The Buccaneer, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

by Lisa Matte

Get married on a white sand beach surrounded by friends and family. Exchange vows on a bluff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Or choose the intimacy of a centuries old sugar mill as the setting for your nuptials. Wedding site options abound at The Buccaneer, a sprawling seaside retreat on the tropical island of St. Croix.

Located on the largest of the United States Virgin Islands, The Buccaneer has been owned and operated by the Armstrong family since 1948 when Douglas and Rachel Armstrong, grandparents of current general manager Elizabeth Armstrong, opened the resort as an 11-room guest house.

In those early days, guests from the mainland traveled for up to two days to enjoy a tropical getaway where they'd mix drinks and mingle with other guests during evening cocktail hour. Generally wealthy patrons dined, danced, and played bridge under the stars in an atmosphere where hotel staff catered to their every need. The Buccaneer's visitor record lists movie icons Helen Hayes and Maureen O'Hara as being among some of the hotel's well-heeled guests in those early days.

Much has changed, but much remains the same. These days, The Buccaneer is a sprawling seaside retreat where 138 rooms are spread over 340 tropical acres. While embracing its roots in the "old Caribbean," The Buccaneer is today a more relaxed tropical retreat. "The Buccaneer in many ways epitomizes the Caribbean the way it used to be," says Elizabeth Armstrong. "The emphasis is on enjoying the resort's natural beauty and gracious lifestyle while the staff and management work to create a peaceful environment where every need is met."

Wedding packages at The Buccaneer include Elope to Paradise, featuring the services of a non-denominational minister, a West Indian cake, tropical flower bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, champagne, and photographer. Jump the Broom includes all of the services and amenities of Elope to Paradise plus the bride and groom participate in an African-based wedding tradition in which they jump over a brightly colored ceremonial broom to symbolize their joining together as partners in one household.

For information about package prices and accommodations, log onto www.thebuccaneer.com or call the resort's wedding coordinator, Marcia Brisbois, at 800/255-3881 or 340/773-2100.

Copyright Lisa Matte