In India, December is one of the most popular months for weddings. The cool, pleasant weather perfectly frames outdoor ceremonies and is further enhanced by the festive spirit of the season. India has a chain of gorgeous locations for December weddings, ranging from sun-kissed beaches to royal palaces. Every location takes pride in its idiosyncratic experiences, abundant cultural history, and opulent settings. We have curated a list of the top seven locations for an Indian December wedding when the mist descends from the hills and clouds over your morning tea, with a watchful eye on the distinctive offerings of each place.
The “City of Lakes,” Udaipur, is widely associated with royal weddings. Among the famous betrothals in the city, Bollywood celebrities like Raveena Tandon and Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mukesh Ambani’s daughter Isha Ambani have their names etched in the Udaipur Hall of Fame for their fairytale weddings. Though the city, having been an important centre in mediaeval times, has a gamut of heritage monuments and landmarks, The Taj Lake Palace and the City Palace are two of the most opulent historical sites for nuptial affairs. It’s difficult to top Udaipur’s romantic ambience, which is fueled by its magnificent palaces, ancient markets, and breathtaking lakes. Such a setting allows the hosts of the wedding to mesmerise their guests with a private boat ride on Lake Pichola or a romantic dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the sparkling waters, a memorable event for the bride and groom as well. In addition, the couple of the hour can also indulge in a royal couple’s spa treatment at one of Udaipur’s luxury hotels, which offer traditional Rajasthani therapies.
Goa is the ideal location for a glamorous yet carefree beach wedding. Pick your thematics from casual affairs with traditional Goan shirts, feni drinks, and flower garlands swaying in the sea breeze to traditional Portuguese ceremonies with black suits, white gowns, and lace veils trailing down stone church aisles. Seafood aromas permeate the salty air, and the lively celebration is enhanced by the romantic sound of a mandolin being gently strung. Goa presents a distinctive fusion of Indian and Western cultures and is well-known for its lively nightlife, golden beaches, and Portuguese ancestry. In addition to industrialist Gautam Singhania and Neeraj Gundecha, among other notable figures, Bollywood star Lara Dutta and tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi had a stunning beach wedding in Goa. The best time of year, December, offers beautiful weather, joyous festivities, and bustling marketplaces. Couples who have been scratching their brains to decide upon a venue for their wedding can look at The Leela Goa, offering a blend of traditional Goan architecture and modern luxury. Towards the end of the wedding, close kith and kins can take a conclusive, light-hearted stroll through Goa’s famous Anjuna Flea Market or savour the local seafood at a beach shack. The coastal town also allows the bride and groom to enjoy a private yacht cruise along the Goan coastline, complete with champagne and sunset views.
The "Pink City," Jaipur, is a fantastic location for an extravagant wedding. The stunning havelis, forts, and palaces of the city offer a regal backdrop ideal for a December wedding. In the city, none other than India's national treasure, Priyanka Chopra, with her husband Nick Jonas, held one of their wedding ceremonies, taking the world by swarm with the city's royal charm. Couples can also explore Jaipur's lively markets, brimming with handicrafts and traditional jewellery, thanks to the pleasant winter weather. Shop for exquisite Rajasthani jewellery and textiles at Johari Bazaar, or visit the Amer Fort for a dose of history and culture. Jaipur also offers heritage sites like the Rambagh Palace, a former royal residence turned luxurious hotel, for the wedding of your dreams. Here, the bride and the groom can enjoy a private dinner in the expansive Mughal Garden, surrounded by beautiful fountains and lit by candlelight.
Shimla is ideal for a winter wonderland wedding because of its snow-capped mountains and colonial charm. The hill station, with its colonial charm, evokes Rudyard Kipling’s tales of romance: elegant mansions peek through pine trees while ladies in period gowns glide over cobblestone streets; Viceregal Lodge hosts grand balls under the soft glow of gas lamps, where horse-drawn carriages clatter outside and the air is filled with the rustle of silk and the strains of orchestral music. A small, intimate wedding would be wonderfully situated in the magical environment created by the cool December weather and the potential for snowfall. Shimla has been a favourite for quieter, more intimate weddings, such as that of bureaucrats and foreign diplomats. The historical churches and heritage hotels in Shimla enhance the celebrations. Couples enjoy the option to tie their knots in the historical Oberoi Cecil, a grand colonial-era hotel with stunning views of the Himalayas with its beginnings in 1883 as a one-storied house, the Tendril Cottage with its famed inhabitant, Rudyard Kipling. The gathering can also explore the bustling Mall Road for local crafts and souvenirs or take a toy train ride through the scenic landscapes. If keen on a romantic rendezvous, the bride and the groom can enjoy a private bonfire under the stars, followed by a romantic dinner in a glasshouse overlooking the snow-covered valley.
Jodhpur, sometimes referred to as the “Blue City,” offers a special fusion of desert charm and tradition. Among the most sought-after wedding locations in India are the city’s famous Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. One of the two grand sites, Umaid Bhawan Palace, witnessed the lavish wedding reception that Actress Priyanka Chopra and singer Nick Jonas hosted. The palace is a blend of Indian and Art Deco styles, offering panoramic views of the city. In addition, the cool, dry weather of December is perfect for visiting the city’s historical sites and savouring Rajasthani cuisine. Apart from enjoying traditional Rajasthani meals at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort, the people at the wedding can also take a walk through the old city’s blue-painted streets. When all is said and done, the married couple can take a breather commemorating their new beginning with a romantic dinner on the Mehrangarh Fort’s terrace, with views of the city’s twinkling lights below.
The old city that houses the magnificent Taj Mahal, Agra, is the ideal location for a romantic wedding. December is the ideal month to explore Agra’s rich Mughal history and visit the Taj Mahal thanks to its mild weather. The city is the perfect romantic getaway for a wedding, where in the cold of December, the Taj Mahal emerges like a white angel from the mist over the Yamuna River. Its gleaming marble contrasts with the frosted gardens and the intricate carvings shimmer in the soft morning light. The minarets rise against a pale, wintry sky, creating a timeless, serene scene. A wedding in Agra gives a couple the opportunity to celebrate their union under the gaze of the most well-known love monument on earth. The city also houses the famous Oberoi Amarvilas, offering unparalleled views of the Taj Mahal from every room for a successful, memorable wedding. You can also visit the bustling Kinari Bazaar for traditional Indian jewellery and handicrafts or take a moonlit tour of the Taj Mahal. Towards the end, the newlywed couple can enjoy a private dinner, followed by a couple’s spa treatment inspired by Mughal traditions.
The "Golden City," Jaisalmer, offers a unique desert setting for a December wedding. The stunning Jaisalmer Fort and other buildings constructed of golden sandstone in the city create a captivating and exotic atmosphere. The cool desert nights of December are perfect for a traditional Rajasthani wedding outdoors under the stars. The city is also home to Suryagarh, a luxurious fort-style hotel that combines modern comforts with traditional Rajasthani decor. While here, you can explore the lively local markets for handwoven textiles and crafts or enjoy a camel ride through the sand dunes at sunset. Additionally, the couple shouldn't miss the opportunity to spend a night in a private desert camp, complete with a traditional Rajasthani dinner and folk performances under the starry sky.