In the past, marrying away from home was usually seen as eloping. With time, however, more and more people came to accept destination weddings and now they are seen as the ideal way to get married by most couples.
And why not? Weddings are all about love and happiness. Being away with only the people that matter means not having to put up with any kind of family drama. A destination wedding can also turn into a joyful reunion if you’re planning to invite your relatives or college mates from abroad.
Moreover, destination weddings are cost-effective; instead of throwing a bash for 150 people or so, you only need to shell out money for an all-inclusive deal at someplace. With cruise lines and resorts all over the world more than happy to offer great deals to couples planning to get married, there’s nothing more to ask for.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are some great South East Asian destinations you can pick from.
Thailand
Thailand is the primary travel destination in Asia and yet, the country’s cultural integrity and splendor remain undamaged. There are many beautiful locations and resorts for you to choose from for your big day.
- For a day full of sun, sand, and sea there could be no better choice than Phuket.
- The province of Phang Nga is well-known for its beautiful land and spectacular views of the bay with sheer limestone karsts jutting out from the water.
- If you’re worried that rains may mess up your outdoor wedding plans, head to Koh Samui where the weather is comparatively dry.
India
India, with its rich heritage and varied customs, is sure to enchant not only you and your partner but your entourage too.
- If you have always wanted to get hitched fairytale style, the state of Rajasthan beckons you. Be it Udaipur, Jodhpur, or Jaipur, every city in this state has palaces and palatial buildings that you can choose from to pledge your love to your beloved.
- The southern state of Kerala with its calm backwaters will provide the perfect backdrop for a picturesque wedding. Choose from the luxurious resorts of Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kovalam, or Alleppey.
- Beach lovers can head to Goa, which is the most popular among wedding destinations in the country. Get in touch with luxury hotels or a wedding planner to make things easy for you. With its beautiful beaches and amazing local food, Goa will be etched in your memory for years to come.
- If you want to get married amid snow-clad peaks, there are several hill stations in India to choose from. The state of Himachal Pradesh has the best hill stations in the country. Head to Shimla, Manali, or Dalhousie for a wedding in the lap of the Himalayas. You won’t have to go elsewhere if you had an adventure honeymoon in mind as you can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting and more to your heart’s content.
Indonesia
With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is one place that can make your wedding both intriguing and memorable. From the terraced rice fields and the stunning beaches to the beautiful temples that are harmonious with the landscape, everything will awe you.
The island of Bali is Indonesia’s favorite place for couples to get married. It is visitor friendly and not only has plush beach resorts but clifftop villas and hinterland hideaways too.
- The town of Seminyak in Bali should be your first choice; it has prime resorts, abundant tropical shrubbery, pristine beaches, great dining options, and a relaxed nightlife.
- Kuta is Bali’s most famous town and has everything- beaches, restaurants, bars, markets, and nightlife to match.
For something quieter, head to Legian and choose from one of the many elegant resorts or beachfront bungalows. - Take off to Ubud, the inland town situated on the gentle slopes of the mountains of Bali. You will find plenty of options for a secluded, romantic, and dreamy wedding.
Maldives
The island nation of Maldives consists of a double chain of 26 atolls and gives visitors uninterrupted views of the horizon. The islands see a steady flow of curious travelers but there are a number of private island resorts that you can choose from to make the most of your destination wedding.
The beaches of Maldives are ranked among the best in the world. The Maldives is also a diver’s paradise so if you and/or your partner are scuba-certified, you won’t have to consider any other place for your destination wedding. There are numerous world-renowned restaurants and spas in the Maldives too.
Note that you’ll have to legalize your marriage in the country of your origin first as tourist marriages are only of ceremonial importance and not legally recognized in the Maldives.
Conclusion
While exchanging vows at an exotic locale may seem to be just the thing for you, do consider that it will be at the cost of not being able to have your extended family with you. Destination weddings are usually small in size catering to a maximum of 50 guests.
Moreover, not all your relatives may be comfortable with having to travel a large distance. It’s okay to invite only close friends and relatives to your destination wedding; after all, they are the ones that truly matter.
