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Juggling emotions and expectations at the same time? You must be planning a destination wedding in India. One moment you’re dreaming of a sunset pheras in Udaipur or barefoot vows by the sea in Goa. Next moment, you’re staring at numbers that make you question every life choice you’ve ever made.
Destination Wedding Cost in India has shifted gears in 2026. It used to be a playground reserved only for industrialists and movie stars. But not anymore. It’s still far from a budget picnic though. Your budget is going to depend on three brutally simple things- where you go, how many people you invite, and how sharp you are with decisions.
If you are looking at your budget sheet and feel like you are missing out on a lot of important things, you need to pause and breathe. In this blog, we are going to help you unpack the costs, the cities, and the expenses that might sneak in and ambush your bank balance later.
This guide breaks down destination wedding cost in India 2026 with real city-wise numbers.
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Destination Wedding Cost – Quick Overview (2026)
• 100–150 guests: ₹25 Lakhs – ₹60 Lakhs
• 200–250 guests: ₹60 Lakhs – ₹1 Crore
• 300+ guests (palace & ultra-luxury weddings): ₹1.5 Crore and above
The final destination wedding cost in India depends on location, guest count, venue type, and season.
Destination Wedding Cost in India – Citywise Breakdown (2026)
| Destination | Average Cost 100–150 Guests | Average Cost 200–250 Guests | Average Cost 300+ Guests |
| Goa | ₹30–55 Lakhs | ₹60–90 Lakhs | ₹1.2 Cr+ |
| Udaipur | ₹45–80 Lakhs | ₹90 L–1.4 Cr | ₹1.8 Cr+ |
| Jaipur | ₹35–65 Lakhs | ₹70 L–1.2 Cr | ₹1.5 Cr+ |
| Jaisalmer / Bikaner | ₹30–50 Lakhs | ₹55–75 Lakhs | ₹1 Cr+ |
| Jim Corbett | ₹25–45 Lakhs | ₹55–75 Lakhs | ₹1 Cr+ |
| Rishikesh | ₹20–40 Lakhs | ₹45–65 Lakhs | ₹90 L+ |
| Alibaug | ₹28–50 Lakhs | ₹55–80 Lakhs | ₹1.1 Cr+ |
The destination wedding cost in India varies significantly based on city, season, and guest count, which is why early budgeting is critical.
A Reality Check on Costs
We all want a well executed destination wedding. Most destination weddings have a guest count of around 100 to 150 guests. For most couples hosting 100–150 guests, this typically translates to a total budget of ₹25 Lakhs to ₹60 Lakhs. If you push that guest list past 300, add a royal palace in Jaipur, then the meter is easily going to jump to ₹1.5 Crore and above.
This is where the money goes:
| Category | Budget Share | Overview |
| Venue & Accommodation | 40%–50% | You’re not renting a space for a few hours. You’re essentially reserving a small hotel, 50 to 100 rooms for at least two nights. |
| Catering | 20%–25% | This isn’t one meal. It’s breakfast spreads, elaborate lunches, evening snacks, dinners, and the occasional post-party hunger fix across multiple days. |
| Decor & Setup | 10%–15% | Flowers, drapes, lighting, mandaps, and that elusive “wow” factor. Costs rise in direct proportion to how photogenic you want it to be. |
| Photography & Films | 5%–10% | Candid frames, cinematic edits, drone shots, reels, and trailers you’ll rewatch a hundred times. |
| Entertainment | Around 5% | DJs, live bands, folk performers. All these add up to the price. |
Choosing Your Mood: City by City
Every destination comes with its own personality. And with personality comes its own appetite for your budget. Expecting uniform pricing across India is wishful thinking.
1. The Royal Heritage Circuit
This is the fantasy most couples start with. Palaces, sandstone courtyards, and a heavy dose of old-world grandeur.
- High End Icons
Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur
Breathtaking, iconic, and priced accordingly. Palace weddings here are statement affairs.
- Heritage Without the Hefty Bill
Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Pushkar
You still get forts, desert sunsets, and history rich venues. But the prices are going to be gentler than Udaipur.
2. Beach & Coastal Escapes
If velvet lehengas feel too heavy, the coast offers a lighter, breezier romance.
- Goa
Goa is the undisputed favorite of almost every couple. You can choose South Goa for luxury and privacy. Go for North Goa if you want energy and nightlife.
- Alibaug & Mumbai
Ideal for Maharashtra based families who want a destination wedding without long haul logistics.
- Southern Shores
Chennai, Mamallapuram, Diu
Go for it if you want temple architecture, sea-facing resorts, and a refreshingly offbeat aesthetic.
3. Mountains, Forests & Cool Climate Weddings
These weddings are trending for a reason. The reason being the scenery, as it does half the work.
- Hill Stations
Shimla, Mussoorie, Kasauli, Ooty
Great for summer weddings when the plains are unbearable.
- Wildlife & Wilderness
Jim Corbett, Ranthambore
For the vows echoed by forest sounds instead of traffic noise.
- Spiritual & Scenic
Rishikesh, Guwahati, Kashmir
Kashmir offers unmatched visual drama, while Rishikesh brings calm, sacred energy by the Ganges.
4. Metro Cities with a Destination Feel
If you are a couple who wants convenience without compromising scale, metro cities are for you.
- Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Amritsar- all these cities house sprawling farmhouses and five star hotels that are built for large and complex weddings.
The “Invisible” Expenses
Most people Google Destination Wedding Cost and stop at food and rooms. That’s a mistake.
- Logistics & Transport
Airport pickups, shuttle services, local transfers. A fleet of Innovas for three days adds up alarmingly fast.
- Vendor Travel & Stay
Flying in your makeup artist or photographer means covering flights, rooms, and meals.
- GST
Most online quotes skip this part. Add 18%–28% GST and suddenly your ₹40 Lakh wedding costs ₹7–10 Lakhs more.
- Unplanned Meals
Midnight Maggi, Mehendi snacks, post-party hunger- small indulgences that quietly inflate bills.
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How to Stop the Budget from Spiralling
Saving money doesn’t mean cutting joy. It means making smarter moves.
- Choose Off Peak Dates
July or September weddings can get you 20 to 30% discounts in cities like Jaipur or Agra.
- Trim the Guest List
Each guest equals accommodation, food, transport, and hampers. Dropping from 200 to 120 guests can save ₹15 Lakhs instantly.
- Hire Local Vendors
Local decorators and caterers know venues, markets, and logistics. Plus, they don’t need flight tickets.
- Let Nature Lead the Decor:
In Kashmir or Rishikesh, the backdrop is already spectacular. Soft lighting and local flowers often outperform extravagant setups.
Conclusion
More than being an event, a destination wedding is a shared experience. Your favourite people gather in a beautiful place for a few days, forget everything and just enjoy themselves while celebrating you and your big day.No matter what your budget is, there’s a way to celebrate for everyone at different places. The number isn’t always the whole story. It’s the laughter, fun and emotional moments that linger when everything is over.
If you’d like clarity on budgets, destinations, or want someone to help you plan everything end-to-end, you can enquire with our team and take the pressure off yourself. Many couples also prefer to speak directly and get answers faster.
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Email: info@destinationweddingsindia.com
Phone: +91-9220900868 | +91-8368631058
FAQs
Below are some of the most common questions couples ask while planning destination wedding budgets in India.
Destination or local wedding, which one is costlier?
Local weddings often balloon to 500+ guests. Destination weddings naturally cap the list at 100–150, which can actually reduce overall spend.
Who pays for flight tickets- the couple or the guests?
Traditionally, guests book their own flights. The couple handles accommodation, food, and local transport. Flying out a small inner circle is optional, not mandatory.
What’s the cheapest month for a destination wedding?
May to June for beaches, August–September for Rajasthan. Avoid peak auspicious dates if you want value.
Is a destination wedding under ₹30 Lakhs possible?
Yes, with discipline. Choose offbeat locations, keep guests under 80, opt for 4-star properties, and stick to local menus.
