Destination weddings are becoming an increasingly popular choice among Indian couples, with their share expected to rise over the next few years. According to the WedMeGood Destination Wedding Report 2026, these celebrations are projected to account for 30-32 per cent of all weddings in India by 2028, compared with nearly one in four at present. The findings highlight a growing preference for intimate gatherings that prioritise meaningful experiences over large-scale traditional ceremonies.
The report reveals that spending on destination weddings has climbed by 8 per cent over the past year, reflecting a steady rise in demand for customised celebrations. On average, couples now allocate around Rs 58 lakh for a destination wedding within India, while those opting for overseas venues spend more than Rs 1.5 crore.
This shift is being driven by couples who are choosing quality experiences over extravagant guest lists. The study found that 42 per cent of respondents favour smaller, experience-led celebrations, signalling a broader transformation in how modern weddings are planned and celebrated.
Multi-Day Celebrations Gain Momentum
Destination weddings are also becoming longer affairs. The average duration has increased to 3.2 days, compared with 1.8 days before 2020. Couples are increasingly designing events that go beyond the wedding ceremony itself, with greater emphasis on guest engagement throughout the celebration.
From curated culinary experiences and wellness sessions to themed events spread across multiple days, hosts are investing in creating memorable occasions for family and friends. This trend reflects the growing importance of offering guests an immersive and personalised experience rather than a single-day function.
“Indian weddings are undergoing a remarkable transformation. Couples today are investing not just in celebrations, but in creating meaningful experiences that bring family and friends together,” said Mehak Shahani, Co-Founder, WedMeGood.
She added that destination weddings are increasingly centred on personalisation, guest engagement and immersive experiences, with budgets evolving alongside these changing expectations.
Sri Lanka Emerges As A Leading Choice
Among international destinations, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the fastest-growing wedding markets for Indian couples. The report notes that 44 per cent of couples prefer venues located within a two-to-four-hour flight from India, making nearby destinations especially attractive.
Wedding bookings from India to Sri Lanka are expected to grow between 20 and 25 per cent annually. Its convenient location, well-developed hospitality sector and variety of travel experiences are contributing to its rising popularity among couples seeking an international celebration without travelling long distances.
Looking ahead, the report forecasts continued momentum for international destination weddings, particularly across Asian destinations. The increasing appeal of short-haul luxury travel, combined with demand for personalised, experience-driven celebrations, is expected to fuel this expansion.
(With Agency Inputs)