Thailand’s weddings get adventurous

While underwater weddings may not be the norm in the West, they are by no means unusual in Thailand. As a growing number of couples head to the Land of Smiles to say their nuptials, it seems an increasing number of them are seeking to introduce a little excitement into their wedding day by holding their ceremonies underwater.

Last year, Canadian couple Kelly McTavish and her husband Mike Korycki decided to tie the knot under the serene waters surrounding Koh Chang. After doing some research on destination weddings across the globe, McTavish discovered a Thai website that delivered a dream location in the Land of Smiles, in addition to the adventure of an underwater wedding. Both certified divers, it also seemed appropriate that the couple said their “I do’s” in one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations.

According to the Edmonton Journal, after the wedding photographer suggested that underwater images of the bride’s dress would look more striking than images of her white bikini they even decided that they would wear their full wedding garb for the entirety of their scuba ceremony.  “I wanted something that was different, and this was very different,” said McTavish.

Eight wedding guests dived into the water to witness the wedding, where the vows were displayed on pre-prepared slates as opposed to being read aloud. After the ceremony, the bride, groom and guests dried off for a ceremony back on the boat. “Everyone told us it was like a fairy tale,” said Kelly. “And, really, it was perfect. It was the best day of our lives.”

Wedding trends this year have demonstrated that it is not only western couples who are seeking to introduce a little water adventure into their wedding ceremonies. One Thai couple Varutton Rangsitwong and Prasit Rangsitwong also leapt into the water during their wedding as part of an action packed ceremony, held on the eve of Valentine’s Day, that followed an adventure theme.

A growing trend for adventure themed weddings is emerging for couples who enjoy active, outdoor activities. These include the likes of bungee jumps and zip lining, as well as marine activities and even competitive sport competition for the guests to join. Such ceremonies are now fast gaining popularity in Thailand, which remains a a highly flexible wedding destination that can adapt the needs of couples from a variety of countries with a vast range of matrimonial aspirations.

Less adventurous couples are not forgotten, however. Those who seek to personalise their weddings without too much exertion can opt to make a grand entrance to the beach by speedboat, or in true Thai style, arrive at the ceremony on the back of an elephant.