Destination Wedding Location: Hong Kong Destination Wedding

Are you excited for another great destination wedding location? Take a break from your taxes for a moment and let’s travel around the world to Hong Kong for a Hong Kong destination wedding.

While Hong Kong may not be a place that immediately crosses your mind when you think of a destination wedding, it’s definitely worth considering. New York is known as the city that never sleeps, but I think Hong Kong could give New York a run for its money. Hong Kong is a bustling island (much like Manhattan) that is full of energy and life. There is always something going on somewhere and I have to say that the food there is AMAZING.

Hong Kong has had an interesting and bumpy history, which has affected its current culture and life. Originally Hong Kong was a part of China and then it became a British colony and now is a part of China again. While you definitely feel like you are in China, there is also that European influence which can be seen and felt everywhere. Hong Kong is a true East meets West mash-up; it is modern and metropolitan while also still keeping traditional Chinese practices. As the culture is varied, so are each of the areas on the island. You have everything from luxury hotels to beaches to skylines to racetracks, all on one island. Where else can you find all that? This is what I think makes Hong Kong so interesting and a great place for a destination wedding.

(A view from the Peak – nature amongst the city)

Getting married in Hong Kong is relatively easy as there are no residency requirements, but there are some special rules that you must follow. You must appear in person at least 17 days before your wedding to file your Notice of Marriage (if you can’t appear in person, some mailing options are available, but you still must appear in person to verify). After the Notice is filed, 15 “clear” days (17 days including Sundays) must elapse to allow any person authorized by law to file a written objection to the proposed marriage. If no objection is received by the end of this period, the marriage can take place.

Children under age 16 are not allowed to marry and minors (which are considered ages 16-21) need the written consent of their father or legal guardian. Those in the armed forces also have some additional paperwork and processing time. Two witnesses are required and the actual ceremony can take place either at a Marriage Registry Office or in a licensed church. It is not necessary to have both a church and Registry wedding.

(Photo credit: Aidan Dockery)

From a weather standpoint, Hong Kong can be miserably hot and humid during the summer months. I’d suggest having your Hong Kong destination wedding either in the spring, late fall or even winter to avoid the stickiness. The big holiday in Hong Kong that you need to be aware of is Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year changes every year, but it usually falls sometime in late January/early February. Keep this holiday in mind when planning because businesses and schools are out for the celebrations and travel arrangements may be more expensive. On the flip side, if you choose to go during this timeframe, you and your guests will be able to partake in some very cool festivities.

(Photo credit: Wingo Lee and Photography)

A Hong Kong destination wedding appeals to those urban couples that want an exotic locale without giving up all of the perks of a city like awesome food, great transportation and activities galore. In addition, because of the big expat community and the British influence, you can get around without knowing any Cantonese (although learning another language is always fun). I think Hong Kong also appeals to adventurous couples that like to explore, get out of their comfort zones a little bit and want to give their guests a different wedding experience. This is not your laid back kind of wedding, but I think that provides a bit of excitement, don’t you?

I personally really enjoy Hong Kong for its diversity and cultural experiences. While it is a city and has all that a city comes with (noise, pollution, lots of people), there is also something more, something intangibly exciting about the place. There is so much to see, do, hear, touch and smell. There are also so many little corners to discover and uncover and every time I go, it’s a different experience. It is truly a great place to make memories for your destination wedding.

(Photo credit: 39 East Photography)

I’m longing to go to Hong Kong now and if this sounds like your kind of place you should definitely consider a Hong Kong destination wedding. If not, check back for another thrilling location coming your way soon!