Destination Wedding: Top 10 Destination Wedding Places in India

It is definitely easier said than done when it comes to checking off tasks on your wedding planning list, but when it comes to planning the perfect destination wedding, the first thing you must do is to narrow down on the ‘destination’! As your wedding bells start ringing their dulcet tones, they mark the time when you need to start looking at destination wedding venues that can promise you the fairy tale day of your dreams, ensuring that the first day of you stepping into a new life is nothing less than perfect.

The Best Places for Destination Weddings

With all the planning and work that goes into a wedding, you would already have a lot on your plate. So, to help you out a bit, here are some amazing destination wedding venues in India that you can choose from for your special day:

1. Kerala

God’s own country is a beautiful wedding destination that is like a miniature version of India, with the most beautiful backdrops to make your special day as memorable as possible. Kerala has lush green grasslands, spectacular hills, serene beaches, and, of course, the mesmerising backwaters that make for the perfect ambience for your wedding.

While Kerala has pleasant weather throughout the year, the best destination weddings in Kerala are held between October and March, for the weather during this time is especially pleasant and great for outdoor weddings as well. Once you have decided on Kerala for your wedding, you will have the option to say your vows aboard a houseboat, in the hills, on a beach, at the backwaters, or at a temple, which leaves you with a lot of choices in how you want your day to go. The state of Kerala certainly stands out when it comes to being a top destination for weddings in India.

2. Havelock Island

Even the thought of a simple vacation at Havelock Island is enough to leave you excited. Think about how a destination wedding would be amidst the pristine atmosphere and serene waters! When it comes to deciding destination wedding themes, doing it on a beautiful beach with the waves behind you seems to be one that’s worth considering. Havelock is a tropical paradise so the weather is amazing throughout the year. However, when it comes to planning a destination wedding, you may want to avoid the monsoons where heavy rains could mess up your plans. This would include the period from mid-May to mid-September. Even ferries and flights are cancelled or delayed during this period. You may, however, be able to get some amazing deals for this time, which would definitely bring down the cost of your destination wedding.

The best destination weddings on Havelock Island are held from late November to mid-April, where December to March is a period that offers some amazingly sunny days and perfect conditions for diving.

3. Goa

Goa offers the perfect mix of blue skies, deep waters, and lush greens, and it is no surprise that it is considered as one of the best places for destination weddings by a lot of people. The “Paradise Destination” for your wedding, Goa is perfect for tying the knot. The sun-kissed beaches and scenic views that offer the perfect photo opportunities make Goa an idyllic haven.

November to February is the peak season where you may find that the cost of a destination wedding rises exponentially, while June to September is the monsoon season. So, if you are planning to enjoy your wedding in a moderate climate, September to late October might be perfect. And if you want to manage a somewhat tight destination wedding budget, you can consider March to May as well.

4. Shimla

A peaceful environment, a backdrop of gigantic mountains, and pleasant climate; there is hardly anything that Shimla leaves you wanting for. The best part is that the cost of a destination wedding in Shimla is not as high as one may expect. And with so many resorts in the region that offer complete services to help you organise the perfect wedding, you can look forward to enjoying your day stress-free.

The best destination weddings in Shimla are held in the summer months. While you may think that a wedding in the snow would look magical, there is a lot of work that will have to go into a winter wedding; and with the cold that the region experiences, it may not be very comfortable for a lot of your guests. On the other hand, your destination wedding budget will take less of a hit if you go during the winters. So, you’ll need to consider all this when you begin planning your ceremony.

5. Udaipur

Known all over as the “Venice of the East”, Udaipur is a place that overflows with romantic setups and destinations, making it one of the most popular places to have a destination wedding. The city is synonymous with royal weddings held amidst rich heritage, culture, and architectural magnificence. There are several venues that you can choose from to hold your ceremonies, and the best season to plan your wedding in Udaipur would be right after the peak tourist season, which is from April to August.

As Udaipur is so popular for weddings, you will have to ensure that you make your bookings well in time to get some good deals.

6. Kolkata

Unless you have roots in the city, Kolkata might seem like quite the off-beat destination for organising your wedding. However, apart from being famous for its traditions, sports, music, spicy food, and its rich culture, Kolkata is also quite a vibrant city that is a living example of the British Raj culture, showcasing the old Victorian architectural style. The destinations and the buildings that form the backdrop of a wedding in Kolkata are enough reason in themselves to visit the city of joy for your special day.

If you have decided on Kolkata for your wedding, it would be best to avoid the monsoons and summers. October to February can be a good time for you to plan your nuptials; just ensure that you account for the Kolkata traffic as well in your plans.

7. Neemrana

The Neemrana Fort has been converted into a heritage hotel and is a place that can truly match the magnificence of the seven vows that you are about to take. For a long time, the fort has been the perfect location for photography owing to the shock-and-awe effect it tends to have on visitors. The fort enjoys a striking balance of contemporary and historical implications which Neemrana is known for, and doubles up as an amazing wedding destination. Keeping its popularity in mind, it is best to look for packages for a Neemrana destination wedding where the cost falls within your budget.

As the summers can get pretty hot in the region, October to March would be the best time for you to have your wedding at Neemrana.

8. Rishikesh

Another off-beat place to head to for your destination wedding¸ Rishikesh makes for an interesting paradise for exchanging your vows. Having your wedding ceremony on the banks of the holy river Ganges can be quite an interesting experience. While Rishikesh is filled with tourists all around the year, October to March would be a great time to have your wedding. You will be able to get a lot of assistance from the hotel you are staying at. Like any other destination, it would be a good idea to make your bookings in advance to ensure a hassle-free experience.

9. Agra

The first thought that comes to mind when you mention Agra would be the Taj Mahal, which is one of the most popular symbols of love. One of the oldest and most historic cities in India, Agra needs no introduction. If you can fit it into your destination wedding budget, there is no better place! November to March would be a great time for you to pick for your wedding as the weather during this time is quite pleasant. You should try and pick some locally sourced elements for your wedding, as you will find some of the best décor options in Agra.

10. Pushkar

Famous the world over for the Pushkar Fair, the small town near Ajmer is also emerging as an immensely popular destination for weddings. If you want to add a touch royalty to your celebrations, Pushkar will be a great option for you. Apart from the fact that there are several venues within the town to host your wedding, the town is also a very pious place. This would surely add to the purity of your wedding vows. January to March will have the best weather for you to hold your ceremonies.

Choosing the destination for your wedding is no easy feat. Give yourself a pat on the back once you have finalized the place where you’ll wed!