Best Destination Weddings in India with Venue Cost

Picture this: Tying knots under the golden glow of a heritage palace or feeling the warm ocean breeze on a sun-drenched beach. Destination Weddings in India aren’t just events—they’re magical experiences! From the regal forts of Jaipur & Udaipur to the serene shores of Goa and the banks of Ganga at Rishikesh, India is bursting with breathtaking wedding venues. Whether you dream of a grand royal affair, an intimate hillside retreat, or a picture-perfect beach ceremony, India makes it all possible.

But here’s the thing—planning a destination wedding isn’t just about inviting guests, booking flights and venues. It’s about perfecting every little detail, from guest logistics to dreamy decor. Sound overwhelming? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! With expert advice, clever planning hacks, and stress-busting tips, we’ll help you navigate every step, making sure your destination wedding in India is not only jaw-dropping but smooth and stress-free.

So, are you ready to dive into the wedding journey of a lifetime? Let’s turn your dream into a breathtaking reality with a dash of wedding magic and a whole lot of unforgettable moments!

Which are the Popular Destination Weddings Places in India?

With so many breathtaking destination weddings locations across India, narrowing down the perfect one can feel like a challenge! That’s why we’ve curated a list of the most popular cities and states, packed with all the details you need to plan your dream wedding. From royal palaces to serene beaches, we’ve got you covered. Ready to explore the possibilities? Dive into the information below to start planning, or reach out to our wedding experts at 08071176661 if you're looking for hidden gems and offbeat wedding destinations in India.

Destination Weddings in Goa

Photo of a wedding venue in Goa

Goa has been a popular tourist and wedding destination for centuries now! There’s nothing like a sublime wedding in Goa on the pristine sand against the backdrop of the glorious ocean. That’s not all! The beautiful wedding venues in Goa take your wedding celebration a notch up on the charm scale! 

  • Avg. Cost of destination wedding in Goa - ₹25 - ₹50L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Goa International Airport (GOI) |Manohar International Airport (GOX) |Margao Railway Station | Vasco-da-Gama Railway Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - October to March

  • Popular Ceremonies - Beach Weddings, Outdoor Weddings

Popular Wedding Venues - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa | Lalit Garden Open Air Venue | Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel

Destination Weddings in Udaipur

Photo of a wedding venue in Udaipur

Remember Aditi’s wedding from YJHD? That’s how magical destination weddings in Udaipur feel like! You can have your own version of this YJHD wedding at the popular palaces, havelis forts and other wedding venues in Udaipur. The gorgeous lakes of the city in the background of your ceremony make it no less than a fairytale wedding.

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Udaipur- ₹40L - ₹2Cr

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR)| Udaipur City Railway Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - September to March

  • Popular Ceremonies - Royal weddings, Palace Weddings, Fort Weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - Ramada by Wyndham | Taj Lake Palace | Chunda Palace

Destination Weddings in Jim Corbett

Delhities favourite escape, the Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand is a popular addition to the list of destination wedding locations in India. The city's pleasant weather and scenic views of the hills will make your guests fall in love with your wedding. From wedding hotels to gardens, the wedding venues in Jim Corbett are varied. Know the city’s pivotal details before picking it as your wedding destination! 

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Jim Corbett - ₹15L - ₹40L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Pantnagar Airport  (PGH) | Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport) (DED)| Ramnagar Railway Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - October to February

  • Popular Ceremonies - Hill Weddings, Garden Weddings, outdoor weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - Corbett River Creek Resort | The Roar Resort | WH Corbett Ramganga Resort

Destination Weddings in Kerala

Kerala, the southernmost state of India, is often called God’s own country. And why not? From the stellar range of western ghats to peaceful beaches, the state has some of the most beautiful landscapes to offer to couples looking to plan their destination wedding in Kerala. Additionally, an array of wedding venues in Kerala in all categories and budgets make your wedding dreams come true with their out-of-the-world interiors and premium services. 

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Kerala- ₹15L - ₹40L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Cochin International Airport (COK) | Ernakulam Junction South (ERS) | Thiruvananthapuram Central Station (TVC) | Ernakulam Town Station (ERN)

  • Best Time To Get Married - Throughout the year

  • Popular Ceremonies - Beach weddings, hill weddings, houseboat weddings, temple weddings

Popular Wedding Venues - Kumarakom Lake Resort | Forte Kochi Hotel | Kochi Marriott Hotel

Destination Weddings in Rishikesh

The holy city Rishikesh has grown popular quite rapidly, both among travellers and couples, in the last few years. The majestic river Ganga flowing through the city and the foothills of the Grand Himalayas will make sure that your destination wedding in Rishikesh is nothing short of breathtaking! From resorts to wedding gardens and farmhouses to open terraces, you will never run out of choices when browsing the wedding venues in Rishikesh for your big day.

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Rishikesh- ₹10L - ₹20L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun| Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH)

  • Best Time To Get Married - October to March

  • Popular Ceremonies - Hill Weddings, Garden Weddings, Riverside weddings

Popular Wedding Venues - Summit By The Ganges Resort | Pebbles Resort | Camp Brook

Destination Weddings in Lonavala

This beautiful hill station in Maharashtra is about hills, waterfalls and lakes. If you are planning a destination wedding in Maharashtra, Lonavala might just be your dream destination. The wedding venues in Lonavala set up against the backdrop of regal forts, lush green trails and stunning waterfalls are sure to win the hearts of your guests. Have a look at all that you need to know to plan a destination wedding in Lonavala! 

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Lonavala - ₹10L - ₹20L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Pune International Airport | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai | Lonavala Railway Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - October to May

  • Popular Ceremonies - Hill Weddings, Garden Weddings, Fort weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - Radisson Resort & Spa | Della Resorts | Kamshet Highland Glamping Resort

Destination Weddings in Dehradun

The capital city of the state of Uttarakhand is another gem when it comes to destination weddings in India. Weddings in this city are usually surrounded by mountains, mist and all things green. This gorgeous landscape combined with the pleasant weather of Dehradun is perfect for couples planning a serene and beautiful wedding. Being a popular wedding destination, most wedding venues in Dehradun have years of experience in planning weddings. If you are planning a destination wedding but want to skip all the hassle, Dehradun is the place to be!

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Dehradun- ₹15L - ₹45L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station -  Jolly Grant Airport | Dehradun Train Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - March to September

  • Popular Ceremonies - Hill Weddings, Garden Weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - The River's Edge Farm | The Landmark | Song Valley Resort

Destination Weddings in Agra

What could be better than marrying the love of your life in the ‘city of love’ in India? Home to the Taj Mahal, this city celebrates love like none other. If you are planning your destination wedding in Agra, you must expect more indoor wedding venues than outdoor ones. With several popular Mughal architectural wonders, you will find forts, palaces and more heritage wedding venues in Agra. Here, take a look at the details of the city as a wedding destination. 

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Agra - ₹20L - ₹50L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station -  Agra Airport/ Kheria Airport | Agra Cantt Railway Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - Mid-October to March

  • Popular Ceremonies - Fort weddings, resort weddings, palace weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - ITC Mughal | Holiday Inn | JD Farmhouse Marriage Home

Destination Weddings in Mussoorie

Mussorie is another hill station in India nestled between the opulent range of the Himalayas. This beautiful city cannot not be on your list if you are planning a destination wedding in India, particularly in the mountains. A summer wedding in Mussoorie will be pleasant and certainly a respite from the scorching heat waves in the big cities. A winter wedding, however, is a good idea for those fond of extreme winter and snowfall. The gorgeous wedding venues in Mussoorie will make your wedding a dream come true. 

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Mussoorie- ₹10L - ₹30L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station -  Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun | Dehradun Train Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - October- February & April – June

  • Popular Ceremonies - Hill Weddings, Garden Weddings

Popular Wedding Venues - Kasmanda Palace | Hotel Shilton | Hotel The Pride

Destination Weddings in Jodhpur

A little less known location for a destination wedding in Rajasthan is the blue city of India - Jodhpur. This city with its unique and royal flavours enables you to plan a breathtakingly beautiful destination wedding in the forts, palaces and other wedding venues in Jodhpur.

These venues are not only gorgeous but they are equipped with world-class facilities and amenities that make it convenient for you to plan your wedding in the city. Have a look at the basic deets before you start planning your wedding in the city.  

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Jodhpur- ₹30L - ₹2Cr

  • Nearest Airport/ Station -  Jodhpur Domestic Airport |Jodhpur Junction

  • Best Time To Get Married - October- February 

  • Popular Ceremonies - Palace weddings, Fort weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - Uchiyarda Farm Jodhpur | Kankariya Heritage | Haveli Resort

Destination Weddings in Shimla

The current capital of Himachal Pradesh and the summer capital of British India, Shimla is among the top wedding destinations in India. Situated 2,276 m above sea level, Shimla offers an array of scenic views and a pleasant climate to tie the knot in! If you are planning a mountain wedding in India, a destination wedding in Himachal Pradesh’s capital might be a great idea. We bring to you the best wedding venues in Shimla at affordable prices.

Destination Weddings in Manali

Snow-capped mountains, a cool breeze, and a rich pahadi culture are all part of this beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The place is already quite popular among tourists and travellers, and thousands of people turn to Manali every year to get a respite from the busy city life. However, not many people know that some of the most renowned wedding venues in Himachal Pradesh are in Manali too! These venues offer premium services in addition to stunning mountain views. So, if a mountain wedding is what you dream of, Manali is the place to be!

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Manali- ₹25L - ₹50L and beyond

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar) Airport | Joginder Nagar Railway Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - October to June

  • Popular Ceremonies - Hill Weddings, Garden Weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - ManuAllaya Resort Spa | The Manali Inn |Citrus Resort

Destination Weddings in Kashmir

They call it ‘the heaven on Earth’ and we can’t agree more. The beauty of Kashmir is simply unmatched! Be it the sublime snow, lush greenery or beautiful flowers blooming all over the State, Kashmir makes you fall in love with it. The serene and gorgeous wedding venues in Kashmir are perfect for those planning to get married in a tranquil wedding setting. Check out the venues and get ready to tie the knot in one of the most romantic places in the world!

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Kashmir- ₹10L - ₹50L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Srinagar International Airport | Srinagar Railway Station

  • Best Time To Get Married - April to October

  • Popular Ceremonies - Hill Weddings, Garden Weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - Namrose Resorts and Spa| Vivanta Dal View| Nigeen Lake View Resort

Destination Weddings in Darjeeling

This surreal wedding location is yet to be very popular among couples to tie the knot! Surrounded by the lush greenery, magnificent mountains and sublime mist, your wedding in Darjeeling will look like a scene from heaven. Check out the popular wedding venues in Darjeeling that offer you stunning wedding settings but their wedding services help you with the wedding experience you dream of. Take a look at the key details of destination weddings in Darjeeling. 

  • Avg. Cost Of Wedding in Darjeeling- ₹15L - ₹50L

  • Nearest Airport/ Station - Bagdogra Airport | Darjeeling railway station

  • Best Time To Get Married - March to May or from October to November

  • Popular Ceremonies - Hill Weddings, Garden Weddings

  • Popular Wedding Venues - Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri | Hotel TSA | Allita Hotels and Resorts

Why are Indian Cities Trending As Wedding Destinations?

We recently conducted a survey to find out that more than 47% of urban Indian couples are choosing destination weddings over traditional local weddings.  The diverse landscape of the country enables you to select your dream wedding backdrop. Be it the beaches, mountains, lakes, forts, palaces or temples, India has got them all. Secondly, India is a 365-day wedding destination. While winter weddings are surreal in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, you can move to the South or choose Himachal, Uttarakhand and even North-Eastern Indian states as your summer wedding destination. 

Finally, with the government promoting India as a wedding destination, India has taken a few initiatives to make your destination wedding planning easy and beneficial. Simplified Visa process, a boost in infrastructure development and tax-saving options on wedding-related expenditures to name a few. There could not have been a better time to opt for a destination wedding in India than now. Take a look at the popular Indian wedding destinations, and let us help you plan your big day beautifully at a beautiful wedding location! 

Destination Wedding Planning Under Different Budget

Destination Weddings in India under 10 Lakh

A common misconception about destination weddings in India is that they have to be expensive. To burst the myth, we sat down to plan a destination wedding budget of under 10 lakhs. Yes, you heard that right! Planning a destination wedding in India under ₹10 Lakhs is definitely possible, with careful planning and execution. Here’s a breakdown of how you can allocate your 10-lakh wedding budget:

Type of Wedding Expenses

Ideal budget you should allocate

Venue & Accommodation

3 lakh

Catering

2.5 lakh

Decoration

1 lakh

Outfit

1 lakh

Photography & Videography

80,000

Travel

1 lakh

Entertainment

50,000

Miscellaneous  (Invitations, wedding favours, etc.)

20,000

Destination Weddings in India under 15 Lakh

Moving ahead, let’s talk about planning a destination wedding in India with ₹15,00,000 in your pocket! India offers a diverse range of landscapes which makes planning a destination wedding on a budget easy. You can go to Alibag and Puri for budget-friendly beach weddings, while pocket-friendly destination wedding places in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh enable you to plan a gorgeous hill wedding. Not to forget the majestic Western Ghats and temples of South India make for a great wedding backdrop! 

Here's a breakdown of how you can allocate your 15-lakh wedding budget: 

Type of Wedding Expenses

Ideal budget you should allocate

Venue & Accommodation

4 lakh

Catering

3.5 lakh

Decoration

1.5 lakh

Outfit

1.5 lakh

Photography & Videography

1.2 lakh

Travel

1.5 lakh

Entertainment

1 lakh

Miscellaneous (Invitations, wedding favours, etc.)

80,000


Destination Weddings in India under 20 Lakh

Next, if you are planning a wedding in India under ₹20,00,000, you can explore the more elaborate mid-range destination wedding options in India.  You can explore the wide range of wedding venues in India and choose a wedding destination and venue that suits you the best. 

Here's a breakdown of how you can allocate your 20-lakh budget effectively.

Type of Wedding Expenses

Ideal budget you should allocate

Venue & Accommodation

5 lakh

Catering

4.5 lakh

Decoration

2 lakh

Outfit

2 lakh

Photography & Videography

1.5 lakh

Travel

2 lakh

Entertainment

1.5 lakh

Miscellaneous (Invitations, wedding favours, etc.)

2.5 lakh

Destination Weddings in India under 30 Lakh

For a wedding budget of 30 lakhs, you can plan a gorgeous and comprehensive destination wedding experience. You can choose your favourite season to get married on this budget. We’d still recommend choosing the off-wedding season for better deals and discounts. Here’s how you can allocate your 30-lakh budget. 

Type of Wedding Expenses

Ideal budget you should allocate

Venue & Accommodation

7 lakh

Catering

6 lakh

Decoration

4 lakh

Outfit

3 lakh

Photography & Videography

2.5 lakh

Travel

3.5 lakh

Entertainment

2 lakh

Miscellaneous (Invitations, wedding favours, etc.)

2 lakh


Destination Weddings in India under 50 Lakh

Finally, if you have ₹50,00,000 lakhs to spend on your wedding, you can enjoy a luxury destination wedding in India. You can choose from the royal palaces of Rajasthan to the breezy beaches of Goa to make your special day even more memorable. Here’s how you can allocate your 50-lakh budget:

Type of Wedding Expenses

Ideal budget you should allocate

Venue & Accommodation

12 lakh

Catering

10 lakh

Decoration

8 lakh

Outfit

6 lakh

Photography & Videography

5 lakh

Travel

4 lakh

Entertainment

3 lakh

Miscellaneous (Invitations, wedding favours, etc.)

2 lakh

Tips For Planning A Budget-Friendly Destination Weddings in India

We are all about helping you plan your dream wedding without burning holes in your pocket. While it is popularly believed that destination weddings are expensive, we list the best wedding venues in all popular wedding destinations for all budgets. Additionally, we curated a number of tips and tricks that can be useful for saving money when planning your destination wedding in India. Have a look. 

  • Plan Early - Start planning at least a year in advance to get the best deals on venues, flights, and vendors.

  • Choose Off-Season Dates - Opt for dates during the off-season (like summer or monsoon) when prices are lower and venues offer discounts.

  • Select an All-Inclusive Venue - Pick venues that provide packages including accommodation, food, and decor to save on separate costs.

  • Limit Guest List - Keep your guest list small and intimate. Fewer guests mean lower costs for food, accommodation, and travel.

  • Book Group Travel - Book travel tickets in bulk for your guests to get group discounts from airlines and transport companies.

  • Use Local Vendors - Hire local vendors for services like catering, decoration, and photography to avoid additional travel and accommodation costs.

  • DIY Decor and Favours - Create your own decorations and wedding favours. It adds a personal touch and saves money on professional services.

  • Simplify Your Menu - Offer a limited but delicious menu. Fewer options can still impress your guests and reduce catering costs.

  • Negotiate with Vendors - Always negotiate prices with vendors. They often have some flexibility, especially if you’re booking multiple services.

  • Rent Wedding Outfit - Consider renting bridal and groom outfits instead of buying. This is especially useful for high-end designer clothes. You can try shopping from local markets instead of designers if you want to buy.

  • Digital Invitations - Send digital invitations via email or social media instead of printed ones to save on printing and postage.

  • Combine Events - Merge events like Mehendi and Sangeet into one evening to save on venue and catering costs.

  • Limit Alcohol - Reduce or limit the alcohol served at your wedding. You can just serve wine and beer instead of a full bar.

  • Use Seasonal Flowers - Choose seasonal and local flowers for decoration, which are cheaper and fresher.

  • Hire an Experienced Planner - An experienced wedding planner can help you find the best deals and avoid costly mistakes.

  • Opt for Simple Entertainment Instead of hiring expensive performers, consider simple entertainment options like a DJ or a local band.

  • Avoid Weekend Weddings - Host your wedding on a weekday to save on venue and vendor costs, as weekends are usually more expensive.

Destination Weddings Near Popular Cities

The big city life is all great and convenient, but it ain’t really peaceful. This is one of the reasons why we escape to mountains, beaches and just the countryside on the very first chance we get. More and more couples are now opting to marry away from the chaos of city life, making destination weddings in India more popular than ever! We mention the best wedding destinations near your city to make your destination wedding planning journey easier.

Destination Weddings Near Delhi

The capital city of India is surrounded by gorgeous wedding locations, be it the range of Himalayas in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh or the historical palaces in Rajasthan. If you are looking for a wedding destination near Delhi, you are in for a treat.

The Most Popular Wedding Destinations Near Delhi are:

Rishikesh

Manali

Shimla

Mcleodganj

Kasol

Kasauli

Dharamshala

Nainital

Agra

Destination Weddings Near Mumbai

Mumbai, probably the busiest city in India, escapes to the lands of Lonavala, Khandala, Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar and Lavasa. For those looking for a wedding destination near Mumbai, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From beach wedding venues to hill station weddings, you get them all near Mumbai.

Lonavala and Khandala

Igatpuri

Alibaug

Karjat

Mahabaleshwar

Panchgani

Lavasa

Goa

Destination Weddings Near Bangalore

The ‘IT Capital of India’ is one of the most happening cities in the country. Bangalore is surrounded by a number of beautiful destinations.  These locations include the gorgeous Western Ghats and beaches by the Arabian Sea. If you are someone residing in Bangalore looking for a nearby wedding destination, you’re in luck! Check out the trending destination wedding places near Bangalore for a surreal wedding experience.

Mysore

Sakleshpur

Coorg

Ooty

Kabini

Wayanad

Chikmagalur

Hampi

Nandi Hills

Pondicherry

Destination Weddings Near Pune

Another popular city in Maharashtra is Pune. Known for its booming industries, stunning infrastructure and world-class facilities, Pune is among the top choices of youth when deciding on a city to live in! Pune is also surrounded by beautiful locations including beaches, forts, mountains and historic structures which makes a destination wedding near Pune no less than a dream. Have a look at the most popular wedding destinations near Pune.

Lonavala

Khandala

Mahabaleshwar

Kolad

Lavasa

Goa

Alibaug

Nashik

Matheran

Ratnagiri

Key Differences Between Destination Weddings in North India & Destination Weddings in South India

Destination Weddings in North India

Destination Weddings in South India

Popular Wedding Season

The wedding season in North India begins in October and goes on until February due to the cool and pleasant weather in the region during this time. Summers in the Northern part of India can be harsh. Popular wedding destinations are Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Mussoorie, and Shimla. 

The weather in South India remains pleasant throughout the year making it a popular wedding destination all year round. However, we’d suggest you avoid getting married in the region during monsoon as the region witnesses a huge amount of rainfall. Popular wedding destinations in South India are Kumarakom, Alleppey, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coorg, Mysore, and Visakhapatnam.

Venue Preferences

While hill-view resorts overlooking the Himalayas are popular wedding destinations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Palatial hotels, heritage havelis, and forts are ideal wedding venues to plan a wedding in Rajasthan. Other popular venues might include monuments and lakes/river-view hotels.

When it comes to South India, beach weddings are the most popular type of destination wedding. Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, Andaman Nicobar and more, you will be spoilt for choice if looking for a beach wedding destination in South India. Meanwhile, with the Western Ghats surrounding the region, hill-view wedding destinations are also a popular wedding destination choice here. Traditional temples, further, offer a calm and serene ambience for your wedding.

Preferred Time

Weddings during nighttime are more popular in North India. Some people, however, choose to get married early in the morning. This is done mostly to avoid harsh afternoon temperatures. 

Weddings during the morning are more popular in South India. Especially if you opt for temple weddings. If you are planning a wedding in South India during the night, make sure you discuss this with your venue vendor in advance. 

Food Preferences

North Indian weddings often have rich and hearty dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, paneer tikka, biryanis, and various types of bread (naan, roti). The sweets include Gulab jamun, jalebi, rasgulla, barfi, kaju katli and so much more.

On the other hand, South Indian weddings offer diverse and often lighter fare including dosa, idli, sambar, rasam, seafood, and coconut-based dishes. These dishes are topped up with sweets including Payasam, Mysore pak, coconut ladoos etc.

Colours and Themes

Vibrant and bold colours like red, gold, maroon, and royal blue are often seen in North Indian weddings. 

Majestic and royal themes, inspired by palaces and forts. Decor often includes heavy drapes, chandeliers, and rich fabrics.

South Indian Weddings are decked up with softer and more calm colours like gold, white, cream, and green.

Traditional and temple-inspired themes are seen. Decor often includes fresh flowers (especially jasmine), brass lamps, and silk drapes.

Outfit

Bride - Lehenga choli sets with heavy embroidery and bright colours.

Groom - Sherwani with intricate designs, often paired with a turban.

Bride - Kanjivaram saree in rich hues, adorned with gold jewellery.

Groom - Dhoti or Veshti with a silk shirt, sometimes paired with a traditional angavastram.

Entertainment

Entertainment Options in a North Indian Wedding include Bollywood music, DJ nights, and Punjabi dhol. If you plan to include cultural performances, folk dances like Bhangra, Gidda, Kathak and Rajasthani Ghoomar are popular.

Whereas in South India popular entertainment options include Classical Carnatic music, and traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Yakshagana.

How To Choose A Destination Wedding Planner in India

Planning a destination wedding in India is super exciting, and you can say bye to all your wedding planning stress with a simple step. Hire a wedding planner! Contrary to popular belief, hiring a wedding planner actually helps you save a lot of money on your wedding because they are the right vendor for every service. Here’s a step-by-step guide to hiring a destination wedding planner in India. 

Research and Shortlist

  • Online Research: Look for wedding planners who specialise in destination weddings in India. Platforms like ours can be extremely helpful in this process. 

  • Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings on Google, Facebook, and wedding planning websites.

  • Recommendations: If possible connect with their ex-clients who have had destination weddings and ask them if they deliver what they promise. 

Check Experience and Expertise

  • Portfolio: Review their portfolio to see the style and quality of weddings they have planned. Look for weddings similar to your vision.

  • Experience: Ensure they have experience planning weddings in the specific location you are considering.

  • Specialisation: Some planners specialise in certain types of weddings (e.g., beach weddings, palace weddings). Choose one that aligns with your dream wedding.

Meet and Discuss

  • Initial Consultation: Schedule a meeting (virtual or in-person) with shortlisted planners to discuss your vision, budget, and requirements.

  • Ideas and Suggestions: A good planner should provide creative ideas and suggestions that enhance your wedding plans, and be open to accommodate your suggestions. 

Check Services Offered

  • Comprehensive Services: A wedding planner who offers a full range of services, including venue selection, decor, catering, entertainment, logistics, and guest management will make your wedding planning process easy. 

  • Customisation: They should be willing to customise their services to fit your specific needs and preferences.

Budget

  • Budget Compatibility: Ensure the planner can work within your budget. Ask for a detailed breakdown of their fees and what’s included.

  • Transparency: They should be transparent about costs and any additional charges that may arise.

Vendor Network

  • Local Vendors: Planners with a strong network of local vendors can often secure better deals and ensure smooth coordination.

  • Quality of Vendors: Ask about the vendors they typically work with and check their reputation and quality of work.

Contract and Terms

  • Written Contract: Ensure everything is documented in a contract, including services, timelines, payment schedules, and cancellation policies.

  • Terms and Conditions: Carefully read the terms and conditions to avoid any misunderstandings later.

Backup Plan

  • Contingency Plans: Ensure they have contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances, such as bad weather or vendor cancellations.

Cost of Hiring a Destination Wedding Planner in India

The cost of hiring a destination wedding planner in India varies widely, typically ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹10,00,000+, depending on the planner's experience, popularity, the complexity of the wedding, and the services required. Basic planning services start at around ₹50,000, comprehensive planning can range from ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000, and luxury planners may charge ₹6,00,000 or more. Factors such as location, wedding size, and customisation impact costs. Additional expenses may include the planner's travel and stay. To manage costs, set a clear budget, compare quotes, negotiate fees, consider package deals, and prioritise essential services. Hiring a planner can ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding experience.

Legal Requirements Needed For Destination Weddings in India

Destination weddings in India are huge. In all the glitz and glam of the wedding, what must not be avoided are the legal requirements to marry in India. Here’s a list of documents that you need to sort out if planning a wedding in India.

  • Proof of Age - Goes without saying that both the bride and groom must be eligible to get married in India. The legal age for a woman to get married is 18 years, while men can get married only after 21 years in India. 

  • Notice for Marriage - You must notify the marriage registrar of your jurisdiction of your intent to get married. 

  • There are two legal marriage acts in India:

    • Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Applicable if both parties are Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, or Sikhs.

    • Special Marriage Act, 1954: Applicable to all citizens of India irrespective of religion. Also suitable for interfaith marriages and for foreigners marrying Indians.

  • At least three witnesses must be present at your wedding ceremony who can sign the marriage register.

  • PPL License (Phonographic Performance Limited) -  For every live performance where music is to be played in a public place, this licence must be obtained. 

  • IPRS License (Indian Performing Rights Society) -  They issue licences to utilise copyrighted music for performing at events, social gatherings, etc. If you’re planning a sangeet or night, you must have this licence. 

  • No Objection Certificate - Finally, an NOC from the Local police department and from the collector should be taken if the event is occurring in a public setting or if the location of the venue is in a residential area.


Top 10 Destinations Weddings Photographers & Videographers

One of the most important aspects of the destination wedding planning process is hiring the right wedding photographer and videographer. After all, they are the ones who are going to record the memories of your big day that are going to last forever. Here are the top 10 wedding photographers and videographers who are destination wedding experts. 

  1. 1plus1studio

  2. Abhishek Marathe Photography & Cinematography

  3. Aniket Mazumdar Photography

  4. Beginnings for You

  5. Bhumi & Simran Photography

  6. CineLove Productions by Luxmi Studio

  7. Confetti Films

  8. Delhi Velvet Photography

  9. Dream in Focus

  10. Fotowalle-The Story Folks

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the cheapest place for a destination weddings in India?

Every wedding destination in India has both budget-friendly and luxury wedding venues and wedding package options. You can explore budget-friendly wedding vendors including venues, decorators, photographers and planners. You can also choose less popular wedding destinations for your wedding to save money. Choosing Varkala and Puri for beach weddings instead of Goa and Alibaug and choosing Bir-Billing and Lansdowne instead of Manali and Kashmir can help you bring down your wedding cost.

How much does a destination weddings cost in India?

The cost of a destination wedding in India varies significantly, ranging from ₹10-50 lakhs or more, depending on factors like location, guest count, and the scale of the event. A budget wedding (₹10-20 lakhs) typically includes affordable venues, basic catering, simple decor, and local photography services. A mid-range wedding (₹20-30 lakhs) offers mid-range venues, elaborate catering, extensive decor, and enhanced photography packages. Luxury weddings (₹30-50 lakhs and above) feature high-end venues, luxury catering, lavish decor, top-tier photography, and premium entertainment. Costs are influenced by the location, season, customisation, and vendor quality. To manage costs, consider early booking, off-season dates, a limited guest list, and local vendors, and look for comprehensive wedding packages.