Destination Weddings in Kerala - Culture, Charm & Unforgettable Venues
- Benjamin John
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Introduction – The Rise of Destination Weddings
Over the last decade and a half, destination weddings have evolved from being a niche idea to becoming one of the most sought-after ways of celebrating love. No longer just about two individuals uniting, these weddings are curated life events, where couples and their loved ones come together to create lifelong memories in extraordinary locations.
For many years, Goa was the first name that came to mind when Indians thought of destination weddings. Today, however, the idea has expanded across India and beyond. Kerala, with its cultural richness, stunning backdrops, and improved infrastructure, has become one of the most exciting new players in this space. It is not the size, it is the depth of the experience that matters.
Why Kerala is Emerging as a Destination Wedding Hub
Kerala offers something truly unique: a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and authentic experiences. For years, the lack of large-scale infrastructure limited Kerala’s ability to host bigger wedding groups. But today, with more luxury resorts, boutique retreats, and convention spaces, the state is perfectly poised to host weddings of different sizes and scales. Having said that, Intimate weddings with smaller group size is the new buzz word, rather than elaborate less depth ones.
Unique Elements That Make Kerala Stand Out
Backwaters and Beaches - Exotic settings for romantic ceremonies.
Cultural Vibrancy - Percussion ensembles, Kathakali, and traditional décor.
Intercultural Appeal - Ideal for inter-cultural and international weddings.
Personalised Experiences - Smaller events with deeper connections and authentic touches.
Kochi – The Gateway to Kerala Weddings
Kochi is one of the most popular destinations for a Kerala wedding, and for good reason. With its international airport connectivity, stunning banquet halls, and heritage venues, Kochi blends convenience with cultural richness.
Guests flying in for the wedding can also explore pre- and post-wedding tours across Kerala, turning the event into a complete holiday. From banquets overlooking the backwaters to venues with Indo-European architecture, Kochi offers the perfect blend of authenticity and modern amenities.
Beyond Kochi – Alternative Wedding Venues Across Kerala
Munnar – Weddings in the Misty Hills
Munnar offers spectacular mountain backdrops, tea plantations, and fresh, cool air. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by rolling hills, mist, and greenery. Perfect for couples looking for a more intimate, scenic setting.
Beaches Along the Arabian Sea
Kerala’s 600 km coastline is dotted with charming beaches – from Marari to Kovalam. Beach weddings here are peaceful, tropical, and immersive, with fishermen’s villages nearby adding authenticity to the backdrop.
Backwaters of Alleppey & Kumarakom
Perhaps nothing is more iconic than a backwater wedding, where the bride can arrive by boat. These ceremonies bring together Kerala’s natural charm with creative cultural themes – flower décor, lamps, and kolam patterns.
Heritage Venues
Kerala is dotted with palaces and heritage properties that double up as wedding venues. Traditional ancient mansions and other historic spaces add depth, architecture, and storytelling to the celebration, like that of the Brunton Boatyard in Fort Kochi
Venues & Infrastructure for Grand Celebrations
Over the years, Kerala has developed world-class wedding infrastructure:
Popular properties for destination wedding in Kerala – Grand Hyatt Bolgatty, overlooking the backwaters, featuring one of India’s largest convention centres, with fine dining and luxury rooms.
It is not just that The Taj Malabar, Le Meridien kochi are all good spaces depending on the grandeur of the event.
The Leela Kovalam and Taj Bekal are equally amazing options with Kovalam having better connectivity to the nearest Trivandrum International Airport.
Kumarakom, again has some stunning options like the Kumarakom Lake Resort and the Zuri Kumarakom, which offers amazing backwater setting and ambiances.
Cruise Weddings – Evening cocktail events on ships like Nefereti, blending glamour with Kerala’s maritime charm.
Creative Wedding Themes & Ideas in Kerala
Kerala offers endless possibilities for creating unique, unforgettable wedding themes:
Backwater Themes – Bride arriving by boat, traditional décor with lamps and floral kolams.
Music & Dance – Soft violin bands, percussion, Kathakali or Mohiniyattam performances to connect guests with local art.
Outdoor Natural Settings – Ceremonies under ancient trees, lawns lit with soft, warm lights.
Sustainability – Eco-conscious weddings with local flowers, organic catering, and handmade crafts.
Fusion Cuisine – Menus blending Kerala flavours with global dishes for diverse guest preferences.
Cultural Jams – Evening jam sessions with traditional and fusion musicians.
Why Couples Choose Kerala for Destination Weddings
Accessibility – International and domestic airports in Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut, and Kannur.
Versatility – From intimate boutique settings to small & large weddings, conventions.
Experiences for Guests – Tours, houseboat cruises, heritage walks, and Ayurveda spa retreats.
Cultural Connection – Weddings that aren’t just about luxury, but about stories, traditions, and authenticity.
Conclusion – Celebrate Love in God’s Own Country
Destination weddings are no longer about extravagance alone; they are about meaningful celebrations, unique venues, and shared memories. Kerala offers everything, backwaters, beaches, mountains, culture, and cuisine, making it one of India’s finest emerging wedding destinations.
Thinking of organising your dream destination wedding in Kerala? At Green Earth Trails, we blend local expertise with creativity to make your wedding truly unforgettable. Get in touch with us and let us do the planning while you celebrate love.
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