Tying the knot is a piece of cake at St. Croix’s Buccaneer resort, where wedding packages feature elaborate family affairs, romantic couples-only elopements, and – new for 2011 — festive "jump the broom" rites of passage, a modern interpretation of an ancient African tradition.

The resort’s four wedding packages for 2011 share the following features: Wedding location at the resort’s restored 17th century sugar mill or its palm-lined beach; the services of a personal wedding planner and non-denominational minister (if required); services of a photographer and selection of 40 images plus CD; his and hers Buccaneer bathrobes; his and her massages; bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere; his and hers sterling "hook" bracelets, and welcome basket of champagne, fruit, cheese, and chocolate.

New for 2011, couples at The Buccaneer can enhance their ceremonies with a "Jump the Broom" ritual, based on a centuries-old African tradition of jumping over a gaily-decorated broom as a symbol of entering a new life together with a clean sweep. "Jump the Broom" includes a traditional invocation and a one-of-a-kind wedding broom designed by an artist exclusively for the couple, and is priced at $500 as an add-on to the wedding package of choice.

The Buccaneer, family-owned and operated for 64 years, is the Caribbean’s longest-running resort and the only hotel in the Virgin Islands to be selected for membership in the exclusive roster of Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The resort has the distinction of being owned and managed by the Armstrong family since 1947. It was founded in the 17th Century as a Knights of Malta manor, and in subsequent decades the property served as the childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, a French Great House, sugar plantation, cotton farm, and cattle operation. The resort has been named one of the world’s top 50 tropical resorts by Conde Nast Traveler, one of the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure, and one of the best family resorts by Forbes. Located on the eastern end of St. Croix, less than a five-minute drive from the historic town of Christiansted, The Buccaneer’s 340 tropical acres feature an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, three beaches, a water sports center, a two-mile nature and fitness trail, fitness center, spa, three restaurants, a shopping arcade, and other amenities. The 138 elegant and spacious guest rooms are located throughout the property, from the hilltop main building to the ocean’s edge, all offering wide terraces or balconies with sea and island views.

If you are interested in this beautiful St. Croix location for your destination wedding, contact our travel division. Our experienced destination wedding planners would love to help you and your guests discover somewhere new for your nuptials!