Introduction to Destination Weddings in India
Every love story deserves a celebration, as do the vows themselves. Close your eyes and imagine yourself walking down an aisle with a palace glowing behind you, or having a sangeet night with waves lapping at your feet. That’s the magic of a destination wedding in India—a land where every corner has a story wrapped in royalty and serenity. weddings that feel like chapters of a romantic novel — intimate and wrapped in the cultural richness of India. From forts to beaches, there is a long list of the best places for destination weddings India has to offer. And yes—we’ll also give you practical tips on the destination wedding cost in India so you can dream big without overthinking.
— This guide was updated in January 2026 with the latest venue insights, seasonal recommendations and destination wedding trends in India.
Why Choose India for Your Big Day
A country that is rich and culturally diverse, and the reason why no two weddings are the same, since no two love stories are identical. Here, each religion has its own music, rituals, cuisine, and vibe, so it is not only a wedding but a complete festival atmosphere, or an unforgettable love celebration in India. From dancing on Rajasthani folk tunes or sipping coconut water in Kerala’s beach, guests just don’t come for your wedding but to embark on a cultural adventure that stretches far beyond the wedding album.
Lets Explore Top Wedding Destination
Planning a Destination Wedding in India in 2026?
If you are searching for the best wedding destinations in India in 2026, this updated guide covers royal palace weddings, beach destinations, hill station venues, seasonal advice, and estimated destination wedding cost in India. Whether you are planning an intimate 100-guest celebration or a grand 300+ guest wedding, this guide will help you shortlist the perfect city.
Best Wedding Destinations in India 2026 – Quick Overview
Here are the most popular destination wedding places in India in 2026:
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Udaipur – Royal palace weddings
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Jaipur – Heritage fort celebrations
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Goa – Beach weddings
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Kerala – Backwater & tropical weddings
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Jaisalmer – Desert heritage weddings
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Shimla & Mussoorie – Hill station weddings
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Rishikesh – Spiritual riverside weddings
Each destination offers a different experience, guest capacity range, and budget bracket.
Top Destinations for Beach Wedding
Imagine walking down an aisle drawn not by carpet, but by the shoreline itself. The sea breeze carries the scent of salt and jasmine, and your mandap is framed by the setting sun – doesn’t it feel like every wave is giving applause for your love story? That’s the charm of a beach wedding destination in India—romantic and carefree.
Goa Wedding
Goa is not just about beaches—it’s a mood. Picture your pheras on the sand at sunrise, followed by a Portuguese-villa brunch with live music. your sangeet becomes a sundowner party where everyone is dancing barefoot and cocktails under fairy lights. Goa adapts to your vision and makes it a full vibe. Be it a boho-chic wedding or a full Bollywood drama kinda celebration.
Best Season for a Wedding in Goa
- Best time? November to February — weather’s perfect, not too hot or sticky.
- Monsoon? Nope, rain can ruin beach plans.
- December and January are packed, so book your early.
Top Hotels & Resorts in Goa for Your Dream Wedding
- Taj Exotica: Beachfront lawns made for dreamy sunsets.
- The Lalit Goa: Fancy vibes with a private beach.
- W Goa: Cool, hip, and party-ready.
- Alila Diwa: Quiet and chill, surrounded by rice fields.
- Grand Hyatt Goa: Luxury with that authentic Goan feel.
Tips for Couples Planning a Goa Wedding
- Don’t wait — book everything ASAP.
- North Goa = fun and lively. South Goa = calm and private.
- Beach weddings need permits — get a local planner.
- Keep guests in the loop about weather and dress code.
- Embrace the vibe: seafood, saxophones, and barefoot dancing.
Who Should Choose Goa in 2026?
Goa is perfect for:
- Couples planning 100–250 guest destination weddings
- Families who want beach pheras with sunset backdrops
- Couples who prefer relaxed, fun and party-focused celebrations
- Multi-day weddings with pool parties and sundowner sangeets
- NRI families wanting easy airport connectivity
If you want your wedding to feel like a holiday celebration for your guests, Goa is the ideal choice.
Kerala Wedding
Kerala is one of such wedding destinations in India that brings spiritual serenity with a dash of party attitude to your wedding ambiance. Having your big day with coconut palms gently swaying and traditional dancers as part of your baraat. This blend of cultural affluence and natural scenery makes Kerala an interesting and one of the finest Indian wedding destinations.
Best Season for a Wedding in Kerala
- October to March? Perfect weather, no sweat, no rain—just good vibes.
- Monsoon? Pretty to look at but a nightmare to plan around, so skip it.
- April and May get hot, so stick indoors or somewhere shady if you must.
Top Wedding Venues in Kerala
- Kumarakom Lake Resort? Imagine saying “I do” on a houseboat. Dreamy much?
- The Leela Raviz Kovalam has sunsets that will stop everyone mid-toast.
- Taj Green Cove is where classic Kerala beach weddings happen—simple and beautiful.
- Zuri Kumarakom’s got space and chill vibes by the lake for all your guests.
- Tea County in Munnar feels like a cozy hug from the hills.
Tips for Couples Planning a Kerala Wedding
- Mix up tradition with nature—it makes everything way more special.
- Dress light, cause Kerala’s humidity will have you sweating otherwise.
- Pick the spot that makes your heart happy—beach, backwaters, or hills.
- Get a local planner—they’re your lifeline for all the tricky stuff.
- Don’t just do the wedding, make it a whole experience for you and your guests.
Who Should Choose Kerala in 2026?
Kerala is ideal for:
- Couples who love nature, backwaters and greenery
- Families planning intimate 80–180 guest weddings
- Those who want a mix of tradition and tropical charm
- Couples looking for houseboat or lakeside ceremonies
- Families preferring peaceful, non-chaotic celebrations
If you want a wedding that feels soulful, scenic and culturally rich, Kerala fits beautifully.
Top Royal & Heritage Wedding Destinations in India
If you’ve ever dreamed of a royal bride/groom vibe on your D-day, with chandeliers glittering above and history woven into every wall, then a royal wedding destination in India is where your regalness begins.
Udaipur Wedding
Best marriage destination in India, where palaces glow golden, where your loved ones await in a courtyard, and you arrive for your pheras, the sun melts, giving it a perfect backdrop. Sounds very regal yet romantic? That’s the whole vibe of Udaipur weddings – a city with elegance personified, where every moment feels like you are living in some poetic world.
Best Season for a Wedding in Udaipur
- Plan for October to March — weather’s nice, not too hot, perfect for hanging outside.
- April to June? Too dang hot, no one’s gonna have fun.
- Monsoon is pretty but rain can totally kill the vibe.
Top Wedding Venues in Udaipur
- Oberoi Udaivilas is straight-up dreamy and fancy as heck.
- Taj Lake Palace feels like you’re floating in a romantic movie.
- Raffles Udaipur is huge and super royal—if you want all eyes on you.
- Leela Palace is a sweet mix of old-school and modern.
- Ananta Resort Udaipur is quieter, kind of a hidden gem.
Tips for Couples Planning a Udaipur Wedding
- Book way ahead — this place is crazy popular.
- Get a planner — trust me, you don’t wanna deal with all the royal paperwork.
- Figure out how your guests get around — some spots need boats or special rides.
- Make it fun with local stuff — dancers, elephants, vintage cars, and yummy food.
- It’s gonna cost you — so be ready to splurge a bit for all the magic.
Who Should Choose Udaipur in 2026?
Udaipur is perfect for:
- Luxury palace weddings with 150–400 guests
- Families wanting a royal, grand and cinematic experience
- Couples who dream of lakefront pheras and heritage courtyards
- Big-budget weddings with multi-event setups
- Those who want a statement wedding in India
If your vision includes regal architecture, vintage cars, and royal processions — Udaipur delivers unmatched grandeur.
Jaipur Wedding
Jaipur lives on colour and celebration, think about it – a function of mehendi in a palace garden, sangeet under starry skies in a centuries-old fort, and pheras framed by carved arches – sounds fun and royal? That’s the magic of Pink City and its wedding experience.
Best Season for a Wedding in Jaipur
- October to March is your best bet — cool, dry, and perfect for those dreamy palace parties.
- April to June? Nope. It gets way too hot, and no one wants to melt on their big day.
- Monsoon rains are unpredictable, so most skip it — but hey, if you want off-season deals, go for it.
Top Wedding Venues in Jaipur
- Hyatt Mansarovar Jaipur is the ultimate royal vibe with huge lawns and jaw-dropping architecture.
- Samode Palace is tucked away in the hills and perfect if you want a smaller, fancy affair.
- Fairmont Jaipur mixes old-school Mughal charm with modern luxury for big, grand weddings.
- The Leela Palace Jaipur is classic royal — perfect for those heritage pheras.
- Marriott Hotel Jaipur Resort is a fancy spot for large weddings with a modern twist.
Tips for Couples Planning a Jaipur Wedding
- Jaipur’s all about drama — think royal processions, folk dances, and shehnai at sunset.
- Book permissions early — palaces don’t do last-minute.
- Dress up in silk, velvet, or brocade — it looks amazing with the palaces around you.
- Make it fun for guests with camel rides, Rajasthani street food, and cool local crafts.
- Stay close to the venue because Jaipur traffic can seriously mess with your schedule.
Who Should Choose Jaipur in 2026?
Jaipur is best for:
- Couples planning 150–350 guest weddings
- Families who want royal heritage at slightly more flexible budgets than Udaipur
- Large-scale sangeet and mehendi events
- Weddings needing strong logistics and city connectivity
- Those who love forts, gardens and Mughal-inspired architecture
If you want a vibrant royal wedding with good accessibility and venue variety, Jaipur is a strong contender.
Jaisalmer Wedding
Time slows in Jaisalmer for those who want their love story to be carved in desert gold. The city’s blend of luxury and culture makes it one of the best marriage destinations in India for couples who want grandeur.
Best Season for a Wedding in Jaisalmer
- Late fall to winter (Nov–Feb) is your best friend — not too hot, nice and chill at night.
- Spring and summer? Hell no, it’s basically a desert oven.
- Monsoon? Barely rains, but still sticky and not great for partying outside.
Top Wedding Venues in Jaisalmer
- Suryagarh Palace is the real deal — fancy, desert vibes, and super royal.
- Marriott’s nice if you want comfort with a bit of tradition.
- Fort Rajwada’s old and gorgeous — perfect if you want that heritage feel.
- Camping in the dunes? So magical if you wanna get hitched under the stars.
Tips for Couples Planning a Jaisalmer Wedding
- Embrace the desert theme fully — camels, folk music, fire dancers, lanterns everywhere.
- Don’t do outdoor stuff in the heat — stick to the cooler months.
- Transport is a pain, so plan rides and flights way in advance.
- Local planners are lifesavers — they know all the desert tricks.
- Keep guests happy with water, shade, and some sunscreen and scarves — they’ll thank you.
Who Should Choose Jaisalmer in 2026?
Jaisalmer suits:
- Couples who want something unique and less commercial
- 120–300 guest heritage weddings
- Desert sunset ceremonies and themed celebrations
- Families looking for luxury with slightly controlled budgets
- Couples who love golden sandstone aesthetics
If you want a royal wedding with a dramatic desert backdrop, Jaisalmer is unforgettable.
Best Hill Station Wedding Spots in India – Love in the Clouds
There’s something magical about the mountains – the air is crisp, the skies feel closer, and time slows down just enough for you to savour each vow. A hill station wedding destination in India isn’t just scenic—it’s soulful.
Shimla Wedding
Formerly the summer capital of the British Raj, Shimla has an old-vintage feel—your mehendi in an apple orchard or your haldi with a perfect mountain view. Shimla is ideal for couples who love a vintage vibe mixed with the essence of mountain air.
Best Season for a Wedding in Shimla
- March to June is awesome—flowers blooming, nice weather, perfect for being outside.
- September to November feels cozy with crisp air and golden views.
- Winter can be magical with snow, but plan for cold and tricky travel.
- Monsoon? Nope. Landslides and travel mess-ups are a headache.
Top Wedding Venues in Shimla
- Wildflower Hall (Oberoi) is like a mountain fairytale.
- The Oberoi Hotel Shimla has that classic colonial charm.
- Taj Theog is great if you want forests and modern vibes.
- Radisson hotel Jass Shimla screams vintage royal.
- Welcomhotel ITC has killer valley views and comfy stays.
Tips for Couples Planning a Shimla Wedding
- Sort travel early—flights nearby are limited and getting around takes time.
- Keep it small—hill venues aren’t huge, so think cozy guest lists.
- Dress in layers and think heaters—mountain chill is real.
- Let nature do the heavy lifting on decor—apple trees and pine forests are already stunning.
- Check all the rules—drones, sound, and forest stuff can need permits.
Who Should Choose Shimla in 2026?
Shimla is ideal for:
- 80–150 guest intimate hill weddings
- Couples who love colonial charm and pine forests
- Summer weddings avoiding heat in metro cities
- Families wanting cozy, scenic celebrations
- Nature-focused decor with minimal setup
If you want mountain air, misty mornings and a cozy guest experience, Shimla is a beautiful option.
Rishikesh Wedding
Imagine having pheras near the holy Ganga, softly ringing bells, or vows under a cover of forest canopies – sounds spiritual and serene wedding? It is is a perfect destination for those who want a mixture of spirituality with nature.
Best Season for a Wedding in Rishikesh
- October to March is perfect—cool evenings, clear skies, and the Ganges vibes are just chef’s kiss.
- April to June can get warm, but if you do mornings or evenings, it’s all good.
Top Wedding Venues in Rishikesh
- Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa is fancy but chill, right by the river.
- Westin Resort & Spa Rishikesh feels like a dream—totally nature-y and intimate.
- Sterling Palm Bliss Rishikesh is for the wellness lovers who want a spiritual touch.
Tips for Couples Planning a Rishikesh Wedding
- Keep it simple —good vibes, yummy food and earthy decor go a long way here.
- Seriously, get a local planner—they know the rules and can handle all the tricky stuff.
- Throw in some yoga sessions or a Ganga aarti for your guests—it’s a real treat!
- Dress comfy and flowy—fits the vibe and the weather perfectly.
Who Should Choose Rishikesh in 2026?
Rishikesh is ideal for:
- Spiritual or riverside weddings
- Couples planning 80–200 guest ceremonies
- Families wanting a calm, sacred environment
- Yoga-themed or wellness-inspired wedding experiences
- Intimate sunset pheras by the Ganga
If you want your wedding to feel meaningful, peaceful and spiritually rooted, Rishikesh is unmatched.
Mussoorie Wedding
Uttarakhand has many beautiful destinations for weddings, but Mussoorie tops the chart and takes you to the most calming places, from foggy early mornings for your haldi function to glittery evenings for a DJ night. It’s a sophisticated and quirky wedding destination in India (you can even feel comfortable with a heavy lehenga on).
Best time to tie the knot in Mussoorie?
- March to June — the weather’s just right and flowers are popping.
- September to November — fresh air, sunshine, and those golden mountain vibes.
- Winter’s magical if you love snow and don’t mind the chill.
- Skip the monsoon — rain can really mess up plans.
Top Wedding Venues in Mussoorie
- JW Marriott Walnut Grove for all the luxury and big parties.
- Jaypee Residency Manor if you want stunning views and space to dance.
- The Savoy for vintage charm and cozy moments.
- Royal Orchid Fort Resort Mussoorie for small, intimate weddings that feel personal.
- Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie if you want good vibes on a budget.
Quick tips:
- Bring layers — Mussoorie nights get cold, even in summer.
- Fly into Dehradun, then enjoy a beautiful hill drive.
- Use the misty mornings and fairy lights to make your wedding feel magical.
- Most spots fit 50 to 150 guests comfortably.
- Treat your guests with local tea and sweets — they’ll love it!
Who Should Choose Mussoorie in 2026?
Mussoorie works best for:
- Small to mid-size weddings (50–150 guests)
- Couples wanting peaceful hill station elegance
- Families looking for budget-friendly mountain weddings
- Intimate ceremonies with valley views
- Those who prefer relaxed and personal celebrations
If you want charm without over-the-top grandeur, Mussoorie is perfect.
Tips for selecting the ideal location?
Selecting the right wedding venue is more than just the scenery and facilities – it is about creating a worthwhile experience for yourself and your family. A palace could be gorgeous, but what if it can’t accommodate your guest list? A beach could be dreamy, but is it weather permitting?
Don’t worry, we are not going to tell you about the best places for destination weddings in India, but we will keep an eye on the destination wedding cost in India.
- Know Your Guest List First
Intimate guest list? Consider Kerala or the Andamans. Larger celebrations? Udaipur or Jaipur’s palaces handle scale beautifully. Guest count directly impacts rooms, meals, and your overall budget. - Match the Season to the Place
The best palace weddings shine from October to March, beaches glow from November to April, and hill stations are stunning from March to June. Picking off-season dates can lower the destination wedding cost in India and balance savings with guest comfort. - Logistics Matter More Than You Think
Place with good connectivity, like Jaipur and Kerala, saves you a lot of money and hassle that comes with all the transporting of your guests and necessities. - Let Nature Do the Decor
One smart way to optimize the destination wedding cost in India is to choose venues where natural beauty does the heavy lifting. Beaches need little more than flowers, hills look stunning with candles, and forts already carry grandeur.
But most importantly, ask yourself – Where do you want your love story celebrated? Beach or mountain wedding doesn’t matter, at the end of the day, marriage is all about selecting a place where memories can blossom and your love can feel comfortable.
Planning your dream wedding? Let’s make it real.
At Destination Weddings India, we help couples like you create unforgettable celebrations in the most beautiful corners of the country – palaces, beaches, hills and everything in between.
You bring the love story. We’ll take care of the rest.
Ready to start planning? Let’s talk.
Email: info@destinationweddingsindia.com
Phone: +91-9220900868 | +91-8368631058
Or Drop your details here and we’ll give you options that actually make sense for you.
FAQs
1. What is the best destination wedding place in India in 2026?
The best destination wedding place depends on your budget and wedding style. Udaipur and Jaipur are ideal for royal palace weddings, Goa for beach weddings and Rishikesh or hill stations for intimate nature-focused celebrations.
2. How much does a destination wedding cost in India in 2026?
The destination wedding cost in India in 2026 typically ranges from ₹25 Lakhs to ₹3 Crores depending on city, guest count, venue category and number of events.
3. Which city is cheapest for a destination wedding in India?
Rishikesh, Shimla and certain Kerala venues can be more budget-friendly compared to palace weddings in Rajasthan.
4. How much does a 200 guest destination wedding cost in India?
For 200–250 guests, destination wedding costs usually range between ₹40 Lakhs to ₹2 Crores depending on city and luxury level.
5. What is the best month for a destination wedding in India?
October to March is ideal for most cities. Hill stations are best from March to June, while beaches are preferred between November and February.
6. Is a destination wedding cheaper than a local wedding?
In many cases, yes. Destination weddings usually have smaller guest lists (100–200 guests), which helps control costs compared to large 500+ guest local weddings.
7. Can foreigners legally marry in India?
Yes, foreigners can legally marry in India under the Special Marriage Act, subject to documentation and notice period requirements.
