Destination Weddings: Malaysia
In Langkawi, in a lush rainforest setting fronting an arcing bay, The Datai offers intimate weddings, blessings or renewal of vows ceremonies. The hotel will arrange everything, from flowers, photography, table settings and the provision of a "tropical wedding cake", to flying in a pastor from mainland Malaysia. They can also provide witnesses and help with the filing of paperwork. This is a cosy and private cove with some of the best white sand on the island.
Another romantic option on Langkawi is the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, formerly the Sheraton Perdana Resort, where there are indoor and outdoor locations for the vows, including a jetty with a covered gazebo and spectacular views of the Andaman Sea. You can also tie the knot in a white marquee or in a pavilion at the stunning, Moorish, Four Seasons Langkawi. Then let it all sink in at a candlelit table for two.
And so, to Sabah. In Kota Kinabalu, the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa offers a "Solemnisation Package", sensibly including the registrar office service, a civil marriage celebrant and photography services. The resort also advises couples on the necessary formalities to make the marriage legal.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort offers ceremonies on the beach and similar services to its sister resort, Tanjung Aru. The Rasa Ria has its own slice of the Borneo jungle as its backdrop so orangutans may be quiet observers while you wed.