Destination weddings 2026: Know the best places and why they matter
Udaipur and the language of royalty
Udaipur holds a special place in the destination wedding map of India because it offers what very few cities can combine so seamlessly: history, luxury and natural beauty. Weddings here feel ceremonial rather than performative. Palaces overlooking lakes, heritage courtyards lit with diyas and sunsets reflecting off marble architecture create a setting where tradition feels alive. For couples who want a wedding rooted in Indian culture yet elevated with grandeur, Udaipur becomes more than a venue, it becomes a narrative of legacy and romance.
Jaipur where grandeur meets celebration
Jaipur’s significance lies in its scale and symbolism. The city is designed for spectacle, with expansive forts, palace lawns and royal avenues that can host large, multi-day celebrations. What makes Jaipur ideal for weddings is its ability to balance heritage aesthetics with modern hospitality. From elephant-led processions to contemporary themed receptions, Jaipur allows couples to celebrate tradition while accommodating today’s expectations of comfort and creativity.
Jodhpur and the drama of history
Jodhpur offers a more dramatic, cinematic wedding setting. Perched forts, blue-washed cityscapes and desert light give ceremonies an almost mythical quality. The presence of venues like Mehrangarh Fort adds historical gravitas, making weddings feel timeless and powerful. Couples drawn to bold visuals and strong cultural identity often choose Jodhpur for its unmatched sense of place and authenticity.
Goa and the joy of informality
Goa stands out because it breaks away from formality. It is ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel relaxed, joyful and personal rather than ceremonial. Beachside vows, sunset pheras and barefoot celebrations create intimacy, even with larger guest lists. Goa’s charm lies in its ability to turn weddings into shared holidays, where guests celebrate without rigid schedules or heavy rituals.
Kerala where calm becomes celebration
Kerala holds significance for couples seeking peace, balance and understated elegance. Backwaters, hill resorts and palm-lined landscapes create a slow, immersive wedding experience. Ceremonies here feel rooted in nature and mindfulness, allowing space for emotion rather than excess. Kerala is especially meaningful for couples who value sustainability, wellness and cultural depth.
Coorg and the intimacy of nature
Coorg has emerged as a favourite for intimate weddings because of its secluded plantations and misty hills. The region offers privacy, natural beauty and a sense of escape from urban chaos. Weddings in Coorg often feel deeply personal, with smaller guest lists and organic décor blending into the surroundings. It is ideal for couples who want closeness over scale.
Tuscany and timeless romance
Tuscany’s appeal lies in its effortless romance. Vineyards, stone villas and rolling hills create a backdrop that feels both cinematic and intimate. Weddings here are less about spectacle and more about experience, long dinners, wine conversations and warm evenings. Tuscany holds significance for couples who see marriage as a shared journey rather than a single grand event.
Santorini and the power of symbolism
Santorini represents visual poetry. Cliffside ceremonies overlooking the Aegean Sea symbolise new beginnings, openness and eternity. The stark contrast of white architecture against deep blue waters gives weddings here a dreamlike quality. For couples who want a symbolic, emotionally charged setting, Santorini offers unmatched visual and emotional resonance.
Spain’s Andalusia and cultural richness
Andalusia matters because it blends celebration with culture. Courtyards, flamenco rhythms, historic palaces and Mediterranean warmth make weddings feel alive and expressive. It is ideal for couples who want guests to experience local traditions alongside wedding festivities, turning the celebration into a cultural journey.
Mauritius and Bali as soulful escapes
Mauritius and Bali continue to matter because they offer emotional versatility. They combine beach serenity with cultural rituals, allowing weddings to feel spiritual, festive and indulgent all at once. These destinations are chosen not just for beauty, but for the way they allow couples and guests to slow down, connect and truly experience the wedding rather than just attend it.
In 2026, destination weddings are no longer about picking the most beautiful place. They are about choosing a location that reflects a couple’s values, story and emotional vision. Each of these destinations holds significance not just as a backdrop, but as a partner in the celebration itself.