Raffles Hotel Singapore

Raffles Singapore stands at 1 Beach Road in the heart of the city, about 20 minutes from Changi Airport and a short MRT hop from Orchard Road. It is the city's best-known heritage hotel, with white colonial façades wrapped around garden courtyards and a cast-iron fountain in the Palm Garden that has stood there since Victorian times.

It is an all-suite hotel, with 115 suites, and there are 2,500 square metres of event space. What makes it different is the history. You marry somewhere generations of travellers have stayed, but with the polish and service of one of Asia's top city hotels.

For vows, The Lawn is the garden choice and is also used for cocktail parties. The Palm Garden and the East India Room, which opens onto the fountain, suit smaller gatherings, as does the Casuarina Suite. For a big reception, the Jubilee Ballroom holds 250 and more, with its own air-conditioned foyer, and the Palm Ballroom up to 200, with its own foyer for drinks or an afterparty. The culinary team writes menus for each wedding. Ask the team about guest numbers on The Lawn, wet weather plans and finish times.

With 115 suites, many guests can stay in the hotel itself, and Raffles offers preferential suite rates for invited family and friends. For a larger party, ask the team about blocks of rooms nearby, as the Civic District and Marina Bay are full of hotels.

Raffles Spa is on site for treatments before and after the wedding, and the solemnisation package includes a spa saving. Guests can explore Singapore's food scene, gardens and waterfront on foot or by MRT. Changi is about 20 minutes away by car.