Weddings are a special occasion and most couples want it to be perfect and memorable that they can cherish for the rest of their lives. Indian weddings are one of the biggest parties that last anything between two to five days and the guest list is usually extensive. Various rituals and ceremonies lead up to the D-Day that ends with the couple tying the knot and sealing their love. Destination weddings aren’t uncommon these days with families ready to splurge on their children’s big day. If you are planning a destination wedding and want it to be magical, here are a few places that you should consider.
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Rajasthan
Home to several havelis, forts and palaces, Rajasthan epitomizes royalty and makes for a perfect setting for those looking for a grand wedding. The state reeks of opulence and you can have your own ‘big, fat Indian wedding’ story come alive here. From Udaipur to Jaipur, pick any region in Rajasthan, rent one of the many grand structures and have a royal wedding.
Rambagh Palace in Jaipur was originally the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur but today it is a luxury palace hotel. Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur is still home to the royal family but is large enough to have a big wedding with a guest list of 3,000 people. Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur is another dreamy venue for a picture-perfect wedding.
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Kerala
There is a reason why Kerala is called God’s Own Country and its natural beauty will convince you why. The state is primarily known for its lush greenery, backwaters and hill stations and is an apt wedding destination. The winter months are ideal for an outdoor wedding in Kerala when the weather is pleasant as it can get unbearably hot in the summer and rains can ruin your outdoor wedding plans.
Poovar Island Resort overlooks the Poovar Beach and also has a stretch of backwaters. You will not find houseboats here but small motor boats can take you around for a lazy ride. Kumarakom Lake Resort is on the banks of Vembanad Lake and makes for a tranquil wedding venue. The Leela Kempinski in Kovalam gives you a bird’s eye view of the beach from a cliff-top.
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Pristine white sand beaches, clear blue waters and ample privacy: if this is what you have in mind for your dream wedding, head to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The wedding venue might be a little offbeat but that is what makes it different and magical. Port Blair, the capital is where you can find several hotels and resorts. The destination is perfect for couples with a small guest list as the resorts may not have enough space to accommodate too many people. Another good thing is that instead of flying, you can also cruise to the island as well.
Sinclairs Bayview hotel, Fortune Resort Bay Island, SilverSand Beach Resort and Barefoot in Havelock are top resorts you can consider as your wedding venue. Make sure you ask them about the arrangements before you make a booking.
Goa
If you are a couple that is looking for a chilled out wedding destination with ample of beauty and opportunity to party, go for Goa. The state is replete with beautiful beaches dotted with palm trees. The alcohol is cheap and you will find several party places that stay open during the wee hours of the night. Goa is also perfect for a beach wedding that is both intimate and magical.
Many resorts in south Goa have access to a private beach and facilities like a pool, banquet hall, restaurants, spa, water sports, etc. so you and your guests can have a fun time all at one place. Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada, Alila Diwa Resort and Zuri White Sands Resort are a few of the many options for a wedding in Goa.
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Uttarakhand
Photograph courtesy: sabamonin/Creative Commons
If you are a couple who prefers the mountains over beaches, you should consider Uttarakhand as your wedding destination. It is home to several hill stations from Nainital to Mussoorie and Auli to Ranikhet. Go during off season and you will find fewer people and cheaper rates as well. Get married overlooking the Himalayan range as you take your vows in a breathtaking location.
Shervani Hilltop Nainital, JW Marriot Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort and Spa, Auli Resort the Royal Village and Hotel Chevron Rosemount in Ranikhet are options you could consider for a splendid wedding in Uttarakhand.
Thailand
If you are willing to spend a little more and make your destination wedding international, you should consider Thailand as one of your options. It is only a few hours away and is home to several islands that offer breathtaking views. From Phuket to Koh Samui to Krabi, you have plenty of options to explore.
There are many resorts that offer majestic views of the ocean and can make your wedding arrangements. Your guests can enjoy spa massages and delicious Thai delicacies within the resort premises. Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui, Katathani Beach Resort in Phuket and Hotel Sofitel Krabi are some of the top resorts in Thailand for a destination wedding.
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Santorini
If you are a couple that wants to make sure your wedding photos absolutely magical, then the backdrop of Santorini in Greece is perfect for you. The small island is known for its vistas of azure blue waters and the white architecture surrounding it. Getting here from India will take you some time as you will first have to fly down to Athens and then to Santorini. However, the venue is perfect for an intimate group that wants to vacation and attend your wedding.
Santorini Kastelli Resort, Vedema, a luxury collection resort and Canaves Oia Hotel are a few options. You can have a sundowner or a day wedding followed by a reception in the evening. Make sure your photographer takes some candid couple shots of the two of you against the lovely backdrop.
Sri Lanka
Photograph courtesy: Hotel Mount Lavinia
Not too far away from the Indian coast lies Sri Lanka that is truly breathtaking. It offers different kinds of terrains from hills covered in green to stunning beaches so depending on your preference you can take your pick. Kandy, Galle, Colombo and Bentota are places you can look at for your dream wedding.
Era Beach by Jetwing in Galle is perfect for those looking for a small, intimate wedding in a beautiful setting. Amaya Hills Resort in Kandy is on a cliff-top and offers amazing views. AVANI Bentota Resort and Spa is another great venue and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is for couples who want to be in the city but don’t want to miss out on the view.
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Bali
A little further away from India is Indonesia that is home to Bali which has several serene islands. A perfect beach wedding destination, Bali is home to several luxury resorts that offer amazing views of the sea and access to a private beach. Experience Balinese culture, get some exotic massages and take your vows against a beautiful backdrop in Bali. You will find many restaurants serving Indian food also so your guests can enjoy some desi dishes as well.
Most of the luxury properties are concentrated in Nusa Dua. The Mulia Bali, Grand Hyatt, Four Seasons Resort and Westin are some options to consider for a magical wedding. Bali is also a honeymoon destination so you could consider staying back to relax after the wedding ceremonies are over.
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Ireland
Indeed a dream wedding destination, Ireland is perfect for couples who want to do something different. The stunning natural beauty coupled with the regal architecture are just perfect for a royal wedding. Ireland is again an offbeat destination for a wedding but if that is your intention, you’ve hit jackpot. You can even incorporate a few Irish traditions to set the tone.
Kinnitty Castle Hotel offers wedding packages and is at the foothills of Slieve Bloom Mountains. The K Club is an 18th century property with a golf course and spa and rooms that have antiques on display. Ashford Castle is another beautiful castle hotel where you can get married.
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Photographs: Shutterstock
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