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Destination weddings are increasingly shaping India’s travel and hospitality landscape, with couples looking beyond established wedding hubs for celebrations that reflect a stronger sense of place. In this interview, Jatin Khanna, CEO, Sarovar Hotels, discusses how changing preferences are influencing Sarovar’s wedding portfolio, the growing appeal of emerging destinations, and the role of culture, personalisation and guest experience in shaping the weddings of the future.
How is the rise of destination weddings changing the way Sarovar approaches its wedding portfolio?
A destination wedding transforms a hotel into a family’s home for several days, making it responsible for everything from airport transfers to the farewell breakfast. We therefore look beyond ballrooms to room inventory, event spaces, catering, logistics, guest comfort and vendor coordination.
With nearly 152 hotels across more than 90 destinations, Sarovar can cater to weddings in established hubs like Jaipur and Udaipur, as well as hill stations, deserts, coastal towns and spiritual destinations. The starting point is always the couple’s vision, with the destination chosen to match it.
How do you balance personalisation with seamless execution?
Personalisation only works when the basics are handled well. Couples should be free to customise ceremonies, menus or décor without managing multiple teams. Through our “Write Your Own Story” platform, every wedding is supported by a dedicated concierge who oversees décor, catering, guest services and logistics.
Flexible packages, along with benefits for wedding-night stays, honeymoons and multi-event bookings, help reduce planning stress while allowing each celebration to remain unique.
Which destinations within the Sarovar portfolio are seeing the most demand?
Jaipur and Udaipur remain favourites, with Golden Tulip Jaipur, Kukas and Golden Tulip Udaipur leading the way. Vandhara Sarovar Premiere, Jim Corbett is popular for resort weddings, while Sairafort Sarovar Portico, Jaisalmer; Lagoon Sarovar Premiere, Pondicherry; Marigold Sarovar Portico, Mashobra; and Shyama Sarovar Portico, Orai offer distinctive desert, coastal, mountain and emerging destination settings.
For faith-led celebrations, Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Vrindavan and Tirupati continue to attract families. Couples today are choosing destinations that combine a strong local identity with the convenience of hosting every celebration under one roof.
How do you ensure the destination becomes part of the wedding experience?
The destination should feel authentic rather than decorative. Local culture comes alive through cuisine, architecture, music and guest experiences. Whether it’s a desert celebration in Jaisalmer, a coastal wedding in Pondicherry, an intimate ceremony in Mashobra or a traditional Vedic wedding in Vrindavan, every property reflects its surroundings in a meaningful way.
What will define the future of destination weddings?
The wedding map will continue expanding beyond traditional destinations as improved connectivity makes smaller cities and drive-to locations more accessible. Families are becoming more mindful of guest experience, valuing seamless logistics, privacy and comfort alongside décor.
Sustainability through local sourcing and waste reduction will gain importance, while technology will simplify planning. However, flawless execution will always depend on the hotel team on the ground.
