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Top Spiritual Spots for a Divine Destination Wedding
Destination Weddings - Mar 20, 2019
A wedding of any faith is an auspicious occasion as it includes meaningful religious rituals. Some couples prefer to host their weddings in a location that is rich in spirituality, ancient culture and tradition. Think of it like a destination wedding with a divine vibe! From Varanasi to Cambodia, Thailand to Sri Lanka, we have curated 12 of the best locations that are all about that special spiritual significance.
1. VARANASI, INDIA
Varanasi is also known as Benares, and many couples flock to this auspicious destination in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to tie the knot according to Hindu rituals. Situated along the banks of the river Ganges which is considered holy, the city’s cultural and spiritual foundations are based on mythology and ancient scriptures. For example, it is believed that the Ganges river originated from the top hair knot of Lord Shiva and expanded into a mighty river in Varanasi.
Wedding Venue:
Taj Ganges Varanasi
This hotel exudes the authentic vibe of the ancient city against a beautiful backdrop of the serene Ganges river. The five-star hotel is surrounded by 12 acres of tranquil gardens, and its Peacock Lawn can comfortably accommodate up to 1,000 people making it a great choice for an outdoor wedding venue.
2. AJMER, INDIA
The bustling city of Ajmer in Rajasthan is one of the oldest cities in India and houses the famous and historic Ajmer Sharif Dargah which draws believers from across the world. The city of Pushkar lies around 14 km from Ajmer and pilgrims flock there to visit the temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.
Wedding Venue:
The Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer
This hotel is a Taj property set against the calm backdrop of the Aravalli Hills. Set within 6 acres, the hotel’s venues like the Darbar Hall blend tradition, elegance, and royalty of the region. The palace-style architecture and rooms furnished with Rajasthani decor features add to the unique winsome charm of the property.
3. MAHABALIPURAM, INDIA
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mahabalipuram is a coastal town located about 50 km from Chennai. It is a place of historical significance and has a number of temples dedicated to Hindu gods such as Lord Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, and Krishna. Tourists flock to its lovely beaches and love dipping into the cool waters of the Bay of Bengal.
Wedding Venues:
InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort
The sprawling property has become a very popular destination for weddings thanks to its indoor and outdoor venues. From its pristine beach to a luxurious banquet hall, the InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort overlooks the Bay of Bengal and appeals to couples who want an open layout for a grand wedding away from the concrete jungle.
Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa
The old and the new merge together in this hotel which was built on the ramparts of a 16th-century Dutch fort. Check into the many rooms, cottages, and villas here for a taste of world-class hospitality against a setting that includes the Bay of Bengal views, landscaped gardens and the splendid indoor and outdoor spaces of Casuarina Grove which is one of the most sought after wedding venues in Chennai.
Four Points Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Center
Located around 56 km from the Chennai International Airport, this hotel lies along the scenic East Coast Road and offers beautiful views of the Bay of Bengal. With sprawling lawns and a luxurious banquet hall, the property is equipped to host both intimate and grand wedding festivities.
4. NASHIK, INDIA
Situated on the banks of the River Godavari, Nashik is an ancient holy city and is one of the four hosts of the famous Kumbh Mela that takes place every 12 years. Nashik draws its name from a particular scene of the Ramayana epic where Lakshman cuts the nose of the lady-demon Surpanakha, as per the wishes of Lord Rama. With its religious history and surrounded by pious sites like Trimbakeshwar and Anjaneri, this city is a quaint yet charming option for a destination wedding.
Wedding Venue:
The Gateway Hotel Ambad Nashik
Surrounded by 20 acres of lush gardens and located close to the main city, The Gateway Hotel Ambad Nashik is all about opulence and modern amenities in a charming setting. The four-star property’s Grand Ballroom serves as the ideal venue for a traditional wedding and guests can explore the neighboring religious spots easily thanks to the hotel’s convenient location.
5. RISHIKESH, INDIA
Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, with the sacred River Ganges flowing through it, Rishikesh is also referred to as the ‘Pilgrimage Town.’ It is considered to be a very spiritual place for people of the Hindu faith as many scenes from the Ramayana epic are said to have taken place in this town. Home to some popular temples such as the Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh lies approximately 25 km north of the city of Haridwar.
Wedding Venue:
Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa
Located within the green forests of Singthali and set among 12 acres of the Himalayan mountains, the Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa is the best option for those who want a calm detox away from the busy city life. Perfect for an intimate and relaxing wedding, the property is all about getting up close and personal with nature with a bit of spiritual sightseeing thrown in.
6. MADURAI, INDIA
Built around the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai is one of the major cities of Tamil Nadu and is located on the banks of the Vaigai river. It lies around 10 hours by road from Chennai. Said to draw its name from Lord Shiva and the nectar that was showered on the city from his matted hair, Madurai is also commonly referred to as the ‘Temple City.’
Wedding Venue:
The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Madurai
Set on top of the Pasumalai Hills, this hotel is surrounded by 62 acres of scenic gardens and provides a panoramic view of the temple town and the Kodai hills. The Vaigai Hall provides a uniquely vintage venue for a wedding function thanks to its architectural style which is inspired by ancient elements. The winning factor of this property is its old-world charm that exists beautifully with modern amenities.
7. AMRITSAR, INDIA
Home to one of Sikhism’s most spiritually significant gurudwaras – The Golden Temple – Amritsar is a city rich in culture, tradition, history, and delicious local cuisine. The Golden Temple is considered to be an extremely pious spot, and thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit the place daily. Located around 200 km from Chandigarh, Amritsar is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
Wedding Venues:
Taj Swarna Amritsar
A superb fusion of traditional Punjabi ethos and contemporary charm, Taj Swarna is an exciting venue to host your dream wedding. Located around 6 km from the Golden Temple, it boasts vast lawns and 7,000 square feet of indoor banquet spaces. Another option is the Hyatt Regency Amritsar which lies just 10 minutes from the Golden Temple and 30 minutes from the Amritsar airport and offers a beautiful poolside venue for outdoor day events.
Hyatt Regency Amritsar
This hotel offers ample spaces for wedding celebrations such as the Tented Garden and Istana Ballroom. With 248 rooms that offer luxurious amenities and compelling city or pool views through large bay windows, Hyatt Regency Amritsar prides itself on being a one-stop destination for couples who want a traditional wedding with that Punjabi flavor.
8. HARIDWAR, INDIA
Situated on the banks of the river Ganga, the ancient holy city of Haridwar has been a sacred destination for pilgrimage, translating quite literally to “gateway to heaven”. The serene energy that reverberates through the town makes it an idyllic location to mark the beginning of your new life.
Wedding Venues:
Pilibhit House, Haridwar – IHCL SeleQtions
For those looking to start your marriage feeling close to God, look no further than Pilibhit House, Haridwar – IHCL SeleQtions, a century-old aristocratic mansion that sits right on the river. With stepped architecture, placid courtyards, and peaceful balconies, it is the perfect venue to host an intimate, tranquil celebration of about 150pax. Tying the knot on the 4000 square feet airy rooftop space that offers dramatic views of the Ganges is sure to be nothing less than sublime!
9. BALI, INDONESIA
The tropical paradise of Bali with its beautiful beaches and splendid resorts is one of the most sought-after destination wedding locations for couples from across the world, especially Indians thanks to Hindu traditions that have been followed there for centuries. Bali also has plenty of beautiful temples and couples who want to host their traditional Indian wedding there can explore the many packages offered by hotels, independent temples, villas, and local planners.
Wedding Venues:
The Ritz-Carlton
If you are looking for the perfect spot to exchange your vows in Bali, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton. It’s glass-lit chapel overlooking the Indian Ocean, private beach and cliff lawns all offer dramatic backdrops alongside the world-class services that the hotel chain is renowned for. There is even a century-old Hindu temple within the hotel’s environs, and guests can participate in the rituals held there.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
Immerse yourself in the hotel’s lush tropical environs or sink your toes into the warm sandy expanse of Nusa Dua. Perfect for a beach wedding, the family-friendly property is all about luxury with its opulent rooms, beautiful design, thoughtful amenities and ethnic decor.
AYANA Resort and Spa
Famous for its SKY venue which is a multi-events space that ‘floats’ 35 meters above the Indian Ocean, this resort is distinctive for its stunning design and exemplary service. From gazebos, villas, pavilions, piers, ballrooms and lush lawns, couples will be spoilt for choice here when it comes to wedding function venues.
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
French elegance and Balinese elements merge together in this lovely resort that faces the Nusa Dua beachfront. One of its highlights is the Jewel Box venue which offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and the beach through its glass windows. Perfect for an intimate wedding with 200 guests, this venue is climate controlled so guests are assured of comfort through the year.
Shangri-La Nusa Dua Resort & Spa
With 299 rooms and 40 spacious villas, this resort is just the place for that grand wedding where all celebrations are hosted at assorted venues in the same location. Situated close to a golf course and facing the beachfront, the hotel offers picture-perfect vistas and convenient access as it lies just 20 minutes from the Bali airport.
10. THIMPHU, BHUTAN
Bhutan is a unique choice for a destination wedding. Surrounded by the Himalayas and bordering India, it offers a mesmerizing mix of lush flora and fauna, melodious chants emanating from one of the many Buddhist monasteries and refreshing, pristine environs. Unspoiled and non-commercial, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is the perfect place to host an intimate wedding where tranquility and natural beauty are a part of the package.
Wedding Venue:
Taj Tashi
Located in the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, Taj Tashi overlooks the picturesque mountains and valleys of the area. The five-star hotel’s architecture blends tradition and history and the rich Bhutanese influence is evident throughout the property. With 66 rooms and suites, Taj Tashi is the perfect paradise for intimate wedding celebrations with a unique edge.
11. CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
Thailand is the best destination for couples who want natural beauty, exemplary services, hotels that are familiar with Indian weddings and Asian hospitality. Chiang Mai is a wonderful destination in Thailand which has approximately 300 Buddhist temples, 20 churches, 16 mosques, and gurudwaras, making it a multicultural hotspot that will appeal to couples who want a wedding with a difference.
Wedding Venue:
Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Resort
Surrounded by 60 acres of landscaped gardens, Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai Resort is an architectural treat with its culturally rich design features that were inspired by elements from the Lanna Kingdom. The spacious lawns of the resort which are sheltered by the sacred Bo trees and the exclusive Lanna prayer hall make it a superb choice for a destination wedding.
12. KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Situated within the bowl-shaped Kathmandu valley of Nepal, the capital of Nepal is a place of immense religious significance. Kathmandu houses the famous Hindu Pashupatinath temple on the banks of the Basmati river, as well as some ancient Buddhist stupas. Lord Pashupatinath is Nepal’s national deity. The Boudhanath Stupa which lies around 11 km from Kathmandu is another popular spiritual hotspot.
Wedding Venues:
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Located on the road to one of the holiest spots in Nepal – the Boudhanath Stupa, the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu hotel is a beautiful structure designed entirely in the local Newari style of Nepalese architecture. It’s expansive lawns, and grand ballrooms are world-class venues to host large-scale wedding functions.
Radisson Hotel Kathmandu
Offering a wonderful window to Nepali culture, this hotel lies just 20 minutes from the Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu. All modern amenities can be found in each of the 260 rooms here and the location also makes this property a winner as it lies just 4.5 km to the Pashupatinath Temple.
Vivanta Kathmandu
With sophisticated accommodation and a rooftop pool that offers Insta-worthy views of the surrounding cityscape, Vivanta Kathmandu is just what couples need for a chic, intimate wedding. Lying close to the city’s main attractions, the hotel also offers world-class dining options such as the Pan-Asian restaurant Akari and Mynt which specializes in local Newari cuisine.
13. SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Cambodia, which is also known as the ‘Kingdom of Wonder,’ offers couples and their guests a unique wedding experience with its blend of ethnic culture, spiritual aura and historical sights. The largest Hindu temple complex of Angkor Wat lies near the town of Siem Reap and is famous for ancient carvings on its walls.
Wedding Venues:
Le Meridien Angkor
Located amidst ancient temples, Le Meridien Angkor in Siem Reap offers enchanting wedding venues alongside authentic Cambodian elements such as Apsara Dances, sacred chanting by monks and paper lanterns. The hotel’s beautiful indoor and outdoor venues like The Elephant Courtyard and the Palm Garden are designed to make any celebration hosted there a memorable one.
Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Centre
A five-star property with 776 rooms, Sokha Siem Reap Resort & Convention Centre is the ideal place to host a grand divine wedding. It is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Siem Reap International Airport. Hosting a sangeet performance on a water stage in the large swimming pool or traditional rituals with Cambodian elements in the grand ballroom will make any nuptials an unforgettable experience.
