Travel. Medical Tourism. Food. Weddings. These are what make Thailand a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
When it comes to romance, this Asian country is one of the best places to be. Some Western men fall in love with the beautiful Thai women they find or couples from abroad would go here to fulfill their unique dream wedding not done anywhere else.
Getting married in Thailand does not cost much compared to the U.S. and Europe and you can make it as unique as you and your partner like. The rules to follow are the same for westerners (farang) marrying a Thai or western couples tying the knot in Thailand.
Basically, the documents required are passport along with two copies of the page where your photo is shown and the one with your Thai visa. The passport needs to be valid for at least six months.
Westerners also need to secure an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry from their embassy in Bangkok and a certified translation of this in the local language. They need to be authenticated at the Legalization and Naturalizationi Division of the Department of Consular Affairs and have it photocopied afterwards.
For Thai citizens, there are only two requirements – an identification card and a House Registration document (blue book) and their photocopies.
Once these documents are prepared, going to the District Office (Amphur) is the next step. Here is where couples apply for a marriage license. A marriage that takes place in Thailand also needs to be registered at the Amphur in order for it to be legal and to obtain a marriage certificate.
Wedding ceremonies are of various types. The religious one is usually Buddhist but couples can choose their own even in an unusual setting. Some have done it underwater while the others have done it up in the air via a skydiving activity or on a hot air balloon.
Photo via dteconsulting