5 Best Destination Wedding Locations in India to Say 'I Do' in Style

So you got down on one knee, popped the question and celebrated with a bottle of the best bubbly. Now it’s time for the wedding preparations! A trend which is really catching on these days is that of planning a destination wedding. Not only are foreigners coming to Indian shores to tie the knot, but Indians themselves are looking for exotic wedding destinations to say ‘I Do’ in style. Be it a royal wedding in Rajasthan, a romantic wedding against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal in Agra, or a relaxed beach side wedding in Goa or Kerala, the options are plenty.

 

Here are five of the most romantic destinations in India to tie the knot:

Goa

 

Goa is undoubtedly a great choice when it comes to tying the knot and you will be spoilt for choice for the kind of wedding you want. Choose between a beach wedding, a garden wedding, or even a sunset wedding. Your Goan wedding can also be revved up with Portuguese music and dance, fireworks and even fire jugglers! Hire a wedding planner to plan the ceremony, or use the wedding planning services provided by many five star hotels to their patrons. Popular wedding venues in Goa include The Taj Exotica, The Leela and the Turiya Villa and Spa. It is a good idea to book your wedding venue in advance as Goa remains a very popular beach wedding destination. Also, please note that beach weddings require a permit, which your wedding planner or hotel can help you get.

Rajasthan

 

​If you’ve always wanted to feel like royalty on your wedding day then India’s royal state, Rajasthan is your best bet. From grand havelis, to royal palaces; you have a plethora of choices. Udaipur remains a popular wedding venue in Rajasthan, owing to its romantic ambience and many beautiful lakes and royal palaces. Also known as Venice of the East, Udaipur has many gorgeous wedding venues, such as Devi Garh, a rambling 18^th century fort and palace, or the City Palace Complex, where the Mewar Royal Family still lives. Pink City, Jaipur is another wonderful city for your wedding and you can choose from venues such as the Jal Mahal Palace, situated in the middle of a lake, or the Samode Palace- a heritage venue nestled in the Aravalli Mountains. Jodhpur, popularly known as the Blue City is also a great place to tie the knot. If opulence is what you’re looking for then you can either choose the spectacular hill top Umaid Bhavan Palace, or the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. Those on a modest budget can choose between the equally impressive Ranbanka Palace or Ajit Bhavan. Rajasthan also remains a popular wedding destination among many celebrities, such as Madonna, Katy Perry and Elizabeth Hurley who have tied the knot in this beautiful state.

Kerala

 

God’s Own Country, Kerala is the ideal place for those looking for a quiet, yet picturesque wedding. Choose between a wedding by the emerald backwaters, the beach, or a resort. Many hotels and resorts assist patrons with their wedding planning, and the beautiful Zuri Kumarakom resort near Allepey is a popular choice. If you want a beach wedding then The Leela in Kovalam is a great venue. Looking at doing something different? In that case you can opt for an elephant theme wedding, in which the groom rides into the venue on the back of an elephant! You can also choose a traditional Malayalee wedding ceremony, complete with food served on a plantain leaf and a classical dance performance by a local troupe.

Agra

 

​Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra needs no introduction. And what better way to tie the knot than with the symbol of eternal love in the backdrop! Hotels like the Jaypee and Radisson have special wedding packages and will help you plan that perfect wedding. Exchange your vows in the city of the Taj and take back memories to last a lifetime.

Andamans

Surrounded by the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are the perfect venue for true romantics to tie the knot. Choose between a beach wedding, a resort wedding, or a high adrenalin adventure wedding on a speedboat, or even while swimming with elephants in the sea! The Havelock Islands are a popular wedding venue in the Andamans, and hotels and resorts like Barefoot at Havelock can help you plan your wedding- right from arranging the wedding ceremony, to caterers, florists and decorators.

A Quick Checklist

As much fun as destination weddings are, they can also be pretty stressful. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind before planning your big day:

1. You only get married once (at least we hope so), so choosing that perfect destination is of utmost importance.

2. Book in advance to ensure you get to choose from amongst the best venues and also secure a great deal on the price.

3. Check if the venue you’re hosting the wedding at provides wedding planning services, or you can also hire a wedding planner to take care of the logistics.

4. When it comes to a destination wedding, you’ll need to strike that perfect balance. Ideally around 100 to 150 guests is a good idea for a destination wedding.

Planning a destination wedding, but don't want to spend too much? These flight plus hotel deals may just save you a lot!