Traditionally, elopement meant running away to get married in secret, without any guests present. Today, this term has evolved to describe intimate weddings with fewer than 10 guests or none at all – a trend that has been gaining significant momentum in recent years. In fact, at Phuket Romance, elopement inquiries have reached up to 40% of all wedding requests in 2024.
The growing appeal of elopements stems from several practical and personal considerations. Many couples choose this path to manage wedding costs more effectively, as expenses can increase substantially with each additional guest. Others seek to minimize the stress of extensive wedding planning, particularly when professional planning assistance isn’t readily available. Moreover, some couples are drawn to the idea of exchanging vows in unique or exotic locations where organizing a larger celebration might be impractical for their guests.
Planning Options in Phuket
It’s not surprising that Phuket has become one of Asia’s favorite destinations for elopements, with its world-famous beaches, convenient flight connections, and top-class hospitality. When planning an elopement in Phuket, there are two main approaches to consider.
The first option is selecting an all-inclusive resort package, which can be the most cost-effective choice. However, despite the growing demand, only about 20% of resorts in Phuket currently offer dedicated elopement packages. Furthermore, not all of these packages represent great value, as some are simply scaled-down versions of their standard wedding packages with minimal adjustments. Nevertheless, some resorts provide exceptional value with dedicated elopement packages, such as:
- SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort, offering their “Simple Package” starting from just 1,100 USD
- The Pavilions, with their competitive “Wedding Bliss” package from 1,400 USD
- The Boathouse, which recently introduced their elopement package starting from 1,500 USD
These packages typically include core ceremony elements but exclude dinner reception arrangements. Couples should also anticipate additional costs for supplementary services such as photography or enhanced floral arrangements.
The second approach involves venue rental – securing the location without additional services. This option suits couples seeking a more customized experience and working with larger budgets. Though not typically listed in wedding brochures, most resorts offer this option, and the fees are generally more affordable than most couples expect. In many of Phuket’s premier locations, venue rental typically ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 USD per day. This approach requires engaging a wedding planner to design the celebration and put together a personalized team of vendors to deliver on the vision.
Making Your Choice
In terms of overall costs, couples can expect to organize an elopement in Phuket for 4,000-5,000 USD with all-inclusive standardized packages, while personalized celebrations based on venue rental typically start from 8,000 USD. As elopements continue to gain popularity, Phuket Romance is currently collaborating with hotel partners to create exclusive elopement packages available only through our platform. Reach out to know more.
Photography by Roon Photographer
