A hundred couples got their marriages off to bumpy starts when they took their Valentine’s Day wedding vows on the backs of elephants at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
Sattahip District Chief Phawat Lertmukda opened the Feb. 14 ceremony at the Najomtien tourist attraction.
The registration officer prepared evidence and the equipment for marriages while park spokesman Jiraprit Sodornphermphunlap and General Manager Phattanan Khantisukphan outlined the day’s activities in front of village heads and district officials who acted as witnesses.
A hundred couples made their wedding vows extra special by reciting them on the backs of elephants on Valentine’s Day at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
Park Director Kampol Tansajja said this was the fifth year Nong Nooch had offered Valentine’s Day elephant weddings to make a difference on the day of love. In addition, Thais believe that getting married and registering on an elephant’s back is a ceremony that will bring prosperity to life, particularly, sitting on Noi, female elephant, 96, the oldest elephant at Nong Nooch.
The event also offered the newlyweds food, gifts, and free hotel stays for couples, both gay and straight.
Transvestite Kharom Phrommala, 26, and lesbian Ekamneekan Pitwon, 21, were one gay couple that exchanged vows. They said that while they are mostly platonic friends, they have feelings of love and attachment and, since they have not changed their genders, they can legally marry.
