My Personal Story of Love and Adventure

If you’ve ever wondered how to elope, create the perfect elopement itinerary, or dream about the magic of eloping to St. Croix, let me take you on the journey of my own unforgettable day. When it comes to elopements, I consider myself an expert—after all, before elopements became a trendy way to tie the knot, I eloped myself in June 2013. I also wrote the book ELOPE. As a flight attendant with 25 years of experience and a passport filled with stamps, the world was wide open to me. I knew two things: I wanted to elope somewhere I had never been, and I wanted a breathtaking natural backdrop. My dream destinations were the Seychelles or the Maldives, but practicality and priorities led me somewhere closer yet equally magical: St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Why Elope St. Croix?

Choosing a destination wasn’t easy, but my fiancé and I started by outlining our priorities:

  • A place neither of us had visited
  • Opportunities for outdoor adventures
  • A destination our closest friends could easily travel to
  • A resort with a spa for a little indulgence
  • A beach ceremony

St. Croix checked all the boxes. As a U.S. territory, it eliminated the need for passports for our guests, and its rugged beauty offered the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The island is an ideal choice for anyone looking to elope to St. Croix with ease and craft a stress-free experience.

Planning the Perfect Elopement Itinerary

With six months to plan, we created a week-long elopement itinerary packed with activities for our small group of seven guests. From kayaking to hiking, every day was filled with something special. Here’s how we structured it:

  • Wedding Day Morning: The girls started with yoga on the beach while the guys enjoyed a round of golf at the Carambola Golf Club.
  • Ceremony Location: We chose the secluded Carambola Beach Resort, nestled on a former sugar plantation. Its pristine beach and mountainous backdrop were breathtaking.
  • Reception: After the ceremony, we booked a private sunset catamaran with Caribbean Sea Adventures. We cut our wedding cake in bathing suits, swam in the turquoise waters, and sipped rum punch with our guests. Later, we dined on authentic Caribbean cuisine at The Courtyard Restaurant.
  • Adventures: Throughout the week, we explored the island, including a hike to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools, jeeping around the island, and a bioluminescent snorkeling excursion with Sea Thru Kayaks. Choosing moments of adventure truly captured the essence our personalities, and made the experience uniquely ours.

The Details That Made It Special

  • The Dress: Can you believe, I found my dress for $40 off the rack in Salt Lake City?! The elegant chiffon gown with subtle beading was perfect for a beach wedding. I walked barefoot during the ceremony and switched to my favorite strappy heels later.
  • Photography: We were lucky to have a friend—a talented wedding photographer—document the trip. He captured every heartfelt moment, from the ceremony to candid shots of our friends enjoying the island.
  • Guest Communication: To avoid surprises, we shared the cost of optional excursions with our guests ahead of time and let them book their activities on their own. This allowed everyone to customize their experience while staying within budget.

Lessons Learned

While our elopement was unforgettable, there are a few things I’d tweak if I were to plan it today:

  • Vows: Using vow books instead of printed paper would have been a more elegant touch in photos.
  • Cake: A locally inspired rum cake would have been a better fit than a traditional wedding cake. The frosting melted while in the high temperatures on the catamaran.
  • Location: While our resort’s beach was stunning, I’d look into even more secluded spots on the island for a private ceremony.

Why St. Croix Is Perfect for Elopements

If you’re wondering how to elope without the stress of a large wedding, St. Croix is a dream destination. Its diverse landscapes—from lush mountains to crystal-clear waters—provide endless options for stunning ceremonies. Plus, the island offers plenty of ways to create an adventure-packed elopement itinerary, from off-roading to snorkeling.

One of the greatest advantages of eloping to St. Croix is its accessibility. For U.S. citizens, no passport is required, and the local culture is welcoming and laid-back. Whether you’re looking for a luxury resort like Carambola or a more intimate beach setting, St. Croix has something for everyone. The opportunity to Elope to St. Croix is an adventure you’ll never forget.

Your Turn: Plan Your Dream Elopement

Feeling inspired? Say yes to adventure, and let’s make your dream to elope to St. Croix a reality! Whether you dream of eloping to St. Croix or another incredible destination, my book ELOPE: A Modern Elopement Guide for the Free-Spirited and Adventurous has everything you need to plan your perfect day. From choosing a destination to crafting an unforgettable elopement itinerary, it’s your ultimate guide to saying “I do” your way.

If a beach adventure elopement isn’t your style, check out how to plan a “festival” elopement, or how to elope to one of the most romantic cities in Italy.  For those seeking a cultural elopement, consider eloping to Bhutan or Guatemala.

And don’t forget to grab the ELOPE Planner on Amazon, designed to walk you through every step of the process. With my experience as an international flight attendant and adventure elopement coach, I’ve packed it full of tips and tricks to make your special day stress-free and unforgettable.