The elephant has special significance in Thai culture and in some parts of Thailand the elephant used to play an important part in the wedding day by transporting the groom to the bride’s house. Walking under the elephant was also believed to bring good luck for the newly-weds.
If you want to feature elephants in your wedding, then it is something that is easiest to arrange via a local wedding planner or a hotel that has had previous experience of organizing such events. If you are intent on arranging everything yourself rather than use the services of a wedding planner or hotel, then your choices are more limited. One option is to contact an elephant training camp who, for a fee, may be willing and able to help out. Elephant camps can be found in various parts of Thailand especially the northern provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
Elephant Conservation Centre, Lampang
The elephant conservation centre in Lampang is located a 2 hour drive south of the city of Chiang Mai. The centre is under royal patronage and is at the forefront of elephant conservation in Thailand. For the past few years the centre has incorporated elephant-back weddings which are held on Valentine’s Day. In a similar way to the Trang Underwater Wedding, the event helps to promote responsible eco-tourism and has the backing of local and national tourist boards. The ceremony follows northern Thai or Lanna tradition and includes the khan maak procession, the gate ceremony and a local khan tok dinner where guests dine sitting on the floor around a low table.
Thai Wedding Packages Featuring Elephants
Numerous hotels can arrange this for you and those below are just offered as a suggestion and to enable you to compare costs and services available.
The Dusit Laguna, Phuket
The Dusit Laguna can arrange a baby elephant to take part in the khan maak or long-drum procession or organize the event so that an elephant takes the bride and groom to the wedding venue. More details together with prices are available from the hotel.
Hotel website »
Anantara, Golden Triangle, Northern Thailand
Anantara hotel in Chiang Rai province is situated in the Golden Triangle region where three countries converge; Thailand, Laos and Burma.
Hotel website »