Wedding in Hoi An
Vietnam
Why choose Hoi An for your wedding?
Hoi An is a UNESCO-listed trading port in central Vietnam whose old town looks like a film set: yellow colonial houses, wooden bridges, lanterns lit every evening and a river running through the centre. It is Vietnam's most photogenic town and through the 2020s has emerged as a serious wedding destination for couples seeking an aesthetic entirely different from beach or jungle.
Travel time from London is around 14-16 hours via Doha, Bangkok or Singapore to Da Nang airport, then 30 minutes by car to Hoi An. Visa-free entry for most Western passports for up to 45 days (since 2024). Hoi An remains relatively affordable, around 30-40% cheaper than Bali for equivalent standard.
Weddings in Hoi An - style, venues and atmosphere
Hoi An weddings are intimate, cultural and often built around the lantern-lit Old Town nights and the rice paddies surrounding the town. The major hotels are Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Anantara Hoi An and Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort, all 5-15 minutes from the Old Town on neighbouring Cua Dai beach. Four Seasons The Nam Hai is the benchmark with 100 villas and private pools; wedding packages from around EUR 18,000 for 20 guests including a symbolic beach ceremony.
What we find special about Hoi An is the lantern-release ceremony on the Thu Bon River. Couples and guests release hundreds of paper lanterns from a traditional sampan at dusk - magical, and unique to Vietnam. Local planners such as Hoi An Wedding and The Wedding Atelier organise this for around EUR 800 for 50 lanterns and a boat. Many couples slot it in as a separate welcome or post-wedding event.
Legal marriage in Vietnam requires an apostilled certificate of no impediment translated into Vietnamese - the process takes 5-7 working days and costs around EUR 600 with a local coordinator. Symbolic ceremonies remain the norm. Season: February to May is the dry season at 25-30C. June to August is hot and humid; September to January is the wet season with typhoon risk (September to November is worst). Book March or April for the safest weather and a town not yet swamped with tourists.
Insider tips for Hoi An
- Tailors in Hoi An can make a wedding dress or bespoke suit for EUR 150-450 in 48 hours. Order on arrival.
- My Son temple complex (1.5 hours inland) is a less-known UNESCO site, perfect outing for adventurous guests.
- Hire bicycles for the guests (EUR 5/day). The best way to explore the rice paddies around the town.
- Old Town lanterns are lit at 6:30 pm daily. Book dinner at Vy's Market Restaurant or Morning Glory along the river to coincide with the first lantern.
- An Bang Beach (10 minutes from Old Town) is more private than Cua Dai for intimate beach ceremonies. Soul Kitchen restaurant is popular for dinner directly on the sand.
Highlights in Hoi An
- Lantern-lit streets
- Historic charm
- Riverside romance
- Custom tailoring
Who is Hoi An for?
Couples who love culture and authentic atmosphere
Wedding costs in Hoi An
€3,500 - €10,000
Our tips
Famous for tailors - order wedding attire locally. Lantern ceremonies magical.
Practical info for Hoi An, Vietnam
Frequently asked questions about weddings in Hoi An
When is the best time to get married in Hoi An?
The best season to marry in Hoi An is usually Oct-Apr (south), Feb-May (central). Famous for tailors - order wedding attire locally. Lantern ceremonies magical. Bear in mind that high-season weekends are often booked 12-18 months ahead, so start early if you have a particular date in mind.
What does a wedding cost in Hoi An?
A wedding in Hoi An costs on average €3,500 - €10,000. Expect an intimate ceremony at the lower end of the range, a mid-sized wedding of 30-50 guests in the middle, and a lavish wedding with more guests or several days at the upper end. Travel and accommodation for your guests come on top.
Are weddings legally valid in Vietnam?
Yes, with preparations For full details on which documents are required and how the marriage is registered in your home country, see our guide to legally valid weddings abroad.
How long is the flight to Hoi An?
The flight time to Hoi An is 10-12 hours. Direct flights are usually available in high season. Book your guests' travel at least 4-6 months before the wedding for the best fares.
What type of wedding suits Hoi An?
Hoi An is a particularly good fit for Couples who love culture and authentic atmosphere. The highlights include Lantern-lit streets, Historic charm, Riverside romance. Whatever the style, it is worth visiting in advance, or working with a local coordinator who can recommend the right venue for your vision.
Our recommendation for Hoi An
We recommend Hoi An for couples seeking culture, photographic beauty and low costs. 12-35 guests is the ideal size. March to April is optimal. Four Seasons for premium, Anantara for value. ALWAYS add a lantern release on the Thu Bon River - it becomes the strongest memory of the trip.
Editorial team, Wedding Abroad · Last updated May 2026
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