Are you an international couple who is planning on getting married in Thailand? I can understand why! It's one of the most beautiful countries on this planet (in my humble opinion), with some of the friendliest people and tastiest foods. What more could you want? Well something in your budget, I'm sure and if you're coming from the west the prices will shock you: not only are they lower than in the west, but you will get a better wedding too! But more on that in a moment.
You have the dream, you probably have the budget, but what about logistics? That's where this blog post comes in: today we're going to be looking at what you need to know before you get married in Thailand. We'll answer questions like what the requirements are, and we'll touch a little bit on budget too. Let's get started!
Although marriage in Thailand is not the overly complicated dilemma people usually portray, it remains entirely valid that Thai bureaucracy requires significant time, patience, and paperwork. If you want more than a symbolic wedding where everything is traditional, with no legal binding attached, the first thing you should know is that according to Thailand’s marriage laws from the Civil and Commercial Code, both parties must be at least 17 years old, mentally competent, and, mandatorily not closely related by blood. Basically, to celebrate your love bathing in the beauty of the Thai lands, international couples need:
Now regarding the budget you'll need for a Thai wedding: luckily, there are plenty of feasible options. The average cost of a wedding in Thailand is significantly lower than that in the USA, which now averages around 30,000 USD. For a top wedding experience in Phuket, for example, prices start at 21,000 USD, but this is the higher end, offering the best that can be provided. It's as if from all Italian destinations, you’d choose Lake Como, which we all know has made quite some headlines with its outrageous prices. Otherwise, the price of most weddings tends to average $10,000 - $20,000, especially at a nice 5-star resort. With this amount of money you wouldn’t be getting even a slice of bread at Como!
Additionally, there are smaller wedding planners that offer a simple ceremony and dinner reservation, costing around $1,000 to $3,000 USD. As for the wedding outfits, well, we are not the ones to tell you how much you should spend. If it's a Christian Dior that you insist on wearing, then wear it! Of course, there are plenty of beautiful options at decent prices as well, so you shouldn’t stress on that too much. But of course you will - it is your big day after all, and nothing short of perfection is accepted! So it's probably better to start your hunt in advance. This way, you'll have plenty of time to decide what you want, then hate it, and maybe, after 100 other trials, love it again!
In Thailand, the prime wedding season typically occurs during the cool, dry months from November to March, as it offers pleasant and reliable conditions for outdoor celebrations. However, the ideal timing really depends on one’s preference - there are also a lot of other things to consider. Getting married during the shoulder months, which are March to May and September to October, can be cheaper and less busy. The rainy season, from May to October, provides distinctive experiences and potential savings, with the caveat that you might need backup plans for any outdoor activities!
Okay, so you’ve got the documents, the witnesses, and the perfect partner - but how does the actual registration process work? In Thailand, getting legally married isn’t just about a ceremony on the beach or in a luxury resort; it also involves a visit to the local district office, known as the Amphur or Khet office (depending on the region). Here’s what usually happens:
Important tip: if you plan on having your marriage recognised back in your home country, you may need to get your Thai marriage certificate translated into English and legalised by your embassy or consulate. Rules vary by country, so it’s best to check in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
Even if you’re planning a Western-style wedding in Thailand, you might want to add a touch of local culture to make your big day extra special! Thai wedding traditions are deeply rooted in Buddhist beliefs and family values, and incorporating even a few of them can make the experience more meaningful. Some popular customs include:
Understanding The Laws Thailand Has For Marriage
Although marriage in Thailand is not the overly complicated dilemma people usually portray, it remains entirely valid that Thai bureaucracy requires significant time, patience, and paperwork. If you want more than a symbolic wedding where everything is traditional, with no legal binding attached, the first thing you should know is that according to Thailand’s marriage laws from the Civil and Commercial Code, both parties must be at least 17 years old, mentally competent, and, mandatorily not closely related by blood. Basically, to celebrate your love bathing in the beauty of the Thai lands, international couples need:
- A valid passport that includes the biodata page and a copy of the arrival card.
- An affidavit from the embassy of one's home country in Thailand, confirming the legal capacity to marry. Additionally, the affidavit must be translated into Thai by a certified translator and then legalised by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
- If that's the case, proof of the termination of previous marriages.
- Two witnesses, both over 20 years old, with valid identification.
The Cost Of Getting Married In Thailand
Now regarding the budget you'll need for a Thai wedding: luckily, there are plenty of feasible options. The average cost of a wedding in Thailand is significantly lower than that in the USA, which now averages around 30,000 USD. For a top wedding experience in Phuket, for example, prices start at 21,000 USD, but this is the higher end, offering the best that can be provided. It's as if from all Italian destinations, you’d choose Lake Como, which we all know has made quite some headlines with its outrageous prices. Otherwise, the price of most weddings tends to average $10,000 - $20,000, especially at a nice 5-star resort. With this amount of money you wouldn’t be getting even a slice of bread at Como!
Additionally, there are smaller wedding planners that offer a simple ceremony and dinner reservation, costing around $1,000 to $3,000 USD. As for the wedding outfits, well, we are not the ones to tell you how much you should spend. If it's a Christian Dior that you insist on wearing, then wear it! Of course, there are plenty of beautiful options at decent prices as well, so you shouldn’t stress on that too much. But of course you will - it is your big day after all, and nothing short of perfection is accepted! So it's probably better to start your hunt in advance. This way, you'll have plenty of time to decide what you want, then hate it, and maybe, after 100 other trials, love it again!
The Best Time to Get Married In Thailand
In Thailand, the prime wedding season typically occurs during the cool, dry months from November to March, as it offers pleasant and reliable conditions for outdoor celebrations. However, the ideal timing really depends on one’s preference - there are also a lot of other things to consider. Getting married during the shoulder months, which are March to May and September to October, can be cheaper and less busy. The rainy season, from May to October, provides distinctive experiences and potential savings, with the caveat that you might need backup plans for any outdoor activities!
How to Register Your Marriage in Thailand
Okay, so you’ve got the documents, the witnesses, and the perfect partner - but how does the actual registration process work? In Thailand, getting legally married isn’t just about a ceremony on the beach or in a luxury resort; it also involves a visit to the local district office, known as the Amphur or Khet office (depending on the region). Here’s what usually happens:
- Visit the Amphur/Khet office: Once you have your embassy affidavit, translations, and legalisations ready, you’ll take everything to the local district office where you plan to get married.
- Submit your documents: The staff will check your paperwork and make sure everything is valid and complete.
- Sign the marriage register: Both of you, along with your two witnesses, will sign the official register.
- Receive your marriage certificate: You’ll get two original Thai marriage certificates, which are valid under Thai law.
Important tip: if you plan on having your marriage recognised back in your home country, you may need to get your Thai marriage certificate translated into English and legalised by your embassy or consulate. Rules vary by country, so it’s best to check in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
Traditional Thai Wedding Customs
Even if you’re planning a Western-style wedding in Thailand, you might want to add a touch of local culture to make your big day extra special! Thai wedding traditions are deeply rooted in Buddhist beliefs and family values, and incorporating even a few of them can make the experience more meaningful. Some popular customs include:
- The Water Pouring Ceremony (Rod Nam Sang): Guests pour water over the couple’s hands while offering blessings for their future together.
- The Khan Maak Procession: A lively parade led by the groom and his family to the bride’s home, often featuring music, dancing, and laughter.
- The Sai Monkhon Ritual: The couple wears a sacred headpiece connecting them with a single thread, symbolising their new spiritual bond.
Of course, you can choose how traditional or modern you want your wedding to be. Some couples go all-in with a full Buddhist ceremony, while others prefer to mix Thai elements with a Western-style exchange of vows. Either way, these customs add something beautiful and unique that you won’t find anywhere else in the world! (Image source: Unsplash)
