HELP! Getting married this August in St. John. Cannot decide whether to have the ceremony at Turtle Beach at Caneel Bay or Trunk Bay. Caneel Bay would be more private and Trunk Bay would be at the National Park but the wedding coordinator at Trunk Bay said that having a wedding on Sunday, in August after 4 p.m., we would practically have the beach to ourselves. Any advice?

Dear Mai, <BR> <BR>We just returned from my sister's wedding in St.John. She had her ceremony on the Hawksnest Bay beach. It is the next beach over from Trunk bay and more private and beautiful. 4pm is great because it gets buggy ay dusk. The Westin also puts on a beautiful "BBQ"/buffet outside near their gazebo if you need a group dinner spot. She had her reception at the villa they rented for a week in Peter's Bay. Catered by "KatieLady" Vivacations is helpful if you don't have accomodations yet. the Weston gave a rate of $150 for wedding guests. I think their rate is $259. Good luck!! If I can answer any questions you can e-mail. <BR> <BR>Cindy

sure this won't help ... but ... <BR>the Turtle Bay Estate House is a wonderful location as is Turtle Bay ... smallish beach but steps down to the beach and that might work great! Trunk is usually much quieter after the "day trippers" leave and are headed on their way! I recommend if you have to go to Trunk to go early or late to avoid the crowds. Not sure when they stop collecting the "entrance fee" tho. Look at www.vinow.com or www.stjohnlinks.com. I think both sites have some great pix of the beaches (but not sure that Turtle Bay is there since it isn't really a "public" beach since access is thru the Caneel property).

We were in St. John last summer. One night before sunset we went to Trunk Bay to take family pictures and there was a couple getting married...it was absolutely beautiful. It was just the bride/groom a photographer and the person marrying them. I told my husband that's where I wanted to renew our vows for our 15th anniversary!!! If you choose this location, you would not be sorry! Good luck!

Dear Cindy: <BR> Thanks again for your help. We will be staying at the Ritz and will be flying out the following day after the ceremony to St. Bart for the week. <BR>Mai

Dear Karen: <BR> Thank you for your response. <BR> <BR>Sincerely, <BR>Mai

Dear lp: <BR> Thank you for your response. That was just what I was hoping to hear. <BR> <BR>Sincerely, <BR>Mai