Imagine this: circling the sacred fire against the backdrop of India’s rich cultural weave with a touch of glamor, romance and natural beauty. Welcome to the world of destination weddings in India, where your dreams come true and love begins in the most enchanting locations. In this mini guide, the Indian Wedding Team explores the five best destination wedding places in India and give you some tips to plan the best destination wedding!

1. Goa: Where Sun, Sand and Love Unite

Goa, the crown jewel of Indian beach wedding destinations, beckons with its golden sands and azure waters. It has, for the longest time, been the go-to as an Indian wedding destination because of its laid-back tropical vibe. Exchange vows and have a jolly time with your family and friends amidst swaying palms and the vast Arabian Sea. Goa boasts of lavish resorts and spas, perfect to host a destination wedding of your dreams - Check out Vivanta by Taj Panaji or Alila Diwa Resorts in Majorda, among several others, for your dream beach wedding location.  Vibrant nightlife, local food and multiple activities—it has something for everybody in the family and is sure to add a touch of fun to your Indian wedding celebration.

Best Time to Host: Late September to late October; late November to February

2. Udaipur: Royalty Redefined

Well-known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur offers a royal setting for a fairy-tale Indian wedding. The old, majestic palaces that once hosted large royal weddings, serene lakes and intricate architecture will transport you and your guest list to a world of grandeur. Udaipur is truly a hallmark for lavish weddings, a legacy that began with Raveena Tandon and Anil Thadani's 2004 union. This trend persists, marked by the recent nuptials of Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha, as well as Natasha Stankovic and Hardik Pandya. Notably, even Isha Ambani opted for Udaipur's charm, hosting two pre-wedding ceremonies in this regal city. All in all, Udaipur’s romantic charm is perfect for couples seeking a destination wedding  steeped in traditional elegance and royal glory.

Best Time to Host: October to March

3. Delhi: Where Tradition Meets Trend

Delhi, the heartbeat of India, is famous for its big fat Punjabi weddings. The city is capable of seamlessly blending tradition and modernity as it can cater to both large-scale million-dollar weddings and simple, intimate weddings as well. With its old-city vibe and contemporary, luxury hotels, Delhi caters to diverse tastes. If you are an old-school lover, book the Maidens Hotel in Kamla Nagar for a colonial-style wedding or The Umrao if you’d like a royal wedding experience. A wedding in Delhi is a coming together of cultural richness, Mughal culinary delights and a cosmopolitan flair!

Best Time to Host: November to February

4. Kerala: God’s Own Country

Kerala’s lush green landscapes, tranquil backwaters and vivid culture make it an idyllic location for a unique destination wedding in India. From houseboat weddings to beachfront ceremonies, Kerala offers a serene escape for couples seeking a simple yet picturesque wedding celebration. The Courtyard by Marriott in Kochi, located less than a kilometer away from the Cochin International Airport, can host a modern, city wedding with flair. You can also check out The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel perched atop a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea that offers multiple ornate event spaces for different wedding ceremonies.

Best Time to Host: September to March

5. Mussoorie: Romance in the Himalayan Foothills

Nestled in the Himalayas, Mussoories is a charming escape for couples that call themselves mountain-lovers. Misty hills, colonial architecture and a soothing climate create a whimsical setting for the perfect destination wedding in India. An ITC Hotels product, Welcomhotel The Savoy in Mussoorie promises a grand wedding with its world class hospitality and breathtaking location. If you are looking for a beautiful wedding venue surrounded by nature, then JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa is the one for you. Situated at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, this hotel boasts picturesque views of lush green forest hills and an elegant wedding celebration with different venues to host different events.

Best Time to Host: April to October

Tips to Plan the Best Indian Destination Wedding‍

Now that you have an idea of where you could host your dream wedding, let’s delve into a some handy tips you should keep in mind before you start planning your dream destination wedding:

1. Local Wedding Planner:

We’d encourage you to take the help of a local wedding planner familiar with the destination you have chosen to navigate logistics and cultural nuances.

2. Budget Wisely:

How much can a destination wedding cost in India? You don’t have to necessarily blow the bank for a wedding of your dreams - you can choose from a long list of affordable destination wedding locations in India. Dream big, but also set a budget in advance. If you plan smartly, you can afford a magical yet economical Indian wedding celebration.

3. Weather Considerations:

India is a diverse country which also means different wedding seasons in different regions. Choose between a summer or winter wedding, get dates from the panditji, check the weather forecast for your preferred location and plan accordingly.

4. Travel Arrangements:

Ensure that travel logistics are taken care of for your guests. Consider Indian wedding packages that include accommodation and transportation.

Conclusion:

In the kaleidoscope of Indian wedding destinations, each with its unique USP, planning the best destination wedding becomes an adventure. Goa’s beaches, Udaipur’s palaces, Delhi’s vibe, Kerala’s tranquility and Mussoorie’s mountain magic await to turn your wedding into a storybook affair. Let the journey to your happily ever after begin in the enchanting land of India!

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