In recent years, Bollywood weddings have not only become significant cultural and fashionable moments but also set trends for opulent and dreamlike wedding venues. The choice of venues by Bollywood stars showcases the blend of luxury, heritage, and increasingly, eco-consciousness, that captivates the public imagination. From the historic charm of Rajasthan’s forts to the serene landscapes of Goa, Bollywood weddings often take place at locations that offer a rich experience of India’s architectural grandeur and scenic beauty.
Bollywood weddings are not just about grand celebrations but about choosing venues that reflect the couple’s personality and values. With each location offering something unique; Bollywood weddings continue to set new trends for destination weddings, combining luxury with personal and ecological consciousness.
Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer
Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra’s wedding at the Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer in February 2023, has once again placed this majestic venue under the spotlight. Suryagarh is not just a hotel; it is an immersive experience that offers a glimpse into the regal ambience of Rajasthan, with a modern touch of luxury. Located amidst the vast expanse of the Thar Desert, the palace is a heritage property that boasts spectacular views of barren landscapes, lush pools, and an exotic lake garden, making it an ideal setting for a fairytale wedding.
Suryagarh’s charm lies in its versatile spaces for various wedding ceremonies, such as the Celebration Gardens, with its open-sky setting for desi-style feasts and The Lake Gardens, which provide an ethereal atmosphere for intimate lakeside dining. The venue also offers 83 royal rooms, including the highly coveted Thar Haveli, a three-bedroom space that blends traditional aesthetics with modern luxury, complete with an indoor pool.
Apart from its luxurious accommodations, the hotel provides an array of activities such as desert safaris, temple tours, and cultural evenings featuring folk music by renowned local artists like Mehboob Khan. The combination of heritage and opulence, along with unique experiences tailored to guests, makes Suryagarh a sought-after wedding destination, fit for Bollywood royalty.
Six Senses Fort Barwara, Sawai Madhopur
In December 2021, the highly anticipated wedding of Bollywood actors Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif took place at the Six Senses Fort Barwara, a 700-year-old fort turned luxury resort located in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. The venue, known for its stunning restoration and blend of modern and regal design, encapsulates the charm of old-world Rajasthan, while offering modern-day luxury and wellness.
Originally built in the 14th century by the Chauhan dynasty, the Fort has been meticulously restored to retain its historic architecture. Today, it is India’s first Six Senses hotel, part of a globally renowned chain that emphasises sustainability and wellness. The sprawling property features two palaces, several temples, and 48 royal suites, including the Rani Rajkumari Suite, which offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli range and Barwara Lake.
What sets Six Senses Fort Barwara apart is its emphasis on wellness, with a 30,000sqft spa offering Ayurvedic treatments, personalised wellness programs, and yoga sessions. Guests can indulge in luxurious spa treatments while also experiencing nature, with wildlife safaris in the nearby Ranthambore National Park adding to the unique experiences on offer.
ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa, Goa
Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani’s eco-friendly wedding, scheduled for February 2024, took place at the ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa. Located in Arossim, South Goa, this Indo-Portuguese-style luxury resort is one of the most prestigious wedding venues in Goa. Nestled amidst 45 acres of lush greenery and offering spectacular views of the Arabian Sea, the resort provides the perfect combination of serenity and grandeur.
The ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa is not only known for its beauty but also its commitment to sustainability, being India’s first LEED Platinum-certified resort. From minimising the carbon footprint using sustainable materials to hiring a carbon footprint specialist, the couple’s wedding will emphasise eco-friendliness without compromising on luxury.
The resort’s accommodation ranges from Garden View Rooms to the Luxury Suite, offering spacious and beautifully designed rooms inspired by Goa’s traditional architecture. With cobblestone pathways, courtyards, and balconies with pearl shell windows, the property’s design adds an old-world charm.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world’s largest private residences, a monumental piece of history that merges Indian royal grandeur with British colonial elegance. Naturally, it became a go-to choice for several extravagant weddings, including actress Priyanka Chopra and American musician Nick Jonas’ wedding in 2018. Their Hindu pheras and white wedding welcomed about 200 family members and close friends.
Constructed between 1928 and 1943, the palace was commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh during a famine to provide employment to his people. The palace stands as an extraordinary example of Indo-Deco architecture, a style that combines Beaux-Arts influences with Mughal and Hindu architectural elements. Designed by the renowned British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, the palace draws inspiration from Sir Edwin Lutyens, the architect behind many of New Delhi’s landmarks. It features massive sandstone domes and intricately carved columns that balance European Beaux-Arts aesthetics with Mughal arches and Rajasthani motifs. The exterior, built entirely out of golden-hued sandstone, shines brilliantly in the desert sun, giving the palace an otherworldly glow, especially at sunset. The material used is the same as the famous Taj Mahal, further adding to its historic allure.
The palace, which has 347 rooms, is currently divided between a residence for the royal family, a Taj luxury hotel, and a museum. Visitors can experience luxury at its finest by staying in one of the 64 hotel rooms and suites. The most luxurious is the Maharani Suite, spread across 4,800 square feet, with sweeping views of the palace gardens and Mehrangarh Fort.
Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello is an 18th-century estate nestled on the shores of Lake Como, surrounded by lush greenery and offering unparalleled views of the lake. Built in 1787 for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, this villa has a rich history and has hosted numerous high-profile weddings, events, film productions like Star Wars and Casino Royale and memorable weddings including Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s.
The villa’s architecture features elegant baroque and neoclassical elements, characterised by symmetrical layouts, intricate stonework, and grand interiors. Inside, the villa is filled with priceless collections of art, including rare Chinese and African pieces, as well as French antique furniture. Its terraced gardens are what truly set Villa del Balbianello apart. They are perfectly maintained, with a mixture of statues, fountains, and intricately carved stone structures that create an ethereal setting. The villa can only be accessed by boat or on foot via a scenic wooded path. This exclusivity adds to its charm, creating a sense of secluded luxury. Guests can arrive in style at the private jetty on the lake, experiencing a dramatic entrance for any event.
The Leela Palace & Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha’s wedding took place across two of Udaipur’s most iconic properties: The Leela Palace and the Taj Lake Palace. Both of these luxury hotels embody the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, set amidst the scenic beauty of Lake Pichola. Built-in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the Taj Lake Palace floats on the waters of Lake Pichola, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Constructed entirely out of white marble, it features intricate Mughal and Rajput architecture with grand arches, domes, and courtyards. The only way to access the palace is by boat, adding to its exclusivity and romantic charm.
Guests can enjoy a range of luxurious amenities, including fine dining at restaurants like Neel Kamal (known for its Rajasthani cuisine) and Bhairo (an open-air restaurant serving contemporary European dishes). The palace also offers yoga, boat rides, cultural performances, and treatments at the Jiva Spa. Rooms and suites at the Taj Lake Palace are elegantly furnished, featuring luxurious textiles, hand-painted murals, and sweeping views of Lake Pichola.
Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Leela Palace exudes the royal charm of Udaipur with its stunning Rajasthani architecture. It offers an immersive experience of the city’s rich culture, with interiors adorned with traditional crafts and local artwork. The 80-room hotel is known for its plush accommodations, including Maharaja and Royal Suites, all of which come with beautiful views of the lake or the Aravalli Hills. The rooms are outfitted with luxurious furnishings, intricate woodwork, and regal artefacts. The hotel also offers several dining options, including The Dining Room, an all-day restaurant serving global cuisine, and Sheesh Mahal, a fine-dining Indian restaurant with an open-air setup that overlooks the lake. Guests can unwind at The Leela’s award-winning spa or enjoy traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance performances by the lake.
