In Rajasthan, Samode Palace and Samode Bagh offer two distinct yet complementary worlds for couples. The Palace dazzles with 400 years of regal grandeur, frescoed halls, and opulent suites, while the Bagh unfolds as a serene Mughal-style garden retreat. Many couples weave both into a seamless celebration, blending heritage with nature. With heartfelt hospitality, cultural immersion, and bespoke menus, Samode crafts weddings that are as meaningful as they are breathtaking. Raghvendra Singh, Director and Co-owner of Samode Hotels, tells us how these properties and their teams combine tradition, beauty, and personal storytelling to create weddings that linger in memory long after the festivities end.
Samode Palace and Samode Bagh each offer such distinct wedding experiences—one regal and ornate, the other lush and serene. How do couples decide between them, or combine them for a layered celebration?
At Samode, couples don’t have to choose between royalty and nature—they often embrace both. Samode Palace, with its opulent halls, 43 individually styled rooms and suites, shimmering mirror-work ballrooms, and 400 years of heritage, is perfect for those seeking grandeur and timeless elegance. In contrast, Samode Bagh offers a more intimate atmosphere, where Mughal-style gardens, flowering trees, and open skies create a setting of quiet beauty and connection. The Bagh features 44 luxurious tents and 27 garden suites, combining the charm of royal camping with modern comfort. Many couples choose to combine the two properties to craft a layered celebration. A mehendi brunch under citrus trees at the Bagh may seamlessly flow into a majestic sangeet in the Durbar Hall at the Palace. This interplay of contrasting yet complementary venues allows each event to unfold with its own distinct mood—turning the wedding into a beautiful, personal journey.
From frescoed halls and mirror-worked ballrooms to starlit gardens and gazebos, the venues at Samode are breathtaking. How do you help couples transform these spaces into something uniquely their own?
Every celebration at Samode begins with a conversation—with the couple’s vision, their story, and their dreams. At both the Palace and the Bagh, we have a dedicated in-house team that works closely with families to bring these dreams to life. Many of these team members have been with Samode for years—some for decades—and are deeply rooted in the region. They’ve played key roles in orchestrating countless weddings, and even family festivals and events, and bring with them not just expertise, but a deep emotional connection to the place. This legacy allows them to craft weddings with care, nuance, and authenticity. Whether it’s transforming the Sheesh Mahal with candlelight and floral motifs or designing a mandap beneath centuries-old trees, we ensure every detail feels intimate and meaningful. We also collaborate with external planners and designers to make sure that every aspect—from lighting and décor to music and menus—reflects the couple’s personality while honouring the spirit of the space.
Weddings at Samode seem to carry a soulful rhythm—blending tradition, intimacy, and natural beauty. How do you ensure the experience feels immersive rather than performative, both for the couple and their guests?
The hotel and tourism industry has evolved considerably over the years. Today, it’s not just about providing a comfortable stay—it’s about creating immersive, memorable and positive experiences that leave a lasting impression. This means offering guests opportunities for local immersion, unique activities, and bespoke, personalised service. At Samode, that philosophy is deeply woven into everything we do. Our aim is never to stage tradition or an experience, but to live it. At Samode, activities, rituals and celebrations unfold organically, with sincerity and grace. For instance, the temples within the Palace complex have a resident priest who performs daily rituals regardless of guest presence—a reflection of how spirituality is genuinely embedded into the rhythm of life here and is not performative. Samode Palace and Bagh are not just hotels—they have been our family home for over 400 years. That legacy forms the basis of every detail of the experience.
From curated village walks to sunset folk performances, Samode offers more than just a wedding venue—it offers a cultural immersion. What role do these experiences play in shaping the overall celebration?
These cultural experiences are the heartbeat of a Samode wedding. A sunset folk performance isn’t just entertainment, it’s a living expression of Rajasthan’s heritage. A guided village walk offers guests a deeper understanding of the land, its people, and traditions. These moments create emotional texture throughout the celebration. They offer gentle pauses amid the festivities. For many, these immersive touches are what transform a beautiful wedding into an unforgettable one.
Your culinary experiences—from regal Rajasthani thalis at the Palace to twilight barbecues at the Bagh—are as memorable as the setting itself. How do you curate menus that reflect both the heritage of the place and the personal taste of each couple?
At Samode, food is storytelling—an expression of both tradition and imagination. We work closely with each couple to understand their vision, preferences, and the mood of every event, whether it’s a formal sit-down banquet in the Durbar Hall, a breezy garden brunch, or a themed welcome dinner under the stars. Some couples lean into the heritage of the place, choosing to serve elaborate Rajasthani thalis in ornate palace settings. Others may opt for a twilight barbecue at the Bagh, featuring global flavours and interactive food stations. The beauty lies in the flexibility: our chefs are deeply rooted in regional culinary traditions, yet known for taking creative liberties, especially for more experimental or contemporary events. This allows us to craft menus that are both soulful and surprising. Much of the produce we use is grown in our own gardens and groves, ensuring a freshness that elevates each dish. Every menu is bespoke, reflecting not just the taste of the couple, but also the rhythm of the land and the tone of the celebration.
Personalised services like Ayurvedic spa rituals, heritage walks, and craft sessions make every guest feel cherished. How important is this hospitality philosophy to the Samode wedding experience?
Hospitality at Samode is more than service—it’s a sentiment that we follow through at all our four properties. Every guest is treated not just as an attendee, but as a valued part of the celebration. From thoughtfully planned welcome rituals and handwritten notes to curated activities, we ensure every guest feels seen and cared for. This philosophy of intuitive, heartfelt hospitality is what elevates a Samode wedding from an event to an experience.
You’ve described a Samode wedding as “a passage through time.” What makes a wedding here more than an event—and how do you preserve that emotional resonance across every detail?
A wedding at Samode is not just a celebration—it is a legacy being carried forward. Your event takes place in spaces that have witnessed centuries of love, joy, and tradition. The frescoed walls, the Aravalli hills standing timeless in their quiet majesty, and the lingering scent of rose and jasmine in the air—all come together not as a decorative backdrop, but as living participants. Whether it’s the glow of diyas along ancient corridors, the echo of temple bells and folk songs in the courtyards, every element is intentional and deeply felt. What makes a Samode wedding unforgettable is this layering of meaning. Every detail—from the choice of blooms to the flavour notes in the feast—is aligned with the couple’s story, their vision and the spirit of the space.