SEO Title: How Caribbean Wedding Pros Can Set Up US LLC & Bank Account in 2025
Meta Description: Step-by-step guide for Caribbean wedding professionals to establish a US LLC and open a business bank account. Includes costs, requirements, and real examples.
Primary Keywords: US LLC Caribbean wedding professionals, Caribbean wedding business US registration
Secondary Keywords: destination wedding vendor LLC, Caribbean wedding planner US business, international wedding business setup
Slug: caribbean-wedding-pro-us-llc-bank-account-guide-2025
Pinterest Title: Caribbean Wedding Pro's Complete Guide to US LLC Setup
Pinterest Description: Everything you need to know about setting up a US business as a Caribbean wedding professional – from LLC formation to opening your first US bank account.
Why Your Caribbean Wedding Business Needs a US Presence
Sister, let's be real. If you're planning destination weddings for American couples or marketing your services to US clients, operating without a US business entity is like trying to catch rainwater with a fishing net.
You're missing out on:
- Professional credibility with US clients who prefer working with "local" businesses
- Easier payment processing through Stripe, PayPal, and other US-based platforms
- Legal protection for your personal assets when dealing with contracts and liability
- Tax advantages for US-sourced income
- Banking relationships that don't involve expensive international wire fees
The beautiful thing? You don't need to be a US citizen, resident, or even have a Social Security number to make this happen.
The Real Talk: Why Caribbean Pros Are Making This Move
Take Maria from Barbados, who runs a luxury wedding planning business. She was losing US clients because they couldn't easily pay her through familiar platforms. After setting up her US LLC, she increased her bookings by 40% and eliminated those painful wire transfer fees.
Or consider Kwame from Trinidad, a photographer who specialized in destination weddings. His US LLC allowed him to work with American venues as a "domestic vendor," opening doors that were previously closed.
Step 1: Choose Your State (And Do It Smart)
Not all states are created equal for Caribbean wedding pros. Here's your shortlist:
Wyoming – The people's choice
- Filing fee: Just $100
- No state income tax
- Strong privacy protection
- Annual report fee: $60
Delaware – The corporate favorite
- Filing fee: $90
- Business-friendly courts
- Good for scaling businesses
- Annual franchise tax: $300
Nevada – The middle ground
- Filing fee: $75
- No corporate income tax
- Good privacy protection
For most Caribbean wedding businesses, Wyoming wins. It's affordable, private, and perfect for service-based businesses.
Step 2: Get Your Registered Agent Sorted
This is non-negotiable, darling. You need someone with a physical US address to receive legal documents for your LLC.
Options:
- Professional registered agent service ($49-$150/year)
- A trusted friend or family member in the US (free, but risky)
- Some formation companies include this service
Pro tip: Don't use a friend unless they're 100% reliable. Missing important legal documents can kill your business faster than a hurricane season.
Step 3: File Your Articles of Organization
This is your LLC's birth certificate. You'll need:
Business Information:
- Your chosen business name (must end with "LLC")
- Principal business address (can be your registered agent's address)
- Business purpose (keep it broad: "wedding planning and related services")
Member Information:
- Names and addresses of all LLC owners
- Percentage ownership for each member
Filing Process:
- Complete the state form online
- Pay the filing fee
- Wait for approval (1-15 business days depending on state)
Most Caribbean pros handle this themselves, but if paperwork isn't your thing, formation services like Northwest Registered Agent or Incfile can handle it for around $100-$200.
Step 4: Get Your EIN (It's Free, Don't Pay Anyone!)
Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number for your business. The IRS gives these out for FREE.
What You'll Need:
- Your LLC formation documents
- A clear description of your business activities
- Your personal information as the responsible party
How to Apply:
- Go directly to IRS.gov
- Complete Form SS-4 online
- Receive your EIN immediately
Red Flag Alert: If anyone tries to charge you for an EIN, run! Scammers love targeting international business owners with fake EIN services.
Step 5: Open Your US Business Bank Account
This used to be the hardest part for Caribbean pros, but fintech has changed the game.
Best Options for Non-Residents:
- Mercury – Popular with digital businesses
- Relay – Great customer service for international clients
- Wise Business – Excellent for multi-currency needs
Required Documents:
- Articles of Organization (certified copy)
- EIN letter from IRS
- Operating Agreement (if you have one)
- Passport photos for all LLC members
- Proof of address from your home country
The Process:
- Apply online with your chosen bank
- Upload required documents
- Complete video verification call
- Make initial deposit (usually $100 minimum)
- Receive debit card and account details
Step 6: Handle Your Tax Obligations
Don't let tax season catch you sleeping! Your US LLC has specific filing requirements.
Annual Requirements:
- File Form 5472 (Information Return) if you're a single-member LLC
- File by April 15th or request extension to October 15th
- Pay any applicable taxes on US-sourced income
Pro Tip: Work with a CPA who understands international business. The investment pays for itself in avoided penalties and optimized tax strategies.
Real Success Stories from the Islands
Alicia – Wedding Planner, Jamaica
"Setting up my US LLC opened doors with venues in Florida and New York. They treat me like a domestic vendor now, which means better rates and faster payment processing. Best business decision I've made."
Roberto – Caterer, St. Lucia
"I was losing deposit money on wire transfer fees. Now US clients pay me through Zelle or ACH transfers. My cash flow improved immediately."
Keisha – Photographer, Grenada
"Having a US business entity made me more credible with high-end clients. They see LLC after my name and know I'm serious about business."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't:
- Use your home address if you don't have a registered agent
- Skip the operating agreement for multi-member LLCs
- Forget to file annual reports (this can dissolve your LLC)
- Mix personal and business expenses
- Ignore state-specific requirements
Do:
- Keep detailed records of all business expenses
- Separate personal and business banking completely
- File tax returns on time, even if you owe no tax
- Maintain your registered agent service
- Review your business structure annually
Your Investment Breakdown
One-Time Costs:
- State filing fee: $75-$100
- Registered agent (first year): $50-$150
- Bank account opening: $0-$100
- EIN application: FREE
Annual Costs:
- Registered agent renewal: $50-$150
- State annual report: $25-$300
- Tax preparation: $300-$800
- Banking fees: $0-$25/month
Total first-year investment: $425-$1,150
Not bad for opening doors to the entire US market, right?
Ready to Take Action?
Setting up your US LLC isn't just about paperwork: it's about positioning your Caribbean wedding business for serious growth. You're not just planning weddings; you're building a bridge between Caribbean excellence and American opportunities.
Your next steps:
- Choose your state (Wyoming for most pros)
- Reserve your business name
- Set up registered agent service
- File your Articles of Organization
- Apply for your EIN
- Open your US business bank account
Need help navigating the business planning process? Our business development resources can guide you through creating a launch budget that includes US entity setup costs.
The Bottom Line
Your Caribbean wedding business deserves to compete on the global stage. A US LLC gives you the credibility, payment processing power, and legal protection to serve US clients like the professional you are.
Stop letting geography limit your growth. The US market is waiting for your Caribbean magic: you just need the right business structure to deliver it.
Ready to make this happen? The wedding season waits for no one, and neither should your business expansion plans.