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With its vast golden beaches, outstanding hospitality
and cuisine of the highest order there’s little surprise that Thailand is also
one of the world’s most popular destinations to get married abroad.
Find out here the answers to the key questions you might have about destination weddings in Thailand...
From a romantic viewpoint, it’s easy to see why more than a million UK travellers head to this much loved south-east Asian country each year. And the vast amount of choice on offer in Thailand makes it one of the world's favourite destinations for weddings, not least because it offers so much for so
many.
Thai resorts such as those in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
and Koh Samui have for many years been hosting weddings of all sizes, settings
and themes. And today, many hotels in these and other areas can provide
expertly executed family-friendly celebrations for multi-generational groups, with plenty of activities and services to accommodate guests of all ages and
persuasions.
Marriage licences can be obtained in the country and your
marriage is legal and recognised worldwide (as long as you follow the set
requirements of both the Thai government and those of your country, of course!)
Chiang Mai and neighbouring northern provinces are a nature
lover’s paradise. In one day alone you can visit a local elephant sanctuary,
take a trek in lush mountainous forestry and learn to cook traditional Thai
cuisine... Heading south you could spend a few heady days in the pulsating
capital of Bangkok, where life buzzes around the Chao Phraya River and its
tapestry of canals... Then, there’s the crystal-clear sea and fine sands that
typify southern Thailand, a region that’s world-famous for its historic
temples, full moon parties, water sports, phenomenal beaches, and lots more.
Among the most popular weddings in Thailand are traditional Buddhist ceremonies, which tend to be held in the morning and are led by monks from a local temple. These usually include the main elements of a Buddhist marriage, featuring alms-giving and a water-pouring ceremony.
But the kind of ceremony you go for is entirely up to you.
Humanist ceremonies with a Thai or foreign celebrant is another option you
might want to explore. And western religious weddings can also be arranged.
It’s sensible to allow a week or so as the bare minimum
amount of time. Assuming you’re a non-resident, it can take between four and
five working days in Bangkok to register your marriage. That’s because you’ll
need to have been a resident in Thailand for at least three days before you
marry, and you must allow time for the paperwork to be processed in the
capital city.
Enchanting Thailand can truly be a magical place for a wedding abroad.
For a glimpse of why this part of the world is so special, we
have hand-picked 9 destinations that offer a perfect setting for romantic
celebrations.
The mountainous island of Phuket is surrounded by the crystal clear
waters of the Andaman Sea and home to some of Thailand's most popular beaches -
offering the perfect mix of romance and seclusion.
For an unforgettable wedding in Phuket, Le Meridien offers couples a private seaside sanctuary with incomparable ocean views and lashings of 5-star luxury. From the incredible sunsets, to panoramic ocean views and romantic dinners on the beach under the clear night sky. Le Meridien boasts a total of 10 on-site restaurants including award-winning Japanese cuisines and wood-fired pizzas. Couples can get married by the beach, in a gorgeous function room in the hotel, or even on a cruise. Ceremonies can be held for up to 300 and receptions for 980.
And your wedding party will have plenty to do along the coasts, as there are a range of fun water based activities including diving, snorkelling and sailing. Meanwhile Bangla Road and the Phuket Big Buddah are just two of the hot things to see on Thailand’s largest island.
Thailand’s second largest island boasts a rich mix of scenery – its steep rainforests teem with wildlife, while palm-lined beaches compete with a string of luxury resorts and spas. All of which make this Thai island one of the world's most popular and romantic settings for a destination wedding and honeymoon.
Vana Belle is the ultimate wedding destination for a sun-kissed ceremony on the soft white sands of Chaweng Noi Beach. A dedicated wedding planner and comprehensive wedding package is available to organise your special day.
Plus their Ocean View Pool Suite is the perfect place to celebrate your honeymoon!
Set on Natai Beach, Coastal Escape Natai Villas has a lovely contemporary feel and offer luxury oceanfront villa accommodation with a large pool, private ocean bar, private spa and a totally private beach area.
Making this a truly fabulous wedding venue!
Guests will appreciate lots of options here including a hot tub, water sports facilities a car rental service. Have a look at their Western Wedding Package, which is tailored for 40 guests and you’ll have the services of a personal wedding planner as part of this attractive deal.
Situated in the north of the island, offering both poolside and beach weddings, celebrations at this luxury villa resort can cater for up to 50 guests. The lavish and spacious units at Maikhao Dream Hotels would be ideally suited to groups and families and lucky guests here can enjoy an outdoor pavilion, a private pool and a jet pool. Then there’s the Dream Spa, which features a wide choice of spa treatments, sauna and steam rooms.
P.s. The pristine Maikhao beach is (pretty much) all yours at
this luxury hideaway.
Set in the rolling foothills of the Himalayas, Ban Sabai Village Boutique Resort & Spa is a wonderful and atmospheric location in northern Thailand. Weddings here are held in a cozy tropical garden for an intimate celebration with plenty of Thai magic.
And there’s so much to do in and around the
hotel: from meditation sessions held in the middle of a lotus pond, to Thai
cooking classes and much else, you can be assured you and your guests will never be bored! The Wild Orchid Restaurant serves up delicious
Asian and international dishes each day. Ask about setting up a private dinner
in the garden pavilion for your wedding guests.
Set in lush tropical gardens this fabulous setting right next to
Koh Samui's Maenam Beach is perfect for a beachfront wedding. Wedding ceremonies for up to 50 can be hosted at Paradise Beach, while twice as many can be part of a reception.
And there is lots to see and do here! Guests are
aided by free round-trip shuttle services to and from Fisherman's Village and Chaweng
city centre. Or you could venture out from Thailand’s second largest island to
see the nearby Big Buddha statue, a colossal attraction on the tiny nearby
island of Ko Phan.
Want to get married on a rooftop overlooking magnificent views of Patong Beach and the Andaman Sea? Then choose The Novotel Phuket Resort which offers blissful couples the chance to experience a traditional Thai ceremony or a Western wedding in front of
hundreds of guests.
Your guests will truly appreciate a free shuttle to
Patong Beach, something which opens up lots of wonderful restaurants and
shopping opportunities. What’s more, the bride and groom can make the most of a
complimentary couples’ spa session during their stay.
Situated in the heart of Phuket’s pleasure-seeking capital, The Royal Phuket City has a wealth of attractions on its doorstep. And planning your big day here shouldn’t be hard as you’ll have the services of a dedicated wedding planner and ceremonies can host many hundreds of guests.
For those planning big celebrations you'll be happy to know your guests will be well entertained with karaoke never far away in Phuket Town, two popular weekly markets and a tonne of historical sites to explore. Closer to home there’s the Red Onion Coffee Shop, which is perched on the 19th floor and serves a sumptuous breakfast buffet with beautiful coastline views.
With its perfectly-manicured grounds and luxurious suites, The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai mixes colonial and north Thai decor to great effect and this classy resort has a total of nine dining choices, a spa and two outdoor pools.
Host up to 400 guests, the resort's serene natural landscapes and authentic Lanna-style buildings create faultless romantic settings in which to get married. And if you think your wedding guests would appreciate a flavour of home, then you can order up some homemade ice cream or a gourmet teas at the Victorian-style Dhara Dhevi Cake Shop.
Thailand’s wet season, which can bring flooding and fierce
storms, varies from region to region. In north and central Thailand, the best
months to steer clear of the worst downpours are between November and April.
However, the southern peninsula of Thailand experiences a lot of wet weather
from November to March, so be sure to check with care before you make a
booking.
Your marriage will only be recognised under your country’s
law if it’s valid under Thai law.
Start by looking at any requirements listed in your
country’s embassy (for UK citizens, this would be via an appointment at the
British Embassy in Bangkok). You’ll will need to swear your affirmation by
completing a form called an Affidavit of Freedom to Marry. This affirmation
document can be downloaded before your visit, but it must be signed in-person
during your appointment. As a minimum requirement, you will need a valid
passport as proof of identity – along with any evidence that any previous
marriages you’ve had have been terminated.
The Affidavit of Freedom to Marry certificate will cost
about £100 for a couple. Just be aware that you may need to pay a small fee to
get your Thai marriage certificate translated back into English.
You’re certainly not shy of Honeymoon options in Thailand. Zazen
Boutique Resort & Spa in Koh Samui as pictured above offers a truly magical setting for
lovers. In part that’s because of the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime first
honeymoon dinner at the Beach Sala table, which offers newlyweds a walkway
decked out with tropical flowers and fire torches. And if that wasn’t special
enough, you’ll have the services of your own butler to provide food and wine
recommendations at this dream beachside restaurant.
Hua Hin - This one-time fishing village is now a popular seaside resort on the Gulf of Thailand, in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Hua Hin Beach is a popular spot for kitesurfing and other water sports. There’s also lively markets, golf courses, water parks and classy international cuisine all within close reach.
Khao Yai - The technicolour Khao Yai National Park is
perhaps best known for featuring in scenes from Danny Boyle’s classic film The
Beach. These charming, forest-filled lands are also home to diverse wildlife
such as bears, elephants and gibbins.
Kanchanaburi - A west Thai town that’s known for its Death Railway, which was built during World War II. But there’s much more than history to soak up here nowadays. The Tiger Temple and the Erawan National Park are both within easy range for visitors. Take a leisurely bamboo raft along the River Kwae, visit the Khmer ruins, or spend a day shopping at the gemstone village.
If these have tickled your fancy then check out our all our Wedding Venues & Packages worldwide along with some helpful tips and FAQs for couples booking their wedding.
To help you find YOUR perfect wedding experience you can choose to search by Wedding Venues / Hotels, Wedding Packages or Wedding Specialists including wedding planners. event services, specialist venues and bespoke wedding experiences and experts.
Then simply use the filters to narrow down the choices by selecting: the type of wedding services you're looking for such as a wedding blessing or a legal ceremony; the setting or venue style; included romantic experiences and much, much more (even if you've no idea of the destination you're looking for).
P.s. We also do Honeymoons - including honeymoon hotels / accommodation, honeymoon packages and honeymoon specialists.