How Much Does a Wedding in Thailand Cost? (Skugga Edition]
- Skugga Editorial Team
- Dec 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
"How much?" is the first question every couple asks, and usually the last one venues want to answer. We believe transparency is the beginning of trust.
The cost of a wedding in Thailand varies wildly—from a simple beach blessing for $1,000 to a million-dollar ballroom extravaganza in Bangkok. However, for a high-quality, intimate destination wedding in Chiang Mai, the costs are significantly lower than in Singapore, Hong Kong, or Europe, while often offering higher service standards.
At Skugga Estate, we price for value and privacy. You aren't paying for a brand name hotel chain; you are paying for exclusive access to a private estate.
Estimated Cost of a Destination Wedding in Chiang Mai (2026)
Expense Category | Budget / DIY Style | Boutique / Vineyard | Luxury Hotel / Resort |
Venue Rental Fee | ฿20,000 - ฿50,000 | ฿80,000 - ฿150,000 | ฿200,000 - ฿500,000+ |
Food (Per Guest) | ฿800 - ฿1,000 | ฿1,200 - ฿1,800 | ฿2,500 - ฿4,500 |
Alcohol (Per Guest) | ฿500 (Beer only) | ฿1,000 - ฿1,500 (Free Flow) | ฿2,500+ (Open Bar) |
Decor & Flowers | ฿30,000 | ฿80,000 - ฿150,000 | ฿300,000+ |
Planner / Coordination | DIY (฿0) | ฿40,000 - ฿80,000 | ฿150,000+ |
TOTAL (50 Guests) | ~฿250,000 ($7k USD) | ~฿450,000 ($13k USD) | ~฿1,000,000+ ($30k USD) |
The 2026 Currency Advantage: For 2026, Northern Thailand remains significantly more cost-effective than island competitors. Market data suggests that a luxury wedding in Chiang Mai costs 30-40% less than a comparable setup in Phuket or Bali, primarily due to lower vendor / logistics costs and favorable exchange rates for Singaporean and Hong Kong couples. You get the "Quiet Luxury" aesthetic for a fraction of the island price tag.
Here is a realistic breakdown of where your budget goes.
1. The Venue Fee: What Are You Paying For?
At a hotel, the venue fee often just gets you the room. At a vineyard estate, the venue fee unlocks the land.
At Skugga, the venue rental typically includes:
Exclusivity: The most valuable asset. We ensure no other weddings or large tour groups are on-site.
Multiple Locations: Use of the Vineyard for the ceremony, the Lawn for cocktails, and the "Upstairs" restaurant for dinner.
Photo Access: Full access to the Classic Car Garage and estate grounds for photography.
Technical Basics: Standard sound systems, lighting, and furniture are often included, saving you from renting external gear.
2. Food & Beverage: The "Per Head" Cost
This is your biggest variable.
The Standard: Hotels often charge per table (Chinese Banquet style) or per head (Buffet).
The Skugga Difference: We focus on Farm-to-Table. Instead of imported salmon, we highlight local river prawns, organic estate vegetables, and high-quality meats.
The Drinks: This is where vineyards shine. Instead of paying corkage on supermarket wine, you serve our estate Wines and craft beers. We also offer non-alcoholic packages featuring our famous Cold Brew Coffee and Cascara Tea from the Coffee Roastery.
3. Decor & Florals: "Less is More"
This is where Skugga saves you money.
Ballroom Weddings: Require thousands of dollars in draping, flower walls, and structures to hide the carpet and walls.
Vineyard Weddings: The view is the decor. A simple arch, local tropical flowers on the tables, and candlelight are all you need. The "Green Season" provides a backdrop so lush that bringing in too many flowers actually distracts from the beauty.
4. The "Hidden" Costs (And How to Avoid Them)
Transport: Guests need to get to the Mae On valley. Budget for a shuttle van rental (approx. 2,500 - 3,500 THB per van for a half-day).
Favors: Don't ship expensive gifts from home. Use our Gift Shop to curate local favors—Artisan Chocolate bars from the Chocolate Lab cost less than imported trinkets and mean much more.
Planner Fees: For a micro-wedding (under 30 pax), you may not need a full-service planner. Our on-site team handles the venue flow, leaving you to just coordinate a photographer and celebrant.
5. Sample Budget Tiers (Estimates)
The Elopement (2-4 Pax):
Includes: Ceremony, Photographer (2 hrs), Private Dinner, Wine.
Vibe: Pure romance. Low stress.
The Micro Wedding (20-30 Pax):
Includes: Shuttle for guests, Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Buffet/Set Dinner, Open Bar (Wine/Beer).
Vibe: An intimate dinner party with your favorite people.
The Full Celebration (50+ Pax):
Includes: Full Planner, Live Band, elaborate florals, Videography.
Vibe: A traditional wedding structure in a non-traditional setting.
Is it Worth It?
A vineyard wedding offers "Quiet Luxury." You are spending less on things that don't matter (chair covers, stages) and more on things that do (privacy, good wine, incredible photos).
Every wedding is unique. Tell us your guest count and vision, and we will build a transparent proposal for you.
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