It is becoming popular to get married in a foreign country and combine your wedding and holiday with your honeymoon. Thailand is one of the top destinations for winter weddings, from November to February, which happens to be high seasons for tourism in Southeast Asia. If you and your soulmate are thinking about a foreign wedding, Thailand ticks all the boxes and here are a few compelling reasons to choose the Land of Smiles for your magical wedding.
Eligible to Marry
As with most countries, if you wish to register your union in Thailand, you will need to obtain a document from your embassy stating that you are not married. This is required by Thai law for foreigners who wish to register their marriage, whether you are marrying a Thai nation of a foreigner; this document must be translated by a certified translator and presented at the Amphur Office.
Legal marriage
You can marry at any local Amphur Office; local authority is managed from an Amphur Office and you are advised to book in advance. There is a small fee and you both receive a marriage certificate, which is an important document that you must keep in a safe place. The union is registered in a nationwide network, then you can enjoy your wedding party.
Bangkok wedding reception
Your Bangkok hotel wedding can be followed by a quick flight to Phuket or Koh Samui for an unforgettable honeymoon. Top-rated international hotels in Bangkok have all the resources you need, plus you can get discounted rates for guests who wish to stay over. Start with a Google search to locate hotels near the Amphur Office where you will marry, then browse the websites and create a shortlist of venues to visit. Hotel managers are keen for business, especially in the low season and most can work to your budget.
Traditional Thai wedding party
If your bride-to-be is a Thai national, her family would probably insist on a Thai wedding party at their family home. A dowry is usually paid to the bride’s family (it is often returned after the ceremony), which might include cash and gold. Of course, you should offer to help with costs and expect there to be at least one hundred guests. As a foreigner, you don’t need to do anything except to wear a suit; your partner will tell you what you need to do as it happens. Click here for tips on stress-free travel.
It should be noted that without that marriage certificate, the marriage is not legal; some foreign men have been the victim of fraud, thinking that they were legally married, they returned home and send money every month.
Visas and entry requirements
Many nationalities receive a 30-day free visa-on-arrival, which is probably long enough to include your honeymoon; regardless of where you come from, you should visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand website to find out the entry requirements.