Eat, Pray, LOVE Your Wedding in India with 5 Budget-Friendly Destinations

Close your eyes and picture this one-of-a-kind, colorful dreamy affair: enchanting blue skies above you caressed with even bluer oceans next to you. Mesmerizing long stretches of golden sand beneath your toes lined with captivating green orchards watch you hold your betrothed’s hand as you unite in holy matrimony and say ‘I do’. Let us be the ones to say it: after all the planning you’re going to do, you deserve a vacation, and by that, we mean a destination wedding in India. And guess what? This tropical paradise doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket.

We’re suckers for a little offbeat wedding adventure and we know a good destination when we see one. From massive to intimate, India’s breathtaking destinations drip with romance and have something to leave anyone spellbound in a single moment. We’ve got some killer, budget-friendly spots that you’re sure to fall head over heels for. Not to mention the best time of the year to throw your big bash, and how much you’ll need to shell out. Sea what we did there? Drumroll, please! 

1. Awestruck European Vibes in Pondicherry

Keen to try something, dare we say, a little ravishing, a little on the side of an adventurous gremlin tale? Opt for a grand wedding in a place with tons of old-world charms reflected by the French expatriate touches. Trust us, ladies, this soothing coastal experience is the epitome of divine beauty. There is a plethora of small, pristine beaches and lovely resorts lined with verdant coconut trees whose leaves sway to the wind’s rhythm with quaint, boutique places for those who are on a budget. Plus, the locals are known to greet you with warm hospitality and treat you like royalty.

Did we mention that it’s a fantastic pick if you’re a foodie? You’re spoiled for options that will actually change your life. The exotic, one-of-a-kind mouthwatering French and & Indian fusion cuisine that’s famous even outside the country is E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. You’re going to want to put a ring on it. Scout’s honor. Look for the Crab Masala Fry, an authentic Chettinad dish with characteristic curry or coconut seasonings and Coromandel flavors. Or indulge in some Multani Paneer Tikka if you’re a veg lover. These dishes of Pondy are sure to ooze your tastebuds. Everything about Pondicherry has a wonderful romantic air to it and we’re totally here for it. Magnifique!

Best time of the year: November–March
How much you’ll need to shell out: 5–10 lakhs ($6000–$12,000 USD) for about 150 guests

2. The Dreamy Party Hub of Goa

POV for an epic, sexy day in Goa: Brunch. Beach. Boat. Booze. Another Beach. Beach Bar. Another Bar. Bedtime. Repeat. If you and your guests enjoy a solid, exotic nightlife, revel in Goa’s vibrant scene by organizing festivities by the pool, rain dances in the middle of the sea, or an endless night of cocktails in both hands on the beach, stargazing under the twinkling stars at night. Or, spend days at the spa and take outdoor yoga classes with your party on the beach before the big day at the altar. Now, that sounds like a winning schedule if we’ve ever seen one. What more could a gal want? That deadly combo is everything a bride could want for pure nuptial bliss.

P.S. You will be in for a surprise with the low prices in the stunning and quaint South Goa. Just be sure to book your wedding during the summer – you’ll get the low-end cost because it’s off-season and honey, that will speak to your wallet a lot more. Opt for cozy homestays rather than large, luxury brands to crack yourself an even more attractive deal. Trust us on this one, you’re going to leave asking for more.

Best time of the year: October–February
How much you’ll need to shell out: 10–15 lakhs ($12,000–$18,000 USD) for a guest list of about 100 people

3. Rituals Amid Tranquility in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Looking for a lowkey and minimalistic, yet awe-inspiring wedding with white-sanded beaches, azure-colored skies, and rainforested interiors? These fab islands are running on island time all the time and combine dreamy flora, fauna, and aroma. We think we speak for everyone when we say it sounds like the nicest slice of heaven you’ll ever lay your eyes on. It has a serene ambiance with natural settings and ~ refreshing ~ vibes. Just take a moment to imagine the photographs of the alluring beaches during the sunset as the perfect romantic backdrop. *Jaw Drops* Ugh, so pretty.

These islands are also known for being ecologically friendly with their stunning marine life in their crystal-clear waters including rays and sharks that you can swim amongst (snorkeling sesh, anyone?). Get your entire wedding party on board – no pun intended. Here’s the good news ladies: as fancy as it may sound, it’s totally a low-budget location! Yes, you read that correctly. Given that it’s not such a hot spot yet, this gem is still extremely budget-friendly. And come on, we all have to agree that the idea of getting married on an island is just oh-so-romantic.

Best time of the year: October–May
How much you’ll need to shell out: 5–10 lakhs ($6000–$12,000 USD) for about 100 guests

4. Postcard Perfect Resorts With Easy Accessibility in Alibaug

What’s better than a wedding in India? A cliff-edge wedding in India. We just love the charm of this picturesque coastal village. Alibaug works wonders if you’re craving a secluded, tranquil location away from the hustle and bustle, and that’s just the beginning of finding nirvana there. If you can somehow happen to resist the white, sandy shoreline (hey, no judgment here) and blossoming gardens are more your thing, or say, being encompassed by mountains with a sweet breeze, or even being on a precipice sitting above the sea with a sprinkle of grand temples and age-old forts with history you’ll actually want to learn about (no, really), Alibaug has it all. 

Recently dubbed ‘Mini-Goa’, the absurd beauty of this place is truly commendable. Almost every corner is a potential photo opp. Trust us, your guests will be Instagramming this spot before they even sit down. Not to mention, you’d easily cut back on guest travel costs since it’s near Mumbai. Take all of your guests on a ferry to get there in a breeze, pun intended. Best part? The tropical climate is just so good (the air literally feels like a friendly hug), making it one of the ideal beach wedding destinations. We’re all for *chill* vibes. Count us in. No wonder it’s a celebrity favorite! 

Best time of the year: November–February
How much you’ll need to shell out: starts from 10–18 lakhs ($12,000–$22,000 USD) for about 200 guests

5. The Land of Gods and Coconuts in Kerala

Does anyone want to get lost in the exquisite backwaters, lush greenery, and sun-kissed beaches of Kerala? Anyone? Just us? This surprising-as-it-is-stunning destination offers a range of diverse venues including beach and backwater resorts as well as hill stations. Adding to the grandeur, its palm-lined beaches, backwaters, divine temples, and majestic wildlife sure make it one heck of an attractive place to get hitched.

We honestly gasp at the thought of Kerala. Every. Single. Time. The blessings and beauty of this place push just the right buttons to ignite your romance and bring you and your beloved closer, creating the most classic wedding setup for you to tie the knot in. Having a destination wedding in Kerala is a bragging right in and of itself. Rest assured, this destination strives to deliver a marvelous experience and is nothing short of a plush paradise on earth, leaving no stone unturned. 

Best time of the year: October–March
How much you’ll need to shell out: 8–10 lakhs ($10,000–$12,000 USD) for about 200 guests