Love against the grain – Alex and Dani’s same-sex wedding in Thailand

For years, the Land of Smiles has been defined by a palpable sense of freedom and openness, drawing in the global LGBTQ+ community, year in, year out, like moths to a rainbow-lit flame. Yet, for all its progressive charm, the right to equal marriage was one particular frontier that we just couldn’t seem to conquer. That is of course, until June of this year when a historic bill was passed in parliament, making us the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage. The news came as a welcome, if overdue, victory for Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community, many of whom had previously had to look beyond the nation’s borders or seek out unconventional means to officially seal their unions and have the same-sex wedding of their dreams. Alex and Dani were one of those couples…

In December of 2022, this Thai lesbian couple tied the knot with a symbolic ceremony at The Siam Hotel in Bangkok after having an official online wedding under US law. We caught up with Alex to get the scoop on everything from their proposal to their wedding day, to their hopes for the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand.

Tell us about the proposal.

I proposed to her six months after we first met (we first met during a photoshoot on September 5, 2018). I invited her to be the Master of Ceremony for my project, “Thai Film Festival in Malaysia.” as she was a model/actress in Thailand.

After the event was successfully done and she was all dressed up beautifully, I had planned photos of the sunset in one of the nearby hotels together. I set up the room with candles and balloons, and when she walked in, I played our song ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’ and asked her to open so many red boxes until she found the Cartier box, but when she opened it she found nothing. I then smiled and told her that I would give her what was inside, but she needed to answer one question. Then, I knelt on one knee and asked her to marry me while the curtain behind me gradually opened, and there was the proposal “Would you marry me” with the view of sunset, of course.

She said yes right away. We hugged and I gave her a big surprise by inviting her best friends to share this happy moment with her since she had come here alone from abroad.

That sounds so romantic! What made you choose The Siam Hotel in Bangkok as your wedding venue?

It was during the pandemic and it was quite difficult to find the venue. What we had in mind was somewhere small, cosy, and beautiful. We took a look at the Siam Hotel and we loved it right away so we booked a night over there and scheduled for a viewing of the venue. I must say that seeing The Siam Hotel was a love at first sight. The staff were awesome. I could feel the welcoming energy from everyone without feeling discriminated against because we are a same-sex couple. Accordingly, The Siam Hotel was our only choice.

What were the most memorable parts of your wedding day? And how did having a wedding in Thailand feel after having your first ceremony online under US law?

We were thrilled that we could finally get married legally, even though not in our home country, but it is valid in the US and therefore all over the world too. After the online ceremony, we did have our wedding ceremony done officially by a Christian celebrant.

We were surrounded by friends, families, and colleagues who wished us the very best against all odds. It was very heartwarming and I feel so grateful that when our celebrant asked our guests if they would support our union they all said yes so loud with smiles on their faces.

We’re sure you’ve heard the amazing news that Thailand has legalised same-sex marriage! How did you both feel when you found out? And what are your hopes for the future of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in Thailand now that this significant step has been taken?

We were thrilled to find out that it had happened! We were waiting for it for so long along with others of the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand. It is long overdue since commercially Thailand welcomes tourists of all genders and orientations.

As of now, we are waiting for the Act to be enacted so that LGBTQ+ married couples can receive the same rights and benefits as heterosexual ones.

Do you have any special plans to celebrate?

Yes, we do but it is a secret lol. But I can give you a hint: it’s going to be like a fairytale.

If Alex and Dani‘s story has inspired you to have your own wedding in Thailand, we recommend you take a look at our comprehensive guide before you start planning.