Tea ceremony, door games and beach vows
Chinese Weddings in Thailand
Photographed and filmed by someone who knows the day
A Chinese wedding in Thailand, start to finish
Chinese weddings in Thailand are becoming more popular, and I can see why. A typical day mixes the gate-crashing games of the morning and a traditional tea ceremony with a Western-style ceremony on the beach or at a private villa overlooking the ocean. Thailand is also a practical place to gather family and friends, because guests from East and West can both reach it fairly easily, and it often costs less than a big banquet back home.
Most of the couples I work with come from Hong Kong, mainland China and Singapore, along with families who have settled in the West, such as Vancouver and the USA. The day has a lot of moving parts and a lot of people to keep track of. My job is to photograph and film all of it without turning it into a performance.
Chinese wedding photographer and videographer in Thailand
Your photographer and videographer matter more than almost any other vendor, because the pictures and film are what you keep. I’ve shot hundreds of Chinese traditional weddings in Thailand, mainly in Phuket and on Koh Samui, so I know the order of events and the moments that mean the most to the families. You can read more about my background on the about page.
I cover the whole day, from the bride getting ready to the first dance and the party. You can combine photography and video, or book either on its own. See Thailand wedding videography for the films.
Watch the films
Chinese Wedding Films in Thailand
Phuket Wedding at SAVA Villa's
Hong Kong Wedding Videography
Elisa & Christian | Phuket Wedding
Sri Panwa Resort Wedding in Phuket
How I shoot the main Chinese wedding traditions
Every family does things a little differently, depending on region, dialect and how traditional the grandparents are. The notes below are what I see most often, and I always ask the family what applies to them.
Getting ready and the gate-crashing games
The groom and his groomsmen arrive at the bride’s door and have to get past the bridesmaids, usually with challenges, forfeits and a negotiation over red packets. It’s noisy and funny, and it’s over fast. I place myself inside the room, near the door, and make sure the groom’s side is covered too so the film catches both reactions.
The tea ceremony
The couple serves tea to relatives, normally in order of seniority, and receives red packets or gifts in return. Whether they kneel, bow or stand varies by family. The ceremony often happens in a hotel room or villa living room, so I work with window light, and I ask the planner for a clear spot where I can see faces without blocking elders.
Allow plenty of time. A tea ceremony with a big family can run from thirty minutes to over an hour. I’d suggest sending me a list of who’s serving and who’s receiving, plus names, so I know whose face to look for.
Western ceremony, outfit changes and banquet
Many Chinese weddings in Thailand include a Western ceremony on the beach or lawn, followed by dinner with toasts and a change of outfit or two. Some brides wear a red dress or qipao for part of the day. Tell me your schedule, including any extra outfit changes, so I can plan portraits around light rather than squeezing them in.
Chinese weddings in Phuket
Phuket is a popular choice for Chinese couples, with private villas, beach resorts and large hotels to choose from. Because these weddings tend to be generous in scale, think early about budget and guest logistics, including flights and transfers. Many guests will have a long trip, and it helps to keep the schedule tight on the day.
I live in Phuket, so there’s no extra travel on my side. See my Phuket wedding videography and Phuket wedding photography pages, and talk to a local planner through Phuket wedding planners.
Chinese weddings in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is another favourite for Chinese couples, with a wide range of accommodation from luxury villas to more affordable hotels, plus beaches, palms and jungle for portraits. I’ve been photographing on Samui since 2011 and have worked on more than 100 weddings there. Check flight options for your guests when choosing between islands.
More details are on the Koh Samui wedding photographer and Koh Samui wedding videographer pages.
Hong Kong couples getting married in Thailand
Hong Kong couples make up a big share of my Chinese clients. The reasons I hear most are the beaches, the hospitality and the cost compared with a wedding at home. A few practical points: if you want a legal marriage, check Thai requirements and your own country’s rules early. Many couples hold a symbolic ceremony in Thailand and register at home. Hire a reliable planner, and budget for travel and accommodation for your guests.
The films on this page include a Hong Kong wedding reel and weddings at SAVA Villas and Sri Panwa in Phuket. For a wider overview of planning, the destination wedding guide is a good starting point.
Planning tips from the photographer's side
- Share your family list and the order of the tea ceremony early.
- Give door games and tea ceremony a start time with a buffer. They tend to run long, and the heat builds by noon.
- Pick one person (a planner, MC or relative) to cue me when a special moment is about to happen.
- Plan portraits for late afternoon, when the light is soft and the temperature drops.
- Take a look at the sample wedding day schedule for how I time a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you photographed and filmed Chinese weddings in Thailand before?
Yes, hundreds, mainly in Phuket and on Koh Samui. I know the typical order of the day, from door games to the tea ceremony to the Western vows, and I’ll talk through your family’s version before the wedding.
How long does a Chinese tea ceremony take?
It depends on how many relatives take part. In my experience it ranges from about thirty minutes to over an hour. A longer guest list, kneeling and gift giving all add time, so build a buffer into your schedule.
Can you photograph and film the gate-crashing games?
Yes. Door games are quick, loud and funny, and I cover them with photo and video from inside and outside the room. Let me know which games you plan, so I can position myself before the groom arrives.
Do you speak Cantonese or Mandarin?
I work in English. A bilingual planner, MC or relative who can cue me during the day is a big help, and I’ll agree who that person is on our call before the wedding.
Can I combine a Chinese tea ceremony with a Western beach ceremony?
Absolutely, and many couples do. The tea ceremony usually happens earlier in the day indoors, with the beach ceremony around 90 minutes before sunset. I’ll help you plan the timing so everyone has time to change and travel.
Which is better for a Chinese wedding, Phuket or Koh Samui?
Both work well. Phuket has more villas, larger venues and easier flights. Samui feels smaller and quieter. Think about where most of your guests are coming from, and then look at venues that suit your group size.
Get in touch
Plan your Chinese wedding in Thailand
Send me your date, venue and the traditions you’ll include through the contact page, or WhatsApp +66 84 558 0420. I reply to every message within 24 hours, and I take no more than 25 weddings a year, so the sooner you ask, the better.
