A Destination Wedding Cost In India is anywhere from ₹10 Lakhs to ₹2 Crores or more, averaging around ₹20-50 Lakhs for 100-150 guests, depending heavily on location (palaces in Rajasthan are pricier than Goa/Rishikesh), luxury level, and guest count (100-300). Costs cover venue, stay, food, decor, entertainment, and logistics, with luxury weddings easily exceeding ₹1 Crore, while budget-friendly options can start lower.
A destination wedding is a dream for many couples, especially those who want something unique, beautiful, and memorable. Whether it is a beach wedding in Goa or a royal celebration in Rajasthan, India offers countless stunning locations. But the first and most important question couples ask is: How Much Does a Destination Wedding Cost in India? In this guide, we will talk about the detailed estimated cost of a destination wedding in India in 2026.
Why Does the Cost Vary So Much?
The cost of a destination wedding can vary a lot because every wedding is unique. Even if two couples invite the same number of guests, their expenses can still be very different. This happens because the location, type of hotel, decor, and number of events all affect the price. That’s why it is important to first decide what matters most to you – what kind of wedding experience you want and how much you are comfortable spending.
1. Location – The Biggest Cost Factor
Where you decide to host your wedding affects almost the entire budget. Some locations are naturally premium because of luxury hotels, demand, and travel costs.
Cost Based on Popular Locations
- Places like Udaipur and Jaipur are very popular wedding destinations, so the prices there are much higher. A heritage hotel in these cities can cost three times more than a resort in a hill station like Mussoorie.
- In Udaipur, the destination wedding cost usually ranges from ₹20 Lakhs to ₹1 Crore, depending on the hotel and the type of celebration. The city is famous for its royal look and beautiful palaces, which is why many couples prefer getting married here.
- In Jaipur, wedding costs can start from under ₹10 Lakhs and go up to ₹90 Lakhs or more. The price depends on how big or luxurious the wedding is. Jaipur is known for its vibrant culture, forts, and grand palaces, making it another top choice for destination weddings in India.
- Overall, Rajasthan is extremely popular for destination weddings because of its majestic architecture, historic forts, and royal charm. Many couples dream of a fairytale-style wedding in palace venues in Udaipur or Jaipur, where the décor and atmosphere naturally feel grand and regal.
- On the other hand, Rishikesh offers a peaceful and scenic setting, surrounded by mountains and the holy Ganges River. It’s perfect for couples who want a calm, elegant, and traditional wedding experience.
Some venues offer all-inclusive packages, while others charge for everything separately, such as decor, flowers, lighting, and music. Also, if you book your venue in the off-season months like June or September, you can save up to 25% on your total cost.
So, the same wedding can have very different prices depending on the location alone. This is why choosing the right place is the first step in estimating your destination wedding cost.
2. Guest Count
When planning your wedding, the number of guests plays a huge role in deciding the final budget. This is because accommodation, food, travel, and venue size all increase with more guests.
Impact of Guest Count
- Under 100 guests – Budget-friendly weddings
- 100 to 150 guests – Mid-range weddings
- 200+ guests – High-budget or luxury weddings
For example, if your food cost is ₹2,500 per plate, then:
100 guests = Rs. 2.5 Lakhs per meal
200 guests = Rs. 5 Lakhs per meal
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3. Number of Functions
Most destination weddings happen over 2-3 days and include multiple events such as Mehndi, Sangeet, Haldi, Wedding, and Reception. The more events you add, the more you spend on decor, photography, music, and logistics.
This is why combining functions can help reduce the estimated cost of a destination wedding. – For example, having Mehndi and Haldi together.
4. Level of Luxury and Decor Choices
Every couple has a unique taste. Some prefer simple and elegant decor, while others want grand setups, floral installations, or themed designs.
Decor Costs (Approximate Range)
Basic decor – Rs. 2 to 5 Lakhs
Mid-range decor – Rs. 7 to 15 Lakhs
Luxury decor – Rs. 20 to 40 Lakhs+
Luxury weddings also include high-end lighting, stage decor, and designer mandaps, which increase the destination marriage cost.
Destination Wedding Cost Breakdown (India)
To help you understand things clearly, here are three sample cost categories.
1. Budget-Friendly Destination Wedding (Rs. 10 to 20 Lakhs)
This range is ideal for couples who want a simple yet beautiful celebration. This type of wedding focuses on intimacy and personal moments rather than large-scale production.
Typically includes:
- Smaller guest list (up to 80–100 guests)
- 2-day event schedule
- Basic decor and minimal themes
- 3-star or budget-friendly hotels
- Simple entertainment setups
Common Locations:
Rishikesh, Jim Corbett, Mahabaleshwar, and some parts of Goa
2. Mid-Range Destination Wedding (Rs. 20 to 50 Lakhs)
This is the most popular range for couples in India. This budget gives you the perfect balance between style and affordability. What you usually get:
- Celebration for 100-150 guests
- 2-3 days of events
- Good 4-star hotels with a comfortable stay
- Food cost ranging ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per plate
- Better decor and lighting
- DJ, sound, entertainment, photography
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3. Luxury and Royal Weddings (Rs. 50 Lakhs – Rs. 2+ Crores)
These weddings are grand, glamorous, and often hosted in royal palaces or 5-star beach resorts. These weddings look like scenes from a movie and offer a royal experience to all guests. Includes:
- Famous heritage venues (City Palace Udaipur, Umaid Bhawan, Taj properties)
- Large guest lists (200–300 guests or more)
- Premium decor, floral designs, and themed setups
- High-end catering
- Celebrity performers or live music
- Luxury rooms and hospitality
Tips to Reduce Destination Wedding Cost
If you’re planning smartly, you can save a lot without compromising beauty. Here are some useful Tips:
- Choose off-season months like April, May, or June
- Go for budget-friendly destinations like Rishikesh or Jim Corbett
- Keep a limited guest list
- Negotiate hotel packages
- Reduce the number of functions
- Go for minimalistic decor that still looks elegant
These small changes can easily save you 5 to 20 Lakhs depending on your setup.
Final Thoughts
A destination wedding is not just an event, it’s an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Whether your destination wedding cost in India is Rs. 10 Lakhs or Rs. 2 Crores, what matters most is planning wisely and choosing what suits your dream.
By understanding the basic cost structure, choosing the right location, and controlling your guest list, you can create a magical celebration within your budget. The key is to balance beauty, comfort, and practicality.
