A Guide to Planning an Unforgettable Thailand Wedding

From Phuket to the resort island of Koh Samui, there's a reason why many couples choose a Thailand wedding. The tasty cuisine, memorable landscape and exceptional culture are just some of the reasons why it's easy to picture your dream wedding here, and guests will be daydreaming about their experience for years to come.

Need more convincing? The cityscapes and nightlife in Bangkok and stunning jungle and waterfront landscapes around the country landed Thailand on our editors' lists for best destination wedding locations.

As with planning most destination weddings, arranging your special day from beyond the country's borders can get a bit tricky, especially with potential language and cultural barriers. Not to worry, though. We spoke to Ilaire Irenze, founder and CEO of Wedding Boutique Phuket, about all that goes into hosting the perfect Thailand destination wedding. Read on to get details from the expert.

Thailand Wedding Planning in this Article:

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

• Why Couples and Guests Love Thailand Weddings
• The Best Places to Get Married in Thailand
• The Best Thailand Wedding Venues and Resorts
• Thailand Wedding Legal Requirements
• Thailand Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Guests Love Thailand Weddings

Prasit photo / Getty Images

Thailand is rich with natural splendor and the country features one-of-a-kind hospitality. "Thailand is well known all over the world as a very tourist-friendly country," Irenze says. It's also diverse in landscape. Couples can enjoy the perfect beachfront ceremony or exchange vows in a lush field.

Irenze also notes that the tropical country has long remained popular for its welcoming climate, beautiful beaches and affordable prices. Today, however, there's no shortage of luxury destinations in Thailand, especially in Phuket.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Thailand wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Places to Get Married in Thailand

Balate Dorin / Shutterstock

Couples can find some of the world's best wedding venues in Thailand world, and the biggest plus is the possibility of finding the perfect match. Couples may want the iconic backdrop of Krabi's limestone cliffs in their wedding photos, or perhaps they want their guests to explore the golf courses of Hua Hin. Discover the various options below.

Phuket

Home to unique luxury accommodations and five-star beaches, Phuket is ideal for couples interested in a Pinterest-worthy wedding day at some breathtaking resort. "Well known as the 'Pearl of the Andaman,' Phuket is very famous for destination weddings," Irenze explains. "You will find the natural beauty of a tropical island, sandy and pure shores, all combined with the mystic spirituality of Buddhist culture." Plus, the people are incredibly nice—Thailand isn't called "The Land of Smiles" for nothing.

Chiang Mai

In the northern region of Thailand, guests can enjoy gorgeous scenery, enjoy delicious Thai food, and experience nature. The region is dotted with stunning mountain terrain and Buddhist temples, leaving couples enchanted by everything they see. Wedding ceremony photos are certain to be enviable in Chiang Mai.

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand has some serious charm. Here you'll have access to amazing venues, vendors and everything you need to celebrate a wedding. Stay at a five-star resort, experience the exciting city nightlife, and taste world-class food. Wedding ceremonies on the riverside offer beautiful views, or couples can opt for a lush garden wedding that includes a traditional Thai ceremony.

Pro tip: As you consider Thailand wedding locations, don't forget about your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing Thailand honeymoon, too, with our complete guide.

The Best Thailand Wedding Venues and Resorts

Photo courtesy of Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Phuket

Thailand wedding venues run the gamut, from beachside locales in Phuket to grand hotels and resorts in Bangkok. Some offer Thailand wedding packages that make planning easier. Day-of and on-site coordinators can help you navigate everything from local vendors from afar to set-up and breakdown of equipment. If you're so ready to jet off for a destination wedding in Thailand, consider one of these spots that allow you to say "I do" and spend the night (and more).

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Phuket

Phuket's beachfront surroundings make it a hotspot for couples planning a destination wedding in Thailand. Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa's five-star luxury proves why. The stunning views of the Andaman Sea and proximity to the bustling Patong Bech (less than two miles) make it a perfect spot for a wedding-slash-getaway. The ceremony, cocktail hour and reception venues include a beach lawn, ballroom dripping in refined white tablecloth elegance and an outdoor pool deck that combines lush greenery and glittering waters. Couples will work hand in hand with a certified wedding planner set to bring your vision to life.

Na Nirand Resort, Chiang Mai

A Thailand wedding at Na Nirand Resort will feel anything but cookie-cutter. Set in colonial-style digs overlooking the Ping River, the handcrafted furnishings and decor add pops of color and authenticity to rooms and suites. That alone will have to-be-weds and their loved ones at "hello." A spa, gym and free parking are other perks. An outdoor wedding can take place in a garden or underneath a century-old rain tree that epitomizes the idea of stable, secure love or a traditional Lanna "Huan Kammung" building. A rooftop wine bar makes for the perfect setting for clinking glasses to new beginnings underneath the stars. Some wedding packages include intimate dinners for two.

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is a breathtaking hideaway near Bangkok's most notable attractions, like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun Buddhist temple. Silk fabrics and teak furnishings bring an authentic and luxurious Thailand touch to rooms. Some spacious suites have dining room tables ideal for fueling up while getting ready. The spa boasts rejuvenating treatments that'll have everyone looking and feeling their best on the big day. As for the wedding itself, couples will receive access to a dedicated planner to execute a dream-come-true affair. Packages vary in offerings, but some include flowers, AV equipment and first-anniversary stays.

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Bangkok

Another five-star luxury retreat, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, is sleek and opulent. Found on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, some rooms have waterfront views. Grand weddings can take place in a stylish Royal Ballroom with glistening chandeliers. A culinary team will work with couples to craft a menu that can go all-in on Thai cuisine or have Western or Chinese influences. Planners can help pairs tie all the details together before saying "I do," giving them calm and confidence that their big day will go as planned. Speaking of calm, ease pre-wedding jitters and book a glow-up at the hotel spa.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your Thailand wedding venue, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guest can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

Thailand Wedding Legal Requirements

MR.Cole_Photographer / Getty Images

As with any destination wedding, ensuring legal logistics are taken care of can provide some extra steps. If you want to legally and symbolically tie the knot overseas, you'll need to pay close attention to detail. This guide will help you understand the difference between legal and symbolic ceremonies and walk you through the process of obtaining a marriage license in Thailand.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

"Generally, wedding celebrations in Thailand are symbolic," Irenze says. "The legal marriage is a separate service that we recommend couples do in their own countries [to save money and time]." This means you'll sign the papers in your hometown, but go through the symbolic celebration in Thailand. You won't be required to deal with the paperwork, pay those extra fees, or struggle through legal jargon.

If you do choose to move forward with a legal wedding in Thailand, Irenze recommends seeking specialized assistance to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. "The procedure has to be done through the embassies in the countries of origin in Thailand, and it might take up to five to seven working days in Bangkok," she notes. In these instances, make sure to budget your time wisely.

Required Legal Documents

Thailand is no stranger to destination weddings, but quite a few legal documents are required to get hitched. According to Irenze, you'll need a valid passport, a visa upon arrival, an arrival card once within the Kingdom, and an affidavit of your marital status that's translated into Thai. Then, you'll be well on your way to legally tying the knot in Thailand. Again, hire professional legal help here to work through any issues.

Legal Marriage Timeline

When it comes to all the ins and outs of ensuring your marriage is legal, Irenze recommends getting a good wedding planner who will help you along every step of the way. It can take around a week before you have all of the legal legwork done to move forward with your ceremony, which includes visiting your own country's embassy in Thailand, as well as time for the translation and processing of the documents. You will have to be prepared to stay in Bangkok during this time to iron everything out and will probably want a coordinator to help you along the way. Once you've completed the ceremony and registered your marriage, you'll be recognized as a wedded pair in the US.

Thailand Legal Marriage Cost

If you're set on holding a legal marriage, you'll be required to pay a bit more for your wedding. According to the US Embassy, you will pay $50 for an affidavit that states you are single. You will also be required to pay a small fee to have your documents translated into Thai, legalized by the Thai MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thailand), to formally register your marriage. Overall, the fee for legalization will come out to around $1,200-1,400 USD, says Irenze.

Thailand Wedding Planning Tips

Prasit photo / Getty Images

Planning the perfect Thai destination wedding is absolutely in your capabilities, and it all starts with doing the research. Since you won't be on the ground, take a look at some of the many wedding packages offered by local resorts. Irenze suggests having a Thailand destination wedding planner that you trust to make decisions for you and lead you in the right direction. A planner can also help you ensure your destination wedding cost stays within budget. And her best tip for those getting married in Thailand? "Buy a light and easy wedding dress," she laughs. "Grooms should also stay away from tuxedos." The tropical weather doesn't do well with heavy fabrics and layers.

How to Get There

There are seven international airports in Thailand, and you can expect to pay around $1,000 minimum for round-trip flights from the US. Flights are around 20 hours long, depending on the number of stops you make during your journey. Once there, couples will find ways to get around Thailand. For longer trips, trains and buses are your best bet, and for shorter distances, renting mopeds, hopping on tuk-tuks or even taking ferries is fairly simple.

Thailand Weather

"Thailand is a tropical country, and while it offers amazing landscapes and lush nature, the hot, humid climate is either [loved or just tolerated] by travelers," Irenze says. The best time to visit is during Thailand's dry season between November and April, when you'll get the opportunity to experience gorgeous sunny days, clear skies and beautiful calm waters. While the rainy season might be cheaper, be prepared for all weather, and don't be surprised if your special day gets rained on.

Choosing your Thailand Wedding Venue and Vendors

Choosing the perfect venue and vendors for your Thai wedding can be an exciting and wonderful experience. While Irenze notes there are many different types of destination wedding venues, most are for outdoor ceremonies due to Thailand's great weather, gorgeous natural wonders and beautiful views. "From the casual barefoot ceremony on the beach, perfect for an exotic destination elopement, to amazing luxury villas, and everything in between, [you'll find] your perfect wedding venue." Whether you're looking to tie the knot in an all-inclusive resort, on a cliff-top with an awe-inspiring view or in the sand of a tropical beach, "it really depends on the couple's expectations and envisionment of their day." Thailand has a wide variety of venues and vendors to choose from, so you certainly won't have trouble finding the right one for you and your desires.

Thailand Wedding Cost and Budgeting Tips

How much does a destination wedding cost in Thailand? It depends. The potentially good new? From those looking for a luxurious Phuket gathering to couples interested in a simple laid-back beach wedding, when it comes to budgeting for your special day in Thailand, it will likely ring up for cheaper than in the US. "While some places around the world may cost you a fortune to hire excellent staff for your wedding, Thailand offers just as wonderful service at a much lower price," Irenze says. "From luxurious to affordable: every type of wedding exists in this beautiful country, promising everyone a great experience no matter what."

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your Thailand wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.