Once, the forte of celebrities and elites, destination wedding today has become the norm and choice for today’s Gen Y brides and grooms. Yes, heavy it might sound, but a destination wedding is no big realm and deal these days, provided there are some extensive planning and research for the best places.

Well, there is no dearth of destinations and high-class venues in India and abroad when it comes to hosting an offbeat and one-of-a-kind wedding. But the overdone, familiar and costly wedding destinations put you down and leave you puzzled when it comes to choosing the best. We suggest the brides and grooms can leave the rat race behind and can vouch for the ultimate, romantic and lesser-known destinations to start their “Happily Ever After”.

Khimsar, Rajasthan- For Those Fairytale Fantasies

Khimsar is the paradise from the rich Rajasthan that plays a key role in preserving the heritage of the majestic state. Plush stay options, rich history, leisurely lawns, stunning photoshoot locations and perfect dining- all rolled into one can make your wedding stand out. Rope in the vintage cars, camels, folk music and Rajasthani thalis to turn your affair into a fairytale wedding.

The extra-special wedding venue Khimsar Fort and Dunes Hotel in Khimsar can make your wedding colourful, offbeat, luxurious as well as cute. The guests will speak about your grand and opulent wedding at the palatial fort a zillion times. The oh-so-exotic escapade at the rich and influential city will be a lifetime experience too. Getting decked up like a royalty for your grand ceremony and saying ‘I Do’ amidst the colourful land, royal ambience and timeless culture will be an affair to remember. The bridesmaids, cousins, friends and family can indulge themselves into Rajasthani kalbelia dance, puppet shows and magic shows. You can host your own events, parties and games to give the ceremonies a personal touch.

A destination wedding in Khimsar might cost you around 30 Lakhs. Just go for some priceless and matchless memories in a budget-friendly way.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh- For That Romance In The Air

Bollywood has done us a lot of favour by painting and etching the picture and appeal of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh in our minds and hearts. It’s time to live it all in real. Take your wedding extravaganza to a whole different level by hosting it at the legendry city that can beautifully unwind your beautiful love story. Those daydreaming of swirling in affluent lehengas and walking hand in hand with your partner under the starry night will all become true at this royal themed destination.

The intimate corridors, beautiful and romantic sculptures on the walls of temples, warmth and enthusiasm of the spot will sway your hearts away. The ‘hatke’ Khajuraho is a world heritage site that guarantees to blow your minds. The hues orange, red and rust of the bricks are just perfect to match your wedding traditions and theme. The temples, poetry, carvings on the wall are explicit to symbolize the start of your new life. Your happening events of sangeet, mehndi and haldi will just match upto the old world charm of Khajurao. Not just the ideal place for wedding but a complete slayer when it comes to insta-worthy photographs. What else? Just sneak out with your partner to stroll around the temple corridors.

Hotel Ramada, Mint Bundela, The Lalit Temple and Radisson Jass fits within your budget and are just perfect if you aspire for an intimate and unconventional wedding without burning a hole in your pocket. The planning at these famous venues might cost you around 20 to 40 Lakhs.

Bhuj, Gujarat- Stuffs That Dreams Are Made Of

Ask your guests ‘Kem Cho?’ and you will only get to hear ‘Maza Macho’. Such is the flavour and aura of the archaeological city Bhuj in Gujarat. Pinch yourselves because Bhuj is just too pretty to making your wedding dreams come true. The concept of a destination wedding in Bhuj, Gujarat is still a novice but your guests will just love to be treated to a remarkable wedding hosted at an offbeat destination. The homely welcome is undoubtedly the best over here. Just get down on your knees and woo your bride as historical monuments, delectable food, handicrafts, and rich Gujarati culture becomes the part of your celebration. The quintessential place is just perfect to add vibrancy and loads of colours to your wedding event.

The rustic part of Gujarat, Bhuj is one of the most photogenic places in India and offers you an eclectic mix of traditions, colours and rituals. Mark the celebration of a lifetime with an elaborate affair amidst the culinary delicacies, garba performances, the rich art, music and culture. Spectacular views and the masterpieces of the weavers will capture everyone’s heart to the chore. A hub for artisans, the place offers a rustic charm and holds immense significance.  

The lavish and luxe property like Regenta in Bhuj won’t let you down for having an affordable destination wedding.

Lavasa- For The Lovely and Lavish Beginning

We have heard marriages are made in heaven, well here at Lavasa it actually happens. The name Lavasa will immediately transport you to the world of luxurious lakes, waterfalls, floral fragrance and scenic view. There is nothing more romantic than walking the aisle at a luxurious destination that deserves a 10 on 10 for everything it offers.

The serene man-made hill Lavasa, built on Sahyadri hills is one of a kind destination near to Pune (an hour’s drive) that boasts of several luxurious yet budget resorts to commemorate your marriage. Blossoming gardens, mountains, and the beauty is as bountiful and boundless as your love for each other. An architectural marvel, Lavasa can please your guests with a bunch of thrilling activities.

The city with backwaters of the Warasgaon Dam, perfect scenery, finest of locations is just perfect to host a grand and splendid wedding. Lavasa also offers some excellent fun activities to stretch your celebrations post wedding. Strolling around with your partner at the lakeside beauty of Lavasa especially Lavasa’s lakeside promenade will make you feel you are in Europe.

Lavasa has some high-class venues with modern amenities and western touch to fit your taste and budget. Just soak in the charm and make your special day even more special.

Tijara, (Neemrana Hotel) Rajasthan -Fab Forts For the Amp and Charm

Tijara in Rajasthan is a fab destination that boasts of Jain culture, magnificent fort, Rajasthani flavour, sprawling mustard fields and rooted culture to turn your wedding into an unforgettable affair. Tijara is an integral part of Rajasthan that boasts of Tijara Fort, a fresh and young property by Neemrana hotels. So, if a castle wedding is what you have always dreamt of, Tijara Fort is just the right place.

It goes without saying that Neemrana has one of the best class, services and facilities to offer you a wonderful time and memories. Rustic charm, royal retreat, sprawling gardens, manicured lawns and an aura of peace and Rajasthani culture, that’s what Tijara in Rajasthan holds for you and your guests. The picturesque setting and outstanding natural beauty of the fort will reduce the stress of the occasion. The scenic views from the Mardana Mahal and Rani Mahal and beautiful open premises will just be in favour for the celebration of a lifetime. Be it a sun-kissed day mehndi or a starry night sangeet, you can have the best of everything at Tijara Fort by Neemrana. You can also host poolside parties to mark your celebrations, rituals and events. Traditional dance by folk dancers and some great puppet shows will have your guests entertained and amused. Don’t forget to add the flower shower and splendid fireworks.

You might have to shell a little more to conduct a grand and opulent wedding at Tijara Fort, Rajasthan. The budget of the destination wedding might cross more than 50 to 60 Lakhs.

Sri Lanka

The amazing destination can lighten up the gravity and stress factor that comes with wedding rituals. Yes, we Sri Lanka in our list for its green hills, stunning beaches, palm-laced coastline and mouth-watering delicacies and cuisines. Fun and fervour lingers in every nook and corner of this country for the bride, groom and the guests.

Also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has all the ingredients of and elements to become a crowd pleaser. Lush gardens, luxury hotels and resorts, plantations and beachside resorts make Sri Lanka world’s top most romantic wedding destination. With just a 3-hour flight from Mumbai and a hassle-free visa application, this country is a heaven to take your vows with love. 

The island nation is a dreamy space with its top-notch cuisines, outdoor space and in-budget resorts like Avani Kalutra, Shangri-La, Cinnamon Bey Beruwala and more. Many of the resorts enable you to choose your own decor and theme to suit your wedding style. What’s more, guests can enjoy the view of the lake and the city lights at night while enjoying some lip-smacking food and desserts. If you and your husband-to-be are water babies, then a wedding on the beachside is a memory you would reminisce about forever.

The cost of getting married in the paradise can range from couple of lakhs to crores depending upon the property chosen. The group of 70-100 people accommodated in a mediocre venue or hotel option might cost you around 30 to 50 Lakhs.

Nepal (The Match Made In Heaven)

Set on the majestic and jaw-dropping landscapes, Nepal is home to picturesque venues and Himalayan heights. The fantasy-filled locales of Nepal will handle and host your wedding extravaganza like no other. The enchanting surroundings, the region’s art and colour, breathtaking views of the mountains will be awe-inspiring for your friends and family. Well, there are loads of other unique things for your guests too to sample- fiery cuisine, vibrant local markets, and special Nepalese Hot Stone Bath.

Walking the aisle in one of the happiest and rarest wedding destination will be an affair to remember. You can’t think of words while you are taking the seven sacred vows surrounded by the artistic beauty of the country. The monasteries scattered around the landscapes, richly embroidered hanging tapestries, imposing statutes and paintings adds to the perfect setting of your wedding. Book yourself a travel specialist that will guide you for the ways and wedding at Bhutan. And the good news is that you will not miss Bollywood music here as it’s fairly popular.

The Dwarika's Hotel and Hotel Yak & Yeti are some wedding venues to host your traditional Hindu wedding that won’t break a bank. The South Asian country gives you an opportunity for a super-pretty and budget-friendly wedding. If you control your wedding cost, you can accomplish it under a 40 Lakh budget.

Isn’t the world a playground when it comes to choosing the best destination for tying the knots with your significant other? From castle fairytale like destinations to sea-inspired soiree and pristine hills and beaches, just get your nearest and dearest together to shower the blessings while you take vows of the lifetime!