STORIES BY MANYAVAR & MOHEY
Lifestyle
From Palaces to Beaches: The Top 5 Destination Wedding Spots in India
Date 10 March 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
The label "Big Fat Indian Wedding" rightfully describes the extravaganza that is the celebration of two people in love. One elusive element about weddings in India that has been gaining traction recently is the concept of "Destination Wedding."
Think of all your fairytale dreams of being married on the beach with the waves crashing against the shore or amidst the courtyard of a regal palace; planning a destination wedding in India transforms those dreams into reality.
Planning a destination wedding can be hectic, but it's rewarding at the same time. However, given how geographically diverse India is, finalising the decision of "where to plan the destination wedding in India" is the most common confusion.
What about a hippy, beachy wedding in Goa? No, wait. What about one in the midst of lush greenery and hills in Rishikesh?
The options are extensive.
This comprehensive guide will take care of this. If you have been unable to shortlist the top 5 destination wedding spots in India, allow us to do it for you.
The Allure of Destination Weddings
When it comes to weddings, every couple wants to ensure their day is filled with unforgettable memories. You want to ensure that every detail in the marriage ceremony is personalized to your likes and dislikes. Every event should be tailored to the experience of the couple, families, and guests. Destination weddings make that a reality.
Destination weddings have emerged as the "new luxury." They allow couples to exchange their vows in a picturesque setting and create an intimate experience for loved ones.
When you have fewer guests to accommodate, it becomes easier for you to pay close attention to the lavish and intricate details, be it the decor or the dining options. Not just that, destination weddings in India also double as vacations, enabling the couple and the guests to celebrate love in a more relaxed setting.
Top Wedding Destinations in India
Planning a destination wedding offers a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and exclusivity. Think of it as an experience beyond your expectations, a chance to get away from the daily hustle and chaos of life to start your life on a positive note with your favourite person by your side.
Finding the best destination wedding locations in India can be a hassle, so let's take a peek at some of the top choices worth considering:
1. Embracing a Royal Shaadi at Udaipur
The beauty of destination weddings lies in the kind of experiences you want. Udaipur, "The City of Lakes," lives up to those expectations with its royal palaces, palatial venues, and serene lakeside settings.
Why Udaipur?
- Often known for its opulent palaces, planning a ceremony in Udaipur lets you host them at royal destinations like the City Palace and the Lake Palace. Udaipur is the perfect spot if you are one of those couples who have always dreamt of having a royal shaadi with views of the iconic Lake Pichola in the background.
- Due to the diverse range of lakes available at the resorts, you can conduct your pre-wedding festivities in a romantic and serene setting, especially with views of sunset in the background.
- You can also integrate Udaipur's cultural heritage into your ceremony by hiring Rajasthani folk dancers or including some of the local cuisines.
Best time to plan: October to March
2. A Beachy Affair at Goa
For couples who enjoy the beauty of sun-kissed beaches and splashing waves as the backdrop of their nuptials, Goa is the perfect destination wedding location in India. This state's coastal charm makes it a great choice for couples who want a fun and laid-back experience.
Why Goa?
- There are a variety of beaches across Goa, both "popular and hyped" like Palolem and Anjuna and "laidback and remote" like Kalacha and Ashwem. You can pick a spot by the beach, where you can hear the splashing waves against the shoreline.
- If budget isn't a constraint, Goa also offers a plethora of luxury beach resorts. These all-inclusive resorts make your wedding planning experience a walk in the park.
- Another element of fun that makes Goa such a great spot for your big day is the vibrant nightlife, which you can incorporate into your reception night.
Best time to plan: November to March
3. Backwater Venues in God's Own Country, Kerala
For an amazing yet low-budget destination wedding in India, consider planning yours in Kerala. Amidst the serene lush greenery, backwater venues, and towering coconut trees, Kerala's beauty as your marriage destination is unmatchable.
Why Kerala?
- Kerala is a leading shaadi destination mainly because of the backwater venues in leading spots like Alleppey and Kumarakom. These venues offer an idyllic setting for your special day. The charm of the traditional houseboat cruise further adds to the charm and romance of the destination.
- Kerala is also home to various luxury resorts where you can book all-inclusive wedding packages, perfect for hosting the ceremony and gourmet dining experiences.
- You can incorporate Kerala's rich cultural traditions into your ceremony's festivities to channel the authentic experience further.
Best time to plan: March to May; November to January
4. A Dreamy Affair in Rishikesh
Located on the banks of the holy Ganga, Rishikesh is another popular spot for planning your destination wedding in India. Beyond being the "Yoga Capital" of the country, Rishikesh also stands out with its natural settings and scenic landscapes. Be it the beauty of the steep mountains or the dense pine and deodar forests, it is truly a nature lover's paradise.
Why Rishikesh?
- One of the main highlights of hosting your marriage ceremony in Rishikesh is the riverfront venues. They offer a picturesque and tranquil setting, enabling you to immerse yourself in the beauty of your special day.
- If you are in the mood for something unique, Rishikesh also serves as the "adventure capital" of India, enabling you and your guests to immerse themselves in various activities like yoga retreats, river rafting, nature walks, etc.
- Getting a chance to arrange your ceremony with a view of the Ganges is an experience you can't experience elsewhere.
Best time to plan: September to March
5. An Elegant Affair in the Pink City of Jaipur
Another renowned wedding destination in Rajasthan that deserves a shoutout is Jaipur, "The Pink City." Synonymous with grandeur and elegance, Jaipur's vast choices of majestic forts offer a great spot for a regal experience.
Why Jaipur?
- Have you ever dreamed of a ceremony like the royals? If yes, Jaipur's Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and the Rambagh Palace are some of the few destinations bound to make your dream a reality.
- Besides palaces and forts, Jaipur is also home to many luxury hotels and resorts that offer inclusive wedding packages to remove any worries about your special day. All you need to do is reach the destination and gear up for the special day.
Best time to plan: October to March
Making Your Dreams a Reality
Planning a destination wedding in India is an act of labour and love. It is a blend of unique experiences that create lasting memories.
Be it a stunning palatial event in Udaipur or a beachy affair in Goa, India has the best destination wedding locations to choose from to have your dream wedding. As you are chalking out the specifics of your wedding shortly, consider planning your ideal wedding at the perfect location.
Once your destination is fixed and the gears are in action, it's time to plan your outfits and buy traditional wedding attires that make you stand out on your special day. Discover your perfect wedding look with Manyavar.
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