From The Straits Times    |

tat3.jpgSign up for yoga by the sea at Sri Panwa Phuket, a family-owned luxury private pool villa and spa resort in southeast Phuket.

When it comes to weddings in Thailand, images of pristine beachfront celebrations or elaborate traditional Thai-style weddings  complete with flowers, elephant rides and other exotic details  come to mind.

tat4.jpgChoosing to marry Thai-style means wearing Thai wedding finery and customary marriage rituals. Alternatively, other options such as a beachfront ceremony, are available too.

Choosing your dream wedding
Whether you’re seeking a luxurious celebration or something a little more pocket-friendly, couples who combine their celebration and getaway can save a significant chunk of cash as travel packages are pretty flexible.

So are ceremonies. Besides tying the knot in a traditional Thai ceremony in a courtyard or temple, you can also exchange vows underwater, up in a hot air balloon, or with close friends and family on board a yacht cruising down the Chao Phraya River.

There are local wedding planners, who specialise in such celebrations and offer all-inclusive packages that include Thai wedding garb, flowers, catering and the marriage officiant.

Deciding when to go
The peak season for tourists is November to late March. It is during this period that the weather is cooler with relatively low humidity. The warmer months (March to May) are great for outdoor celebrations.

If you’re planning a beachfront wedding, avoid the rainy season between July and October  the wettest month all over the country. Also note: Hotel room rates and other services are more affordable from early May to late October.

tat1.jpgAfter the party, relax by your villa’s pool in Sri Panwa Phuket.

Making your marriage legit
If you’re planning a destination wedding, you must first have your union solemnised at the Registry of Marriages. (If you are not Singaporean, please check with your country’s consulate.)

What’s more, before you can actually proceed in Thailand, you need to obtain an affirmation of freedom to marry from The Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Bangkok.

Plus, you need three to four days to settle all the paperwork before the wedding. Do not that the marriage certificate will be issued in Thai, so you will need to get a sworn translation for your certificate to be recognised in your home country.

For more information, go to www.sg.tourismthailand.org. Or e-mail tatsin@singnet.com.sg or tatsin@tat.or.th.

This article was originally published in Her World Brides June – August 2014. For the full story and more, the issue is currently retailing at major bookstores and news stands.