Films are crucial indicators of the times we live in. If you’re south Asian, then we are sure that Bollywood has had a major influence on your life too. Whether your fashion choices, makeup preferences, cultural nuances or thought-process, there’s no denying its significance. The backdrop, too, shown in films have often become travel bucket list for most of us. Be it local destinations like Goa in Dil Chahta Hai, Manali in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Kashmir in Rockstar, or international locations like Spain in Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara, Prague in Jab Harry Met Sejal. Bollywood’s love for the United Kingdom has been a forever one. London, in particular, has been a go-to location for numerous Hindi films over the years, showcasing dance sequences to dramatic scenes.
Did you know the Karan Johar drama film, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was filmed in the UK? Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’s famous opening scene was shot in Trafalgar Square in the heart of London. Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif starrer hit, Namastey London was shot in London as well. Some of the most iconic English landmarks such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, River Thames, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge and many more have fast become a favourite with Bollywood.
The Bollywood effect has trickled down to the wedding industry also, with a number of couples wanting to tie the knot in the same location that served as the beautiful setting for a famous film. And it is easy to see why—most of these shooting locations are unique and Instagrammable. They not only promise stunning architecture and interior design to host a larger-than-life celebration but also provide luxury and modern amenities for the couple and their guests.
We explore four of the most enthralling Bollywood shoot locations that make for idyllic setting for your walk down the aisle.
Blenheim Palace
Screen legend Shah Rukh Khan stars in Fan, playing double roles as both a superstar and his obsessed fan. Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire was the perfect backdrop for the chase scene, where fan SRK runs from police after attempting to gatecrash an event at the Palace. While it’s fairly unlikely you’ll have anyone gatecrashing your big day (well, fingers crossed), the stately venue offers is a setting of cinematic proportions.
Located in Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace calls a stunning garden created by the famous landscape gardener ‘Capability’ Brown its home. Built between 1705 and 1722, it is characterized by its English Baroque style and and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. With a number of spaces, the Blenheim Palace’s royal setting is perfect to host your big day. For evening wedding ceremonies, check out their Marlborough Room with its beautiful double-vaulted ceiling and chandeliers. For more intimate ceremonies, consider the Oudenarde room. The Formal Gardens also make the most of the panoramic views of the Palace and grounds for nuptials. The Great Hall, Saloon and Long Library are exquisite options for a reception. The Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat is a collection of luxury self-catering lodges set in the grounds of the Estate, perfect to host your wedding guests.
Syon Park
If you loved the beautiful song Saans in Jab Tak Hai Jaan, you’ll recognise Syon House’s gorgeous conservatory. The film was veteran director Yash Chopra’s last project, thereby sealing it to cult status. It’s also a jaw-dropping wedding venue with a 200-acre park in Isleworth, Middlesex.
Considered one of the last great houses of London, Syon House is the London home of the Duke of Northumberland in Isleworth in the London Borough of Hounslow. Landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century, it is Grade I listed by English Heritage under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 for its special historic interest, whereas the 140-acre main gardens are a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade I. The House impresses with its wealth of art within its grand classical interiors. The magnificent property is a fantastic choice to organise large-scale and small events. Syon House offers the formal and majestic Great Hall to accommodate up to 120 guests. The State Dining Room (50 guests) is apt for civil marriage ceremonies. Host post-ceremony drinks in the private Inner Courtyard with parterres of white and cream scented flowers, the Great Conservatory, the Colonnade overlooking the water meadows or the State Apartments.
Carlton Towers
Shown as the home of the Arora family in the Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor starrer movie Shaandaar, Carlton Towers is perfectly suited for your big day. The plot centres around a wedding and filmmakers even had part of the venue decorated for the nuptials. Stage your own happy ending at the Carlton Towers, which is located in Yorkshire. It’s the real family home of Lord and Lady Gerald Fitzalan Howard. The large Grade I listed country house boasts Gothic Revival style and is surrounded by a 250-acre park.
Pick from their various wedding venues for the most memorable event. Grand ceremonies to intimate dinners, the house, gardens and grounds provide different settings to host celebrations of different kinds. Anna Boyes, the founder of The Blonde & The Blooms and their in-house florist, will guarantee to create stunning floral designs for weddings and events at the unique stately home. They offer various packages so your wedding is just as unique as your love story.
Waddesdon Manor
One of the stars in the cult classic Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is Waddesdon Manor. Who could forget the scene when Shah Rukh Khan runs out of the chopper to his family? Now, you can hire the French Renaissance château venue for your own family occasion. The property is nestled in the picturesque village of Waddesdon, in Buckinghamshire. The Grade I listed house was built in a mostly Neo-Renaissance style, resembling features of several French châteaux.
A unique selection of event spaces. whether it be an intimate pre-wedding dinner or a large reception, Waddesdon is an idyllic setting for bespoke events. Check out the two exclusive-use wedding venues on the Waddesdon Estate. The dairy, a tranquil waterside setting amidst glorious gardens and the Manor, one of Europe’s last remaining Rothschild properties. You and your guests can relish a taste of royal lifestyle: beautiful setting, superlative food, excellent wines and friendly, professional service with absolute exclusivity. Their dedicated events team will help bring your wedding vision to life so you and your beloved can enjoy the celebrations.
