Offbeat destinations in India that are perfect for a beautiful, intimate wedding

Rajasthan is India's most popular destination for a wedding, but here are some beautiful off-grid wedding destinations that can make your wedding day both special and memorable.

THE LEELA, KOVALAM

Perched on a clifftop amid 67 acres of lush greenery, this luxury resort was made to give you your dream wedding. Picture azure waters, 16,000 sq.ft. of an uninterrupted beachfront stretch and pathways dotted with coconut trees with the sun setting in the backdrop—all complemented by the warm hospitality of The Leela

KUMARAKOM LAKE RESORT, KUMARAKOM

Exchange your vows by the water, surrounded by scenic views or on a boat with the sun going down in the backdrop—planning your special day on the banks of the serene Vembanad Lake will leave guests with a story to tell for many years to come. The resort is just the right mix of quiet, elegant and luxurious, with a side of rustic, with venues suitable for both intimate weddings and big parties.

THE RAJBARI BAWALI, RAYPUR

One hour and 30 minutes from Kolkata, this 300-year-old luxury heritage property will transport you to the zamindari days of Bengal. While the rooms are all laced with stunning interiors, the outdoor venues are ideal for an intimate setting, especially during the pleasant winter here. Add to the mix their culinary offerings and you have yourself the perfect wedding.

COORG WILDERNESS RESORT & SPA

The attention to detail teamed with the perfection of Coorg make this property a no-brainer for a destination wedding. A comfortable drive from Bengaluru, it’s ready to welcome you with an array of special services, including decorators, photographers and live entertainment. Another bonus: the resort can get you there on a helicopter!

KHYBER HIMALAYAN RESORT & SPA, GULMARG

To add the romance of Kashmir to your wedding, there’s little that can beat this Khyber property, especially when it’s covered with a light dusting of snow. Besides Kashmir’s unparalleled mountain views, this ultra luxurious resort comes with a stunning outdoor garden as well as an elegant indoor ballroom, offering everything one would want for their destination wedding.

SAMODE PALACE, JAIPUR

Celebrate your big day in the walled city of Jaipur at this two century-old palace, the former home of the royal Rawals. Inviting service complements the old-world charm of the property, where the mandap is set up in the beautiful courtyard, and a royal spread in the opulent Darbar Hall and terraces. The festivities are all tailored to your preferences.

SIX SENSES FORT BARWARA, SAWAI MADHOPUR

A three-hour drive from Jaipur, this 14th-century fort was first brought to everyone’s attention with Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal’s nuptials. Surrounded by scenic forests and overlooking the Barwara lake and temple, the historic property blends Rajasthan’s well-known hospitality with that of Six Senses and unparalleled luxury, making it quite the combo for a destination wedding.

NARENDRA BHAWAN, BIKANER

“Grand” is what comes to mind at first glance. A beautiful blend of the past and the present, it serves as the perfect canvas for a destination wedding. A range of princely suites, delectable Rajasthani fare and a number of venues within the premises leave you spoilt for choice.

NEEMRANA FORT-PALACE, ALWAR

Located in the Aravallis near the Delhi-Jaipur highway is this 15th-century fort-palace, steeped in culture and history. This heritage property has a number of banquet areas of varying capacities (ranging from 70 to 250), each a stunning spot for a memorable destination wedding.

THE LALIT GRAND PALACE, SRINAGAR

Today’s discerning guests, besides the bride and groom of course, will have little to no complaints at this palatial hotel. The 4,000 sq.ft. banquet space and open garden with marvellous views are teamed with services customised to every wedding party.

THE OBEROI SUKHVILAS SPA RESORT, CHANDIGARH

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, against the picturesque Siswan forest, is this Oberoi hotel where a personalised curator will help make your destination wedding as memorable as it can. The spectacular location shrouded with fragrant forest air will entice guests to switch off and simply enjoy the occasion.

THE BARADARI PALACE, PATIALA

You may recognise this 19th-century Patiala Palace from Jab We Met, in which it was the very home that Kareena Kapoor Khan’s character ran from. While not as ostentatious as a grand Rajasthan palace, you can enjoy a wedding just as royal at this Sikh-Mughal style property. The sprawling garden makes for a welcoming venue for weddings.

RADISSON BLU RESORT & SPA, ALIBAUG

With over 25,000 sqft of indoor and outdoor space and the tranquillity of Alibaug in the background, this Radisson property is as good as it can get mere hours from Mumbai. Organisers at the hotel will help come up with a bespoke package for your special day, which could also include a pre-wedding photo shoot for your gallery.

LE MÉRIDIEN MAHABALESHWAR RESORT & SPA

At this luxurious resort, nestled amid 27 acres of pristine evergreen forests a few hours from Mumbai, the dedicated team of event coordinators will plan your special day to a tee. You can club your sangeet with a chic cocktail party at their lounge, and host your nuptials in the outdoor lawns or banquet spaces.

ITC GRAND BHARAT, GURUGRAM

Surrounded by lush greenery, this property marries [pun intended] the opulence of royalty and the trademark service of ITC. Its five indoor venues, four lawns, the poolside and the ghats by the Yamuna make it an exemplary venue for all your wedding celebrations. The best part: a delectable buffet spread with options from ITC’s iconic Bukhara, Dum Pukht and Dakshin

HERITAGE VILLAGE RESORT & SPA, MANESAR

The 45,000 sqft outdoor venue and 154 beautifully appointed rooms and suites at this resort ensure ample room even for the grandest of weddings. From bachelor-bachelorette parties to the mehendi, sangeet and big wedding, it’s one of the best locations near Delhi and Gurugram for a destination wedding. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so your furry friends can join in on the celebrations.

THE TAMARA KODAI, KODAIKANAL

With the hills of Kodaikanal playing the perfect host at 6,500 ft, The Tamara offers the complete package— starting from grooming and wellness combos to décor Heritage Village Resort & Spa, Manesar The Tamara Kodai, Kodaikanal Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand The St. Regis Goa Resort ITC Mughal, Agra 209 Kumaon, in the foothills of the Himalayas by the Kosi river, the resort presents the allure of tying the knot in the lap of nature and one of the country’s most iconic destinations.

THE ST. REGIS GOA RESORT

Tucked away in the serene and scenic south, this Marriott property brings you both the excitement of Goa and utmost privacy for your special day. Opt for a beachfront ceremony followed by a grand indoor reception, and fit in even more memorable moments with your loved ones in their luxurious rooms, suites and villas.

ITC MUGHAL, AGRA

hat could be more romantic than exchanging your vows in the backdrop of a monument built in the name of love? There’s the Dewan-e-Khas, the grand ballroom, for the wedding, whereas the Sher Shah Suri and Gulbadan gardens make for the perfect setting for the reception. ITC Mughal also includes the Mughal Darbar, which welcomes the baarat in grand style to a shower of rose petals and some soulful shehnai.

TAJ CORBETT RESORT & SPA, UTTARAKHAND

esides the excitement of safaris and the wilderness around, Taj Corbett helps organise weddings to perfection. Located two hours from Dehradun in Kumaon, in the foothills of the Himalayas by the Kosi river, the resort presents the allure of tying the knot in the lap of nature and one of the country’s most iconic destinations.

LUKSHMI VILAS PALACE, BARODA

The crown jewel of Gujarat, the gracious staff here will help put together a wedding as grand as the palace. The Durbar Hall, which can accommodate as many as 1,200 guests, calls for a spectacular big, fat Indian wedding, whereas the smaller venues are just as perfect for more intimate gatherings.

JEHAN NUMA PALACE HOTEL, BHOPAL

The Queen’s Lawn at Jehan Numa Palace was seemingly made for destination weddings. The 300-capacity garden spells opulence, and the other halls are transformed into unrecognisable venues for all other traditional celebrations on the itinerary. Expertly customised themes, décor and music will guarantee a memorable stay altogether.