Destination weddings don’t necessarily have to break the bank. We’ve rounded up the best locations in Asia along with hotel recommendations and more…
Once the excitement from your engagement settles and the to-do list starts to form, choosing a wedding venue and date quickly becomes a priority. Although Hong Kong boasts a handful of wedding packages, destination weddings have increased in popularity. The reason? Swoon-worthy locations, unforgettable memories, impeccable service, and sometimes, because it can be more cost-effective than a wedding in Hong Kong!
We’ve compiled a list of affordable destination wedding locations in Asia that are one quick flight away from Hong Kong, along with the best times to book, average fares to each destination, and the best month to celebrate your big day. Plus, legal marriages in these places are recognised in Hong Kong by the court and the government. Get ready for days of celebrations, in a location of your choice!
Editor’s Note: Flight fares fluctuate all the time, the prices listed below are a rough estimate and prices taken from Skyscanner at the time of publication.
Read More: 8 Direct Flight Destinations From Hong Kong You Might Not Have Thought Of
Boracay, The Philippines – White sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and exchanging vows at sunset
This tropical paradise has been luring lovebirds from all over the globe with its white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and jaw-dropping sunsets that’ll make you weak in the knees. Imagine exchanging your “I dos” as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of dreamy hues – all with your toes in the softest sand you’ll ever feel. With top-notch resorts offering all-inclusive wedding packages, you can let the professionals handle every last detail while you bask in newlywed bliss.
Best time to travel: Between October and April – sun-kissed weather, though you need to book early to beat the crowds during this peak season
Average flight fare (round-trip): $2,680
Best Hotels For A Destination Wedding In Boracay
- Shangri-La Boracay – With a 350-meter private beach, offering six wedding packages, allowing couples to choose from beach, poolside, or landscaped garden venues. www.shangri-la.com
- Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay – Can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it perfect for both grand celebrations and intimate gatherings. movenpick.accor.com
- Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay – Offers intimate wedding packages, including virtual packages that feature live streaming services and curated boxes for guests. www.crimsonhotel.com
- The Lind Boracay – Includes a beachfront, panoramic ballroom, and the infinity pool deck, featuring sunset ceremonies and romantic, candle-lit soirées under fairy lights. www.thelindhotels.com
- Under The Stars Luxury Apartment – A manicured lawn with ocean breezes and a Penthouse unit with a sliding ceiling that opens to the night sky. boracay-apartments.com
Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Affordable wedding destination with delightful cuisine
Phnom Penh is easily one of the friendliest capital cities in Asia. Locals welcome visitors with open arms, proudly showcasing hidden charms, the warming cuisine, the riverside promenade and beautiful Cambodian palaces. Though it has a tropical getaway feel, this Southeast Asian capital is still an up-and-coming location, making it surprisingly affordable — especially if you’re looking for a wedding destination near Hong Kong.
Best time to travel: Between November and May – low rainfall and warm, but bear in mind it’s humid throughout the year
Average flight fare (round-trip): $6,130
Best Hotels For A Destination Wedding In Phnom Penh
- The Bale’ Phnom Penh – Luxurious yet peaceful with a grand lawn perfect for an outdoor ceremony. thebalephnompenh.com
- Raffles Hotel Le Royal – Great location for history buffs and couples looking for a garden wedding with a lavish setting. www.rafflesphnompenh.com
- Rosewood Phnom Penh – One of the best wedding locations in Phnom Penh with overall great service. www.rosewoodhotels.com
- Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel And Residence – Grand setting, spotless and clean rooms, and location right by Tonle Sap River. sokhahotels.com.kh
Read More: 8 Sustainable Eco Hotels To Add To Your 2024 Travel Bucket List
Bali, Indonesia – Popular wedding destination with scenic landscapes
What’s not to love about Bali? Known for everything from forested volcanic mountains, beaches and coral reefs to yoga and meditation retreats, it’s no doubt this is a popular destination wedding spot. Foreign couples keen to get married in Bali have to hold a religion recognised by the Indonesian government (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Christian Catholic/Protestant). You’ll also need to register to get certification from Kantor Catatan Sipil (Civil Registry Office).
Best time to travel: May, June and September as there are fewer tourists around this time
Average flight fare (round-trip): $4,150
Best Hotels For A Destination Wedding In Bali
- Alila Villas Uluwatu – A stunning clifftop resort with jaw-dropping ocean panoramas. www.alilahotels.com
- Amankila – For starters, it has a private black-sand beach and this hotel pays close attention to details to make your occasion perfect. www.aman.com
- Ayana Bali – Suitable for both large and more intimate weddings, with beachside and garden venues. www.ayana.com
- Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort – Couples can opt for outdoor setups by the beach or indoors with grand decor. sofitelbalinusadua.com
- The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali – Offers a collection of wedding venues, each with its own unique personality and cache! www.marriott.com
Langkawi, Malaysia – A world away yet easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur
When it comes to destination weddings that check all the boxes – idyllic beaches, dramatic sunsets, and lush tropical vibes galore – Langkawi is an absolute must. Easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, yet worlds away from the ordinary, Langkawi begs to be the backdrop for your “I dos.” Add in world-class resorts and intimate bungalows for every bridal vision (and budget!), and you’ve got a destination wedding paradise that’s equal parts romantic seclusion and tropical luxury.
Best time to travel: December to March, as it offers sunny and warm weather with low humidity
Average flight fare (round-trip): $1,558
Best Hotels For A Destination Wedding In Langkawi
- Four Seasons Resort Langkawi – Pristine white-sand venues overlooking the Andaman Sea, expert planners to bring your vision to life, and all-inclusive packages. www.fourseasons.com
- The Datai Langkawi – Bespoke weddings on its white-sand beach, elevated by fine dining, luxurious accommodations, and the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. www.thedatai.com
- The Danna Langkawi Resort & Beach Villas – Accompanied by dedicated specialists to craft every detail, such as personalised planning for an unforgettable experience. www.thedanna.com
- The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi – Elegant indoor and outdoor venues showcasing Malaysia’s natural splendour. www.ritzcarlton.com
- Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi – Romantic touches like a champagne toast, wedding cake, decor, celebrant services, and even spa pampering. www.tanjungrhu.com.my
Read More: Top Wedding Planners In Hong Kong
Koh Samui, Thailand – Luxurious and picturesque beach resorts
As Thailand’s second largest island, Koh Samui is a frequented spot for Hong Kongers (graduation trip memories, anyone?). Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it’s famous for coconut tree-lined beaches, lush rainforests, plus luxury resorts and villas. Though Koi Samui may be slightly on the pricier side as compared to Bangkok, we highly recommend this lush tropical paradise for couples looking for a destination wedding by the beach.
Best time to travel: Between December and March, with January being the coolest month
Average flight fare (round-trip): $3,800
Best Hotels For A Destination Wedding In Koh Samui
- Baan Asan – Good for intimate weddings with up to 60 guests. baanasan.com
- Conrad Koh Samui – Wedding packages include celebrants, tropical flower decorations, stylists and makeup artists and photographers. www.hilton.com
- InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort – Tailer-made wedding packages with various locations, be it the lawn or the beach. samui.intercontinental.com
- Villa Koh Koon – Private villa up on a hillside with sweeping ocean views. www.booking.com
Jeju Island, South Korea
This remote island is a little more off the beaten track. Jeju is popular for its volcanic landscape (think cave-like tubes and massive craters), relaxing beach resorts and spas stocked full of the best Korean skincare products. The photos make it clear why it has started attracting more and more Hong Kong holiday-goers, honeymooners and wedding planners in recent years!
Best time to travel: Between November to May when the weather is the driest
Average flight fare (round-trip): $3,800
Best Hotels For A Destination Wedding On Jeju Island
- Elysian Jeju – Offers five different wedding ceremony packages. www.elysian.co.kr
- Haevichi Hotel & Resort – Cosy lawn weddings facing the sea, and infinite photo ops! www.haevichi.com
- Phoenix Jeju – Intimate ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows bringing the outside in. phoenixhnr.co.kr
- The Seaes Hotel & Resort Jeju – Beautiful lawn wedding with a capacity of up to 700 people! seaes-eng.bo9jeong.co.kr
Read More: 15 Alternative Wedding Venues In Hong Kong
Nha Trang, Vietnam – Ideal climate for outdoor weddings
Nha Trang is a combination of coastal resort and city life, with long beaches, diving opportunities, and plenty of surrounding islands. If you’re keen to get a little further out of the city, the drive from Nha Trang to Cam Ranh is 30 to 50 minutes without traffic and offers even more sea-facing hotels to pick from. Cam Ranh averages more than 300 sunny days per year — so planning an outdoor ceremony is far less risky than in Hong Kong.
Best time to travel: Between February and May when the weather ranges between 26 and 27°C
Average flight fare (round-trip): $4,500
Best Hotels For A Destination Wedding In Nha Trang
- Amiana Resort Nha Trang – Specialises in tropical destination weddings, engagements or anniversaries. www.amianaresort.com
- The Anam – For beautiful and relaxed wedding ceremonies where the hotel’s wedding planner has everything taken care of. www.theanam.com
- Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh – Creates stunning, highly flexible spaces that are perfect for all wedding styles and sizes. www.radissonhotels.com
Read More: Where To Buy Your Wedding Ring In Hong Kong
Phuket, Thailand – Cost effective destination with stunning natural scenery
Another popular choice in Thailand, Phuket boasts stunning beaches with turquoise waters, white sands, and breathtaking sunsets, making it a dream destination for weddings. Its well-established wedding industry, featuring professional planners, photographers, and caterers, ensures a stress-free celebration. Overall, Phuket not only offers a picturesque backdrop and enchanting ambiance, but also delivers significant savings compared to weddings in Hong Kong, all while providing warm hospitality and exquisite cuisine.
Best time to travel: November to April as the weather is typically dry and sunny, offering clear skies and pleasant temperatures
Average flight fare (round-trip): $1,100
Best Hotels For A Destination Wedding In Phuket
- Angsana Laguna Phuket Resort – Picturesque wedding venues, personalised services, and customisable packages to create a wedding tailored to your desires. www.angsana.com
- COMO Point Yamu – A clifftop setting, with flexible options ranging from intimate to large-scale that are tailored to contemporary or traditional Thai weddings. www.comohotels.com
- Amanpuri – An exclusive setting to host Thai Buddhist or intimate villa weddings, with the option to privatise the entire resort for a private island wedding experience. www.aman.com
- Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach – Conveniently located near the airport, provides a beach wedding venue with creative setups, distinct venues for Western, Indian or Chinese weddings. www.marriott.com
- Trisara – A culturally-rich setting, with unique venues like an ancient ficus grove, pristine shoreline, and private villas overlooking spectacular vistas. trisara.com
Editor’s Note: “Destination Weddings In Asia: Best Locations And Hotels” was originally published by Tania Shroff and was most recently updated in May 2024 by Catherine Pun. With thanks to Fashila Kanakka for her contribution.
Main image courtesy of Banyan Tree Phuket via Facebook, image 1 courtesy of Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay via Facebook, image 2 courtesy of The Balé Phnom Penh via Instagram, image 3 courtesy of Ayana Resort Bali via Instagram, image 4 courtesy of The Danna Langkawi Resort & Beach Villas via Facebook, image 5 courtesy of Conrad Koh Samui via Facebook, image 6 courtesy of Elysian Jeju via Facebook, image 7 courtesy of Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh via Facebook, image 8 courtesy of Raveena Raghunath of Sassy Media Group.