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A Complete Guide to Having a Destination Wedding in Thailand

In Beach Weddings, Thailand Weddings, Wedding Guides by Ande Tongco

If you’re considering a destination wedding in Thailand, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and process for getting married in the country. Great Destination Weddings, Australia’s leading destination wedding magazine, has put together a comprehensive guide to help you plan your dream wedding in Thailand, including everything you need to know about the legalities and logistics of tying the knot in this beautiful country.

Tips for Planning a Dream Wedding in Thailand

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If you’re planning a destination wedding in Thailand, there are a few key things you need to know. Thailand offers a stunning backdrop for weddings, with its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and picturesque mountain views.

The country is known for its luxurious resorts, making it a perfect choice for couples looking for opulence and relaxation.

Additionally, Thailand is also an affordable destination, allowing couples to have their dream wedding without breaking the bank. With its diverse landscapes and stunning sunsets, Thailand truly offers a magical setting for a memorable wedding experience.

In this article, we provide helpful tips and advice for planning your dream wedding in Thailand. We cover everything from the legal requirements of getting married to selecting the ideal wedding venue in Thailand. We also offer insights into cultural considerations to ensure your Thailand wedding is truly incredible.

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Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand

Legalities of Getting Married in Thailand 

As a couple you must spend at least three days in Bangkok getting relevant paperwork before making a visit to your country’s embassy in Thailand to complete declarations confirming your single status and eligibility to marry. The documents will be translated into Thai and taken to the Consular Affairs department – along with the originals and copies of your passports – where a consular official’s signature will be authenticated. After this, the documents are ready for submission to the district registrar who will register the marriage and issue a marriage certificate in Thai. If this sounds a little too complicated, a good wedding planner will be happy to help and will be familiar with exactly what’s required.

Your guide to legally marrying in Thailand

Climate

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the weather throughout the country is generally hot and humid for most of the year. It is however subject to a southwest monsoon, which is when rainfall is at its heaviest.

For those planning a beach wedding, Thailand’s two coastal regions have different rainy seasons, allowing you to find sunny beaches virtually all year round.

The monsoon brings heavy storms to the Andaman or west coast, in areas like Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands, from April to October. In the Gulf of Thailand or on the east coast, in areas like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, most rain falls between September and December.

Inland provinces are mainly dry between November and May, and rainy between May and November.

Thai Currency

The Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency of Thailand. There are six coin denominations in circulation, including the rare 25 satang and 50 satang coins, as well as the more common 1 baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, and 10 baht coins. The value of the baht has fluctuated over time, so it is recommended to use an online converter to stay updated on the exchange rate between Thai baht and Australian dollars. However, your wedding budget is pretty much always guaranteed to go MUCH further when you get married in Thailand compare to home!

Choose The Perfect Wedding Venue

wedding venue aisle in the middle of a moat with white flower styling or decoration and views of the beach in Conrad Koh Samui
Beautiful Wedding Aisle – Conrad Samui 

When it comes to choosing the perfect venue for your destination wedding in Thailand, there are plenty of options to consider. From luxurious beachfront resorts to intimate garden settings, Thailand offers a wide range of venues to suit every couple’s preferences. Consider factors such as the size of your guest list, your desired ambience, and the amenities and services each venue offers.

It’s great if you can visit the venues in person or virtually to get a feel for the space and ensure it aligns with your vision for your special day, but if not, ask the resort to do a video tour with you and your partner.

Great Destination Weddings‘ favourite Thailand venues for your destination wedding

To find your dream Thailand wedding venue, visit our exclusive collection of stunning resorts and hotels that specialise in destination weddings

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Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand

Plan Activities for Your Guests

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When you have chosen the perfect wedding venue in Thailand, it is a great idea to plan activities for your guests to enjoy during their stay. This will not only enhance their overall experience but also create lasting memories for everyone involved. Consider organising group trips to popular tourist destinations such as temples, local markets, or nearby islands through boat tours. Additionally, you can arrange fun activities at the resort or venue, such as beach volleyball, yoga classes, or cooking workshops. By providing a variety of activities, you can ensure that your guests have a fun and unforgettable time throughout their stay in Thailand.

Consider Cultural Differences and Etiquette

Thai Wedding Traditions

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Thailand, it’s essential to keep in mind the country’s unique customs and traditions and show respect by honouring during your wedding festivities. A good example is the tradition of taking off your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home, or covering up before entering a temple. Also, Thai people value modesty and respect, so it’s important to dress appropriately and behave respectfully. By taking the time to understand and incorporate Thai culture into your wedding plans, you’ll create a memorable and respectful experience for you and your guests.

Fun Fact: The Khan Maak procession is a traditional part of Thai weddings that marks the beginning of the engagement session. In this procession, the groom leads a parade to the bride’s house, accompanied by musicians playing traditional long drums. The entourage dances its way to the bride’s house, dressed in vibrant traditional Thai costumes, creating a lively and enchanting atmosphere. The procession is often seen as a symbolic blending of Western and Thai cultures, and it brings a lot of fun to the event. While it is no longer considered the most important part of a traditional Thai wedding, it still holds significance for mixed Western-Thai couples. After the procession, the official ceremony takes place at the designated altar or shrine.

Australian couples can find everything they need to know about visiting Thailand via Tourism Authority of Thailand’s dot AU website.

Check out some real life weddings of couples who chose to marry in Asia.

Find your dream Thailand Wedding Venue with our guide:

Thailand's Best Wedding Venues