Whether you want to tie the knot in paradise, plan a sun-kissed honeymoon, or escape for a romantic getaway, St. Thomas is a great choice. Swept by refreshing trade winds, the island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with average daytime temperatures in the upper 80s and evening lows in the lower 70s. Because St. Thomas is a United States Territory, it is easy for U.S. citizens to obtain a marriage license, and there are no minimum overnight stay requirements. Another benefit of getting hitched in St. Thomas is that United States citizens do not need a passport. St. John (another Caribbean gem), along with many neighboring islands, is just a 15-minute ferry ride away. The real deal closer for Jewish couples wanting to celebrate their love is that there is a unique slice of Jewish history on St. Thomas… a synagogue with a sand floor where you can revel in spirituality while feeling the bristly grains between your toes.

Overlooking the pristine beaches and crystal-clear water of Charlotte Amalie Harbor, the Synagogue of B’racha V’shalom Uv’gimilut Hasadim (meaning “Blessing, Peace and Loving Deeds”) exists as one of the most impressive religious structures in the Virgin Islands. The dedicated Jewish community and congregation, traceable back to the late-17th century, completed the present structure in 1833. The synagogue’s membership continues to carefully maintain its interior, including the impressive Ionic columns and mahogany benches. The synagogue and the history of the Jewish people in St. Thomas add a spiritual component to the island’s tropical allure.

There are many fabulous accommodations to consider if you choose to marry on the island. In addition to the Ritz-Carlton, Frenchman’s Reef and Morning Star Marriott Bay Resort, I had the pleasure of visiting the Wyndham Sugar Bay and witnessing first-hand how Director of Romance (that’s really his title) Brian Postle puts his high energy to good use by tending to all the little details to create storybook weddings at reasonable rates. (Note that you must BYOR-Bring Your Own Rabbi), I also had the pleasure of joining a couple from Kansas that just got married on a Sunset Cruise aboard the Coconut, which gave me great insight on why destination weddings are a great idea.

The couple, who had just been married on the sand, were spending a week in St. Thomas with their family relaxing and celebrating their nuptials in an intimate bubble (except for yours truly joining in on the cocktail cruise). It seemed like a splendid way to begin “happily ever after.”

Along with a sunset cruise, here are a few other tips on what to do when you’re on the island:

• Duty-free shop ‘til you drop in Charlotte Amalie

• Explore fish, coral and cool stuff at Coral World Marine Park and Observatory.

• Island hop to St. Croix or St. Johns

• Swim in the deep blue waters of heart-shaped Magens Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.

• Visit the synagogue. While some believe the sand floor was designed to keep with the Caribbean feel, others believe it was to symbolize the Jews escape from Egypt. It is truly a slice of heaven on earth and a great place to connect with Jewish history.