How to Officiate a Wedding in the US Virgin Islands

As a Minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

Pastafarian minister officiating a wedding

The Short Version

There are two things: the wedding ceremony, and the legal marriage. One is a ceremonial ritual, a performance, and the other is paperwork. You’re leading the ceremony. You may also assist the clerk with the marriage paperwork in some places. In the US Virgin Islands?

The USVI is one of the easiest places to officiate a wedding. The law recognizes “a clergyman or minister of any religion” — no registration required, no denominational restrictions. You perform the ceremony, and if you choose to assist with the marriage paperwork too, it’s a straightforward process here.

Note: The US Virgin Islands is a US territory. Residents are US citizens, but the territory has its own legal system and courts.

You Can Do This

The couple asked you because they want you standing up there — not a stranger, not a professional, you. That means something. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s not as scary as you think. Most ceremonies are 5–15 minutes. The couple does most of the talking (vows, “I do”). You’re the guide.

At a minimum, your ceremony needs two elements: 1. Declaration of Intent — “Do you take this person…” / “I do” 2. Pronouncement — You declare them married

Everything else — readings, vows, stories, jokes, Pastafarian blessings, the whole production — is optional and up to you and the couple.

FSM Ordination Package

The Ordination Package — $79

  • Paper Certificate of Ordination
  • Black/Silver Resin Wallet Card
  • Two Vinyl Car Decals
  • Digital credentials (PDF) delivered same-day
  • Free shipping worldwide

Get Ordained →

Preparing for the Ceremony

  1. Get ordained — Get ordained with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Takes a few minutes. The digital credentials come within hours, and the physical package ships in a few days.
  2. Talk to the couple — What kind of ceremony do they want? Religious? Secular? Funny? Short? This is their day — find out what matters to them.
  3. Write your script — Include the Declaration of Intent and the Pronouncement. Fill in the rest with whatever feels right — personal stories, readings, vows, humor.
  4. Practice — Read it out loud at least twice. Time it. Speak slowly — you’ll talk faster on the day.

Ceremony Day

  • Bring: Your script (printed), your ordination credentials (just in case), and a black pen
  • The ceremony: Walk through your script. Declaration of Intent → Pronouncement → done. Everything else is gravy.
  • On the license: Mark the ceremony type as “Religious” even if your ceremony isn’t particularly religious. “Civil” is reserved for government officials. Just a bureaucratic checkbox.
  • Relax. You’ve prepared. The couple picked you. Enjoy it.

If You’re Also Handling the Paperwork

Good news — the USVI makes this easy. FSM ministers can sign the marriage license here, no registration required.

Statute: 16 V.I.C. § 32 — “a clergyman or minister of any religion, whether residing in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the United States” can solemnize marriages.

Can an FSM Minister Handle the Paperwork?

Detail Info
Can officiant sign the license? Yes
Registration required? No
Marriage license cost $200 ($100 application + $100 license)
Waiting period 8 days (waiver available)
License valid for 3 months
Return deadline 10 days after ceremony
Witnesses needed Not explicitly required by statute

Before the Wedding

  • Contact the Family Division of the Superior Court — Tell them you’re an ordained minister performing a wedding. Ask what they need from you. They may ask for proof of ordination, so have your credentials on hand. There are offices on St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix.
  • The couple gets their marriage license — They apply at the Family Division of the Superior Court. Both parties appear with valid photo ID. There’s an 8-day waiting period (the application is posted for public examination), but waivers can be requested. Valid for 3 months.

Important: The 8-day waiting period catches many destination wedding couples off guard. If the couple is visiting for the wedding, plan ahead — they may need to submit their application early or request a waiver. Off-island couples can request applications by mail but must include a letter with their visit dates.

Right After the Ceremony

Sign the marriage license — you and the couple. Black pen. Do this immediately after the ceremony — don’t wait.

After the Wedding

Return the signed license to the Family Division of the Superior Court within 10 days. Mail it or drop it off. Set a phone reminder right after the ceremony. This is the most important post-ceremony task.

USVI Tips

  • Excellent territory for FSM ministers — broad “minister of any religion” language
  • No registration required, no residency requirement for the officiant
  • The 8-day waiting period is the biggest gotcha — plan ahead or request a waiver
  • No residency requirement for the couple either — popular destination wedding spot
  • $500 fine for unauthorized officiation (§ 33) — have your ordination credentials ready
  • Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015

Questions?

Contact us. And the #1 rule: contact the Family Division of the Superior Court before the ceremony. They’ll tell you exactly what you need.

This page is a helpful guide, not legal advice. Laws change. Always verify current requirements with the Family Division of the Superior Court.