To celebrate your bond with the love of your life, family, friends, delicious wedding feasts, and fun games is a dream we all had since childhood. And for every beautiful bride and handsome groom, the day of their wedding has to be one of the most days of their lives. However, as the wedding bells start ringing, they bring along a long checklist of things that need to be done for the wedding. You have to firstly look into hiring vendors, secondly, buying dresses, thirdly, sending invites. The list goes on and on. But above all – you have to decide the location of your wedding. Although, at some point in your wedding plans, you must have dreamt of a beautiful destination wedding and abandoned it thinking, “But oh! It’s going to cost a lot!”
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some of the most wonderful wedding destinations which will make your big day memorable and at the same time won’t hurt your pocket.
But how much do destination weddings cost in India?
Destination wedding places in India usually cost from anywhere around INR 15 to 25 lakhs. This includes arrangements such as music, lighting, mandap, base setup, floral designs, etc. However, if you are planning an extravagant wedding with exotic flowers, you can expect an average wedding budget of 50-75 lakhs. But at the cost of somewhere from 20-25 lakhs you and your partner can skim away to distant lands and tie the nuptial knot among your loved ones, with a beautiful scenery as a backdrop. You can enjoy a beach wedding amidst the waves of Goa or go for a warm-toned wedding in Rajasthan.
Fun Fact:
Guess what? The star couple Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif too tied the knot in one of the many beautiful forts of Rajasthan. A beautiful and historic 14th-century fort was converted into the Six Senses Fort Barwara, a place to unite two souls for the rest of their lives. The historic architecture of the building against the warm sunset, surely complimented Katrina regal wedding dress. It must surely have been a day worth remembering.
If you, too, dream of a wedding like this, here are some of the most beautiful destination wedding places in India where you can celebrate your love within a budget!
1. Jaipur – A Dream Destination Wedding Place
Admired for its beautiful monuments, ancient forts, royal palaces, grand mansions, and eclectic art forms, the royal “pink city”, Jaipur is one of the most sought places for destination weddings in India.
Undoubtedly, amidst the lush green gardens that adorn its beautiful destination wedding venues, your marriage will be nothing less than a royal experience. In addition to its picture-perfect scenery, you can enjoy local delicacies served hot on your plate by caterers, folk songs, mehendi by artists, and a lot more.
Climate:
Jaipur has hot and dry weather during the summer months, i.e., from March to May. However, temperatures dip pretty low during the winter months. October and November usually witness the monsoon season.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
Some of the most sought destination wedding places include Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Jaigarh Fort, and Rambagh Palace.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
A destination wedding in Jaipur can cost you around an average of INR 30 lakhs minimum
2. Udaipur – For a Regal Wedding
If you are looking for the most romantic destination wedding, surrounded by beautiful lakes, clear blue skies, and the most breathtaking palaces, then Udaipur is the best place for your destination wedding!
The rich heritage of the city, its regal architecture, and its vibrant culture are surely going to light up your wedding photographs with a splash of colors and a lot of romance. Furthermore, your guests can have an elaborate itinerary lined up post your wedding to enjoy the sights of Lake Pichola, the City palace, Kumbalgarh Fort, and a lot more!
Fun Fact:
The famous Bollywood actor, Neil Nitin Mukesh tied the knot with his wife Rukmini Sahay within the beautiful walls of this majestic city.
Climate:
The climate of Udaipur is hot and semi-arid. The city is usually hot throughout the year. It’s weather is dominated by summer, monsoon, and winter: in that order.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
Devi Garh, Leela Palace, and Taj Lake Palace are among the top picks for destination weddings.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
A budget of INR 30-60 lakhs can get you your dream destination wedding in Udaipur.
3. Goa – For Partying and Loving Hard
Captivating sunsets, pristine beaches, azure skies, the crystal blue waves splashing along the coast – if this is your perfect imaginary wedding, then Goa is the place for you.
Firstly, you can arrange various types of ceremonies for your wedding guests. Moreover, you can also be a part of the most lit cocktail parties on the beaches. In addition to that, you could seep into the elaborate ceremonial wedding rituals of the historical churches of Goa. What’s more, the beaches will also make an attractive backdrop for your pre-wedding shoot!
You can also check in to some luxurious yet pocket-friendly hotels as your destination wedding venue.
Climate:
Goa’s climate is usually hot and humid for most of the year, having a typical tropical monsoon climate.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
Riva Beach Resort, The Leela, and Vivanta are among the favorite places for destination weddings in India.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
Usually, destination weddings in Goa cost around INR 30-50 lakhs.
4. Kerala – A Peaceful Destination Wedding Place
While Kerala won’t pop up among your first choices for a destination wedding, you’ll surely be mesmerized by its sprawling backwaters, lush green shrubbery, tall coconut palm trees, pristine beaches, and quiet and pleasant weather. You can celebrate the day of unison with a beautiful beach wedding and enjoy the rich culture of Kerala by serving South Indian delicacies on banana leaves and partying on houseboats.
Not only that, but the state also has some of the best resorts that will surely capture your guests’ interest.
Climate:
Kerala’s climate is usually dominated by monsoon rains. Throughout the summer season, there are heavy rains. However on the eastern side of the state, the climate is drier.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
The Leela Kovalam, Greenwoods Resort, and Coconut Lagoon are some of the loveliest places to tie the knot with your love.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
An average destination wedding in Kerala will cost you somewhere around INR 15 to 50 lakhs.
5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Loving Deeply
The thrill of being away from the mainland, surrounded by clear water and golden sands on all sides – Andaman has it all. The clear skies and scents of the beach – nothing can be more romantic than a beach wedding on Andaman. The expansive idyllic beaches are the best place to exchange vows with your partner.
Climate:
The climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is predominantly tropical. There are no extremes of summer or winter, but there are occasional tropical storms. It has high humidity, but summers are usually warm with a gentle summer sea breeze.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
You can check out venues and resorts at the famous Havelock Island like Taj Exotica, Seashell Resorts, and many more!
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
An average destination wedding in Andaman and Nicobar will cost you around INR 40-50 lakhs.
6. Gujarat – A Great Indian Wedding
The western state of Gujarat is among the best places if you are looking for a royal wedding. Often called the land of princes, the state’s rich culture, heritage, and majestic forts and resorts make it an ideal place for your dream destination wedding in India. Moreover, the delicious Gujarati thali, kachori, dhoklas, and chana batata, are surely going to light up your wedding banquet.
Climate:
The state has a sub-tropical climate. It is moderately humid in some parts, and highly humid towards the coast.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
Laxmi Vilas Palace and Aam Bagan are known for having the most regal weddings ever.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
An average wedding in Gujarat would cost you around INR 25 lakhs.
7. Agra – In The City of Love
Although a bit cliche, imagine tying the knot with your beau till eternity with the world-renowned symbol of love in the background – the Taj Mahal. The beautiful city of Agra is not only home to the emblem of love, but it also harbors rich Mughal culture, architecture, and elaborate Mughlai cuisine which your wedding guests are surely going to enjoy. All of that, with a pre-wedding shoot by the monument of lovers, and tying the knot under twinkling stars – it will be the best wedding you could ever dream of.
The famous filmmaker and director of the film, “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety”, Luv Ranjan, tied the nuptial knot in the “City of Love”, Agra.
Climate:
Agra has a semi-arid climate, which is also sub-tropical and humid to an extent. Its winters are mild, whereas the summer season is hot and dry.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
Taj Hotel, Radisson Hotel, and Mansingh Palace are some of the best destination wedding venues.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
Destination wedding packages in Agra usually range from INR 25-75 lakhs.
8. Jodhpur – A Wedding for the Royals
With destinations like Udaipur and Jaipur already on the list, the beauty of Rajasthan must surely not have been lost upon you. With magnificent palaces, beautiful forts, the masterful art pieces of Rajasthan, folk songs and music, and mouthwatering local delicacies – Jodhpur is the dream destination for a fairytale wedding. Enchanting palace hotels overlooking the skyline of the city do no justice to all the beautiful things that Jodhpur offers you as a dream destination for your wedding. Moreover, places like the Mehrangarh fort and Jaswant Thada will keep your guests entertained throughout the wedding preparations.
What’s more? You can call the venue officials and customize your wedding package based on the budget. This way, not only do you get to have your dream destination wedding, but you also get to do it in a pocket-friendly way!
Climate:
During the wedding months, the climate of Jodhpur is cool with temperature going as low as 10 degrees. Winters in Jodhpur are short and cool whereas the summer season is humid and sweltering.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Balsamand Lake, and Ajit Bhawan are some good destination wedding venues in Jodhpur.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
Destination wedding packages in Jodhpur range from INR 3-50 lakhs on average, assuming the guest list consists of 150 people.
9. Hyderabad – A Cultural Destination Wedding
The southern part of India has some of the most precious gems of destination wedding places in India – one of them being Hyderabad. You get to see the rich culture, attractive lakes, beautiful monuments and historical palaces. Not only that, but Hyderabad is also a paradise for foodies. The delicious Hyderabadi biriyani and khichdi along with other delights that will surely make your mouth water. Hyderabad is the best place for you to have the destination wedding that you had dreamed of that too within a budget.
Climate:
The climate of Hyderabad is mostly arid and tropical wet and dry. While the days are very hot, the nights are cool and filled with breeze. The winter months are usually dry.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
Some good destination wedding venues to look into are Taj Falaknuma Palace, Ridhira Retreat, and Classic Gardens.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
On average, a destination wedding in Hyderabad costs around 5-7 lakhs per night.
10. Madurai – For a Traditional Wedding
The city of Madurai is also among the most eagerly sought locations for destination weddings in India. A destination wedding in South India, among historical temples, royal buildings, and clear blue skies, would surely be memorable. With the city’s rich and regal history ringing in every corner, it is one of the most ideal wedding locations. The temples of Madurai have been perfect wedding venues for innumerable couples ready to start their life together. At the same time its hotels, resorts, and other venues also do not disappoint.
Climate:
Madurai experiences a hot climate throughout the year. Temperatures in Madurai are pretty high all the year round, even in the coastal region. However, there is a slight dip in temperature from November to January, which are the winter months.
Best Places To Tie The Knot:
MMR Gardens and Hotel Annamalai International are some attractive hotels that you can check out.
Average Destination Wedding Costs:
Celebrate your wedding with your love, your family, and friends in the peace and quiet of South India.
Now that you have a list of destination wedding venues to choose from, what are you waiting for?
Choose your dream destination wedding venue for your fairytale wedding and get hitched with your partner for the rest of your life!
Summarizing here with prior thoughts a person goes when it’s all about destination weddings-
Q. How much do destination weddings cost in India
A. On average, destination weddings in India can cost somewhere around 15 lakhs, and go on increasing to 60 lakhs. However, this depends a lot on the wedding venue and services you choose. You can expect an overall destination wedding package in India, ranging between Rs. 15 to 30 lakhs.
Q. What are some good places for Indian weddings outdoors?
A. You could opt for places with a lakeside view, a garden among the woods, or a beach. Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Hyderabad have good destination wedding venues with lakeside views. On the other hand, Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Kerala are good destination wedding venues for a beach wedding.
FAQs
Is 10 lakh enough for wedding? ›
Half of the survey respondents said their preferable budget was less than ₹10 lakh, with 25% of couples opting for ₹5-10 lakh as their preferable budget, said WeddingWire India, a subsidiary of The Knot Worldwide, an online marketplace for wedding professionals, that released survey statistics on wedding planning.
Where is the cheapest place to have a destination wedding in India? ›Shimla. Settled in the Himalayan ranges, the snow-clad mountains with the versatility of the pine trees living on them make Shimla the perfect place for a low-budget wedding.
What is the average cost of a destination wedding in India? ›5-7 lakh a night. The total costs can run up to Rs. 3-5 crore for a 2-day wedding for 200 guests, but can go up even further depending on the family's requirements.
What is a good budget for an Indian wedding? ›It also depends on whether the bride and groom share the cost of staging the event or if it is solely carried by one party. In case you are organising a light wedding, it will still cost you somewhere between Rs 15,00,000 and Rs 25,00,000.
How much cash do you give at an Indian wedding? ›The amount of the cash gift varies and is personal to each guest. Whereas you might think of nice round numbers like $50, $70, or $100, in Indian culture we never give a gift ending in 0. The amounts usually end with a “1” such as $51 or $101.
How much does a big fat Indian wedding cost? ›The event might last a day but is celebrated with great pomp and splendour. According to a report by KPMG, “It's estimated that the cost of an Indian wedding ranges between ₹500,000 to ₹50 Million. An Indian will likely spend one-fifth of his lifetime wealth on a wedding.”
What is a good budget for destination wedding? ›The total cost of a destination wedding varies. Prices depend on location, the number of days, the number of events, the U.S. dollar to local currency exchange rate, the time of year, the number of guests, and more. That said, the average estimated baseline cost of a destination wedding hovers around $35,000.
How to plan a destination wedding on a small budget in India? ›- ~ Have an intimate wedding. First and the foremost rule, trim down your guest list. ...
- ~ Consider E-invites. ...
- ~ Plan Early. ...
- ~ Bargain. ...
- ~ Go with SMART decor. ...
- ~ Hire local vendors. ...
- ~ Go for offseason. ...
- ~ Choose an unconventional destination.
The average cost of an Indian wedding in the USA is between $225,000 and $285,0000. This is for a wedding of 300 people in a major metro like Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Houston and so on. Most articles and existing information online will give you figures like "shaadi cost is between $50,000 and $500,000."
How do people afford Indian weddings? ›Who pays for an Indian wedding? It's mostly split between the couple and their parents, 50/50. Sometimes however, if one side is insisting on more guests or extra fanfare, then those costs are adjusted.
Do Indian weddings last 3 days? ›
A traditional Indian wedding can last up to five days, but most last for three days. An overview of the three days is traditionally the following: 1st Day – The Ganesh Puja otherwise known as the Mandap Muhurat & Pithi. This is often followed by a Mendhi night/Sangeet night.
How much does food cost for Indian wedding? ›So how much is Indian food catering at an Indian Wedding? Buffet lunches are around $25 per head and elaborate dinners can go up to $75 or more. A 300 person dinner bill at a sangeet or Indian wedding reception would be around $15,000.
Is $100 good for wedding? ›THE ETIQUETTE
She offers these guidelines to wedding-goers wherever they might be: A distant relative or co-worker should give $75-$100; a friend or relative, $100-$125; a closer relative, up to $150. If you are wealthy, are you expected to inflate the gift? No, Cooper says.
Udaipur, one of the best destination wedding places in India, offers not only awe-inspiring views of lakes and palaces, but also a plethora of venues to choose from. From royal palaces and forts to luxury and budget hotels, this city of lakes has options suitable for all.
What is the most popular wedding city? ›Popular wedding cities
It comes as no surprise that the most popular wedding city in the United States is Las Vegas, with an average of 114,000 weddings per year. Next comes Gatlinburg, Tenn., with 42,000 per year and New Orleans with 36,000 per year, according to the Association for Wedding Professionals.
| Characteristic | Number of marriages per 1,000 population |
|---|---|
| West Bank & Gaza | 10 |
| Fiji | 9.8 |
| Egypt | 9.6 |
| Bahamas | 9.5 |
The average American wedding costs $30,000, according to The Knot, a popular wedding planning website. $30,000! That money could buy a nice new car or be a 20% down payment on a $150,000 home. It's also more than many Americans earn in a year.
Is $15000 enough for a wedding? ›If your budget is $15,000, you can still have an amazing wedding. With a $15,000 budget, the key is to keep the guest list to 50 people or fewer. Other ways to keep costs within your budget include sending invitations through email or choosing a venue's buffet package rather than a plated dinner.
What do groom's family pay for? ›What Does the Groom's Family Pay For, Traditionally? The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres for immediate members of both families, the lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense), and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner.
What does an American wear to an Indian wedding? ›Given the celebratory nature of Indian weddings, bright hues are encouraged—though some are traditionally off-limits. "Guests should try to avoid wearing red, since the bride typically wears red," explains Nilima Patel, owner of Crimson Bleu Events. "Guests can wear any other color except for black.
Who pays bride price in Indian? ›
Paying and accepting dowry is a centuries-old tradition in South Asia where the bride's parents gift cash, clothes and jewellery to the groom's family. The study was based on dowry data from 17 Indian states that contain 96% of India's population.
What should you not do at an Indian wedding? ›Don't kiss or dance with the bride
The party is fun with good music and non-stop dancing by the guests. Keep in mind that it is not a custom for male guests to kiss or dance with the bride. As in Indian culture, the bride should be demure on her wedding day.
How much is food catering for a wedding? It depends on the cost per plate, but most receptions for 100 people cost around $5,000 to $10,000, with average cost being around $7,000.
Why do Indians spend so much on wedding? ›At a basic level, it's natural for peopleto spend on the big events of their life, to publicly celebrate an occasion of personal job. Marriage ranks high among these events, because social traditions around the world has entailed marking the occasion of a weddingby celebrating with extended families and well-wishers.
Why Indian weddings are so expensive? ›Depending on this, costs around the printing of invites, the size/ seating arrangements of the wedding hall (mandap), the food, and the gifts are going to be determined as well. Of this list, the venue incurs the most cost and the supporting decorations need the extra money to be spent too.
Who pays for costs in a destination wedding? ›The Guests
“The best way to think about it is that everything they'd pay for on a vacation is what they'd pay for at the destination wedding,” says Chang. For the most part, guests will be responsible for booking and paying for airfare, hotel rooms and any other additional expenses, like food or shopping.
Typically an Indian Wedding is a set of various different elaborate ceremonies that come together over the course of 3 days joining both sides of the family including the extended family. Therefore one should expect a colorful and cultural extravaganza from an Indian wedding.
Do you pay for family for destination wedding? ›Typically when it is a very small or family-only affair, guests are not expected to pay. If you do want your guests to cover their own accommodation that you've already paid for you can set up a PayPal link on your wedding website. (A MUST for a destination wedding!)
How do I budget for a $15000 wedding? ›- Venue: $8,000 for a seven-bedroom villa for the week.
- Flights: $1,000.
- Food and beverages: $2,000 for a buffet meal and beverages.
- Rentals: $700 for tables, chairs, linens and lighting.
- Attire: $300 for a dress; $150 for a suit on sale.
I hear you. The great news is that a destination wedding is more affordable than a traditional celebration. The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2021 was $22,500 while the average cost of a wedding in a 4.5★ all-inclusive resort in Mexico is $5,000 – $7,000. So, you're onto a winner already.
How many guests are normally at a destination wedding? ›
On average, a destination wedding guest list size ranges from anywhere as low as 30 guests to as high as 150. For a destination wedding, the average and ideal wedding size is often 60 attendees.
Can wedding be done in 5 lakhs? ›But having a 5 lakhs cut-off doesn't essentially mean one has to let go of all the wedding fun and enjoyment. It's just that one may have to tweak their style and expectations a little bit.
What is a realistic budget for a wedding? ›The average cost of a wedding in 2021 was $28,000 (including the ceremony and reception), according to The Knot's 2021 Real Weddings Study.
Is 10000 a reasonable wedding budget? ›The good news is that you can absolutely have a spectacular wedding on a budget that will cut the average cost of a wedding by more than half! Weddings under 10k are absolutely doable with allocating expenses thoughtfully, using your creativity, and discovering money saving tips.
Can a U.S. citizen get married in India? ›The procedure for an American citizen (or any non-Indian) to get married in India depends on whether the parties wish to participate in a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony.
What is the average size Indian wedding? ›Indian weddings are large affairs; typically 400 people will be invited to an Indian wedding. However, Shah notes that despite the large guest counts seen at most Indian weddings, it is still "important to read the invitation carefully to see if you are invited by yourself or with a plus-one."
Can Americans have an Indian wedding? ›Many couples who have Indian heritage choose to have an Indian wedding in America to ensure both families and friends can attend.
What colors to wear to an Indian wedding? ›As a guest at an Indian wedding, you are encouraged to wear bright and colorful clothes. Vibrant blue, mint green, orange, and bright pink are good choices of colors. The only color you should avoid is red since the bride would be wearing red at one of the main events.
How much should parents pay for daughter's wedding? ›So here's how it breaks down. On average, the bride's parents usually spend 44 percent of the overall budget, while the couple contributes 43 percent and the groom's parents pop for about 12 percent.
What is Indian divorce rate? ›India is considered to have the lowest divorce rate globally, estimated to be around 1.1%. but, in the past few years, India is witnessing a rise of 50% to 60% in divorce rates, especially in the urban areas.
Which month is best for Indian wedding? ›
There are 20,000 Indian weddings per year and many of these take place between October and December. A second round of Indian weddings occurs between January and March. These time periods have several auspicious dates according to the Hindu calendar, thus the high number of weddings occurring during these months.
What happens at a first night after an Indian wedding? ›In the Indian context, Suhag Raat is a significant ritual in the life of a newly married couple. It refers to the first night when the marriage is consummated. In this ritual, the bed of the couple is decorated with flowers, which are believed to bring sweetness to their relationship.
What is the minimum cost of destination wedding in India? ›35,000 per room for a night and can go up to Rs. 5-7 lakh a night. The total costs can run up to Rs. 3-5 crore for a 2-day wedding for 200 guests, but can go up even further depending on the family's requirements.
Which city is best for bridal shopping in India? ›- Hyderabad. Along with its delicious Biryani and Irani tea, Hyderabad has been one of the most popular wedding shopping places in India during the wedding season. ...
- Delhi. Delhi has long been a popular wedding shopping place in India. ...
- Jaipur. ...
- Kolkata. ...
- Chennai. ...
- Lucknow. ...
- Amritsar. ...
- Bangalore.
The richest man of India, Mukesh Ambani's only daughter Isha Ambani's wedding was a grand celebration and is the most expensive wedding in India.
Which is the best wedding season in India? ›The wedding season is set to kick in after Diwali and the months between November and February are considered the peak wedding season in India.
How do I plan a luxury wedding in India? ›...
Refer to this listicle and find useful ways in which you can plan your luxury wedding.
- Focus on the venue. ...
- Surprise your guests. ...
- Don't neglect the little things. ...
- Get inspired.
Up until contemporary brides began toying with the tradition, Indian brides have been wearing saffron red to their wedding ceremonies for centuries.
Who pays the bride price in India? ›Paying and accepting dowry is a centuries-old tradition in South Asia where the bride's parents gift cash, clothes and jewellery to the groom's family. The study was based on dowry data from 17 Indian states that contain 96% of India's population.
Who usually pays for an Indian wedding? ›Who pays for an Indian wedding? It's mostly split between the couple and their parents, 50/50. Sometimes however, if one side is insisting on more guests or extra fanfare, then those costs are adjusted.
What are the 3 days of an Indian wedding? ›
The actual nuptial ceremony and reception, similar to what a Western wedding encompasses, take place on the third day after two days of more intimate events (such as the tilak ceremony, the haldi (or pithi) ceremony, the mehndi party, and the sangeet) that are only attended by close friends and family members.
What are the 5 days of an Indian wedding? ›- Engagement Ceremony. ...
- Mehendi Ceremony. ...
- Sangeet Ceremony. ...
- Tilak/Sagan Ceremony. ...
- Haldi Ceremony. ...
- Roka Ceremony.
The Chinese calendar marks auspicious days throughout the year that correspond with luck for a variety of life events from travel to signing contracts to saying "I do." According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, the best months for marriage in the Year of the Rabbit 2023 are May, July, August, October, and November.