The destination
Phuket, for people planning a wedding here
Not a travel guide. This section covers only the parts of the island that affect a wedding: where to hold it, when, how people get there and what they do around it.
The shape of the island
Phuket is around 50 kilometres long. The west coast faces the Andaman Sea and the sunset, and holds most of the beach resorts. The east coast faces Phang Nga Bay, where the water is calmer and the properties are larger. The south is high, private and villa-heavy. The north is quiet and closest to the airport.
Journeys take longer than the map suggests. Crossing the island in the evening can take an hour, which is why we recommend concentrating guests in one area rather than letting the group scatter across three beaches.
Arriving
Phuket International Airport sits in the north. Most international guests connect through Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Doha, and some routes arrive direct. Transfer times from the airport range from about 15 minutes in the north to 90 minutes to the southern headlands.
When to come
The dry season runs roughly November to April and the monsoon roughly May to October. Both host weddings; what changes is the weather risk and how much of the plan needs a second version.
Areas of the island
West coast
The west coast
The west coast faces the Andaman Sea and therefore the sunset. It holds most of Phuket's beach resorts and is where the majority of beach weddings take place.
Roughly 45 to 75 minutes from Phuket International Airport, depending on which beach and time of day.
ReadSouth coast
Southern Phuket
The south of the island is where the headlands are highest and the private villas most concentrated. It suits couples prioritising privacy and outlook.
Roughly 60 to 90 minutes from the airport.
ReadEast coast
The east coast
The east coast faces Phang Nga Bay. The water is calmer, the light is different, and the properties are typically estate villas and marina-side venues rather than surf beaches.
Roughly 30 to 50 minutes from the airport.
ReadNorth coast
Northern Phuket
The north is quieter and closest to the airport. It suits couples who want a settled, low-traffic base rather than a busy resort strip.
Roughly 15 to 30 minutes from the airport.
ReadWhich part of the island suits your wedding?
It usually comes down to guest numbers, how much privacy you want, and whether sunset needs to be in the ceremony.