Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai lies on the Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Road, among rice paddies and misty mountains outside the city. Accommodation runs across ten types, from Garden and Rice Terrace Pavilions to Pool Villas and Grand Residence Pool Villas of two to four bedrooms.

This is a very different Thai wedding from the beach resorts. The mood is northern, green and cultural. At Chaan Baan guests can plant rice with local farmers, try the potter's wheel or dye fabric with plants, and the Rim Tai Kitchen runs Thai cooking classes. Further afield, Baan Mae Kampong, a village known for fermented tea, is about an hour's drive, and Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand, about three hours.

The Lawn is the main celebration space and holds up to 150 guests. The Garden offers a sunset ceremony beneath a floral arch, and Rachawadee Residence seats 120 for dinner and the Orchid Nursery 200. Ask the team about the Garden.

What sets the resort apart is its Thai cultural ceremonies. One is led by a village elder, and another is a blessing by nine monks, a beautiful way to open the day before a Western style celebration. Vow renewals are offered too. A dedicated wedding specialist guides the planning. The weddings page covers ceremonies and celebrations rather than legal registration, so ask the team what a legal marriage in Thailand would involve, along with the music curfew.

Ten accommodation types make it easy to mix pavilions for most guests with villas and residences for family or the wedding party. Ask the team how many rooms can be held for your dates.

Food is a good reason to arrive early. North serves an elevated take on northern Thai cooking alongside Asian dishes, Rim Tai Kitchen doubles as restaurant and cooking studio, and there is a lounge for evening drinks. The Rice Barn hosts private three-hour tasting dinners, Thai or Western, beside the paddies and the lake. Wara Cheewa Spa starts the day with yoga looking over the fields and runs breathwork and wellbeing programmes. Chiang Mai airport is 35 km away, about 30 to 45 minutes by car.