Popular Wedding Destinations in India: Forts, Palaces, Beaches, and Beyond

Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
Amber Fort, Jaipur, India

Plan Your Dream Destination Wedding in India: Forts, Beaches & Palaces

Weddings in India are more than just ceremonies—they are unforgettable celebrations of love, tradition, and grandeur. 

With the growing popularity of destination weddings in India, couples are now choosing picturesque venues that combine heritage with luxury and travel. 

From majestic forts in Rajasthan to sun-kissed beaches in Goa and snow-capped valleys in Kashmir, India offers some of the most stunning wedding destinations in the world.

Whether it’s a royal wedding in a palace in Udaipur, a beach wedding in South Goa, or a regal affair in a 15th-century fort, India has venues to match every dream. These iconic locations not only provide a breathtaking backdrop for wedding ceremonies but also come with world-class accommodations and hospitality. Many luxury resorts and heritage hotels offer complete wedding packages including décor, catering, entertainment, and logistics.

This guide explores the top wedding destinations in India, with a special focus on fort weddings. Learn how to reach these magical venues, what kind of accommodations are available, and the average cost of organizing a destination wedding in India. Make your wedding a timeless memory set against the grandeur of India’s cultural heritage.

1. Udaipur, Rajasthan – The Royal Dream

© Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/, 
CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
Taj Lake Palace, luxury hotel, Lake Pichola.
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Often referred to as the "Venice of the East", Udaipur is the top choice for couples desiring a royal wedding. With its picturesque lakes and majestic palaces, the city offers unmatched grandeur.

Top Venues:

• City Palace

• The Oberoi Udaivilas

• Taj Lake Palace

• Jagmandir Island Palace

Fort Wedding Option:

• Fatehgarh Fort – A heritage fort hotel with panoramic views, ideal for a regal setting.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (22 km from city)

• By Rail: Udaipur City Railway Station is well connected with Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.

• By Road: National highways link Udaipur to major cities in Rajasthan.

Accommodation:

Luxury resorts and hotels like Leela Palace, Trident, and Radisson Blu offer premium suites for guests. Budget options like Udai Kothi and Ramada are also available.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

A 2-day wedding for 150 guests can cost INR 60–90 lakhs, depending on the venue, decoration, food, and stay.

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan – The Pink City of Palatial Weddings

McKay Savage from London, UK, CC BY 2.0,
via Wikimedia Commons

Jaipur is synonymous with grand palaces, elephant processions, and royal flair. Its forts and havelis make for magnificent wedding venues.

While in Jaipur, I got to stay in the luxuruous Rambarh Palace Hotel. Part of the Taj group, the hotel used to be the guest house cum hunting lodge for the Jaipur Maharaja. Just a small "third home" for guests, you know, a cozy, basic palace when you're tired of your main one in the city centre or your "summer home" in the middle of the artificial lake...

The grounds are gorgeous. The pic doesn't really do the place justice, but this was the only time I could get between the monsoon rains. When not touring the city, we very much enjoyed lounging under the covered veranda catching up with my family and watching the rain pound down like a waterfall. Kept it nicely cool. Definitely the top place I've ever stayed and a far cry from how I usually travel.

Top Venues:

• Jai Mahal Palace

• Samode Palace

• Rambagh Palace

• Fairmont Jaipur

Fort Wedding Option:

• Nahargarh Fort – Set atop the Aravalli Hills, it offers breathtaking city views and royal ambiance.

• Jaigarh Fort – Known for its historic cannons and rustic beauty.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Jaipur International Airport connects to major cities.

• By Rail: Jaipur Junction is a major railway station.

• By Road: NH48 links Jaipur with Delhi (270 km).

Accommodation:

Top-tier options include JW Marriott, ITC Rajputana, and heritage hotels. Mid-range stays like Alsisar Haveli and Shahpura House are popular.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

A typical 2–3 day wedding for 200 guests ranges from INR 80 lakhs to 1.2 crores, with palaces commanding premium charges.

3. Jodhpur, Rajasthan – Majestic Desert Nuptials

The blue city of Jodhpur, with its sandstone forts and desert charm, is a preferred destination for intimate yet regal weddings.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur  Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Top Venues:

• Umaid Bhawan Palace (frequented by celebrities like Priyanka Chopra)

• Ajit Bhawan

• RAAS Jodhpur

Fort Wedding Option:

• Mehrangarh Fort – A majestic structure with expansive courtyards, ideal for lavish evening ceremonies.

How to Reach:

• By Air: Jodhpur Airport (5 km from city)

• By Rail: Direct trains connect to Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.

• By Road: Connected by NH125 and NH62.

Accommodation:

Umaid Bhawan and Vivanta Taj provide luxurious rooms. Options like Devi Bhawan offer heritage ambiance at affordable prices.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

A 2-day celebration for 150 guests may cost INR 70 lakhs to 1 crore, depending on customization.

4. Goa – Beach Weddings with a Tropical Twist

FelixGoaAnjuna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Felix beach sunbed and beach view

Goa is perfect for couples wanting a laid-back beachside wedding with a festive vibe. 

Felix beach is a beach club, lounge, bar, and restaurant in Morjim Goa. A place you can give in to the pleasures of life in Goa. Located on the picturesque beach of Morjim provides the perfect beach getaway

From Portuguese churches to palm-lined beaches, the state is a blend of serenity and celebration.

Top Venues:

• Taj Exotica

• The Leela Goa

• Planet Hollywood

• Alila Diwa

How to Reach:

• By Air: Dabolim International Airport

• By Rail: Madgaon and Vasco da Gama are major stations.

• By Road: NH66 connects Goa with Mumbai and Karnataka.

Accommodation:

Five-star resorts along South Goa’s coastline, boutique hotels, and beachside shacks for guests preferring a more casual stay.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

For a 2-day destination wedding with 150 guests, costs can range from INR 50 lakhs to 80 lakhs, inclusive of beachside decor, live music, and seafood banquets.

5. Kerala – Backwater Bliss

P.K.Niyogi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Kerala offers tranquil weddings amidst coconut palms and houseboats. It’s ideal for couples desiring serene, nature-embraced nuptials.

Cocobay Resort along Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom, Kerala, India

Top Venues:

• Kumarakom Lake Resort

• The Zuri Kumarakom

• Vivanta by Taj – Bekal

Unique Wedding Style:

• Houseboat weddings on Vembanad Lake.

• Traditional Malayali rituals with Kathakali dancers and elephant processions.

Jon Connell from Cambridge, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kumarakom Lake Resort

How to Reach:

• By Air: Cochin International Airport

• By Rail: Kottayam and Alappuzha are major stations.

• By Road: Well connected by NH66 and state highways.

Accommodation:

Resorts with spa and ayurveda facilities, like Marari Beach Resort, offer wellness-focused stays.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

A 2-day wedding for 100–120 guests may cost INR 40–60 lakhs, including authentic Kerala cuisine and traditional performances.

6. Agra, Uttar Pradesh – The City of Eternal Love

A wedding near the Taj Mahal—the ultimate symbol of love—has a charm of its own. Agra offers a backdrop steeped in history and romance.

Top Venues:

• ITC Mughal

• Taj Hotel & Convention Centre

• Jaypee Palace Hotel

How to Reach:

• By Air: Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport (limited flights)

• By Rail: Agra Cantt and Agra Fort are well connected.

• By Road: Accessible from Delhi via Yamuna Expressway (230 km).

Accommodation:

Luxury stays like Oberoi Amarvilas overlook the Taj. Mid-range and budget hotels available in Sadar Bazaar and Fatehabad Road.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

A 2-day event for 150 guests can cost INR 50–70 lakhs, with added charges for Taj view ceremonies or photoshoots.

7. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand – Mountain Romance

For couples seeking a fairy-tale wedding amidst misty mountains and pine forests, Mussoorie offers an enchanting venue.

Top Venues:

• JW Marriott Walnut Grove Resort

• Royal Orchid Fort Resort

• The Savoy, a Luxury Collection Hotel

How to Reach:

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (60 km)

• By Rail: Dehradun Railway Station (34 km)

• By Road: Well connected by NH7 and NH307 from Delhi and Dehradun.

Accommodation:

Colonial-era hotels, hilltop resorts, and cozy villas provide options for guests of all budgets.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

A wedding for 100–120 guests may cost INR 40–60 lakhs, depending on season and luxury levels.

8. Hyderabad, Telangana – Nizami Elegance

Hyderabad offers a fusion of modern and Mughal aesthetics. With grand halls and ancient architecture, it provides a Nizami flair to weddings.

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, India Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Top Venues:

• Taj Falaknuma Palace

• Chowmahalla Palace

• Leonia Holistic Destination

How to Reach:

• By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

• By Rail: Hyderabad Deccan (Nampally) and Secunderabad stations.

• By Road: NH44 and NH65 connect the city to other metros.

Accommodation:

High-end hotels like Park Hyatt and Novotel, along with heritage mansions and city-view suites.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

Falaknuma weddings start from INR 1 crore for 2 days and can go up to INR 2 crores based on guest count and opulence.

9. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand – Nature and Vows

Rshanspal11, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 
The nature of the first indian national park
named after jim corbett.

Weddings surrounded by wilderness and luxury resorts in Corbett offer a unique blend of nature and romance.

Top Venues:

• Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness

• Namah Resort

• The Golden Tusk

How to Reach:

• By Air: Pantnagar Airport (80 km)

• By Rail: Ramnagar Railway Station

• By Road: 250 km from Delhi via NH309.

Accommodation:

Luxury eco-resorts and wildlife lodges with banquet facilities.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

A 2-day wedding for 120 guests can cost INR 35–50 lakhs, ideal for eco-conscious celebrations.

10. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Spiritual and Scenic

meg and rahul, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
View of Rishikesh across the Laxman Jhula bridge.
Rishikesh, Yoga Capital of the World

For couples drawn to spirituality and the Ganges, Rishikesh is a serene wedding destination with traditional Vedic rituals.

Top Venues:

• Ganga Kinare

• Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa

• Aloha on the Ganges

How to Reach:

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (35 km)

• By Rail: Haridwar Junction (25 km)

• By Road: NH334 links to Delhi and Haridwar.

Accommodation:

Boutique riverside resorts, yoga retreat hotels, and meditation centers for wedding guests.

Estimated Wedding Cost:

A spiritual riverside wedding for 100 guests can be hosted for INR 30–45 lakhs.

Cost Components in Indian Destination Weddings

Here’s a breakdown of average costs (for 150 guests, 2-day wedding):

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range (INR)
Venue Rental	15 – 30 lakhs
Accommodation	10 – 25 lakhs
Catering (Indian & Multi-cuisine)	8 – 20 lakhs
Decor & Florals	5 – 15 lakhs
Photography/Videography	2 – 5 lakhs
Entertainment (DJ, folk dancers, etc.)	2 – 6 lakhs
Logistics & Transport	3 – 6 lakhs
Total	45 – 100+ lakhs

Costs vary significantly based on location, season, and preferences.

Conclusion

India’s wedding destinations are as diverse as its culture—ranging from the mighty forts of Rajasthan to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, from beach paradises in Goa to spiritual sanctuaries in Rishikesh. Each location offers a unique flavor, deeply rooted in regional heritage and complemented by world-class hospitality. Fort weddings remain an evergreen choice for their drama and grandeur, while hill stations and beach resorts cater to couples seeking intimacy and relaxation. 

With careful planning and budgeting, destination weddings in India can be dreamlike and deeply memorable—for the couple and every guest. Whether it’s exchanging vows under the stars in Udaipur’s Jagmandir or along the shores of Goa, India turns wedding dreams into royal realities. Howerer the viewers are requested to confirm the present details while actually vising the places mentioned above.