Destination weddings are once again the order of the day, where better than India’s most popular destination, Goa.
By Suman Tarafdar
$130 billion. With a B. That is the estimated size of the Indian wedding market. That figure, in case you have difficulty comprehending such a number – is larger than the GDP of most countries in the world! Indians not just love their weddings, rising disposable incomes have seen spends increase astronomically. What is also emerging is that a few destinations stand out in terms of preferred destinations. One of India’s most popular tourist destinations, the compact state of Goa acts as a mega venue when it comes to events, especially weddings.
Just going by the number of celebrities who have got married in the state, there seems to be no limit to just how alluring the state is. From trendsetters Lara Datta and Mahesh Bhupati in 2011 to recent ones – Rakul Preet Singh-Jackky Bhagnani and Keerthy Suresh-Antony Thattil, last year, Goa has seen a steady pace of celeb weddings in the state.
A heady combination – beaches, big, cozy and entirely magical, a gently lapping sea, heritage in the form of addictive music, distinctive architecture, a unique sense of style, cutting edge restaurants, a combination of being laid back party and nightlife venue with a vast range of cuisines – from the ever-popular shacks to some of the country’s best known culinary outposts, there is a lot happening in Goa, especially during the popular peak season from October to March.
Made to wed
Increasingly a wedding destination from Indians across the spectrum, the state offers wedding venues to cater to different price points, though the top-level hotels in peak season can command huge premiums.
Indeed, the state has the ‘Wed in Goa’ policy, making it easier to host weddings on beautiful beaches and in luxurious hotels. “We have set up a one-window system for facilitating the weddings, whoever wants to get wed in Goa has to make one application only and the rest will be facilitated by the tourism department,” according to Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (marketing), Goa Tourism Development Corporation.
“Goa is evolving as a premier wedding destination, blending vibrant nightlife with serene nature, offering the best of both worlds for families across India,” points out Siddharth Joshi, Director of Sales & Marketing, W Goa. “It’s a go-to spot for unforgettable destination weddings, creating lifelong memories. The region is also embracing sustainable trends in decor and fashion, reflecting its close connection to nature.
Shruti Tiwari, acknowledged as one of the top wedding planners in the state, says Goa’s eclectic blend of old and new makes for one unforgettable party, and resorts in Goa have adapted over the years to meet the needs of couples from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds by providing a range of services and meals to suit their needs. A survey by Betterhalf, a matrimonial app and wedding planning company last year said 30 percent of millennials cite Goa and Rajasthan as their top choices for a destination wedding.
Hotels are going all out to attract prospective customers. “We are strategically targeting key markets to increase our share of the wedding scene,” says Joshi. “We are focusing on expat Indian families from APEC regions and Dubai, who are increasingly looking at India as the perfect wedding destination. According to a 2024 Mint survey, 56% of weddings in India are led by the bride’s decisions, motivating us to boost PR efforts through female-centric magazines and platforms. Additionally, we’re expanding our reach by targeting Tier 2 cities for wedding leads and closures, alongside our usual Tier 1 focus. We have also found that WOW Showarounds are a game-changer after which most of the families close their weddings with us. Offering complimentary rooms, spa treatments, foot massages post property recce, and emotional departure gifts post show around ensures a lasting emotional connection, increasing wedding conversions and making every family feel truly valued.”
To strengthen our position in Goa’s luxury wedding market, we are implementing a multi-faceted strategy that combines innovation, high-profile collaborations, and targeted marketing initiatives, says Harish Gopalakrishnan, General Manager, The Westin Goa. “By continuously evolving our offerings and investing in cutting-edge experiences, we are catering to the growing demand for personalised, high-end destination weddings. To further expand our reach, we actively participate in international wedding expos, premium bridal showcases, and luxury wedding campaigns. These platforms allow us to connect with top-tier planners, destination wedding specialists, and high-net-worth couples, generating quality leads and forging strategic partnerships. By leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and targeted marketing, we are reshaping the destination wedding experience in Goa and strengthening our position as a market leader.”
The destination wedding market in Goa is undergoing a transformation, and while grand celebrations still exist, couples are now leaning toward intimate, curated experiences with a balance between cultural richness and contemporary luxury, reveals Gopalakrishnan. “The charm of beachfront vows and sunset mandaps continue to remain strong, there is a noticeable shift toward more exclusive and experiential weddings. The rise of themed weddings—whether it’s a bohemian beach affair, a heritage-inspired Goan celebration, a vineyard wedding, or a private villa celebration, couples are prioritizing ambiance and storytelling for their weddings and ceremonies.”
There are challenges though, which stakeholders are trying to mitigate. “A growing challenge is the competition from international wedding hotspots like Maldives, Bali, and Phuket, which offer similar experiences with easier travel and regulations, impacting Goa’s share of wedding revenue,” admits Joshi.
Planning your perfect beach wedding in Goa? Expect good news soon. To elevate the policy, state tourism minister Rohan Khaunte has recently revealed that the state will introduce four designated zones — two in north Goa and two in south Goa — where beach weddings can be held.
Exchanging vows by the beach, or indeed any other enchanting location in Goa, is an indelible lifelong memory for anyone. Just given its popularity, plan well in advance for the perfect ‘Wedding in Goa’.
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TOP HOTELS FOR HOSTING PREMIUM WEDDINGS IN GOA (with number of keys*):
- ALILA DIWA GOA (153)
- CARAVELA BEACH RESORT GOA (198)
- GRAND HYATT GOA (313)
- HILTON GOA RESORT (104)
- ITC GRAND GOA (252)
- LE MERIDIEN GOA (146)
- THE LALIT GOLF & SPA RESORT GOA (263)
- GOA MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA (172)
- NOVOTEL GOA DONA SYLVIA RESORT (181)
- THE ST. REGIS GOA RESORT (205)
- TAJ CIDADE DE GOA HERITAGE (500)
- TAJ FORT AGUADA RESORT & SPA (143)
- TAJ HOLIDAY VILLAGE RESORT & SPA (142)
- TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA (140)
- VIVANTA GOA (172)
- W GOA (109)
- THE ZURI WHITE SANDS, GOA RESORT & CASINO (154)
*As of mid 2024
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HOW TO PLAN YOUR PERFECT DESTINATION WEDDING IN GOA: FAQs
How much does a destination wedding in Goa cost?
Well, this depends very much on numerous variables – location in Goa, at which time of the year (peak season, especially November and December cost much more), how many people are attending, what kind of décor and food is planned etc. Wedding planners suggest the most usual range is between five and 50 lakhs, though of course, there is no upper limit!
What is the ideal time to book a venue?
Well, most wedding planners would suggest a lead time of six to eight months.
What are the legal requirements for getting married in Goa?
For Indians, the process is fairly straightforward. Marriage registration, and following the permission requirements by the state government are the most important. However, if there is a non-Indian involved, or non-resident Indians (NRIs), it could depend on the nationality, visa requirements and residency status.
What services can one get locally?
Given Goa’s popularity as a wedding destination, the state has many wedding planners who could assist with all infrastructural requirements. This includes venue, catering, decoration, transport (a significant challenge in the state), registration and more. Note, licensing processes can be taxing as there are multiple departments involved — the State Pollution Control Board, Fire and Emergency Services, PWD, Electricity Department and even clearance for beachside weddings if held near the shore. Though Goa has designers and jewellers, those with specific requirements in these areas might need to look beyond the state to procure what they need.
