The Ultimate Guide to Wedding and Honeymoon Bliss in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Destination wedding couples often head straight for one of Thailand’s many wonderful islands (and who can blame them?). But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider another increasingly popular destination. Known by locals as “the rose of the north” for its beauty and charm, Chiang Mai has become a popular destination wedding and honeymoon destination for travellers seeking an unforgettable combination of adventure, culture and relaxation.

Celebrate your union in luxury

For an unforgettable, full-frills wedding experience, there’s no better choice than Shangri-la Chiang Mai. Coupled with best-in-class service, an experienced in-house wedding planning team, and an idyllic setting set in the heart of the ancient city, Shangri-la Chiang Mai will provide couples with everything they need for the ultimate destination wedding.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony by the poolside or a glamorous reception for 200 guests, the 17-acre five-star resort has a venue for every couple. Located just 15 minutes from the international airport, the resort’s tiered roofs and golden pinnacles were designed to reflect the architecture of the ancient Lanna kingdom of Northern Thailand.

We personally love the flexibility of the hotel’s Grand Lanna Ballroom, which can be personalised to look like the dream wedding you’ve always wanted. The pillarless ballroom adds a lavish ambience to any glamorous wedding and can host up to 1,000 guests. Dress it up fully in flowers from floor to ceiling, or drape it in fairy lights for a magical ambience.

Looking for some bonus perks? Couples who opt to book their wedding package with Hitchbird can also enjoy a complimentary tasting menu for confirmed wedding bookings of 300 pax or more. The package is also inclusive of a wedding ceremony at Mae Sa Elephant Camp.

Soak in the peaceful countryside splendour

Chiang Mai is a charming city that’s rich in culture and history. No matter your personal preference you’re sure to have it covered on your Chiang Mai honeymoon.

Take a tour outside of Chiang Mai’s city centre and get rewarded with the tranquil beauty of Thai pastoral life. The small hamlet of Ban Pa Pong Piang lost in the mountains of the Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province undoubtedly offers one of the most beautiful rice terraces in Thailand.

Revel in the mystic wonder of ancient temples

The city of Chiang Mai has an abundance of beautiful and historic Chiang Mai Temples, also known as Buddhist Wats. There are 36 Wats or Chiang Mai Temples within the old city and many more nearby. Make sure you’re dressed modestly if you’re visiting the Chiang Mai Temples, as knees and shoulders must be covered.

We like Doi Suthep Temple, built in the 1300s. Make the climb up the 306 steps which are guarded by giant snakes or nagas. These huge snakes run the entire length of the steps and are truly one of the highlights of the visit.  Legend has it that the King of Nagas once protected Buddha from a terrible storm by using his cobra hood to shield Buddha and ever since the cobra has been an icon of protection.

If you visit any temple make sure it is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, the most famous temple in Chiang Mai. Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is the most wondrous and holy of all the Chiang Mai Temples. Nestled some 3,500 feet above sea level with a panoramic view of the city and countryside.

Say hello to some friendly elephants

Take a quick trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project located approximately 60km from the city of Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Founded in July 2014, it is a joint initiative between members of the Karen hill-tribes and Chiang Mai locals who were concerned about the welfare of elephants in Thailand.

Visitors will be able to feed, bathe and play with the elephants on their visit. The money raised by the sanctuary is used to rescue and rehabilitate elephants from across Thailand and continue the important mission of protecting these wonderful animals.

Eat your heart out on the streets

Now that the wedding is over, you can breathe a little easier on any diet restrictions you’ve placed on yourself! Explore the streets of Chiang Mai for morsels of delicious local food. Flavours in the best Chiang Mai food are intense and deep thanks to the liberal use of ingredients like lemongrass, chilis, turmeric, makrut limes and coconut.

Look for steamy bowls of Khao Soi, a soup flavoured with yellow curry and coconut milk, loaded with boiled noodles, seafood or meat, and then topped with fried noodles. If you’re feeling snackish while strolling down the night market, grab a few sticks of the local staple - grilled sausages.

Looking for a wedding caterer? Click here to chek them out.

Enjoy a day of relaxation

What is a honeymoon without a romantic couples massage? Relax and unwind after all that wedding stress with a Thai massage, which can help energize and relieve many common physical ailments by regaining “balance” in the body’s flow of energy.

Shangri-la Chiang Mai boasts an acclaimed spa that’s nestled at the end of the hotel’s gardens. CHI The Spa has nine Thai-inspired treatment villas, four of which are suites. Set around beautifully landscaped ponds, couples will be spirited away into an enchanted realm. Then, end your evening by taking a quick dip in the hotel’s pool with your beau to escape from the tropical heat.

Need some time to relax before your big day? Click here to check out list of health, beauty & spa of your choice.

Click here for more wedding venues in Chiang Mai.You can also check out wedding packages in all across Thailand here.