Why plan an elopement in Thailand
Thailand is a tropical oasis where crystal blue waters meet the shores of the jungle. It’s a fabulous country to plan an elopement for adventure seekers and world travelers. While most people flock to the beaches when they arrive in Thailand, I highly recommend a visit to the elephant sanctuary. Want more heart-pounding adventure out of your Thailand elopement and honeymoon? You can easily find exciting activities like cave exploration, snorkeling, white water rafting, and bungee jumping. All in all, Thailand truly offers a little bit of everything!
Can two foreigners get married in Thailand?
Yes! Foreigners can get legally married in Thailand. If you are eloping from the US, your home state will recognize your marriage upon your return.
Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate in Thailand
A legal marriage in Thailand must be registered with a local Amphur; which is a district office. However, it can take several days for this process to be complete. However, if you wish to have a symbolic Thailand elopement, you can always legally marry in the States before your departure, or once you return. If you prefer that your Thailand elopement is a legally recognized union, here are the steps you’ll need to follow to obtain a registered marriage.
1. Contact the Amphur where you plan on eloping. They will tell you the specific documents required of you and your partner.
2. Most Amphurs require you obtain a notarized affidavit of marriage from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate General Chiang Mai. Some Amphurs will require a certified copy of your U.S. Passport.
3. On the date of your appointment have the following documents on hand:
- Appointment Confirmation Page
- Passport
- Fee & payment method
- Completed affidavit
- A clear copy of the first page of your passport, only if a certified copy is required by the Amphur
4. You will need to obtain a certified Thai translation of the document(s) from a professional translation service.
5. Have your document(s) and Thai translation(s) “legalized” by the Thai MFA.
There is one small detail unique to registering a Thailand elopement that you should know as well! If you are age 20 or under, you will need written permission from your parents to legally elope in Thailand.
Having Your Thailand Elopement Recognized in the US
Once you return home, you will need to register your marriage at the state level. Most states recognize the validity of a marriage registered in Thailand. If you need additional information on how to register on the state level, you’ll need to contact the attorney general in your state of residence to see which specific documents they require.
Best Places to Elope in Thailand
If you have your heart set on jetting off halfway around the world to elope in Thailand, you might be wondering where exactly in Thailand to plan your elopement. I’ll give you the inside scoop on a two of the most stunning places in Thailand to say I do.
Elope In Phuket Thailand
Phuket’s landscape is like a dream. One where the sun sets over the lush jungle cliffs and you can experience the true culture of Thailand away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. If you’re planning a ‘just the two of us’ kind of elopement or an elopement with a handful of guests, Phuket is a dream location where breathtaking beaches and adventurous boat rides await.
Chiang Mai Elopement
For a different take on a Thailand elopement, Chiang Mai offers mountaintop views. The hills of Chiang Mai are, undeniably, home to some of Thailand’s most cherished and protected traditions. Allowing your Thailand elopement to be entrenched in the local culture. Chiang Mai is also known as the location of the ‘elephant wedding ceremony’. Yes, you can get married at the elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai!
Best Time of Year to Elope in Thailand
There’s no doubt about it, the heat in Thailand can be absolutely brutal. So when is the best time of year to elope in Thailand? November through early March are the most ideal months to plan your elopement. The weather is dry and the skies are clear and blue. Once March and April hit, the weather becomes hot and hotter, especially if you plan on taking a trip to the city. Want to experience an amazing festival as part of your Thailand elopement? Plan your elopement during the month of November. Throughout November, the Loy Krathong (festival of lights) festival takes place. Above all, this bright and bold festival honors the goddess of water, Khongkha, and its a way for locals to celebrate the end of the monsoon season
Explore my Elopement Packages in Thailand
Are you ready to dash off to Thailand for your once-in-a-lifetime elopement? You can find more details on my Thailand elopement packages, at this link.
