The Gujarat government presented its INR 4.08 lakh crore Budget for 2026-27, a record fiscal plan designed to accelerate growth across sectors from infrastructure to tourism. Riding high on its successful tourism numbers, the state declared 2026 as “Gujarat Tourism Year.” It tucked in a bold new initiative called “Wed in Gujarat” to position the state as a leading destination wedding spot. The goal is to leverage Gujarat’s culture, heritage cities, desert landscape, and long coastline to attract marquee weddings and high-spend visitors.
Finance minister Kanu Desai presented the Budget on February 18 with a broad canvas for tourism and events as engines of economic vibrancy. Apart from traditional allocations for pilgrim circuits and heritage sites, the state unveiled the “Wed in Gujarat” campaign to curate Gujarat as an unforgettable wedding destination with marketing support, curated circuits and branding support. The effort pools the state’s attractions into a unified offering aimed at high-end wedding planners and couples from India and abroad.
Official plans say the campaign will highlight iconic sites, including Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple and Ambaji Temple, alongside marquee attractions like the Statue of Unity, Rann Utsav, and Shivrajpur Beach to attract couples and families seeking distinctive and culturally rich wedding experiences.
While the tourism industry has welcomed this move, it has also expressed concern that Gujarat's long-standing liquor prohibition will put it at a disadvantage against other popular wedding destinations such as Rajasthan and Goa. Some in the industry have suggested that with the regulated relaxation of the liquor rules within the state, more high-end weddings could take place and lead to greater overall economic activity for the state.
The wedding tourism push sits within a much larger tourism investment in the Budget. The state earmarked significant funds for developing and promoting heritage and travel experiences. This includes money for training 1,000 tourist guides, boosting facilities at the Statue of Unity, and upgrading pilgrimage and beach destinations like Somnath and Shivrajpur Beach. Plans also include world-class bus ports and transport connectivity enhancements to key spots such as Somnath and Ambaji.
Other than weddings, the tourism strategy hopes to grow Gujarat’s appeal to foreign and domestic travellers alike by linking cultural riches with infrastructure upgrades. With heritage circuits, coastal retreats and pilgrimage hubs drawing millions already, the state aims to capture a slice of the booming destination weddings market while strengthening its broader travel economy.
(With inputs from various sources.)
1. What is the ‘Wed in Gujarat’ campaign?
‘Wed in Gujarat’ is a state initiative announced in the 2026–27 Budget to promote Gujarat as a premier destination wedding hub for Indian and international couples.
2. What is the total outlay of the Gujarat Budget 2026–27?
The Gujarat government presented a Rs 4.08 lakh crore Budget aimed at accelerating growth across infrastructure, tourism and cultural sectors.
3. Which destinations are being promoted for weddings in Gujarat?
Key attractions include Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Ambaji Temple, Statue of Unity, Rann Utsav and Shivrajpur Beach.
4. Why is Gujarat focusing on wedding tourism?
The state aims to attract high-spend events, boost hospitality revenues, generate local employment and position 2026 as “Gujarat Tourism Year”.
5. What challenges could Gujarat face in wedding tourism?
Industry voices note that Gujarat’s liquor prohibition laws may make it less competitive compared to states like Rajasthan and Goa, where alcohol is permitted at wedding events.