The wedding season is in full swing! Instagram feeds are full of reels of weddings taking place at exotic locations. The trend is not limited to celebrities and influencers with every couple seeking unique, immersive, and personalised experiences for their big day. This rising demand has led to wedding tourism emerging as a leading trend in the Indian wedding industry. With demand outstripping supply, luxury hotels are stepping in to curate destination weddings that blend tradition with modern comfort and opulence.
Among the most stunning emerging wedding destinations, an all-time favourite is Muscat, Oman, an oasis of natural beauty where rugged mountain ranges cascade into the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. Perched atop dramatic cliffs, offers couples a wedding enveloped in nature’s grandeur, creating unforgettable moments against breath-taking backdrops. Imagine saying vows at sunset on a clifftop, followed by a magical celebration featuring the symbolic release of baby turtles into the sea, signifying new beginnings.
Beyond the ceremony, Muscat offers an array of cultural and wellness-infused experiences for couples and their friends and family. From traditional frankincense-infused wellness rituals at world-class spas to Omani culinary masterclasses, every element is curated to create an immersive journey of luxury, relaxation, and cultural discovery. Tourists can embark on a private dhow cruise, explore Muscat’s historic souks, or simply indulge in exclusive dining experiences featuring the region’s finest seafood.
Marriages in India have always been lavish, multi-day celebrations. Families save for years for this special occasion. Today’s couples are taking that tradition a step further as they blend celebrations and tourism through destination weddings. It is this that has driven the wedding industry to become the fourth-largest industry in India, spending a stupendous USD 130 billion per year. With over 10 million weddings taking place annually, destination weddings have become a compelling option for couples who wish to avoid crowded local venues while enjoying an exclusive and immersive experience. The share of destination weddings has continued to rise over the last three years, from 18 per cent in 2022 and 21 per cent in 2023 to a significant 26 per cent in 2024. This is reflective of a growing desire among couples to incorporate exotic locales and personalized themes into their celebrations.
Luxury hotels are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of destination weddings, transforming from mere venues into comprehensive wedding destinations offering tailor-made experiences. These properties seamlessly blend heritage with modern luxury, creating unforgettable celebrations set against regal architecture, opulent rooms, royal gardens, and breathtaking views of lakes, mountains, and coastlines. Going beyond accommodation, luxury hotels provide end-to-end wedding planning, including gourmet dining, bespoke décor, culturally curated entertainment, and personalised event management to relieve couples and their families of logistical burdens. With technology playing an increasing role, many hotels now offer virtual venue tours and personalised mobile apps, allowing couples to meticulously plan every aspect of their big day from anywhere in the world. This heightened level of personalisation ensures that each wedding is not just an event but a reflection of the couple’s unique love story, making every celebration truly extraordinary.
The impact of wedding tourism extends far beyond individual celebrations as a robust driver of the broader tourism sector. The government has recognised its potential with India’s Minister for Tourism and Culture stating at a PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry summit that wedding tourism could add as much as USD 1 trillion to India’s economy. With the wedding industry in India currently valued at over USD 75 billion and growing, the growth in destination weddings not only bolsters local employment but also significantly increases revenue for ancillary sectors such as hospitality, travel, and event management.
A survey by Skyscanner, a global travel app, showed that 45 per cent of couples are willing to increase their wedding budgets by up to 50 per cent for a personalised destination wedding experience. This has led to luxury hotels innovating continuously, offering themed packages that reflect regional aesthetics and global trends. Luxury hotels are over delivering to create an immersive travel experience that integrates experiential elements such as exclusive pre-wedding festivities and post-wedding getaways, all of which redefine the wedding itinerary.
Modern couples are increasingly rejecting the “one-size-fits-all” approach to weddings. Instead, they are looking for personalised experiences that reflect their individual tastes, cultural narratives, and aspirational lifestyles. Luxury hotels have responded by creating curated experiences that are flexible, innovative, and deeply personal. From customised menus that incorporate regional flavours to décor that echoes their culture and heritage, these hotels ensure that every element of the wedding is tailored to the couple’s vision.
As economic growth is accompanied by rising disposable income, the future of wedding tourism is bright. Luxury hotels will play an increasingly critical role in driving economic activity and positioning India as a global leader in wedding tourism, crafting an innovative immersive experience that celebrates love with tradition and culture and blends heritage with modernity!
The author is the Vice President of Commercial Operations for the Middle East, India, Indian Ocean, Europe, and the Americas at the Shangri-La-Group.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETTravelWorld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETTravelWorld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.
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