Wedding destinations today are chosen with intention, imagination, and a desire for experiences that feel personal. Couples are no longer looking only for grandeur. They are seeking places that tell a story, offer immersive settings, and create moments that feel effortlessly memorable. From newly opened properties to rising favourites quietly gaining momentum, a new wave of hotels is shaping the future of destination weddings. These are the names couples are booking early, not just for their beauty, but for the experiences they promise.
Pia Shivdasani, Co-founder & CMO, NowYouKnow, and Krishna Shivdasani, Co-founder & CEO, NowYouKnow
“Couples today are no longer choosing wedding destinations only for scale or tradition — they’re choosing places that feel personal, aesthetic and experience-driven. From what we see on NowYouKnow, early bookings are increasingly shifting toward destinations that offer strong visual identity, intimate settings, and multi-day guest experiences rather than just a wedding venue.
In India, destinations like Alibaug, Coorg and Udaipur’s boutique palace and lake-facing properties continue to evolve, but what’s interesting is the growing interest in design-forward resorts in Goa, slow-luxury retreats in the Nilgiris, and vineyard and countryside properties near Nashik and Bangalore. These offer a balance of accessibility, scenery and a more relaxed, contemporary wedding atmosphere.
Internationally, couples are also booking early for Lake Como-style destinations, Southeast Asian island resorts, and culturally rich European towns that allow weddings to feel like extended celebrations rather than single-day events.
Overall, weddings are being planned more like curated travel experiences. Couples want their guests to discover a place, not just attend a function — and that shift is shaping where and how weddings are being booked.”
Taj Damdama Lake Resort & Spa
Set against the Aravalli landscape and overlooking the calm waters of Damdama Lake, this resort offers a destination wedding experience without leaving the NCR. Expansive lawns, contemporary architecture, and thoughtfully designed villas create a setting that feels both relaxed and refined. Ideal for multi day celebrations, the property balances natural beauty with Taj’s signature hospitality, making it a popular choice for couples seeking understated luxury close to the city.
Aahana Resort
Surrounded by dense forests and open skies, Aahana Resort brings a sense of quiet grandeur to destination weddings. Known for its eco conscious ethos and expansive outdoor venues, the resort lends itself beautifully to daytime pheras, sunset celebrations, and intimate evening gatherings. It is a choice that appeals to couples looking to merge nature, mindfulness, and celebration into one seamless experience.
voco Jim Corbett
Modern, stylish, and set along the Kosi River, voco Jim Corbett offers a fresh take on forest weddings. The resort’s contemporary design contrasts beautifully with its natural surroundings, creating versatile spaces for ceremonies and receptions. With well planned lawns and elegant indoor venues, voco is fast emerging as a favourite for couples who want a destination wedding that feels current, comfortable, and visually striking.
The Ritz-Carlton, Pune
For couples drawn to polished city celebrations, The Ritz Carlton, Pune offers timeless sophistication. Grand ballrooms, refined outdoor decks, and meticulously curated experiences make it ideal for elegant weddings with a modern edge. With seamless service and a strong design sensibility, the hotel appeals to those who want a luxury wedding that feels intimate yet impeccably executed.
What sets these hotels apart is not just location or luxury. It is their ability to create a sense of place and possibility. As weddings become more curated and experience led, these destinations are emerging as the new favourites for couples who want something distinctive yet timeless. Booking early is no longer just a trend. It is a reflection of how thoughtfully couples are planning celebrations that feel deeply their own.
