India has a diverse cultural and geographical makeup, making the country a perfect place for staging weddings of all styles and sizes. But being spoiled for choice can truly be just as much of a curse as it is a blessing. The last thing any soon-to-be-wed couple wants is decision paralysis with one of the first decisions they’re tasked with making when planning their wedding.

So let us help! For couples hoping to find alternatives to conventional banquet and ballroom venues, we’ve compiled 6 exceptional places you’d be thrilled to feature on your reception invitation card.

1. Udaipur City Palaces

In Rajasthan, Udaipur, several City Palaces preserve and narrate tales of a bygone era, symbols of romance and the opulence of Royals. Sprawling, lush courtyards lead to grand halls with high ceilings embellished with intricate carvings, gleaming chandeliers, and dazzling mirrors.

Two of the most prominent options to consider in Udaipur are City and Fateh Prakash Palaces. City Palace is perhaps the most renowned, located on the eastern side of Lake Pichola. It’s an expansive complex that includes several gardens and courtyards, along with museums and several palaces. Adjacent to it is Fateh Prakash, a heritage hotel affording event spaces and deluxe accommodations.

For City Palace event booking information, couples would contact the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) or their designated management team. The Fateh Prakash Palace is part of the HRH group of hotels. They manage several heritage properties in Udaipur and should be contacted regarding inquiries about Udaipur hotels and guest accommodation, wedding packages and booking procedures.

2. Goa Coastal Locations

Goa offers a vibrant culture on the Arabian Sea shorelines with pristine beachfront locations. It is India’s top-tier holiday spot, giving couples an ideal backdrop for ceremonies amidst magical seaside vistas.

You have several luxury resorts which specialise in hosting weddings to choose from. They all offer pristine oceanfront landscapes and luxurious accommodations. The five-star Taj Exotica Resort & Spa includes elegant ballrooms, outdoor lawns, and private beach space.

Park Hyatt Resort & Spa on Arossim Beach has intricate architecture, lavish landscaping, and impeccable service. They have both indoor and outdoor event venues, beachfront lawns, and majestic ballrooms.

Three other Goa standouts include the Alila Diwa Resort on Majorda Beach, Lalit Golf & Spa Resort on Raj Baga Beach, and Zuri White Sands Resort & Casino on the shores of Varca Beach.

3. Rustic Rajasthan

For couples who appreciate natural splendour with a rustic accent, Rajasthan in Thar Desert presents a rich history of culture and tradition amidst ancient forts and rocky landscapes.

There is a mix of public and private venues in Rajasthan which may suit your tastes. The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the Amer Fort in Jaipur are managed by government authorities or heritage trusts and are open to public tourism.

Many private Rajasthan palaces, forts, and havelis have been converted into event spots and heritage hotels, and often host special events and weddings.

4. Kerala Backwaters

You’ll find meandering aquatic corridors on the Malabar coast with lush greenscapes and beautiful coconut palm trees. Kerala is locally renowned as “God’s Own Country,” and several places host weddings where you can curate a natural backdrop to make your photo albums memorable.

Several distinctive resorts and boutique hotels dot the channels, offering perfect spots for waterfront ceremonies. There is the Coconut Lagoon in Kumarakom, Lake Palace Resort in Alleppey, and Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere in Vayalar.

Houseboats are a thing in Kerala; they’re called Kettuvallams, and they can easily host a ceremony while navigating through the region’s canals. If you prefer historic conversions, check out Bolgatty Palace in Kochi, Krishnapuram Palace in Alappuzha, and Padmanabhapuram Palace in Thuckalay.

Luxury seekers should head to Kerala’s major cities, such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode. There you’ll find big names such as the Grand Hyatt, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, and The Raviz Resort & Spa in Kollam, all offering premium venues, prioritised service, and beautiful waterfront wedding backdrops.

5. Bangalore Greenery

While it’s a bustling cosmopolitan hub, Bangalore does offer a central oasis where you’ll find sprawling botanical parks and manicured estates amid a healthy selection of five-star properties. Standouts include The Taj West End, a luxury hotel boasting landscaped gardens perfect for staging outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Leela Palace, another top-tier accommodation, boasts horticultural grounds, gazebos, and cascading waterfalls.

In central Bangalore, Cubbon Park offers shady groves, romantic gazebos, and tranquil lakeside settings. Temple Tree Leisure offers banquet halls and many charming outdoor settings. So for those looking to host an outdoor wedding in a more temperate climate, you’ll fall in love with the picture-perfect venues that Bangalore has to offer.

6. Himalayan Majesty

Finally, for those seeking the ultimate wedding backdrop, Uttarakhand is nestled beneath the awe-inspiring mountain peaks. It includes many spiritual sanctuaries, peaceful valleys, and exclusive hideaways. Choose from luxury resorts like the JW Marriott and The Kumaon or a riverside resort like The Roseate Ganges in Rishikesh.

Nature and wildlife lovers will adore Jim’s Jungle Retreat, a luxury lodge near Corbett Tiger Reserve. For small ceremonies, this rustic getaway offers 18 cottages and bungalow residences.

Imagine elephants, wild hogs, deer, or the occasional big cat appearing in your wedding photos, in addition to the unrivalled snow-capped mountain views of the surrounding Himalayas. Talk about unforgettable memories! Bring plenty of batteries and memory cards for those cameras.

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