In India, destination weddings have traditionally been associated with beautiful beaches that offer an exotic backdrop for ceremonies, such as Goa, or regal palaces offering incredible wedding venues, such as Udaipur. While these two popular destinations continue to attract couples, more and more couples are choosing to explore additional alternatives that are unique, exotic, and profoundly meaningful - both within India and abroad.
With the rapid pace of change in the destination wedding landscape, couples are also looking to the future and planning their weddings to reflect their personalities and values by choosing unique wedding experiences.
Wedding Destination Trends: What’s Changing?
1. Destination Weddings Are Quickly Becoming More Popular
According to Skyscanner's "Destination 'I Do'" survey, 85% of Indian couples have planned a destination wedding or will plan one in the near future, as cultural shifts towards celebrating important milestones away from their home cities are becoming more common. The numbers demonstrate that significant changes are taking place:
- 26% of couples are selecting exotic wedding locations for their weddings in 2024, from 18% in 2022.
- Nearly 49% of Gen Z couples are seeking distinct experiences and settings for their wedding.
Why Are Couples Choosing to Explore Alternatives to Goa & Udaipur?
Due to the number of wedding bookings in Goa and Udaipur, it may be difficult to find a venue that meets your expectations and is within your budget. Wedding-season flight bookings increased by 57% for Goa's Beaches, and Udaipur received approximately 30% of all grand wedding bookings in India. While high demand may drive up prices and limit the availability of wedding venues, it also drives couples to seek out equally beautiful yet different wedding venues.
Recent reports from the wedding industry state that:
“Couples are looking to scout out places that are not as popular to avoid overcrowding, high costs, and overbooked venues. According to a survey of Indian wedding couples, over 83% of respondents are open to considering getting married in non-traditional, less-traveled destinations.”
India’s Fastest Growing Wedding Destination
1. Pushkar, Jaisalmer, and Ranthambore (Rajasthan)
This area includes a number of amazing locations in the desert, including heritage forts and beautiful dunes. Pushkar, Jaisalmer, and Ranthambore host an estimated 1,000 weddings a year compared with Jaipur and Udaipur, which are typically considered to be two of India’s most popular wedding destinations.
2. The Backwaters and Beaches of Kerala
Kerala has long been known as a great place for honeymoons; however, couples are now beginning to see Kerala as a place to have a wedding in addition to a honeymoon. With locations like Kovalam Beach and Alappuzha, couples can enjoy lush greenery, calming backwaters, and the scenic shoreline of southern India.
3. Rishikesh (Spiritual & Natural Setting)
This picturesque destination is a favorite location for couples seeking an environment that is eco-friendly, peaceful, and spiritual. Located at the base of the Shivalik hills and on the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh is a perfect place for couples to tie the knot.
4. Coastal Karnataka
Coastal beaches in Kaup, Udupi, and Sasihithlu provide what many couples desire when they are looking for a beach-type atmosphere similar to Goa, but at a cost that is 30-40% less and considerably less congested than Goa.
5. Darjeeling, Mussorie, and the Himalayan Mountains
Cool mountain backdrops are quickly emerging as a popular destination for couples wanting to retreat from urban environments while also enjoying a natural landscape. With stunning mountain backdrops, beautiful tea gardens shrouded in mist, and tucked-away mountain resorts, Hill Stations are becoming a very popular choice for couples searching for an intimate & fresh-air location.
International Alternative Travel Destinations Rising in Popularity
Asia (48%) is still the most popular place for couples to consider romantic locations, with Bali, Bangkok, the Maldives, and Thailand topping the list. Europe (31%) is now the second most popular area for couples to consider going on a romantic getaway (romantic vacation) to Italy, France, and Spain - indicating that Indian couples are now aiming for more than ever before.
Wedding Styles Represent New Destination Choices
Celebrating Off-beat & Intimate: Couples are looking for a secluded area to hold their wedding, as they want every moment of their wedding day to be very personal.
Having Experiential Weddings: Couples want to make their wedding into a multi-day immersion trip to include a variety of activities, from culture-based rites to active adventure.
Having Eco & Wellness-Themed Weddings: Couples combine eco-friendly environments with wellness experiences.
Integrating Modern Technology Into Weddings: As it has become very popular for couples to have their wedding celebrations with technology (i.e., using drones, digital invites, and live-streaming), it has become a standard part of the wedding planning process.
Trending Stats At-A-Glance
| Trend | Percentage |
| Indian couples plan destination weddings | 85% |
| Increase in exotic locations (2022-2024) | 18%-26% |
| Gen Z wants to have destination weddings | 49% |
| Indian couples planning to travel to an Offbeat destination | 83% |
| Indian couples will travel to an Asian destination | 48% |
| Indian couples will travel to a European destination | 31% |
Final Thoughts
While couples continue to regard Goa and Udaipur as the pinnacle of wedding locations, increasing numbers of couples are involving themselves in the redefinition of their 'dream wedding' with ideas such as unique experiences, privacy, personalised approach, and immersive environments. They are drawn to venues featuring exceptional landscapes, such as Rajasthan's ancient fortresses, Kerala's backwaters, Coastal Karnataka's eye-catching coastline, and many other unique locations, resulting in the creation of lasting memories that will be cherished, rather than conforming to the traditions of a bygone era (or a bygone region).
FAQs
Are Goa/Udaipur losing popularity as wedding destinations?
No! Goa and Udaipur are still popular but oversaturated are leading to the exploration of new/fresh locations by couples in search of unique experiences.
What are other trending wedding destinations in India?
Pushkar, Jaisalmer, Rishikesh, Kerala Beach, Coastal Karnataka, etc.
Do couples consider international locations or destination weddings?
Yes! Very soft, exotic locations such as Bali, the Maldives, Europe, and Dubai are all on the list because of the soft, extremely exotic locations they feature, and the ease of travel to get to them.
Do offbeat wedding destinations cost more than traditional locations?
Not really. Many Up-and-Coming Wedding Locations are often 30%-40% Less Expensive than Beaches/Palaces, particularly if you plan and book early.
Should I reserve my destination wedding one year in advance?
Definitely! The current trends show that both traditional and newly emerging destination wedding locations often fill up quickly, so the sooner you plan & book, the more choices and the more reasonable pricing options you will have to choose from.
