Thailand Wedding Ceremony

Traditional wedding ceremonies in Thailand are a complex mix of tradition and Buddhist rites, but the modern day version has been simplified to cater to an increasingly international population who like to combine western practices with more traditional forms. Foreigners getting married in Thailand can also choose to be married in a Thai ceremony, with monks happy to travel from their temple to the chosen wedding venue and perform the colourful rituals that cement the union.

In Thailand, the bride generally arrives at the ceremony as part of a procession. Men and women dressed in traditional silk clothing lead the way with traditional 'long drums' accompanying the happy throng as they bring her to her groom at the alter, dancing and shouting to announce the happy event. Some couples even choose to arrive at the ceremony on an elephant, an option that is now increasingly popular with western couples and can be easily arranged in resort destinations.

Nine monks are normally invited to a Thai wedding ceremony, as this is considered an auspicious number. The monks sit on a raised platform or alter with rattan mats and cushions for comfort, each with a bottle of water in front of them. The couple kneel directly in front of the monks and a sacred thread is run through the monks hands and tied to the heads of the bride and groom, connecting them directly to the blessing. A bowl of water and a candle are placed in front of the first monk in the row, which he uses as holy water to pour over the couple's hands during the ceremony. The guests and family kneel or sit behind the couple, also in front of the chanting monks, then after the main prayers they queue up to pour water over the couple's hands too. After the ceremony, nine trays are placed in front of the monks, each one containing several small dishes as an offering. The newly weds also give an envelope to each monk containing donations, the monks then eat the food offered by the couple and return to the temple.

In Thailand, wedding ceremonies can be performed in a wide range of locations and are tailored to suit each couple's faith and vision. There are some churches on islands like Phuket and Samui for those who prefer a more traditional ceremony, while trained celebrants can perform secular ceremonies right on the beach, in the gardens of a private villa or even out at sea on a yacht. Couples often meet with the celebrant in advance to discuss and decide the vows they wish to exchange and family members may also contribute, reading a poem or verse during the proceedings. Floral alters are often constructed on the sand for the couple to stand under and with a backdrop of tropical splendour the photographs are always fabulous.