Phuket is open. Samui is open. Bangkok and Chiang Mai too are scheduled to open to tourists this month. With plans in place to welcome visitors once again post covid lockdowns, Thailand is certainly on the path to reviving its once thriving destination wedding market. The lure of the ‘Amazing Thailand’ slogan has always been a strong one for soon-to-be-weds planning to celebrate their nuptials abroad. With spectacular locations, resorts catering to various tastes and budgets, delicious cuisine and the amiable nature of the Thai people, what’s there not to love about getting married in Thailand. Connectivity by air from numerous regional cities also make it extremely accessible and frequent visitors will certainly welcome the return of air travel with open arms. And as couples kickstart their wedding plans again, let us inspire you with 10 great ideas for nuptials in Thailand.
For many, the beaches in Thailand serve as the perfect backdrop for an exchange of vows ceremony during sunset. And Samui, Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin and Pattaya are amongst the most popular with Malaysian couples. Easily accessible with direct flights, these are the destinations to head to for those who love the sea and who aspire to say ‘I do’ on the many panoramic beaches that dot Thailand’s coastline and islands. Romantic in nature with opportunities for amazing wedding photography, celebrate your union by hosting an alfresco reception under the starlit sky too.
The idyllic and lush surroundings of Chiang Mai and its environs make this northern part of Thailand ideal for couples who prefer to tie-the-nuptial-knot in more temperate climes. A region well-known for its mountain temperature, lush greenery and cultural identity, Chiang Mai is the centre from which couples can plan for their big day, one that celebrates the botanical and hilly landscape that evokes a sense of romanticism.
Further north in the historic northern town of Lampang, couples can partake in a traditional Lanna Wedding on Elephant Back. Imagine being all dressed up in Lanna wedding attire, riding atop an elephant as part of a wedding procession. This experience is further enriched by participating in traditional ceremonial practices, ending with a culinary feast.
Meanwhile, the Thai capital city of Bangkok is very much a candidate for consideration too as a destination for celebrations. With an energy that is unparalleled in the region, the metropolis offers couples a plethora of venues to choose from, ranging from glitzy hotels to ones of a more boutique nature. Add to that rooftop bars with a bird’s eye view of the city, gourmet eateries as well as a variety of event spaces including traditional Thai teak houses, couples are indeed spoilt for choice.
Thailand is multi-faceted and beyond the dynamism of Bangkok, one can gently cruise on the famed Chao Phraya river, perhaps committing to your loved one on a barge in the late afternoon. This will undoubtedly be an experience not only for you as a couple but for your guests as well. For the more adventurous, the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya beckons as it is very much possible to moor the barge on its banks and thereafter host a reception at a location that harks to a bygone era.
Still on the water, a yacht is also an option for couples who prefer a more intimate celebration with a smaller guest list. Embark on your marital journey by sailing in the Andaman Sea on the West Coast or the Gulf of Thailand on the East. Get married on board, or perhaps go island hopping and choose to exchange your vows on a beach that catches your eye!
From above the water to under water, the Trang Under Water Wedding Ceremony is surely one that scuba-diving couples would love. However, be sure to plan way ahead as this unique celebration takes place annually at Trang’s Pak Meng Beach, with vows being exchanged on a specially decorated seabed altar 10 metres underwater, and with marine life as your invited guests.
Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist nation, and it is very much possible to experience a wedding steeped in Buddhist customs even if you are not of this religious persuasion. The experienced wedding professionals that abound in Thailand will certainly be able to advise you on how to go about planning for such a celebration, with the highlight being a matrimonial ceremony performed by saffron-robed holy men. Think traditional local wedding attire, pretty garlands, holy water, fragrance of vibrant floral arrangements and melodious Thai music as well.
The penultimate inspiring idea we would encourage you to contemplate is to celebrate with a focus on Thai cuisine. As regional delicacies and interpretations abound, you are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to hosting your family and invited guests to a gastronomic experience. Choose a beautiful and enchanting venue, have the venue’s chefs recommend and curate a culinary journey for you and your loved ones. There is no better way to mark this milestone in life than feasting on sumptuous Thai cuisine.
And finally, for those who are free-spirited and who are adventure-inclined, why not leave all the ideas and planning to a team of Thai wedding professionals. Decide on a destination, then hire a wedding planner and have them collaborate with their preferred vendors to come up with a celebration that is uniquely Thai, one that would be a surprise for you as a couple too. As they say, leave it in the hands of the experts!
As Thailand looks forward to welcoming you and your guests their beautiful country, let us encourage you to get cracking on those wedding plans of yours.
Tip : Check out Tourism Authority Of Thailand for more inspiring ideas on destination weddings, pre-wedding photography as well as honeymoons in Thailand.
