -
How Do You Officiate a Wedding?
Once all the paperwork is in order, you're ready to perform the wedding! If you need any guidance in this area, don't hesitate to utilize the tools found below. These carefully-tailored resources provide helpful tips and information on all aspects of performing a wedding ceremony. Constructed with our wedding officiants in mind, they contain everything you'll need to plan the perfect ceremony. Many ULC ministers have used these same resources for guidance when becoming professional officiants!
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Signing the Marriage License in Virgin Islands, U.S.
Now there's just one final step - but it's an important one! After performing the wedding, you must sign the marriage license (along with the couple, of course). Your official title will be "Minister"; for ceremony type, list "Religious"; for denomination, write "Non-Denominational".
If it asks for address of ministry, list your personal ministry or home address. Do not put the address of ULC headquarters. Lastly, remember that the signed license must be turned in to the marriage office within the deadline of 10 days after the ceremony!
Virgin Islands, U.S. Marriage Laws
Virgin Islands marriage laws are governed by Chapter 1 of Title 16 of the code for the Virgin Islands. This section explains who is legally authorized to officiate weddings in this U.S. territory. Among those with authorization are ordained ministers of the Universal Life Church. The relevant section is displayed below:
Title 16, Chapter 1, Subchapter II
§ 32. Persons solemnizing marriage
No marriage shall be valid unless solemnized by—
(1) a clergyman or minister of any religion whether he resides in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the United States; or
(2) witnessed by a Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai is according to the usage of their religious community; or
(3) any judge or any court of record.
