How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost in India? Real Budgets, Top Locations & Planning Tips

• By Team Plannersy
• 7 June 20257 June 2025
• Destination Wedding Wedding Cost
• With 0 comments

Dear beautiful couple, If you’ve found your way here, you’re likely on the cusp of a magical journey, dreaming of exchanging vows amidst the golden sands of Rajasthan, the lush backwaters of Kerala, or the serene beaches of Goa.

We get it. The very idea of a destination wedding in India carries a special kind of enchantment.

And guess what? You’re not alone – hundreds of couples just like you are choosing to celebrate their love in some of the most breathtaking places our country has to offer.

But let’s get real for a moment.

As dreamy as it sounds, planning a destination wedding comes with that one unavoidable question: “How much does a destination wedding cost in India?”

At Plannersy, we believe wedding planning should feel like falling in love – exciting, beautiful, and absolutely stress-free.

That’s why we’re here, not just to throw numbers at you, but to walk you through the real picture – heart-first, logistics-second.

This isn’t just another blog post. It’s your wedding journey, and we’re honored to be a part of it.

In this article, we’ll gently unpack everything that goes into the cost of a destination wedding in India – from venue to vendors, from decor dreams to travel logistics, and even those hidden costs nobody tells you about.

Whether you’re envisioning an intimate wedding of close gatherings or a grand celebration fit for royalty, we’ve got you covered with clarity, warmth, and insider wisdom.

So grab a cup of chai (or a glass of bubbly!), and let’s start dreaming—and planning—together.

With love,
Team Plannersy

What’s the Average Cost of a Destination Wedding in India?

Let’s talk numbers – without losing the magic.

A destination wedding in India can cost anywhere between ₹15 lakhs to ₹1.5 crores (or more), depending on how intimate or elaborate your celebration is.

And while that may seem like a wide range (because it is!), it really boils down to your guest count, location, style, and the kind of experience you want to create.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you visualize different budget tiers:

What’s Included in These Costs?

Here’s what typically goes into your total destination wedding budget:

• Venue & Accommodation: Hotels, resorts, heritage properties (can account for 40–50% of total spend)
• Catering & F&B: From lavish buffets to late-night snacks
• Decor & Design: Floral setups, themes, lighting, entryways, stage, and more
• Entertainment & Artists: DJs, folk dancers, live bands, celebrity acts
• Photography & Videography: Capturing your love story beautifully
• Outfits & Styling: Bride/groom trousseau, makeup artists, styling teams
• Logistics & Travel: Guest transport, airport pickups, wedding planners’ travel
• Planning & Coordination: End-to-end event management with a pro team (hi there 👋)

Each of these elements can scale up or down depending on your preferences – and that’s where Team Plannersy comes in to help you customize the perfect plan, without compromising on magic or memories.

Sample Budget Breakdowns for 3 Different Scenarios

Every couple’s love story is different – and so is every wedding budget. Whether you’re planning something intimate, balanced, or grand, here are three real-world scenarios to help you understand what your destination wedding in India might look like.

Each example includes typical expenses across major categories so you can get a feel for where the money goes – and where it can be optimized.

🌸 Scenario 1: The Intimate & Elegant Wedding

Budget: ₹15 – ₹25 Lakhs
Guests: 50–75
Location: Coorg, Rishikesh, Mahabalipuram, Alibaug

Perfect for: Couples who want a serene, soulful wedding with close friends and family, minimal frills, and lots of heart.

💍 Scenario 2: The Mid-Scale Celebration

Budget: ₹40 – ₹70 Lakhs
Guests: 100–150
Location: Jaipur, Goa, Jim Corbett, Udaipur (non-palace)

Perfect for: Couples looking for the full wedding experience—music, food, flair, and unforgettable memories—without going overboard.

👑 Scenario 3: The Lavish Royal Affair

Budget: ₹1 Crore – ₹1.5 Crores+
Guests: 200–300
Location: Udaipur (palaces), Jodhpur, Kerala luxury resorts, 5-star beach properties

Perfect for: Couples who want a statement-making celebration with grandeur, luxury, and cinematic experiences.

No matter the scale, Team Plannersy crafts every wedding with the same care, creativity, and commitment – because your love deserves nothing less.

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Destination Wedding in India?

No two weddings are ever alike – especially not destination weddings. So what really drives the numbers up or down?

Here’s a heartfelt look at the biggest cost factors, and how you can make choices that reflect your heart and your wallet:

1. Location, Location, Location

A wedding in Udaipur’s royal palaces will feel very different, price-wise, than a beach ceremony in Alibaug or a resort celebration in Jim Corbett.

• Premium destinations like Udaipur, Jaipur, Goa, or Kerala tend to have higher venue and accommodation costs, especially during peak season.
• Offbeat gems like Mussoorie, Mahabalipuram, or Coorg can be equally stunning and more budget-friendly.

Plannersy Tip: Choose locations with good air/train connectivity and group stay options to reduce guest travel and stay costs.

2. Season & Timing

Wedding season in India (typically October to March) sees a sharp surge in costs – everything from hotel bookings to vendor availability becomes competitive.

• Peak Season = Higher Costs, but also better weather and availability of top vendors.
• Off-Season = Better Deals, especially for monsoon weddings or summer hill-station affairs.

Plannersy Tip: Consider weekdays or shoulder-season dates for more value and availability.

Related Read: 21 Most Auspicious Marriage Dates in 2025 Hindu Panchang [Expert Picks]

3. Guest Count

One of the biggest cost multipliers is how many people you invite. More guests means more rooms, more food, more logistics, and larger venues.

• 50 guests can feel cozy and luxurious without breaking the bank.
• 200+ guests demand a whole new scale of planning – and budget.

Plannersy Tip: Intimate weddings give you more room for detail and emotion while keeping costs beautifully controlled.

4. Design, Decor & Theme

Want a pastel-themed Mehendi under mango trees? Or a grand mandap floating on water? or a floral-themed wedding?

Design and decor bring your vision to life – and can add significantly to your cost.

• Minimalist, nature-inspired setups cost less and still feel magical.
• Multi-day, multi-theme events with florals, LED walls, chandeliers, and drapes will increase your décor budget substantially.

Plannersy Tip: Invest in one or two high-impact design moments rather than spreading the budget thin.

5. Entertainment & Artist Bookings

From Sufi nights to celebrity DJs or traditional folk artists, your entertainment choices can elevate the vibe – but also the price tag.

• Local talent is often more cost-effective and adds cultural richness.
• Outstation or celebrity performers may include travel, stay, and technical rider costs.

6. Travel, Transport & Hospitality

For both guests and your wedding team, travel and comfort matter.

• Charter buses, airport pickups, welcome kits, on-ground hosts – all these logistics can add up.
• The more remote the location, the higher your transport and coordination costs.

7. Wedding Planner Fees

Hiring a professional team (like Plannersy!) helps you save more in the long run. We help you negotiate better rates, optimize resources, and stay stress-free – so you’re not stuck figuring out linen counts or vendor delays mid-sangeet. Contact us now.

Together, these choices shape the wedding you’ll always remember. And our role? To help you make those choices with heart, clarity, and joy.

Top Destination Wedding Locations in India (With Cost Insights)

India is a land of endless backdrops for your “I do” – from royal forts to sunlit beaches and misty hills. Each location offers its own magic, but also comes with its own pricing dynamics.

Here are the top 6 destinations couples love – and what it may cost to get married there.

👑 Udaipur – The City of Lakes & Royalty

Best For: Palace weddings, regal themes, grand celebrations
Popular Venues: Oberoi Udaivilas, City Palace, Chunda Palace, Jagmandir Island
Estimated Cost (100–150 guests): ₹50 Lakhs – ₹1.5 Crores+

Think royal barats, candle-lit dinners by the lake, and mandaps set in 400-year-old courtyards.

🌊 Goa – The Beachside Boho Dream

Best For: Sundowner weddings, beach mandaps, relaxed celebrations
Popular Venues: Taj Exotica, W Goa, Alila Diwa, ITC Grand
Estimated Cost (100–150 guests): ₹35 – ₹80 Lakhs

A favorite for couples who want barefoot rituals by the sea, with a side of seafood and sunset.

🎨 Jaipur – Heritage Meets Glamour

Best For: Traditional-meets-luxury, vibrant decor, pink city charm
Popular Venues: Fairmont, Samode Palace, JW Marriott, Rambagh Palace
Estimated Cost (100–150 guests): ₹40 Lakhs – ₹1.2 Crores

Host your pheras in a 300-year-old haveli, and dance under domed ceilings.

🌿 Kerala – God’s Own Country for Weddings

Best For: Backwater serenity, intimate vibes, cultural richness
Popular Venues: Kumarakom Lake Resort, The Zuri, Le Méridien Kochi
Estimated Cost (80–120 guests): ₹25 – ₹60 Lakhs

Arrive by boat. Say your vows under coconut trees. Let the mist and music do the rest.

🏞️ Mussoorie or Rishikesh – Hillside Heaven

Best For: Mountain views, spiritual energy, cozy charm
Popular Venues: JW Marriott Mussoorie, Ananda in the Himalayas, Taj Rishikesh
Estimated Cost (75–120 guests): ₹20 – ₹50 Lakhs

Perfect for couples who want their vows surrounded by valleys, mist, and meaning.

🐅 Jim Corbett – Wild and Wonder-Filled

Best For: Nature lovers, forest mandaps, peaceful escapes
Popular Venues: Namah, Taj Corbett, Aahana Resort
Estimated Cost (100–150 guests): ₹25 – ₹45 Lakhs

Where peacocks might join your baraat, and your sangeet echoes through the jungle.

✨ Bonus: Offbeat & Budget-Friendly Locations

• Mahabalipuram (coastal heritage vibe). [Read: Mahabalipuram Shore Temple Wedding: Cost & Everything You Need to Know]
• Alibaug (beachy, close to Mumbai)
• Lavasa or Lonavala (hill station charm)
• Jodhpur (less commercial than Udaipur, just as royal)

These hidden gems offer gorgeous settings without the premium of bigger-name destinations.

Related Read: Best Destination Wedding Places in India – Curated by Team Plannersy

At Team Plannersy, we’ve personally crafted unforgettable weddings at all of these places – and we’d love to help you choose the one that matches your story, your soul, and your budget.

Final Thoughts: Plan with Heart, Spend with Intention

As you step into the world of destination weddings, here’s something we want you to hold close:

You can have the wedding of your dreams – without overspending, without losing sleep, and without giving up the magic.

Smart Ways to Save Without Compromising Style

• Choose an off-season date: You’ll get better rates on venues, rooms, and vendors.
• Focus on impact moments: Invest in one or two wow elements (like an unforgettable mandap or welcome dinner), and keep the rest minimal and meaningful.
• Leverage local vendors: Avoid flying in teams for decor, makeup, or music—local talent is often exceptional and budget-friendly.
• Smaller guest list, deeper experiences: An intimate gathering means more attention to detail, less chaos, and more time with each loved one.

Hidden Costs You Should Plan For

Even the best-laid budgets can be surprised by:

• Transport & logistics for vendors
• Welcome hampers or personalized gifts
• Extra day stays for early arrivals or late departures
• Last-minute weather contingencies (like indoor backup decor)
• GST and service charges on top of quoted prices
  Being prepared for these ensures smoother planning and no panic moments later.

❤️ Why Hiring a Wedding Planner (Like Us!) Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest: Destination weddings are beautiful, but they’re also a lot. Venue contracts, vendor coordination, guest logistics, decor setups in a new city—it’s overwhelming.

At Plannersy, we step in not just as planners, but as partners. We:

• Optimize your budget – getting you more value at every turn
• Protect your vision – from wedding inspired Pinterest boards to pheras, without compromise
• Hold your hand – so that you and your families can stay joyful, not stressed

We don’t just plan weddings. We craft experiences that feel like you.

🥂 Ready to Begin?

Whether you’re still dreaming or already setting a date, we’d love to walk this journey with you.

Reach out to us. Let’s make magic – your way.

With all our love,
Team Plannersy