From seaside nuptials to regal weddings at erstwhile palaces, wedding destinations in India promise grandeur, unparalleled backdrops, and top-notch hospitality.
If you’re betrothed, it’s likely you’re looking for an idyllic destination to celebrate the union. Whether you want to exchange vows in your home city (where the couple first met) or fly your loved ones for an intimate gala by the beach, our list of celebratory destinations has something for everyone.
Best wedding destinations in India
Jaipur — For a royal affair
When you think of a ‘destination wedding’, one of the first cities that comes to mind is Jaipur. Grand palaces, impeccable hospitality, and cultural flair form the backbone of the Pink City. Whether you fancy a scintillating sangeet in a palatial courtyard, a varmala ceremony against the royal steps of a fort, or exchanging rings in a marble gazebo, Jaipur has it all. It weaves aesthetic tales of the yesteryears, offering a celebration that is steeped in tradition, executed with regal elegance, and sure to be a big hit with all your guests.
Best time: November to February
Book your stay at Fairmont Jaipur via Booking.com
Book your stay at Fairmont Jaipur via Agoda.com
Goa — For a beachside reverie
Dance to the rhythm of the waves savour a buffet by the shore, and exchange rings under the infinite shimmering stars. It’s hard to resist the allure of an altar by the sandy shore. Luckily for us, Goa promises secluded shores with crystal-clear waters and golden sands, creating the perfect setting for a celebratory beach party. Families that fancy seafood can elevate the get-together with innovative coastal kiosks alongside the buffet.
Best time: October to February
Book your stay at The St Regis Goa Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at The St Regis Goa Resort via Agoda.com
Nasik — Say ‘I Do’ at a sun-soaked vineyard
Imagine a quaint wedding ceremony at a chalet, looking into sprawling vineyards, surrounded by lush greens, crisp air, and locally produced wine! Nasik offers all this and more with its myriad vineyards, praise-worthy hospitality, and amiable weather.
Best time: October to March
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik via Booking.com
Book your stay at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Nashik via Agoda.com
Jim Corbett — For a party in the wild
Escape the bustle of the city and head to Jim Corbett for a celebration rooted in wilderness and tranquillity. The famed National Park in Uttarakhand is home to majestic tigers, deer, elephants, and various kinds of birds. On your special day, share the sky with ancient trees and rolling hills, and exchange your vows to the sounds of wildlife in the distance. For a wedding at Jim Corbett, you can pick from riverside soirées, forest retreats and exotic resorts to pocket memories of a lifetime.
Best time: October to early December
Book your stay at Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Jim Corbett via Booking.com
Book your stay at Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Jim Corbett via Agoda.com
Kerala — For a union blessed in God’s Own Country
Turn your wedding day into a tropical celebration by exchanging vows along the backwaters, on serene beaches, amidst the hills, or even on a houseboat. Kerala promises a unique blend of luxury, tradition, and heart-winning service, all made better with picturesque landscapes and ideal weather.
Best time: October to March
Book your stay at Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala via Booking.com
Book your stay at Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala via Agoda.com
Amritsar — To celebrate the Punjabi way
If you’re seeking a traditional Punjabi or Sikh wedding, look no further than Amritsar. The city’s rich culture, amiable hospitality and culinary genius unite to weave a memorable wedding celebration. It offers both luxury resorts and independent venues to celebrate your special day. Post festivities, the newlyweds can seek blessings at the esteemed Golden Temple, and begin their journey on a sacred note. Additionally, Amritsar has plenty of traditional locations for a pre-wedding photoshoot, like a farmer’s house, old kitchens, swings, and scenic spots in the village.
Best time: October to March
Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Amritsar via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Amritsar via Agoda.com
Kolkata — For a hint of Victorian influence
Consider Kolkata — the cultural capital of India — for a wedding enveloped by Victorian architecture, old museums, tram rides, and authentic Bengali cuisine. The city not only offers relatively cost-effective avenues but also delights with a host of cultural experiences for guests to indulge in.
Best time: Late February to Early April, and from late October to mid-November
Book your stay at ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata via Booking.com
Book your stay at ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata via Agoda.com
Pushkar — For new beginnings at Brahma’s abode
Honour the sacred occasion by exchanging vows in the city of the Brahma Temple and Pushkar Sarovar. Cocooned by the Aravalli Hills and rich architectural heritage, Pushkar, also known as the Rose Garden of Rajasthan, is cut out for a royal wedding. For elevated togetherness, include the city’s marvels in your wedding itinerary, like the Man Mahal, Pushkar Palace, Pushkar Lake, and Varah Ghat.
Best time: November to March
Book your stay at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa via Agoda.com
Mussoorie — To get hitched at a hill station
Mussoorie’s old-world charm, cobbled streets, and colonial architecture lend a sense of romance to the city, making it ideal for destination weddings. Nestled in the Himalayas, the city enjoys sweeping views of the Shivalik Range and Doon Valley. Plan a fairytale wedding in the Queen of Hills, where guests can not only appreciate the festivities but also be enamoured by the indulgent backdrops, misty forests, local delicacies and unmatched weather.
Best time: October to February, and from April to June
Book your stay at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort via Agoda.com
New Delhi — All heart at the capital
Another option is to get hitched in the capital. It’s not only convenient for your guests but also houses some of the plushest resorts in the country. Choose between a cosy farmhouse, an opulent resort or a marriage garden based on your guest count and desired aesthetic.
Best time: October to March
Book your stay at The Leela Palace New Delhi via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Leela Palace New Delhi via Agoda.com
(Main and Feature Image Credit: Tatjana Efimkina/Shutterstock)
Related: How The Langham, Gold Coast Hosts the Most Opulent Beachfront Weddings in the World
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Why choose India as a wedding destination?
India offers a range of spectacular locales for the ideal destination wedding. Whether it is the backwaters of Kerala, the regal palaces of Jaipur, or the sandy shores of Goa, India promises luxurious and hearty celebrations across categories.
– Do Indian destination wedding venues provide accommodations for guests?
The accommodation for guests depends on the kind of venue you book. For instance, a resort or hotel might offer both — a banquet and a stay — but a marriage garden might require the guests to check in at another hotel.
– What types of wedding themes and decor are popular in Indian destination weddings?
Depending on the destination, wedding decor in India can span various themes like royal Rajputana, Moroccan-styled decor, a Bollywood-inspired wedding with cinematic decor, as well as tropical design elements for a beach wedding. Nowadays, couples are opting for decor that is sustainable and reflects their love story and values.