7 heartfelt Bollywood wedding sequences that swept us off our feet

Weddings are no small feat, but we Indians love them like nothing else. All the hours of planning and hectic preparation become worth it when everything finally falls into place—when the bride and groom exchange smiles amidst rituals at the altar, surrounded by friends and family; when chaos and confusion give way to joyful tears and unbridled mirth. This is what makes us fall in love with weddings all over again.

Bollywood movies have captured this magic countless times, bringing unforgettable wedding moments to the screen. From iconic big fat Indian weddings to bittersweet farewells accompanied by hauntingly beautiful scores, here’s a look at some of the most heartfelt wedding scenes that left us misty-eyed and smiling.

2 States 

This Chetan Bhagat adaptation may not have featured the most well-researched wedding scene, but even today, ten years after its release, it is remembered as one of the most heartfelt for its earnestness and sweetness. Alia Bhatt’s character shedding tears of joy after everything the leads went through to convince their parents for the wedding had us reaching for tissues. Add to that the perfection of 'Ullam Paadum' playing against the rustic backdrop of the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, and you’re left convinced that sometimes, the simplest weddings are the best ones.

Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani

At the other end of the wholesome Alia Bhatt wedding sequence is Karan Johar’s 2023 directorial, showcasing yet another cross-cultural marriage. Alia Bhatt as Rani Mukherjee and Ranveer Singh as Rocky Randhawa are polar opposites, but they come together beautifully—especially in the varmala shot, where Rocky, unable to be lifted as high as Rani, bows down so she can place the garland around him. And a wedding where the groom sheds tears? We’re sold.

Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani 

There has long been debate over whether Bunny and Naina are truly perfect for each other, but little attention is given to how Ayan Mukerji’s cult favourite Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani subverts tropes with Aditi’s marriage to Taran. Through the first half—and even into the second—we held out hope that Aditya Roy Kapur’s Avi and Kalki Koechlin’s Aditi might end up together. After all, Aditi did love him, didn’t she? But here’s where YJHD shows its maturity, giving us a reason to root for Taran, a man who worships the ground his fiancée walks on. It reminds us that marriage isn’t just about appearances; love runs deeper than looks. And when Bunny nearly leaves Naina heartbroken again to the tune of 'Kabira', we can’t help but shed a tear.

Okay Jaanu

Talk about Gen Z lingo and matching each other’s quirks, and Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor dancing like kids on the verandah in their wedding attire comes to mind. We almost thought the movie would end with a tearful farewell as the two left for Los Angeles and Paris respectively, because they taught us that you don’t have to give up on your loved ones for your ambitions. Additionally, the subplot about Charu's alzheimer’s and Gopi standing by her through thick and thin makes the opening shot of them bringing the thali to the lively wedding even more heart-touching.

Kal Ho Na Ho

Grab your tissues for another tear-jerking wedding as the spotlight falls on Aman walking over to a tearful Naina at her haldi. As 'Maahi Ve' gives way to the sad version of the 'Kal Ho Na Ho' title track, Shah Rukh Khan's Aman looks at what could have been the preparations for his wedding with the love of his life. And just when you're on the verge of sobbing, there’s the iconic 'G-U-J-J-U,' bringing peak family festival cringe and making you fall off the bed laughing at its sheer lightheartedness.

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

Since its release, 'Channa Mereya' has become the unofficial anthem for one-sided lovers who try to make the best of what they have. But heartbreak aside, the golden colour grading with pops of red gives an unforgettable regal touch to the wedding, while also feeling like a golden cage for a free-spirited Alizeh, who painted life in the vivid colours of an evergreen Bollywood era.

Raazi

Raazi stands out from all the other films on this list because of its focus on the bond between the bride and her father during her farewell. Marriages are all about love, but they can also be equally gut-wrenching, especially for the bride and her family in arranged marriage scenarios, where the bride and groom have not had the chance to know each other very well. Raazi highlights the air of formality that accompanies such marriages, while Dilbaro playing in the background makes us think back to our cherished childhood memories with our fathers by our side.

Lead image credit: Dharma Productions/Instagram

Also read: How to exit a boring family gathering during the festive season

Also read: From London to Bahrain: Hassan and Dania's cross-cultural love story