USVI-On-Line

My fiance and I are getting married in St. John on the morning of May 15th. Does anyone have any suggestions on a beach? I'm leaning towards Hawksnest Beach, but I've never been to the island so I'm just not sure. I'm looking for a beach that is pretty easy to get to (not wanting to hike very far in my wedding dress). I've decided on a morning ceremony so that my photographer will be able to capture the blues of the water/sky and hopefully the beach will not be crowded in the morning. This is not a big wedding, maybe 6 people total. I would also like for the beach to have white sand and maybe some cool trees and larger rocks so that we can get some interesting photos with more than just the beautiful water and sand.

I saw a wedding in the late afternoon on Hawksnest and it was very beautiful and probably easiest to get to unless you can use one of the beaches at Caneel.
Good luck, Scott

I was thinking of Gibney too, because it is one of my favorites but if I am not mistaken it does not get the early morning sun. The other thing is that the tide can get very high and there are times when there is not much beach. I think Hawksnest is a good choice because of access and beauty. My first choice, if Caneel would cooperate and give the bride, groom and guests a lift down the path would be Honeymoon Beach. What could be more perfect? Good luck and congratulations!

I got married on Trunk at 9am on May 3rd 2003. We had the beach all to ourselves!
How long will you be on St John before the wedding day? We had a full week there prior to the wedding day so we scoped out the island for a few days until we found the perfect spot for us!

Honeymoon is a popular spot, but I don't know how/if you make arrangements with Caneel. I seen several there, even been asked to move (which we of course did) so the couple could be at their special spot. Best beach for sunset and fewer no see 'ems plus the road goes right to the beach.

Hawksnest is probably the most convenient...there are nice rock formations on the eastern end and there's a nice combo backdrop of seagrape trees intersperced with palms.....I would check out the north shore beaches a day or two in advance to see if they get the sun and have the elements you'd like from a photography standpoint....Trunk and Cinnamon are also relatively easy access beaches and I wouldn't be too worried about finding a private spot on any STJ beaches except maybe on a weekend afternoon....how about getting some photos at the turnout viewpoint overlooking Trunk Bay even if you don't get married at the viewpoint although with six you certainly could.

I got married at 9am on Cinnamon which was very nice. We stayed at Caneel & took pics on their grounds by the ruins before ceremony & then hopped on a taxi to cinnamon where family was waiting for the ceremony & also took pics there. Afterwards went back to Caneel & had a Caribbean brunch at the Terrace.

The reason I didn't have ceremony at Caneel was b/c #1 it's really expensive & was told that security can actually have you removed b/c they have their own wedding planner. But I took pics there anyway b/c I was a guest there.[/color]
Best of luck to beginning a new life as a married couple. You won't regret getting married on St. John-anywhere on the island is beautiful!

I would say Hawksnest. Gibney is beautiful but Hawksnest is right there off the road. Plus, the palms are right there on the beach, and the reef is really shallow so you'll be able to see the reef in the water shots.

Last year we saw a couple get married at Hawksnest. After the ceremony, they took off their wedding outfits (yes, they had bathing suits underneath), hung them on the palm trees and went snorkeling!

I wanted to thank everyone for their helpful replies! We arrive the Saturday before the wedding so we have a day or two to pick the spot. At least now I'll know specifically which beaches we should check out.

We got married November 1st on Hawksnest at 9:45 in the morning(could've done it even earlier but I had someone come to our villa and do my hair and makeup). I too wanted the colors of the water to show through. I loved that you parked and the beach is right there. We pretty much had the beach to ourselves. It was incredible! There were 19 of us. Ann Marie Porter was our minister and was very helpful, she pays the fees for the beach and walks you through getting your marriage license. We used Today's Flowers, I sent them a picture of what I wanted and they did a great job. I had Greg Kinslow play guitar and everyone loved it. I just can't say enough about what a wonderful experience it was. I have pics (my photographer was Soolan Brin of Blueglass photography) I could share with you if you'd like, just pm me. I also have websites of everyone I used that day.

Anyway, I hope this helps! And don't worry I am sure whatever beach you choose it will be beautiful!