Introduction
A destination wedding in India isn’t just a celebration—it’s an experience. From royal palaces in Rajasthan to dreamy beachside venues in Goa, the options are as breathtaking as they are diverse. But let’s be real—the big question on every couple’s mind is: How much will it cost? The good news? A destination wedding can be as grand or as budget-friendly as you want, depending on your choices.
This guide breaks down the numbers—covering major expenses, cost factors, and money-saving hacks to help you plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
1. What Affects the Cost of Destination Wedding?
Several factors come into play when calculating your wedding budget:
1.1 Wedding Location
- High-end: Udaipur, Jaipur, Goa—these sought-after destinations come with a hefty price tag.
- Budget-friendly: Rishikesh, Pushkar, Alibaug—beautiful locations that won’t cost a fortune.
1.2 Guest List Size
- More guests mean more money spent on accommodation, catering, and transport.
- Keeping it intimate (50–100 guests) significantly cuts costs.
1.3 Season & Timing
- Peak season (Oct–Mar): Prices skyrocket.
- Off-season (Apr–Sep): Discounts galore! Plus, monsoon weddings can be magical (and way cheaper!).
1.4 Venue Type
- Luxury: 5-star palaces and resorts—stunning, but pricey.
- Affordable: Boutique hotels, homestays, and budget resorts—cozy and charming without the jaw-dropping bill.
1.5 Wedding Events & Duration
- More events (Mehendi, Sangeet, Reception) = Higher costs.
- Keeping it to 2–3 days rather than 4–5? Big savings!
2. Average Cost of Destination Wedding Breakdown
Here’s a rough estimate of what different types of destination weddings might cost:
| Wedding Expense | Budget Wedding (₹10–15 lakh) | Mid-Range Wedding (₹20–40 lakh) | Luxury Wedding (₹50 lakh–1 crore+) |
| Venue & Accommodation | ₹5–7 lakh | ₹10–20 lakh | ₹30 lakh+ |
| Catering (per person) | ₹500–₹1,500 | ₹2,000–₹5,000 | ₹5,000–₹10,000 |
| Decorations & Flowers | ₹2–5 lakh | ₹10–20 lakh | ₹30 lakh+ |
| Photography & Video | ₹1–3 lakh | ₹5–10 lakh | ₹15 lakh+ |
| Entertainment & Music | ₹1–3 lakh | ₹5–8 lakh | ₹15 lakh+ |
| Makeup & Outfits | ₹50,000–₹2 lakh | ₹3–5 lakh | ₹10 lakh+ |
| Miscellaneous Costs | ₹1–3 lakh | ₹5–7 lakh | ₹10 lakh+ |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹10–15 lakh | ₹20–40 lakh | ₹50 lakh–1 crore+ |
3. Destination-Wise Cost Estimates
Budget-Friendly (₹10–25 lakh)
- Rishikesh – Riverside hotels, affordable décor.
- Pushkar – Palace hotels with Rajasthani vibes at a fraction of Udaipur’s cost.
- Alibaug – A beach wedding near Mumbai—saves on travel expenses.
- Mussoorie – Stunning hill station, great budget options.
Mid-Range (₹25–50 lakh)
- Goa – Mid-range beachside resorts, picture-perfect sunsets.
- Kerala – Backwater venues with lush greenery.
- Jaipur – Royal vibes, without Udaipur’s hefty price tag.
- Jodhpur – Heritage charm, stunning but reasonably priced.
Luxury (₹50 lakh–1 crore+)
- Udaipur – Iconic venues like The Oberoi Udaivilas, City Palace.
- Jaipur (Luxury Venues) – Rambagh Palace, Fairmont Jaipur.
- Andaman & Nicobar – Exclusive high-end beach resorts.
- Shimla & Manali – Expensive, but breathtaking mountain backdrops.
4. How to Cut Costs Without Compromising on the Experience
4.1 Pick an Off-Season Date
- Wedding costs drop by 30–40% during April–September.
- Monsoon weddings? Romantic and affordable!
4.2 Trim the Guest List
- Cutting down from 300 to 100 guests = massive savings.
4.3 Opt for an All-Inclusive Venue
- Many resorts offer packages covering catering, décor, and stay—huge cost-saver.
4.4 Hire Local Vendors
- Flying in your own photographer, decorator, or caterer? Expensive!
- Hiring locals saves you money and supports the regional economy.
4.5 Keep Décor Simple
- Nature is your best decoration! Beach, mountains, or a palace garden—let the location shine.
- Minimalist floral arrangements and DIY décor? Elegant and budget-friendly.
4.6 Book in Advance
- Flights and hotels booked 6–12 months ahead are way cheaper.
- Consider Airbnbs or guesthouses for affordable guest stays.
5. Hidden Costs You Might Overlook
- Vendor Travel Fees – Bringing in out-of-town vendors? You cover their travel & stay.
- Marriage Registration Costs – Legal formalities can add surprise expenses.
- Extra Guest Expenses – Unexpected last-minute attendees? More food, more rooms.
- Last-Minute Changes – Alterations in décor or menu? Expect additional charges.
- Service Charges & Taxes – Many hotels charge 18–28% GST, so factor that in!
6. Is a Destination Wedding Cheaper Than a Traditional Wedding?
✅ Pros of a Destination Wedding:
- Intimate, meaningful, and stress-free.
- Stunning locations make for unforgettable experiences.
- Can be cheaper than a big metro city wedding.
❌ Cons of a Destination Wedding:
- Guests may have to cover their own travel costs.
- Logistics require early planning.
- Vendor options may be limited in remote locations.
A traditional wedding in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore costs ₹50 lakh–1.5 crore, while a destination wedding can range between ₹10 lakh–1 crore, depending on your choices.
Conclusion
A destination wedding in India can be dreamy and budget-friendly—if you plan wisely! To keep costs in check, remember:
✅ Pick an off-season date
✅ Keep the guest list small
✅ Choose all-inclusive wedding packages
✅ Book early and negotiate with vendors
Plan smart, and your wedding will be both magical and affordable!
FAQs
What’s the cheapest place for a wedding in India?
Pushkar, Rishikesh, and Alibaug are great budget-friendly options.
How much does a small wedding (50–100 guests) cost?
Between ₹10–20 lakh.
Is Goa expensive for weddings?
Yes, in peak season. But budget resorts offer great deals off-season.
Palace wedding vs. beach wedding—which is better?
Palace weddings are grand, but costly. Beach weddings are often more budget-friendly.
Can I have a luxury wedding under ₹50 lakh?
Yes! With smart planning and off-season bookings, you can make it happen.
