If you’ve read about Bollywood weddings over the past few years, then you will be well acquainted with the common ingredients that go into making them a spectacular and riveting affair. Couple decked in Sabyasachi outfits from head to toe? Check. The newlyweds post the same photos on their social media feeds? Check. The wedding venue is a beautiful haveli, fort or heritage hotel in Rajasthan? Check.
The last bit rings particularly true; from Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal to Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, some of the grandest Bollywood weddings in the last decade have taken place in Rajasthan. The state’s rich royal history, jaw-dropping landscapes, and traditional hospitality put it on the top of the list for destination weddings in India.
When Bollywood celebrities Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal got married in December 2021 at the Six Senses Fort Barwara, fans fawned over the wedding outfits, décor, and stunning location. The stunning 14th-century fort near Sawai Madhopur was once owned by a Rajasthani royal family.
After an extensive conservation effort, it has been transformed into a luxurious leisure retreat. The grand Barwara State Room, a versatile 225-sq m space, can host both formal and informal events. Meanwhile, the Zenana Mahal offers a spacious 700-square-metre banquet lawn with a beautifully designed stepped amphitheatre, seating up to 200 guests. Every evening, a puja is held at one of the oldest temples in the region, located in the heritage wing of the Zenana Mahal. This sacred temple, dedicated to Radha and Krishna, represents divine love and devotion. Couples are invited to pray for blessings, partake in the tika ceremony, and enjoy a bhajan recital before exchanging their vows, making the experience even more meaningful and spiritual. The atmosphere provides a perfect blend of history, culture, and sacred rituals for a truly memorable wedding celebration.
The nuptials of actress Priyanka Chopra and her partner Nick Jonas took place in December 2018 at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. In fact, Chopra, during a 2019 movie promotion in Jaipur, shared, "I have a deep love for Rajasthan’s history. The state beautifully showcases India’s royal heritage. The way Rajasthan has preserved its cultural legacy is truly remarkable. My friends from the US always choose Rajasthan as their first stop when they visit India. So, when I was considering a wedding destination, there was no place that came to mind except Rajasthan."
With 26 acres of gardens, the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur continues to remain an active royal residence with family members residing in their own wing. Each room and suite features modern comforts and luxurious furnishings for an unparalleled experience of authentic royalty. Hold your dream wedding at the Marwar Hall, a luxurious banquet venue; under the chandeliers of Rathore Hall; or at the 1,858-metre-square space of Baradari Lawn, which can seat up to 1,500 guests.
Couples and their guests can indulge in a variety of exclusive experiences that will make their stay truly memorable. These include a thrilling horse-riding session at the polo grounds, a luxurious palace tour in one of the hotel’s vintage cars, and a carefully curated exploration of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. For those seeking more adventure, a guided tour of the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park offers a unique opportunity to discover the stunning desert landscape and its rich history.
Situated amid the extensive dunes of the Thar Desert, Suryagarh played host to the February 2023 wedding of actors Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra.
The luxury resort in Jaisalmer has beautiful courtyards and grand Rajasthani architecture, while the elegant rooms come with traditional handcrafted furnishings and heritage art pieces. Rait, the region’s first desert spa, offers rejuvenating massage treatments that your wedding party would love.
Suryagarh offers a variety of stunning venues for hosting a wedding, including the central courtyard, the enchanting bawdi (stepwell), a beautiful first-floor courtyard, the serene organic garden, the lush champa garden, a lakeside garden, the vibrant celebration garden, and a picturesque sunset patio. Couples with a taste for adventure can begin their honeymoon right after the wedding with unique excursions like the “Silk Route Trail” or “Thar Trail.” These immersive journeys reveal the rich history and untold stories of the landscape, combining romance and exploration in the heart of nature’s beauty.
After officially getting married at the Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple in Telangana, actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth held a dreamy wedding celebration at the Alila Fort Bishangarh in November 2024. Hydari even took to Instagram to share her love for forts and Rajasthan.
“There is something magical about a fort. Majestic, yet bare. For Siddhu [Siddharth] and I it was a seamless intertwining of romance and a connection to the earth. The Alila fort Bishangarh instantly reminded me of my childhood in my grandparents’ home. The winding road leading up to the house on the hill. It was a place where magic could happen, it was my favourite place…my wonderland. The place where stories came alive, where I dreamed all my dreams and hoped to make them come true,” she posted.
Alila Fort Bishangarh is a grand fort-turned-hotel, and its remote location in the Aravalli Hills makes it a perfect place for peaceful wedding festivities with limited guests. The design of the hotel draws upon Rajput and Mughal influences, which can be seen in the jharokha windows, traditional daybeds, motifs, interior décor, art, and antiques. With indoor and outdoor venues, such as the Fort Courtyard and Haveli Courtyard, and 59 rooms and suites, the staff will ensure every detail is tailored for the couple and their guests for a grand celebration. Whether for a grand celebration or a more intimate affair, the setting offers timeless beauty and an atmosphere of refined elegance.
