As a St. Thomas wedding videographer with over 13 years of experience, I've had the privilege of filming at countless beautiful venues across the Virgin Islands. From intimate beach ceremonies to grand resort celebrations, I've seen what makes each location special. Here's my guide to the best wedding venues in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, complete with videography insights to help you choose the perfect spot for your special day.
1. Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay is consistently ranked as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, and for good reason. This stunning stretch of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water provides an idyllic backdrop for beach weddings.
Why It's Perfect for Videography:
- Natural Lighting: The bay faces north, providing beautiful, even lighting throughout the day
- Scenic Views: Panoramic shots of the bay create breathtaking wedding videos
- Flexible Timing: Works well for both sunrise and sunset ceremonies
Best Times for Filming:
Early morning (7-9 AM) offers soft, golden light perfect for romantic shots. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) provides dramatic sunset lighting. Midday can be challenging due to harsh shadows, but with proper equipment, we can create stunning results.
What to Know:
Permits are required for beach weddings in St. Thomas. I recommend applying at least 30 days in advance. The beach can get crowded on weekends, so weekday ceremonies often provide more privacy and better filming conditions.
2. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
For couples seeking luxury and elegance, The Ritz-Carlton offers multiple stunning ceremony locations, each with its own unique character.
Videography Highlights:
- Multiple Venues: Oceanfront lawn, beach, and indoor ballroom options
- Professional Setup: Excellent lighting infrastructure for evening receptions
- Scenic Overlooks: Elevated locations perfect for drone videography
The resort's attention to detail extends to their event coordination, making it easier for videographers to capture every moment seamlessly. The oceanfront lawn provides a perfect balance of natural beauty and controlled environment.
3. Frenchman's Reef Resort
This iconic St. Thomas resort offers breathtaking ocean views and multiple ceremony locations, from intimate beach settings to grand ballrooms.
Why Videographers Love It:
- Versatile Locations: Beach, poolside, and indoor options for any weather
- Dramatic Backdrops: Elevated positions offer stunning panoramic views
- Consistent Quality: Well-maintained grounds ensure beautiful footage year-round
The resort's elevated location provides unique opportunities for aerial videography, capturing the beauty of St. Thomas from above. Their beachfront ceremony space is particularly popular for sunset weddings.
4. Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Perfect for intimate weddings, Secret Harbour offers a more secluded beachfront experience while still providing all the amenities needed for a beautiful celebration.
Intimate Videography:
Smaller ceremonies allow for more personal, detailed videography. We can capture close-up moments and reactions that might be missed in larger settings. The natural beach setting provides authentic, romantic footage.
5. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
This family-owned resort offers a relaxed, authentic Caribbean atmosphere perfect for couples who want a laid-back celebration.
Natural Beauty:
The resort's beachfront location provides excellent natural lighting and beautiful water views. The casual atmosphere often results in more relaxed, authentic moments that translate beautifully to video.
Tips for Choosing Your St. Thomas Wedding Venue
Consider Your Videography Needs:
- Lighting: Ask about the best times for natural light at your chosen venue
- Backup Plans: Ensure there's an indoor option in case of weather
- Permits: Factor in permit application time (usually 2-4 weeks)
- Access: Consider how easy it is for equipment to reach the ceremony location
- Noise: Beach venues can have wind and wave noise - discuss audio solutions with your videographer
Weather Considerations:
St. Thomas enjoys beautiful weather year-round, but the dry season (December through April) typically offers the most predictable conditions. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so have backup plans ready. As a local videographer, I'm familiar with the weather patterns and can help you plan accordingly.
Local Knowledge Matters:
Working with a St. Thomas-based videographer means you benefit from local knowledge of venues, lighting conditions, and the best times to film. I know which venues offer the best natural light at different times of day and can recommend locations based on your specific vision.
Making Your Decision
When choosing your wedding venue in St. Thomas, consider not just the visual appeal, but also how it will translate to video. Think about the story you want your wedding video to tell. Do you want dramatic ocean views? Intimate beach settings? Grand resort elegance?
Each venue offers something unique, and as your videographer, I'll work with you to capture the essence of your chosen location. Whether it's the golden hour light at Magens Bay or the elegant ambiance of The Ritz-Carlton, we'll create a wedding video that reflects the beauty of your special day and the stunning backdrop of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Planning Your St. Thomas Wedding?
VisualEyes Videography has filmed at all these venues and many more throughout the Virgin Islands. With 13+ years of experience, I bring local knowledge and professional expertise to capture your perfect day.
Request a Free ConsultationOr call us at 340-998-1720