Unique Unions

In Thailand, there is no limit to the spectacular locations and manner on which your pledge your love. Valentine’s Day in the kingdom is celebrated by hundreds of happy couples from the world over coming together for an unforgettable wedding experience. What could be more exciting than scaling a rocky cliff-face with your loved one beside you, exchanging vows dangling some 20-metres above the sea below as the civil official bravely hangs over the cliff edge to present your marriage certificate. This is what several adrenalin-seeking couples do at the annual Cliff Wedding at Railay Beach in Krabi province.

Equally thrilling as ascending to the heights for love is plummeting to the depths under the sea for the Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony. Almost a decade old now, this unusual annual event takes place off Trang’s Pak Meng Beach, in a specially decorated seabed altar 10- meters underwater. In 2005, around 80-scuba-diving couples received their waterproof marriage certificates, blowing kiss bubbles and swimming with hundreds of vibrant fish that came as guests.

At Phuket’s Dusit Laguna, couples plant their own “Love Tree”, which will grow and bloom for years to come just as your own matrimonial union. Also on Phuket, the Club Andaman’s customized three-wheel “Wedding Tuk-Tuk” is a quirky Thai-styled wedding carriage to begin your marital journey. For a truly endearing wedding escort, the JW Marriott on Phuket can arrange a cute baby elephant to accompany you to the altar.

In Thailand’s North, there are some unique Valentine’s Day interpretations of the traditional Lanna nuptials, including the magnificent Lanna Wedding on Elephant Backs. Held in the historic northern town of Lampang near Chiang Mai, couples dressed in full Lanna costume lumber atop the giant tuskers in an eye-catching pachyderm procession that leads from the town centre to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Here they partake in the traditional wrist-binding ceremony, before a large evening feast.

Another northern-style celebration is the prestigious Legendary Chiang Mai Wedding Ceremony. In 2005, 55-bridal couples from around the world were invited to this specially-arranged mass marriage, which included a romantic horse and carriage procession through Chiang Mai’s old city. Those sharing their vows included Nepalese royalty, a Korean celebrity, and a Thai pop star.

Closer to the Thai capital, the Rose Garden County Resort in Nakhon Pathom province is famous for its must see cultural shows that highlight unique local customs and heritage. Set among lush tropical gardens, the resort arranges the Seven Days in Paradise wedding and honeymoon package, with traditional costumes, the groom arriving on elephant back, and a beach honeymoon in Krabi.

Whichever locale you select for your enchanting wedding celebration, your evening gala banquet is sure to be unlike anything you and your guests have ever experienced. Revel in tropical opulence as you feast on a bounty of regional favourites and Western specialties artfully presented among elaborate ice sculptures. Colourful cocktails will definitely fuel the festivities, as you are entertained with graceful classical Thai dancing and masked Khon drama performances. As you raise your sparkling glasses for the wedding toast, the dramatic finale will be spectacular fireworks display that illuminates the evening sky, along with atmospheric traditional glowing paper lanterns floating off into the starry night.

Whether you tie the know in Thailand or just step off the plane for the start of your honeymoon, Thailand’s superior hotels and resorts do the utmost to spoil you in luxury. You will feel like a king and queen as you are lavished with a complimentary upgrade to the romantic honeymoon suite, adorned with special floral decorations and full of indulgent little extras such as a complimentary bubbly, honeymoon cake, fruit bowls, and chocolates. And if all that pampering doesn’t suffice, a few establishments also provide free limousine to the airport, or a couples’ massage at the spa.