WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS


Thailand's amazing for honeymoons because


of the romantic setting and the people, who


make you feel so special ADELE CHURCHILL, HONEYMOONER


destinations, lovebirds will fi nd themselves more able to treat themselves to fi ve-star hotels, club fl oors, suites or villas. Special meals and pre-big day facials, manicures and pedicures are also pleasingly aff ordable.


Koh Kood are good options and some boast luxury brands like Six Senses and Soneva. Even major resorts have quieter areas – think Khao Lak, Phuket’s east coast, Bohput on Samui or Railay at Krabi. Hotel honeymoon packages commonly include petal-strewn beds and baths, complimentary spa treatments and private ‘anywhere’ dining. A Thailand honeymoon off ers more than luxury lounging too. Couples can create memories by adventuring together on mahout experiences, dives or hikes. Charter options can keep things intimate; island-hopping or diving


ROCKY’S BOUTIQUE RESORT, KOH SAMUI This Kuoni favourite will customise its standard weddings with extras including barbecues, fi reworks, fi re dancers, musicians and arrival by elephant. Secular or Buddhist-style ceremonies are


possible. The 50-room and villa resort boasts a one-to- one staff /guest ratio. rockyresort.com


LE MÉRIDIEN KHAO LAK


Beach & Spa Resort A choice of wedding venues here includes an octagonal chapel approached by an


aisle over a lagoon, a garden pond with pagodas and lotus blossoms, and a tropical rainforest (a 45-minute drive away) where lunch or tea can also be served.


lemeridienkhaolak.com


THE SAROJIN, KHAO LAK


A candlelit waterfall, a beach or temple can become settings for wedding ceremonies or romantic dining. A Sarojin ‘Imagineer’ can help couples create their own magical adventures at and around this boutique resort. Motorboat


privately on hired boats, or suggest VIP-style trips by helicopter


(advanceaviation.co.th and skydance.aero). At the other end of the scale, rustic chic may appeal with a honeymoon glamping in a jungle or on a raft. See tourismthailand.co.uk for suggested itineraries for romantics.


VALUE


With the cost of a UK wedding soaring, many couples now choose to marry more simply abroad – and Thailand pushes the value envelope further than most. Compared to other long-haul


charters are possible, perhaps for dive or snorkel adventures at the renowned Surin and Similan sites. sarojin.com


CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS, BANGKOK A leafy riverside respite, with suites in teak houses, it has a view of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and is very handy for Grand Palace sightseeing. The waterside garden can host weddings with or without elephants, dancers, drummers and Buddhist monks. thaivillas.com


For the latest rules and paperwork requirements see ukthailand.fco.gov.uk and tourismthailand.co.uk or check with UK tour operators. Operators with wedding programmes for Thailand include Kuoni and Inspired by Asia.


LEGAL INFORMATION Couples must sign an affi davit and register at the British embassy and legalise the marriage at the district registrars’ offi ce in Bangkok (£952 per couple) on weekdays but not public holidays. If the bride has been divorced for fewer than 10 months she must prove she’s not pregnant by taking a local test. The wedding certifi cate is sent from the British embassy to the UK registrar’s offi ce four to six months later.


♦ TOP TIPS


Gay couples are widely welcomed in Thailand. Though same sex- weddings are not legal, blessing ceremonies can be arranged.


Make touring romantic with travel by the Eastern and Oriental Express or by linking luxury resorts of the same brand in diff erent locations.


Look out for spectacular transfers to luxury hotels by private speedboat or even helicopter or Harley-Davidson.


Romance brochures are available from TAT: tourismthailand.co.uk


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