You can never go wrong with a sun-kissed beach wedding. Begin your ‘forever’ in the company of crashing waves and white sandy shores at these striking coastal destinations. By Adila Matra
1. Tamil Nadu
If you and your partner have a thing for grandeur, look no farther than the temple town of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu to plan your dream wedding. Magnificent temples and stunning beaches are guaranteed to make your wedding ethereal. Mahabalipuram sits on a long strip of land that separates the Bay of Bengal from the Great Salt Lake, and is located just an hour’s drive away from Chennai. Get married on one of its pristine beaches and head to the Shore Temple for a post-wedding shoot. InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort has a lawn overlooking the beach that can accommodate over 1,500 people. For more intimate ceremonies, there’s the Samaya banquet hall that seats 250 people.
2. Goa
Gorgeous beaches, scrumptious seafood, and thumping parties make Goa an eternal favourite among Indian couples. For those who want more, Goa offers secluded islands, Portuguese churches, and rocky cliffsides too. Couples can also combine the wedding with an after-party and vacation in Goa. Many resorts transform into wedding venues in the peak season. For instance, ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa —a preferred wedding venue—is nestled in serene south Goa, which sees more weddings than the northern parts. The resort has direct access to the Arossim Beach, and its Seaside Lawns make for the ideal reception venue.
3. Andhra Pradesh
The port city of Visakhapatnam doesn’t normally feature in Internet lists of popular wedding destinations. But that is exactly why you should consider this sleepy coastal town for your big day. With a long stretch of ocean on one side and the green canopy of the Eastern Ghats on the other, Vizag lets couples combine wedding festivities with bountiful nature. The season for weddings spans from November to February, and there are many resorts that can organise ceremonies on their premises, taking care of everything from decor to flying in chefs from other states. Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Hotel offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal. With over 3,600 square metres of indoor and outdoor space, it provides the largest banqueting facility in the region and can hold ceremonies for up to 4,000 guests.
4. Maldives
Pristine white sand, beautiful coral reefs, and clear turquoise waters make weddings in the Maldives dreamy affairs. And even though a wedding on the islands between two foreign nationals is not legally binding, many couples choose to hold a symbolic ceremony here after a legal wedding back home. After all, saying ‘I do’ during a sunset cruise or exchanging vows on a private beach kissed by crystal clear waters teeming with marine life is a dream come true. If you are up for it, add a hint of Maldivian culture to the ceremony with a local gazi (judge) presiding over the ceremony and the rhythm of bodu beru drums. Plan your vow renewal or wedding soirée at Heritance Aarah , where understated beachfront bungalows with thatched roofs provide a rustic backdrop.
5. Bali
Whether it’s the usual oceanfront wedding, or an intrepid clifftop ceremony, or an intimate affair by a secluded waterfall, Bali has it all! The island of gods is a treasure trove of beautiful locales. Dramatic black-sand beaches, phenomenal cliff-edged coastlines, lush green paddy fields, and gushing rivers—talk about being spoilt for choice. If you want a hassle-free wedding that oozes romance, leave it to Ayana Resort & Spa Bali . The property can organise outdoor and indoor weddings at one of their many enchanting venues, like the Asmara Gazebo, distinguished by its 350-year-old pavillion, and SKY, a multipurpose event venue located above Ayana’s secluded Kubu Beach, among others.
6. Fujairah
This under-the-radar emirate on the east coast of UAE is slowly but steadily making it to Indian itineraries. One of the reasons that the city has been wooing Indians is because it doubles up as a charming wedding destination. The majestic Hajjar Mountains that separate it from the rest of the UAE, sun-kissed beaches, towering minarets, and a 16th-century fortress lend it an outlandish quality—fit for the couple seeking to tie the knot in a unique setting. One of the resorts that offer unforgettable ceremonies in the heart of Fujairah is InterContinental Fujairah Resort. Elegant, modern, and flexible, wedding venues range from the grand ballroom with soaring ceilings to the chalky beaches lapped by the azure waves of the Indian Ocean.
Related: A Wedding On The Beach Is Incomplete Without These Accessories. Are You Taking Notes?