WeddingSutra has published the results of its Annual Luxury and Destination Weddings Survey for 2026, which was conducted in September among over 1,000 professionals in the wedding planning industry. The survey covered 32 cities in India and eight popular overseas destinations for Indian weddings. The primary conclusion drawn from this survey is that many high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) find Udaipur’s palace venues increasingly unaffordable during peak wedding season, making them more accessible primarily to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNI).

Preference for Destination Weddings in India

Rajasthan continues to be the most favoured choice for destination weddings in India, with Udaipur standing out as a premium option during the busy season. Other popular destinations include Goa and Kerala. In contrast, Jaipur is gaining traction as an economical alternative for weddings during non-peak times, offering various venues at reduced prices.

The survey also highlights an increasing trend towards hosting intimate weddings in local or semi-local settings. Examples include Mahabalipuram near Chennai, resorts close to Bengaluru airport, and locations around Mumbai such as Alibag and Lonavala. Jaipur remains a strong choice for couples from Delhi seeking a nearby wedding venue.

Another notable trend is the rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, which are experiencing substantial growth. Locations such as Kochi, Bekal, Coorg, Amritsar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and various destinations in Rajasthan like Jaisalmer are benefiting from enhanced travel connectivity and the emergence of new luxury accommodations.

Market Dynamics and Spending Patterns

In terms of accommodation, the survey indicates strong demand for luxury venues with over 250 rooms, particularly from business families. The wedding budget for HNIs, excluding expenses on clothing and gifts, falls within the range of Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore. Notably, business families with a combined net worth of Rs 300-400 crore have increased their wedding budgets significantly, from Rs 2-4 crore prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to between Rs 5-10 crore currently.

Intimate wedding formats are becoming increasingly popular among non-business families, reflecting a shift towards smaller gatherings. These formats are expected to define the future trajectory of weddings in this segment, as families prefer to opt for stylish yet manageable celebrations.

The data indicates that the most substantial growth in the wedding market comes not from metropolitan areas, but from emerging business families in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, where new opportunities are being realised.

Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

The influence of external factors is noted as well, with NRI and foreign weddings being affected by conflicts in the Middle East and escalating costs associated with palace venues. Additionally, there is a notable increase in demand for wedding content creators, driven by the growing interest in social media. Young professionals from both metropolitan and smaller towns are now exploring freelance opportunities in this space.

Thailand has been identified as the leading international destination for Indian weddings, maintaining its status despite ongoing challenges in other regions. The survey reinforces the notion that while luxury weddings represent a small fraction of overall weddings in India, they contribute disproportionately to industry spending and set high standards for quality and creativity in Indian wedding traditions.

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