Been to enough ballroom weddings and want to venture out of the box for your own big day? Alternative venues for your special day abound—in Singapore and the region.


For A Union On Water: Genting Dream

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Big on Asian hospitality, the 335m, 20-deck tall luxury cruise ship offers 1,674 staterooms, 75 per cent with balconies, plus 100 connecting rooms for families and groups. There is 24-hour butler service, a casino, waterslide park, Zouk nightclub and some 35 restaurants and bars. Assuredly, comfort and entertainment are all pervasive for the bridal party. All weddings are all tailor made to suit each couple's specifications and subject to availability, they can book staterooms and an entire restaurant, like Silk Road & Cabaret, for their guests.

NEED TO KNOW:  According to the Singapore’s Registry of Marriages, marriage solemnisations can be conducted aboard a ship as long as it is not registered in another country. Also, the solemnisation has to be conducted within Singapore waters. Alternatively, have the solemnisation on land before partying on the vessel.

dreamcruiseline.com


 Raise The Roof: Artemis

ARTEMIS Interior (2).jpg At this sky-high restaurant, the rooftop perspectives of the Marina Bay area are simply stunning. Located some 40 storeys atop the CapitaGreen building in Singapore’s Central Business District, its night views are even better, with interior lighting perfectly tweaked to enhance the gleaming skyline. Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, sleek interiors, and its newly launched bespoke wedding packages add to the buzz.

TIP: After dinner in the main dining hall, head to the outdoor rooftop terrace to chill with guests beneath the stars. Engage a jazz musician for a sophisticated vibe.

artemisgrill.com.sg


For A Passport-Free Escape: Changi Cove

Glass Marquee4.JPG Exuding serene and rustic charm, the property comprising a hotel, conference centre and restored heritage building is set on 4 hectares of lush greenery that’s hard to come by in the city centre. The Auditorium@Changi Cove is stunning, being a 4,000-sqft pillarless space that can seat some 200 guests. Soaring two-storey glass windows add to its back-to-nature appeal. At night and softly lit, the space turns even more romantic. For something truly magical that makes you feel at one with nature without having to worry excessively about inclement weather, hold your event at the Glass Marquee @ CommandHouse. Suitable for a party of 250, it is fully air-conditioned and set aglow with chandeliers.

MUST-DO: Have your pre-dinner cocktail event at CommandHouse, set in a restored 1935 building which oozes neoclassical charm.

changicove.com


For Classic European Flair: Alcove At Caldwell House  

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This cosy heritage venue with semi-circular exterior and large Doric columns supporting a distinctive dome-shaped ceiling is perfect for smaller groups of 30 to 100 wedding guests. Leading bridal corporation Watabe Wedding Group, which has now taken Caldwell House, one of a few surviving buildings by architect George Coleman, under its wing, assures it will take care of everything at the event, from wedding coordination and photography to the bridal dress. Within the premises is a bridal boutique, Ethereal. A collaboration between Watabe Wedding and Jessicacindy, it carries ready-to-wear, made-to-measure wedding and evening gowns in the designer’s signature style of romantic intricacy. Packages include decorations, audio system with professional operator, and your choice of menus that include Asian and Western fare.

watabe-wedding.com.sg


For A Union In The Sky: Singapore Flyersingapore flyer wedding.jpg

Image courtesy of Vaness Ong

Here’s a venue not for the faint of heart. Exchange vows some 165 metres above ground with a stunning Marina Bay backdrop. It is certainly an intimate event, with a maximum of 26 people (including bridal couple and solemniser). Enjoy champagne, a wedding cake, canapes and pastries as the romantically themed capsule covers two rotations in an hour.

TIP: Continue the celebration with extended family and friends at the Flyer Lounge where you can imbibe a wide selection of pre-prandial drinks while soaking up views of the Marina Bay skyline, then dine and make merry at the Flyer Event Hall which can seat up to 360 guests.

singaporeflyer.com


For Hilltop Revelry: SamujanaJ&M - Wedding Ceremony.jpg

Located on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, it offers hilltop villas and infinity pools that overlook a coral cove with private beach access. A sprawling event space and three-tiered landscaped area with splendid views make for a great wedding setting. No worries about arrangements – the estate team manages everything, form private chefs and babysitters to massage and beauty therapists, yoga gurus, barmen, personal trainers, DJs and even fire dancers.

TIP: Fancy owning a piece of your wedding venue? You may purchase one of the 27 three- to eight-bedroom villas at Samujana as a vacation home which you can visit every anniversary and relive your magical union.

samujana.com 


For Island Bliss: The Slate Wedding on The Beach.jpg

Relaunched and refreshed, The Slate on Phuket island is just 10 minutes from the airport and offers a national park at its doorstep. Say “I do” in a classic white wedding at the Coliseum Garden or for a more island feel, consider a Thai-style sala over a dreamy lagoon. From fine dining to causal chic, choose from eight restaurants for customised wedding and reception venues. A personal wedding planner takes care of all the arrangements, and you can enjoy VIP treatment in one of the Pearl Shell Suites or pre-wedding pampering at the Coqoon Spa. Once the festivities are over and your guests have left, enjoy some private time at the award-winning spa, cooking school and soak up the lush landscaping dotted with sculpture. The property practices accepting just one wedding each day, so you can be sure you’ll get the team’s full attention.

TIP:  To protect your guests from the elements during your outdoor ceremony, include sunblock, a hat, insect repellent and a portable fan in your wedding welcome pack for each guest, and place parasols by the seats which they can use for shade and as props for photo-taking.

theslatephuket.com


(Related: Wedding Venues So Beautiful, You Don't Need Much Decor)