A Destination Wedding in India is a dream come true for many couples looking to celebrate their love in a unique and breathtaking way. In India, many foreigners travel and plan their wedding in different locations. Usually, people travel on an E-tourist visa that allows them to stay in India for 90/180 days. Here we have a wide variety of venues for Destination Weddings, from royal palaces and heritage forts to serene beach resorts and hill stations.

Here’s A Guide to Help You Plan A Destination Wedding in India:

Popular Destination Wedding Locations in India

1. Jaipur (Rajasthan)

A beautiful city popularly known as the “Pink City,” Jaipur is one of the most popular wedding destinations across the globe. The city is home to magnificent palaces, Forts, and heritage hotels that provide a regal backdrop for your celebration.

Best Time: September to March (when the weather is cooler).

2. Udaipur (Rajasthan)

Another beautiful city called the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur offers a romantic and picturesque setting with its beautiful lakes and palatial architecture. Many Bollywood celebrities have had their destination weddings in Udaipur.

Best Time: September to March (when the weather is cooler).

3. Goa

Goa is the best place for a destination wedding near the beach. It is also a dream for youngsters to spend their best time for fun and celebration. For a more laid-back yet stunning wedding, Goa offers beaches and a relaxed vibe, perfect for a beachside ceremony.

Best Time: October to February.

4. Kerala

Kerala, with its backwaters, beaches, and tranquil hill stations, is perfect for couples seeking a more serene and natural setting. Usually, people choose Kerala for their destination wedding if they want to explore nature. It is the best place for nature lovers.

Best Time: November to March.

5. Agra (Uttar Pradesh)

A City of Love. If you’re a true fan of history and romance, then Agra is the best place for you. “Agra,” home to the iconic Taj Mahal, offers a timeless backdrop for a wedding. Best place to photoshoot near the Taj Mahal.

Best Time: October to March.

6. Shimla & Manali (Himachal Pradesh)

One of the best hill stations for a cool mountain getaway, Shimla and Manali provide a beautiful and picturesque setting in the Himalayas. You can plan according to your budget; there are so many options for stay.

Best Time: March to June, September to November.

7. Rishikesh & Haridwar (Uttarakhand)

A beautiful place for spiritual and tranquil lovers, Rishikesh and Haridwar offer riverside venues and a serene atmosphere. Best place to take an oath with the partner near the holy river Ganga. Also, you can enjoy Ganga arti and the best food.

Best Time: October to March.

8. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

It’s popular among the upper middle class. It offers the best photogenic view of beaches. If you’re dreaming of a beach wedding far from the crowd, the Andaman Islands offer pristine, untouched beaches.

Best Time: October to June.

Key Considerations that you have to keep in mind for Your Destination Wedding in India

1. Destination weddings Cost

Destination weddings can range from affordable to extravagant depending on the location, the scale of the wedding, and the services you choose. Ensure to factor in travel, accommodation, food, décor, and entertainment when budgeting. Ask the expert before finalizing the destination.

2. Travel & Logistics

Foreigner’s traveling to India needs an E-visa to enter in India. Also, sometime you have to register it with the FRRO.   Ensure your guests are comfortable with the travel arrangements, especially if the venue is remote. You may need to organize group transportation, including flights, trains, or buses. Also, you can book local transportation because they have huge knowledge about routes.

3. Legalities

If you’re getting married in India as a foreign couple, check the legal requirements for marriage registration in India. The legalities for foreigners can differ based on nationality. If a foreigner is planning to get married to an Indian citizen, then she can apply for an X Visa to enter India. After their marriage registration, she can extend it for 1 to 5 years. Once they complete 2 years of marriage, they are eligible for an OCI card.

4. Vendors & Planning

The best way or smart way is to always hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner specializing in destination weddings in India can make the process much smoother. They can assist in selecting venues, hiring caterers, florists, photographers, and arranging for traditional rituals and many more.

5. Weather

India’s weather varies drastically based on the region and time. For a comfortable wedding experience, try to avoid the too hot, humid summer months (April to June) in middle India and monsoon season in Coastal areas and too cold months (Nov to Feb) in mountain areas.

6. Cultural Experience

Incorporate Indian traditions into your wedding, such as the exchange of garlands, Mehendi ceremony, Sangeet (music and dance), or a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony. These customs will add charm and authenticity to your event. You can ask about it to your wedding planner.

Best Times to Get Married in India

Winter (September to March): Ideal for most locations, offering pleasant temperatures.

Summer (March to June): Best for hill stations and cooler regions like Shimla and Manali.

Monsoon (June to September): Avoided by most couples due to the unpredictable rains not good for hill station.

Overstayed in India

Sometimes foreigners traveling to India mistakenly forget to renew their Indian visa, forget to register their visa with FRRO, or overstay in India and need an Exit Permit to fly out from the country.

An Exit Visa Permit is a legal document issued by FRRO to a person who has stayed in India after their visa expiry or has stayed longer than their permitted stay in India, lost their passport and visa, or has a newborn child who needs to travel outside the country.

Here is the documents Checklist:-

1. Applicant’s 51* 51 MM light background Passport Size Photograph.
2. Applicant’s Passport First and Last Page Copies.
3. Applicant’s Visa and Immigration stamp page Copies.
4. A Copy of Surrender Certificate A Copy of Cancelled Indian Passport.
5. Justification and Request letter.
6. Copy of Confirmed Flight Ticket

Financial Fines for Overstaying in India

• A visa Overstay in India of less than 15 days attracts a fine of around 5,00 INR.
• Visa overstay in India from 15 days to 30 days fine will be around of 10,000 INR.
• A visa overstay in India from 30 days to 90 days fine will be around 20,000 INR.
• A visa overstay in India above 90 days fine will be around of 50,000 INR.

How to Apply for an OCI Card in India for a Foreign spouse married to an Indian.

The Government of India issues an OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) to a foreign citizen who is married to an Indian National or of Indian origin. They are eligible for an OCI Card in India. A foreigner is eligible for an OCI card after 2 years of marriage registration.

Document Checklist for an OCI Card in India

• Applicant’s 51* 51 MM light background 2 Passport Size Photograph.
• Applicant’s Passport First Page Copy.
• Applicant’s Visa and Immigration stamp page Copy.
• A Copy of Surrender Certificate (If Hold Indian Passport).
• A Copy of Cancelled Indian Passport ( If Hold Indian Passport).
• Applicant Address Proof In India Like -Form C copy from Hotel/ House Electricity bill / House Landline Telephone of the house owner in case of staying in a house of a friend and relatives along with a NOC letter and photo-identity card of the houseowner.
• A Demand Draft needs to be in favor of ‘Pay and Accounts Officer (Secretariat), Ministry of Home Affairs’ payable at New Delhi.

Conclusion

India offers a wealth of options for a Destination Wedding, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re drawn to the opulence of Rajasthan with a great history, the serenity of Kerala’s backwaters, or the beaches of Goa, a Destination Wedding in India can offer an unforgettable experience. With the right planning, your dream wedding in India can be a magical celebration of love, culture, and beauty. Indians have everything that you need to make your wedding memorable.

If you are planning to marry a foreign citizen, please consult with an immigration expert because you need to follow so many legalities in India. During registration of your marriage certificate in India, you need a Single Status Certificate from your country. And after 2 years of your marriage, you are eligible to apply for an OCI card in India.