Why Jaipur & Udaipur Are India’s Hottest Wedding Destinations Right Now
Destination weddings in India are no longer simply quaint events but, increasingly, big powerhouse productions. Over the last 10 years, an increasing number of couples have opted to veer away from hometown weddings in favor of the picture-perfect experience — celebrating each other in luxury, history, and memory. Of all the outré options, none are quite as enticing as Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan for their palatial backdrops and royal grandeur, but also for playing home to some of the most desirable wedding experiences in the country. From sky-high venue bookings and increasingly expensive budgets to international recognition and thriving tourist infrastructure — these two cities are not just trending; they’re setting milestones for the way modern Indian weddings should be done. Whether you’re a couple deciding on your wedding location or a family comparing destination options, there’s no shortage of appeal in the “capital of Rajasthan” (Jaipur) and its “city of lakes” (Udaipur), where character unfurls at each corner, discovering lovers and guests who return year after year. So here in this blog, we have got the reasons for you why Jaipur & Udaipur are India’s hottest wedding destinations of today.
The Destination Wedding Boom in India
In recent years, destination weddings have gained in popularity in India. A WedMeGood survey conducted over 2,000 couples revealed that the average wedding budget has risen to ₹39.5 lakh; the average for destination weddings is ₹58 lakh. With Jaipur leading at an average of about ₹73 lakh — showing not only emotional but massive financial investment in experiences. Curly Tales
Today, one in four weddings in India is a destination wedding -indicating a distinct trend towards bespoke, extravagant celebration beyond traditional walls. The Times of India
What Makes Jaipur & Udaipur So Special?
Let’s dissect the trends with key points supporting why these cities are the kings of the destination-wedding hill:
✨ Key Facts About Jaipur & Udaipur Weddings
- Royal Heritage Backdrops:
Jaipur’s and Udaipur’s palaces, forts, and lakesides, what an epic cinematic setting you’re getting there that is unmatched by any other place in India. - Rising Wedding Volume:
Udaipur itself is provided with 1050–1150 destination weddings per annum and a confirmed booking of over 1200 by the end of 2024. Udaipurtimes website - Venue Variety:
Udaipur offers over 30 most sought-after wedding venues, which even include gorgeous royal palaces and private islands, for both luxury & custom made celebrations. - Prime Tourist Growth:
Domestic tourism grew 10% in Rajasthan (which is also called the Prime Minister’s own State) during the first nine months of ’2025 which witnessed weddings and hospitality demand growth. - Preference by Couples:
Almost 30% couples opt for Udaipur to host their royal/palace weddings, which makes it the most preferred wedding destination in India. Hospitalitynews
Comparative Appeal: Jaipur vs Udaipur
| Featue | Jaipur | Udaipur |
| Nickname | Pink City of India | City of Lakes |
| Famous Venues | Rambagh Palace, Amber Palace, City Palace Lawn | City Palace, Jagmandir, Taj Lake Palace |
| Wedding Style | Grand forts+ Vibrant heritage | Romantic & regal lakeside celebrations |
| Average Destination Wedding Budget | ₹73 lakh (highest spend) | Between ₹45 lakh and over 80 lakhs for mid-level varies widely |
| Wedding Count Per Year | Thousands in the Jaipur area at peak times | 1.050+ annually (2023-24) |
| Best Time to Visit | Winter/Festive months | Winter/post-monsoon months |
| Travel Connectivity | Major airport + robust road/rail | Well-connected airport and scenic routes |
Jaipur: The Royal & Cultural Powerhouse
Jaipur boasts of majestic forts and regal Rajasthani culture, so it is no wonder that couples choose this destination to infuse tradition in their wedding. The city is often included in the lists of top destination wedding locations with Udaipur, Goa, and Shimla.
Its pink sandstone architecture, crowded bazaars, folk music, and typical food offer a great backdrop for pre-wedding shoots, mehendi functions, and anywhere with multi-day celebrations where the wedding is everything but austere – resembling days of old while looking firmly to the future.
Jaipur’s hectic wedding season can coincide with the festive calendar — like that of Devuthni Gyaras — when thousands of weddings are planned, and primary venues are booked full.
Udaipur: The Romantic City of Lakes
Udaipur’s peaceful lakes, palaces floating on water, and lush scenery provide a fantastical backdrop hard to rival. The city’s wedding industry has boomed as well: beneath its placid surface roils a thriving ecosystem in which around 90 percent of royal and destination weddings actually take place at one of its 30 top-end wedding venues.
30% of couples chose Udaipur’s royal wedding vibe over other destinations, according to a recent survey.
From its regal palace weddings to luxurious boutique celebrations next to Lake Pichola, Udaipur always ranks high in wedding destinations as well as travel listings.
Couples & Planners Speak: What They Love Most
“Indian weddings are about big love, big culture, and big self-expression. Today’s couples are creating their own bespoke experiences…fusing tradition and now.” — Pawan Gupta, CEO & Co-founder, The Wedding Company
Additional Trends Driving This Popularity
- Destination Wedding Tourism: A number of provincial governments and tourism boards aggressively promote cities like Jaipur and Udaipur as wedding destinations, providing a virtuous cycle for the destination by way of money circulating within the economy.
- Hotel & Venue Expansion: Luxury hotels and resorts are increasing their wedding portfolio with a variety of offers, along with packages to suit individual needs.
- Domestic Travel Boost: In spite of minor setbacks from foreign travel, domestic travel in Rajasthan is increasing, and venue bookings are high due to the steady inflow of tourists.
Testimonials: What Real Couples are Saying
Some couples planning Udaipur weddings who shared feedback on forums said that while luxury weddings can skyrocket to over ₹1 crore at top resorts, mid-range ones can still offer classy affairs to remember for ₹45–80 lakh — provided planners and vendors are picked right.
We typically suggest securing the venue, décor, and logistics 10–12 months prior to the date so you can book ideal locations during peak seasons.
Conclusion: Why Jaipur & Udaipur Will Continue to Reign
In India’s bustling wedding world, Jaipur and Udaipur have emerged as the gold standards for destination weddings that are high on cultural quotient with a dash of modern luxury. With skyward wedding costs and ongoing demand by couples, to worldwide notoriety and potent tourism impulses, here’s what these cities serve:
- Heritage-rich venues
- Diverse budget options
- Gorgeous ceremony and photo settings
- A beautiful marriage of heritage, hospitality, and modern experiences
Dreaming of a palace wedding in Udaipur or heritage festivities in Jaipur, these are the places that swear by unforgettable moments.
Shaandaar Events specializes in making those dreams a reality — blending an elegant reverie with flawless execution, ensuring that your wedding is as memorable as the cities themselves.
FAQs
Why are Jaipur and Udaipur so popular for destination weddings right now?
In Jaipur and Udaipur, you can have a splendid combination of royal locations, picturesque views, and established wedding services. Couples love the palace settings, luxury hospitality, and that everything — from decor to logistics — is so accessible in one place.
Is Jaipur better than Udaipur for destination weddings, or vice versa?
It totally depends on the mood of the wedding you want. Jaipur will work well if you wish the colorful culture and grand forts, as well as easier accessibility, while Udaipur is for more romantic, lakeside, and ultra-royal palace weddings. They’re both popular in their own right, but they do it in opposite forms.
What kind of wedding budget should we expect in Jaipur or Udaipur?
Couples can expect the estimated cost of a destination wedding in these cities to range from ₹35 lakh-₹40 lakh for a basic package, while it could go up to ₹1 crore and above, depending on the choice of location, number of guests, and luxury quotient. Jaipur can often provide more budget flexibility, while Udaipur is known for higher-end palace weddings.
Are Jaipur and Udaipur suitable for small or intimate weddings?
Yes, absolutely. Both the cities boast of Boutique Heritage Hotels, Resorts, and Private Properties that are ideal for what we call Small Intimate Weddings – 50-150 Crowd, while keeping Maharani Swag alive!
