WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
wedding packages. One of our Thailand experts, who married there, recommends couples pick up the free sim cards handed out at Samui airport to keep in contact with guests,” adds Marrocco.
HONEYMOONS
For honeymoons following UK summer weddings, Koh Samui has the best weather. At other times, choose resorts on the Andaman Sea. Twin the fun of a major resort with time blissing-out on an island hideaway: link Phuket and Phi Phi or Koh Yao Noi; Krabi and Koh Lanta; and Pattaya and Koh Samet.
For mainland hideaways look to up-and-coming areas like Khao Lak or Phuket’s east coast. Whichever hotel you choose, Thailand’s typically high staff-to- guest ratio makes for excellent service. Once the location is settled, consider bonding experiences like learning to dive, massage or cooking classes, or simply an afternoon in a spa’s double treatment room. For glamour, consider a trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express, or twin luxury sister hotels like Metropolitan by Como Bangkok and Point Yamu by Como, Phuket. There are some interesting possibilities for twinning countries too, like linking Thailand with a side trip to Cambodia’s famous Angkor Wat temples, or stopping off in Dubai before relaxing in Phuket. The Thai festival calendar can add a special dimension. For instance a winter sun honeymoon could coincide with November’s magical Loy Krathong Festival when leafy, candlelit crafts carrying people’s wishes are fl oated on lakes and rivers.
DON’T FORGET Couples must initially visit Bangkok to submit paperwork and complete the required legalities ahead of their wedding, and will need several days in the capital city to do so
A UK wedding can be followed by a romantic Thai blessing ceremony and honeymoon
Same-sex weddings are not legal in Thailand but gay honeymooners will be widely welcomed across the country. Among the most popular spots is Pattaya, famed for its gay clubbing scene. Don’t forget that a UK wedding can be followed by a romantic Thai blessing ceremony and honeymoon.
Sampran Riverside This cultural village attraction outside Bangkok – formerly the Rose Garden – hosts garden wedding ceremonies with Thai customs including the groom’s arrival by elephant. There’s a four-star hotel on site.
sampranriverside.com
Layana Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta
The new Le Maison pool villa is a good honeymoon option. Packages are available with butler service and helicopter transfers.
layanaresort.com
ADD A LOCAL TOUCH Consider incorporating the binding of hands in a unity ceremony, the lighting of lanterns or even a wedding arrival by elephant!
Puripunn, Chiang Mai Vases stuffed with locally-grown roses add to the romance at this 30-room ‘baby-grand’ hotel which also has antique furniture and a romantic lantern-lit garden. Honeymoon packages include a massage, petal bath, spa discounts and in-room treats.
puripunn.com
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LEGAL INFO Couples must sign an affi davit and register at the British embassy and legalise the marriage at the District registrars Offi ce in Bangkok (£1,050 per couple). Four nights in the capital – Monday to Thursday – are required to complete the paperwork. Wedding registrations are not conducted during Songkran, over Christmas and New Year and other Thai/UK public holidays. If the bride has been divorced less than ten months a local pregnancy test is required. If she’s pregnant, the wedding cannot take place. The wedding certifi cate is sent from the British embassy to the UK registrars offi ce four to six months later. Check the latest requirements, including paperwork needs:
www.ukthailand.fco.gov.uk.
Sireeampan Boutique Resort & Spa, Chiang Mai With just 11 suites, this January 2014 opening is an intimate retreat. The chef at Sireeampan has previously worked for celebrities and heads of state. Rooms include Apple TV and iPads.
sireeampan.com
The Siam, Bangkok This swanky 39-suite riverside property oozes romance. Couples can dine privately at the Chef’s Table or the resort’s own pier, steam out their stresses in the Hamman, or take a private boat tour.
thesiamhotel.com
Rayavadee, Krabi On gorgeous Phranang beach, Rayavadee is a good choice for couples who already have children as it combines kids’ club facilities with romance. A restaurant in a natural limestone grotto can be hired for wedding parties.
rayavadee.com
Cape Panwa, Phuket Fireworks and a baby elephant are among special inclusions possible at this wedding favourite. Those choosing a Thai-style ceremony can even hire traditional costumes. Junior suite upgrades are part of the deal.
capepanwa.com
Arun Residence, Bangkok This is a truly intimate property, with just six rooms. It’s located on the riverside and has a deck dining space bang opposite Bangkok’s Temple of Dawn. The Arun Residence is a great spot for romance on a budget.
arunresidence.com
Six Senses, Koh Samui Incorporate a few days at this beautiful hotel and your clients will be eternally grateful. Many of the hillside villas have their own small pools, plus there’s a spa, private beach and infi nity pool.
sixsenses.com/samui
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