The Easiest Way to Say
“I Do” in Koh Samui

Where to go. Koh Samui may be a smaller island than Bali, but it offers a rich variety of landscapes and experiences. Each area has its own mood, whether you’re planning a beachfront ceremony, a clifftop dinner, or a villa wedding tucked into the hills.

• Chaweng. The island’s busiest area, known for its long beach, vibrant restaurants, and nightlife.
• Bophut. A charming village vibe with boutique resorts, ocean views, and a mix of local culture and coastal elegance.
• Lamai. Laid-back but stylish, with fewer crowds and a great selection of beachfront venues.
• Taling Ngam. Secluded and serene, home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts and spectacular sunset views.
• Maenam. A peaceful alternative with long, quiet beaches and relaxed beachfront stays—ideal for low-key celebrations.
• Choeng Mon. A quieter spot near the airport with high-end resorts and calm, swimmable beaches.
• For couples looking beyond Koh Samui, nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao offer romantic escapes and picturesque day trips.

When to go. Koh Samui’s best weather is a little different to the rest of Thailand. The island’s dry season runs from January to March and again during July and August, making these ideal windows for weddings. For better availability and fewer tourists, consider early July or late February.

Getting legally married in Koh Samui is absolutely possible, but many Australian couples choose to complete the legal paperwork at home instead. Why? The process for getting married in Thailand includes visiting your embassy in Bangkok, having documents translated into Thai, and registering your marriage with a local district office before the ceremony.

While it’s straightforward with the help of a wedding planner in Koh Samui, Thailand, it can add a few extra days and steps to your trip. That’s why many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony on the island and take care of the legalities before or after their travels.

Whether or not you share that detail with guests is entirely up to you: your wedding in Koh Samui will feel just as real either way.

We break it all down in our Legal Guide to Getting Married in Thailand.

Ideally, you’ll have around 10–18 months to plan your wedding in Koh Samui. But, if you’re short on time, don’t worry. We’ve helped couples pull together an incredible team and a bespoke Koh Samui wedding package in just a few months.

If you’re planning ahead, here’s a simplified timeline to guide you:

10–18 Months to go
Secure your destination wedding package through your Easy Weddings specialist, including the venue, accommodation, celebrant, photographer, and entertainment. Begin shopping for your wedding outfit/s.

12 Months to go
Send out save-the-dates, either digitally or by mail, with a link to your wedding website or details about flights, accommodation, and visa info. Finalise your wedding dress order if purchasing from a boutique (many require 9–12 months).

8–10 Months to go
Book your flights to Thailand and confirm accommodation for your honeymoon. Choose your florist, stylist, and finalise your ceremony and reception concepts. Secure your hair and makeup artist.

5–8 Months to go
Work closely with your Easy Weddings consultant and wedding planner in Koh Samui, Thailand to lock in your wedding design, furniture, and signage. Order your cake if not included in your package, and finalise outfits for your wedding party.

2–3 Months to go
Create welcome bags or favours with Thai treats, personalised notes, or travel essentials for your guests. Send out your official wedding invitations.

2–4 Weeks to go
You’ll receive a detailed run sheet from Easy Weddings with timing, vendor details, and a checklist for the big day. We’ll also coordinate a final briefing with your venue’s event team to walk through the wedding day plans together.

Koh Samui is an easy island to build a wedding itinerary around; small enough to explore in a few days, yet packed with experiences that will leave your guests with lasting memories.

Here are a few favourites to include in your wedding week:

• Visit Buddhist Temples. Koh Samui’s cultural sites are peaceful and picturesque. Don’t miss the golden Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, the serene Wat Plai Laem with its giant Guanyin statue, and the jungle-hidden Wat Khunaram, home to the mummified monk.
• Chase Waterfalls. Venture inland to explore Na Muang Waterfalls—twin cascades tucked into the tropical hills. Take a dip in the natural pools or stop for lunch at a nearby viewpoint overlooking the island.
• Island-Hop to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Plan a pre- or post-wedding group outing to nearby islands. Koh Phangan offers stunning beaches and relaxed bohemian vibes, while Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise with clear turquoise water.
• Beach Day Bliss. From the lively stretch of Chaweng Beach to the quiet calm of Maenam and Choeng Mon, Koh Samui’s beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or sipping cocktails at a beachfront bar.
• Local Markets & Nightlife. Fisherman’s Village in Bophut comes alive in the evenings with boutique stalls, rooftop bars, and seafood restaurants right on the sand. It’s a great casual evening out for your guests to enjoy together.
• Pampering & Wellness. Treat your guests (or yourselves) to a traditional Thai massage, a spa day, or a private yoga session overlooking the sea. It’s the perfect way to wind down between celebrations.

Is Koh Samui better than Phuket?

Phuket is lively and energetic, great for bigger crowds and nightlife. Koh Samui, by contrast, offers a more laid-back rhythm and refined atmosphere, perfect for couples wanting a celebration that feels intimate, sophisticated, and effortlessly relaxed.

Is Koh Samui more expensive than Bali?

Generally, yes. However, many couples find the experience and service well worth it. While accommodation and alcohol can be pricier, Koh Samui wedding packages offer excellent value, especially when tailored by an experienced wedding planner in Koh Samui, Thailand who can help you prioritise what matters most.

Can two foreigners get married in Thailand?

Yes. Weddings in Koh Samui can be legally recognised for foreign couples, although some paperwork is required, including a visit to your embassy in Bangkok. Many opt for a legal ceremony at home and a symbolic wedding in Thailand to simplify the process.

Is it hard to get married in Thailand?

With the right team, not at all. That’s where Easy Weddings becomes invaluable: we’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the celebration.

Where do people get married in Koh Samui?

From oceanfront chapels to clifftop villas, Koh Samui wedding destinations are as diverse as they are beautiful. Popular areas include:

• Chaweng Noi – Chic and lively, perfect for boutique-style ceremonies.
• Taling Ngam – Quiet, secluded, and ultra-luxurious.
• Bophut – Known for its charming fisherman’s village vibe.

Is Koh Samui safe and easy to get around?

Yes and yes. The island is considered very safe, and getting around is simple with taxis, hotel drivers, or private transfers. For couples and guests, it’s an easy place to explore, especially when staying near your venue.

Is Koh Samui romantic?

Undeniably. From candlelit dinners on the sand to private pool villas nestled in the hills, a Koh Samui destination wedding is just the beginning of your love story here. It’s no wonder the island is a favourite for weddings and honeymoons alike.

Are weddings in Thailand cheap?

Compared to Western countries, yes. You can host a luxurious celebration for a fraction of what it would cost at home. With tailored wedding packages in Koh Samui, Thailand, couples can enjoy exceptional service, world-class settings, and a celebration that feels both intimate and grand.

How much is a traditional Thai wedding?

Incorporating Thai wedding rituals, such as a water blessing ceremony or a Buddhist blessing, can start from around AUD $2,000. Many couples blend local traditions with Western touches, creating a day that’s deeply personal and culturally rich.

Why is Koh Samui popular?

Aside from its beauty, Koh Samui is loved for its calm energy, accessibility, and high-end feel. It’s a destination that feels like a true getaway, but one that’s surprisingly easy to reach, making it a practical yet luxurious choice for couples and their guests.