Beautiful wedding ceremony in Koh Samui, Thailand

Best Destination Wedding Locations and Venues 2022 ( Asia Area)

July 9, 2018

This is a list of the best destination wedding locations and venues.

Hi, I am Ali G, as a professional wedding photographer based in Hong Kong I not only photograph weddings in our beautiful city but I’m also booked to photograph luxurious destination weddings in exotic locations all over Asia and beyond!

I have written several articles regarding wedding photography, here are some of them:

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reasons, which engaged couple doesn’t want to extend the most special day of their life by having a holiday with their beloved family and friends in a paradise-on-earth location? Here, we explore the top destination wedding locations in Asia.

Best Destination Wedding Locations and Venues 2022 ( Asia Area)

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok might not be an obvious destination wedding location; however, you’d be surprised at what the “Big Mango” has to offer.

From amazing Thai food to loads of shopping areas, then to very affordable spas and incredible bars with rooftop views, the energy of Bangkok has no equal. No doubt, you and your guests can find something you love in this vibrant metropolis for your before and after wedding shenanigans.

I’ve got a long-standing relationship with the Peninsula Hotel in Bangkok, located on the legendary River of Kings.

The team at the Peninsula Hotel Bangkok make hosting a wedding look easy and go above and beyond to tailor each couple’s perfect day. An added bonus as a wedding photographer is the opportunity to use the hotel’s helipad with panoramic views of Bangkok’s iconic cityscape as an exhilarating location for the couple’s pre-wedding photo shoot!

Great Destination Wedding Venues (Hotels) in Bangkok

Here is the list of Best destination wedding venues (or hotels) I have either worked with or visited with my clients in Bangkok:

Heli pad wedding shoot at the Peninsula Bangkok

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket has long been one of Thailand’s most famous islands and for good reason! Not only is it easy to get to with an international airport, but it also has all the cultural charm that Thailand is so renowned for.

Some of the world’s best high-end luxury resorts are located in Phuket, so whether you’re looking for a private beachfront wedding or a grandiose lavish affair with floral displays, Phuket is an ideal spot for a destination wedding.

What makes Phuket even more special is the fact that you have beautiful sunsets, and that golden light is perfect for wedding photography and videos! As an island, all you need to do is to rent a scooter at very reasonable prices and explore! People are friendly and hospitable so you and your guests can have a great wedding experience.

If you arrive early and plan to have your hen and stag parties in Phuket, prepare your bridesmaids and groomsmen as they are in for a party of a lifetime.

Also, remember that Asia offers some of the world’s top wellness retreats in the world. Our go-to guide for wellness is from Destination Deluxe

Indian wedding in Phuket Thailand

Great Destination Wedding Venues (Hotels) in Phuket

Here is the list of Best destination wedding venues (or hotels) I have either worked with or visited with my clients in Phuket:

Table Set up for a destination wedding in Phuket Marriott

Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin is a popular holiday destination for people from all over the world and local Thai’s alike, including the Royal family! An easy couple hours drive from Bangkok will have you relaxing on white sand beaches and frolicking in turquoise waters in the Gulf of Thailand.

One of my favorite aspects of Hua Hin is having a few great pedestrian-friendly night markets! Not only can you sample all your favorites such freshly made Pad Thai and Thai mango sticky rice, but you can also get a foot massage to relieve all your stress!

Hua Hin has numerous luxury resorts and boutique hotels – the perfect way to host your destination wedding.

If you’re a bride-to-be and the thought of wedding planning evokes an image of never-ending to-do-lists, you’ll also be happy to hear that once you’ve picked your wedding location you can also choose every last detail with the help of the hotel’s onsite wedding team leaving you very little to do except invite your special guests.

Great Destination Wedding Venues (Hotels) in Hua Hin

Here is the list of Best destination wedding venues (or hotels) I have either worked with or visited with my clients in Hua Hin:

Cheers with Champagne classes on the beach in Hua Hin, Thailand

Already sold on the destination wedding idea and need to pick your photographer? I would be honored to be your wedding photographer. Please contact me to discuss how we’ll capture those all important memories of your special day.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is a hot rival to Phuket on Thailand’s most famous island list and although there are similarities between the two, there are also unique differences.

Perched above Taling Ngam Beach the Intercontinental offers a magical destination wedding venue. If you’re imagining tying the knot as the sun sets in hues of orange and yellow into the ocean beyond as your wedding dress flutters in the wind – this is your spot!

With some of the top 5-star hotels having a presence on the island, there’s surely a venue that can fit your needs and budget as well. Koh Samui also has a vibrant nightlife scene so it’s a great place for you and your guests to continue the party until sunrise!

Bonus tip: Get your bridesmaids together before the big day and enjoy one of the island’s many yoga spots or get pampered at a heavenly spa as a pre or post-wedding treat!

Great Destination Wedding Venues (Hotels) in Koh Samui

Here is the list of Best destination wedding venues (or hotels) I have either worked with or visited with my clients in Koh Samui:

Perfect ocean view wedding ceremony setting on Samui, Thailand

Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta, Indonesian’s vibrant and bustling capital is one of the new and emerging favorite destination wedding locations in Asia. This cultural melting pot has Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and European influences.

The many wedding planners, vendors and hotels available in Jakarta customize dream weddings for even the most discerning couples.

Two hotels I have photographed in were Grand Hyatt’s The Residence and The Kempinski Hotel, both with excellent staff, facilities and service.

What gives Jakarta an edge is a fact that it has an international airport, amazing food, and a variety of wedding service providers so whether you need to source a certain type of flower or cater to a specific diet, you have lots of choices.

Bonus Tip: The city’s traffic is known to be very heavy, so make sure you book your wedding venue and the hotel for you and your guests in the same area of the city!

Great Destination Wedding Venues (Hotels) in Jakarta

Here is the list of Best destination wedding venues (or hotels) I have either worked with or visited with my clients in Jakarta:

Indian wedding in Jakarta, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia has got to be one of the most quintessential destination wedding locations in Asia. This island paradise gives couples ample option to choose their ideal wedding location, whether it be amongst lush rice paddy fields, on the crystalline shores, in a charming temple or even on the crater of a sacred volcano.

Couples are also free to choose to bring in their team of wedding planners or let one of the many resorts do the hard work for them.

If you’re into fireworks at your wedding celebration, hotels such as the Ritz Carlton Bali can arrange it for you!

Close Up Prewedding Photo at a Bali Water fall by ali G
Bonus Tip: Bali offers amazing waterfalls for pre-wedding and wedding photography but to avoid the crowds, make sure you go super early with your driver. All the major hotels can help you book vans.

Great Destination Wedding Venues (Hotels) in Bali

Here is the list of Best destination wedding venues (or hotels) I have either worked with or visited with my clients in Bali:

Fireworks at a beach wedding in Bali, Indonesia

Cebu, Philippines

If you’re looking for a Cebu destination wedding in the Philippines look no further than the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa. Especially popular for Indian weddings, this island oasis comes complete with palm trees, white crescent beaches and azure waters.

The Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa also boasts the very best in wedding planning and hosting, 5-star facilities, fine dining and exquisite décor.

To be sure your big day is as perfect as it can be book Stanz Catalan and her team, the very best wedding planner in the country!

Cebu also has an international airport, and Philippino people are extremely warm, friendly, and welcoming, which is a must for a wedding event.

Besides, you can take overnight trips to one of the nearby islands such as Bantayan or Malapascua for incredible beaches, scuba diving, and snorkeling. After a big wedding, who doesn’t want to have some time to chill?

Great Destination Wedding Venues (Hotels) in Cebu

Here is the list of Best destination wedding venues (or hotels) I have either worked with or visited with my clients in Cebu:

Couple dancing on the beach in Cebu, Philippines

Useful Tips and Information

Here are some useful tips to choose the best destination wedding locations and venues.

Visit the venue before you decide

This is quite easy as a number of my clients pick their destination location because that’s their favorite travel destination as well.

However, trying to visit all the venues on your wish-list would be a great idea so you can have a clear picture in your mind of what to expect.

Check the Medical Support Nearby

Although we always wish for a super smooth wedding without medical emergencies, please remember that you are not native to the location. Spices used in food, weather or even local flowers may cause allergic reactions.

Please spend some time to make sure that the required medical care can reach the venue in the shortest time possible so you will have peace of mind.

Packing for the Day

Make sure to pack a small bag with medicine for your stomach, mosquito spray, and local currency with you when you head out each day. Not all shops and restaurants take credit cards, especially on smaller islands.

Final Words

I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to the amazing couples who’ve allowed me to be part of their beautiful destination weddings so far! If you have a destination wedding coming up, I would love to hear from you, no destination is too far!

Please show some love and follow us on social media to stay connected with more of our exciting projects!

Ali G Studios IG: @aligphoto1 Youtube: AliGStudios

A big thanks to Phottix  for the professional lighting equipment provided to Ali G Studios. 