For the bride who celebrates to impress, going to the other side of the world to say “I do” is already a must, but it doesn’t end there…

If the idea of a chic city venue is not exotic enough for you, and your friends have already tied the knot on the beach, then something new and fresh is needed. So how about a wedding on a cruise or in the middle of a jungle? We know the most unexpected venues in Southeast Asia, with the accommodation to match! Read on…

In the waters of Halong Bay, Vietnam, with Bhaya Cruises 

The uniqueness of Halong Bay is enough of a “wow-factor” on its own. Yet Bhaya Cruises has more cards up its sleeve. From cozy to crazy, the company can cater to every mood with its choice of wedding venues. You can pick pretty much any location in Halong Bay for the main event: be it a beach with dramatic views; a secluded private lagoon for 50 guests; or why not say your vows on the cruise boat itself, as you sail through different backdrops.

The wedding itinerary will be customised to your wishes and personality, with the team of professional wedding planners combining their efforts for an event of the century. The all-inclusive approach includes floral arrangements, beach decorations and a menu to suit your taste. The gastronomic experience is certainly one to talk about, as the cooks use only fresh ingredients to create dishes customised for you. The MICE team will take care of all the guests by providing accommodation, exquisite service, as well as plenty of entertainment and activities including cinema nights under the moonlight, fruit carving, Tai Chi lessons and more.

And let’s be honest – how many of your friends can say they got married in a World Heritage Site?

In the Balinese jungle with The Samaya Ubud Bali Luxury Villas

A wedding in Bali is not a new idea, as the island always offers an unforgettable wedding experience. So how to combine this, now almost traditional wedding destination, with something unique? We say – leave the beach and enter the jungle – and say “I do” against a backdrop of untamed nature. 

Samaya Ubud is just the place, as it offers the excitement of the wild along with top notch facilities and comfort. Enjoy the Samaya’s intimate wedding package for up to 20 guests with a choice of the Scene Lounge or the riverside Swept Away venue for your ceremony and reception, complete with decorations and candles, a three course dinner and accommodation for the couple. The newlyweds can also enjoy a complimentary spa treatment and start the honeymoon straight away – you are in a tropical paradise after all.

Want to make it even more exciting? Why not elope? With the hotel’s elopement package you can run away with your loved one and make the ceremony as private as it gets, with only a few close people to witness it.

In a 1920s historical location on a cliff with Le Bokor Palace – Kampot, Cambodia 

When an impression needs to be made, you can’t go wrong with Le Bokor Palace. First of all, the location is out of this world, perched on the edge of a cliff on the top of Bokor Mountain, overlooking the entire Kampot province and the “Opal Coast”. Secondly, Le Bokor Palace has 100 years of history, having been one of the most famous hotels of the 1920s – now lovingly restored with many original features still in place. With a moderate climate all year round, it’s a cool sanctuary before your tropical honeymoon.

While the wedding is, of course, the main event, the hotel also offers a pre-wedding package with accommodation for two nights, a dedicated assistant, spiritual monk’s blessing at the Five Boats Pagoda (Wat Sampov Pram), a complimentary oil massage and a romantic dinner. Moving on to the ceremony itself, you can say your vows in a nearby vintage church with a reception dinner held in the hotel’s Thansur Restaurant. Impress your guests with a traditional French-inspired menu that was first served in Le Bokor Palace in 1925. The food will be prepared by the Swiss and Cambodian chefs using fresh handpicked ingredients from a local organic farm. A wedding worthy of history books, if you ask us.

In a temple town of the 13th century Lanna Kingdom with Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

Make your wedding in Southeast Asia more special with a sprinkling of culture in a grand and opulent settling. Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai is the epitome of an impressive location with a traditional touch. Built with architectural and cultural influences from the 13th century Lanna Kingdom, the resort features traditional wooden rice barns, ornate temple-like structures and magnificent colonial mansions. Set amongst 60 acres of tranquil grounds, Dhara Dhevi looks like a historical temple town albeit with luxurious and spacious accommodation. 

In this location it’s only natural to go for a traditional Lanna-inspired Northern Thai ceremony, with Lanna-style decor, flower arrangements, live Lanna music and a monks’ blessing ceremony. However, the European-style celebration also looks fantastic, mixing east and west with the contrast of a traditional background and modern decor. The reception dinner can be set in the Grand Ballroom or in one of the many outdoor locations – from the Bua Kham Pond to the Rice Terrace – with free flowing drinks, decorations and wedding cake included in the package.