By Arzoo Dina
Copyright vogue
Can there be more to the best wedding destinations than just pretty backdrops to frame one of life’s biggest milestones? Last year, after actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth tied the knot at their family temple, they chose to host a wedding reception at a fort turned boutique hotel in Rajasthan—a model of sustainable living. On the other hand, actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul got married at Shetty’s family farmhouse in Khandala in a small, private affair that prioritised family and nostalgia. Which is to say that, if you’ve made very intentional choices about everything from your trousseau to the tablescape, why not let your wedding venue also reflect who you are and what you believe in? Below, we round up the best wedding destinations from around the world to match your personality:
FOR THE CULTURE-LOVING BRIDE
CHÂTEAU SAINT-MARTIN & SPA, FRANCE
At this quaint sixth-century château hotel, you’ve got the glamour of the French Riviera but in a bucolic, secluded setting. Indulge in the French art de vivre with excursions to the Riviera, local markets and Provençal villages where you can tailor your celebrations with bespoke wine tastings and the best of gastronomy that the region has to offer. Sign up for a treatment at the award-winning Spa Saint-Martin by La Prairie, that can also be arranged in the hotel’s gardens under a flower-strewn cabana.
THE ST. REGIS FLORENCE, ITALY
This stately hotel overlooking the Arno river exudes an old-world charm, thanks in part to the fact that it is a Renaissance-era palace. Weddings here aren’t just opulent, they are also highly personalised—be it an afternoon tea ritual with your closest, a walking tour in the city guided by an art historian or events at venues with grand frescoes and gilded ceilings within the property. Ask the concierge team to put together a romantic dinner on the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge or set up a picnic at sunset for your family.
LA MAMOUNIA, MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
Nestled inside 20 acres of gardens lined with olive and fruit trees, this palace hotel has hosted everyone from Alfred Hitchcock to Moroccan royalty in its century-long existence. There are grand salons in which to host parties and traditional Moroccan or Nhaza-style picnics and hammams to relax in with your bridesmaids. If you do somehow end up with time to spare, ask the concierge team to curate a visit to the local souks and medina, or an insider’s tour of the city on vintage motorcycles.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL KYOTO, JAPAN
This hotel might be contemporary in design but it is steeped in the cultural nuances of Kyoto. The an 800-year-old heritage pond garden at its heart forms the pièce de résistance for a tranquil wedding celebration. Culinary experiences are a big focus: the chefs can design custom menus for a relaxed welcome dinner or a farewell brunch. Thrill your guests with thoughtful, hands-on experiences—whether it’s a workshop in kintsugi (the Japanese art of mending ceramics with gold) or a quiet tea ceremony led by a local tea master.
FOR THE MINIMALIST BRIDE
THE KHYBER HIMALAYAN RESORT & SPA, GULMARG
Framed by pine-clad mountain slopes, green meadows and snow-capped peaks, this 85-key boutique ski resort makes for an intimate escape with your closest—especially if food drives much of your relationship. Let the landscaped gardens and breathtaking views from the amphitheatre lawns act as the backdrop for your picture-perfect wedding, while you savour an authentic wazwan spread-—and then head to The Khyber Spa by L’Occitane to recover.
HOTEL NARAIN NIWAS PALACE, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN
For those interested in a tasteful wedding without too much flash and bang, this heritage family-run property offers the perfect mix of quiet charm and refined elegance, paired with bespoke dining destinations and renowned local boutiques and jewellery stores. Trust the team to tailor a wedding celebration after your heart, whether it’s a sit-down dinner for 100 guests featuring classic Rajasthani delicacies or a large meet-and-greet at the majestic Amarbagh ballroom.
SAMODE PALACE, JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN
Everything about this 16th-century palace hotel, just 45 kms from Jaipur, speaks restrained glamour. It remains one of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture; its vintage charm preserved in hand-painted murals, bougainvillea-fringed courtyards and terrace gazebos. Sheesh Mahal is the crown jewel, featuring hundreds of hand-cut mirrors, jewel-toned glass work and delicate frescoes—an apt setting for that one big reception you want after a quick court wedding, ending in a spectacular display of fireworks.
STORII BY ITC HOTELS MOIRA RIVIERA, GOA
Is your wedding just an excuse to unwind in the midst of nature with your inner circle? Consider this boutique resort overlooking the backwaters of the Moira River. Here you’ll find a curated selection of rooms and villas with plunge pools—the perfect canvas for an intimate wedding where you’re surrounded by a forest and the sound of birdsong. The villa and poolside lawns make for a breezy setting for your nuptials and reception, while the Storii Lounge can host a a quiet welcome dinner or mehendi celebration.
FOR THE ADVENTURE-LOVING BRIDE
SUJÁN JAWAI, RAJASTHAN
For adventure lovers, this boutique safari camp in Rajasthan’s leopard country offers unbridled luxury. With just 10 tented suites, the entire property can be your canvas for an intimate, unusual celebration—where guests can be treated to breakfast in the wild, sundowners by the lake, wildlife safaris, a walk with a Rabari herdsman and dinners in the company of folk musicians under starlit skies surrounded by the soft glow of thousands of lanterns.
ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND AL SAHEL VILLA RESORT, ABU DHABI, UAE
Imagine hosting your wedding at one of the largest natural islands in the UAE, where you get a vantage view of free-roaming wildlife. At this luxury resort, with just 30 pool villas overlooking the savannah (and gazelles grazing in the distance), host a cozy cocktail soiree in the wadi, enjoy a barbecue under the stars, say your vows at the beach at sunset and throw in a few safari experiences—life moves at its own pace here, promising a wedding unlike anywhere else.
THE OBEROI SUKHVILAS SPA RESORT, NEW CHANDIGARH
Set on the fringes of the Siswan forest, this sprawling resort with a striking traditional façade, serene gardens, fountains and reflection pools offers luxurious tented accommodation as well as rooms. Have your guests make the most of the tranquil beauty with guided treks and forest trails, raise a toast under the stars on the private poolside deck with glasses of bubbly and canapés and indulge in farm-to-fork dining and authentic Punjabi fare.
WALDORF ASTORIA SEYCHELLES PLATTE ISLAND, SEYCHELLES
Looking to truly go off-the-grid for your wedding? How about this far-flung private island resort in the middle of the Indian Ocean which involves chartering a 25-minute flight? At this resort in East Africa, there are just 50 private pool villas and abundant barefoot luxury. Ask the concierge team to plan things for you—whether it’s sunset pheras overlooking the ocean, chartering a catamaran or paddle boarding with sea turtles. It could be the adventure of a lifetime.
FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY-MINDED BRIDE
ALILA FORT BISHANGARH, RAJASTHAN
This 200-year-old fort turned boutique hotel boasts an impressive Jaipur gharana-style architecture—a great backdrop for your wedding. What’s more: the resort’s practices are rooted in sustainability, from the use of natural elements like local flowers, upcycled materials and earthen lamps in wedding decor, to encouraging guests to plant trees. Give your wedding party a sensorial experience with rooftop dinners, riverbed walks, village safaris and sunset high teas.
FAIRMONT UDAIPUR PALACE, RAJASTHAN
This newly opened hotel, with its water conservation practices and use of live food counters instead of buffets to lower food wastage, is a perfect example of how luxury and sustainability can coexist. The spectacular Chand Baori, inspired by Rajasthan’s stepwells, would be great for your pheras; and there are several terraces to host a mehfil by moonlight. Spring for the Fairmont thaal experience—a feast showcasing lost Rajasthani recipes and heirloom cooking techniques.
JUMEIRAH BALI, INDONESIA
Designed as an homage to the sacred water palaces of Java, Jumeirah Bali is an elegant all-villa beach resort that captures the allure of island living. They prioritise seasonal menus, sustainably sourced produce, low-waste and plastic-free decor, compostable florals and supporting local artisans with guest-driven experiences like making Balinese ceremonial offerings and personalised Batik art. Couple that with luxurious accommodation and sweeping views of the ocean for a truly immersive experience.
SIX SENSES DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL
Weddings at this 19th-century manor—overlooking vine-covered terraces and the Douro river—are enhanced by their sustainable practices, such as the use of seasonal produce in their curated menus and upcycled materials in decor. Plan your nuptials under the shade of ancient olive trees in the garden, have your guests indulge in private wine tastings with local vintners or attend workshops in making their own cosmetics with local ingredients and essential oils—these memories will be etched in time.
This story appears in Vogue India’s Wedding Book alongside the September-October 2025 issue. Subscribe here
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