Rajasthan offers a timeless and regal setting for weddings, with its rich cultural heritage, majestic architecture, and vibrant landscapes. While cities like Jaipur and Udaipur are well-known for their grandeur, lesser-explored gems such as Shekhawati, Bundi, Alwar, Nagaur, and Chittorgarh offer equally enchanting venues steeped in history and charm. With fresco-adorned havelis, romantic palaces offering picturesque settings, uninterrupted views of the Aravallis, restored palaces and dramatic backdrop for traditional ceremonies, these five locations across Rajasthan promise a dreamy wedding celebration.
Shekhawati, often called Rajasthan’s open-air art gallery, is known for its exquisite frescoed havelis and regal heritage. Located in the state’s northeast region, this historic land of the Marwaris boasts intricately painted mansions. Towns like Mandawa, Nawalgarh, and Dundlod are home to restored heritage properties that serve as stunning wedding venues, blending grandeur with a touch of old-world charm.
Bundi, located 36 km from Kota, is a serene town surrounded by palaces, forts, and lush orchards of guavas and mangoes. Nestled between the Aravalli Range and rivers, it offers a peaceful, rural charm, perfect for a unique wedding experience. For literature enthusiasts, Sukh Mahal, the former summer retreat of past rulers, is where Rudyard Kipling wrote Kim. Explore Taragarh Fort for a glimpse of history, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Jait Sagar, surrounded by hills and lotus flowers. The Raniji ki Baori, or queen’s stepwell, built in 1699, provides an ideal setting for pre-wedding photos. Bundi combines rich history, natural beauty, and tranquillity to elevate your special day even more.
Alwar, one of Rajasthan’s oldest cities, offers a unique wedding destination with its rich history and scenic beauty. Set amidst the Aravalli Hills, the city is home to majestic forts and palaces. Siliserh Lake, just 15 km from Alwar, provides a serene setting with its lush surroundings. The former hunting palace, built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 for his queen, now operates as an RTDC hotel, offering boating and birdwatching opportunities. Take your guests to the Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri for a heritage exploration. This cenotaph, dedicated to Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and Queen Rani Moosi, features columned pavilions, domed arches, and red sandstone pillars. Nearby, the symmetrical Sagar Lake adds charm. Purjan Vihar, a beautiful garden established in 1868, is perfect for wedding photoshoots. For a glimpse into the royal lifestyle, the Government Museum showcases rare artefacts, including miniatures and manuscripts.
Nagaur, located in the northwestern Marwar region of Rajasthan, is a hidden gem for weddings. Surrounded by the Thar Desert and the Aravalli Range, this region offers a mix of cultural history and natural beauty. Nagaur is also home to India’s largest salt lake, Sambhar Lake. Explore the nearby Khimsar Village with your guests, and don’t forget to visit the majestic Nagaur Fort. Nagaur Fort, originally built by the Nag dynasty in the 2nd century and rebuilt in the 12th century, has seen numerous battles and changes. As one of the first Mughal strongholds in North India, it exemplifies Rajput-Mughal architecture. Renovated in 2007, the fort now features fountains and gardens and hosts a Sufi music festival. In 2002, it won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.
Chittorgarh is an ideal wedding destination for couples who appreciate history and culture. Known for its rich Rajputana heritage, the city is dominated by the impressive Chittorgarh Fort, standing tall on a 180-metre hill and covering 700 acres. Your wedding party would enjoy the Chittorgarh Fort Light & Sound Show, which offers an engaging experience showcasing the fort’s history, battles, and the attack by Alauddin Khalji. The Fateh Prakash Palace is another great attraction to take your guests. Now turned into a government museum, it features a vast collection, including Bassi village wood crafts, Jain statues, ancient weapons, tribal clay replicas, paintings, and crystalware, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan’s heritage.
