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When most people think of royal weddings in India then undoubtedly only one place comes to mind: Rajasthan. It has numerous palaces which have been transformed into modern hotels and resorts while retaining their classical charm. The Indian capital of Delhi is similarly littered with forts and ruins which hearken back to its heyday as the capital of the Delhi Sultanate, though few of them have been restored to suit contemporary sensibilities.
Couples who are keen on having a wedding day that brings to mind the opulence and charms of the golden ages should consider the following five places in and around Delhi-NCR (including Rajasthan) for their special day.
The Noormahal Palace in Karnal, Haryana showcases an enchanting fusion of traditional Mughal and Rajputana schools of architecture. Set in a vast expanse of green lawns, the palace exudes warmth and comfort for its guests by preserving the legacy of India’s deep-rooted heritage. Those planning a wedding here can book the Darbar Hall, a 20,000-square-foot room which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests with seating for 500 people. The verdant lawn of Raja Ka Bagh can also be used to host large-scale events.
You can also consider the Rang Mahal banquet space which can easily host gatherings of up to 150 individuals; the Rani ka Bagh’s well-manicured lawn which can accommodate up to 2,000 guests; the Noor-e-Mehtab terrace which is a combined mix of outdoor and indoor space with room for 500 people; the Venetian interiors of the Sheesh Mahal which can host 2,000 guests; and the two acres of elegant gardens with palm trees, a lotus pond courtyard and stunning regal architecture which make up the Dera.
Address: Noormahal Palace Hotel, Noormahal Crossing, National Highway 1, Sector 32, Karnal, Haryana 132001
Built in 1464, this splendid fort palace has been restored into an exquisite resort near Delhi since 1991. It has 79 rooms and suites spread over 14 levels cut into the Aravalli Hills. There is a pool and health spa, an amphitheatre, hanging gardens, a restaurant with a rooftop garden, conference halls, and special suites offering exceptional views of the surrounding landscape.
The place serves as a posh venue for both intimate and large gatherings. It also makes for a perfect venue for foreigners looking to marry in India as organisers can book full properties from 8 to 101 rooms for guests. The fort palace pulls out all the stops to ensure your big day is as dreamy as you want it to be. For instance, rose petals can be showered from the skies and fireworks can glitter in silver and golden colours over the façade at the appointed time. Drummers, dancers and classical music performers can entertain your guests as they stroll through the hanging gardens and feast on Indian and continental delicacies. The world is truly your oyster at the Neemrana.
Address: Neemrana Fort Palace, Delhi-Jaipur Highway 122nd Milestone, Delhi-Jaipur Expressway, Neemrana, Rajasthan 301705
Once the staging area for royal tiger hunts, today the rose-hued cupolas and vaulted entrances of Amanbagh’s Mughal-inspired structure soars from the greenery, providing an ambience that is peaceful and private. Could there be a better place than this to host a wedding?
At this resort, weddings can involve as much or as little ceremony as desired, with both traditional and modern, intimate ceremonies guaranteed to be breathtaking affairs. Amanbagh’s poolside offers magnificent views of the soft pink stones of the main building as a backdrop for a sit-down dinner or evening cocktails with room for 100 guests. Overlooking the main swimming pool, the courtyard garden and terrace can seat up to 100 guests, while the lush and wide green space of the 2,500-square-metre polo ground offers stunning mountain views surrounded by palm trees. Organisers can also consider the library and rooftop terrace and the croquet lawn for wedding events.
Address: Amanbagh, Ajabgarh, Rundh Narayani, Rajasthan 301027
The 17th-century battle-hardened Alsisar Mahal stands tall with its fabulous grandeur and exudes a glorious history of valour and sacrifice. It is adorned with frescoes, grand courtyards, dining arcades, and heritage rooms and suites, each of which evokes the richness of royal Rajasthani hospitality.
The palace is fully equipped to host week-long wedding functions. Its dining area offers a warm atmosphere for guests to eat in; its rooftop gives delightful views of the palace and landscape under clear skies and starry nights; its alfresco dining experience inside the inner courtyard has exquisitely carved gazebos; there’s a huge conference hall for guests to mingle in; and the swimming pool area comes with arched gazebos, a regal patio, and lush greenery.
Address: Alsisar Mahal, Jhunjhunu, Village, Alsisar, Rajasthan 331025
The Haveli Dharampura is beautifully decorated with intricate designs of woodwork on the rooftops, sculptures of Hindu goddesses engraved in stone and steel, antique balconies, and jharokas that open to the chirpy pigeons and busy roads of Chandni Chowk in the heart of Old Delhi. The historic haveli was built in 1887 but fell into a dilapidated state, after which it was lovingly restored by a team of more than 50 people over six years. Their fantastic restoration won them a UNESCO Asia Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Couples looking to have a smaller and more intimate wedding can consider hosting it at the Golden Haveli, a central courtyard furnished with ornate galleries and doors that lead to a dozen suites. There is live classical music, a kathak performance every evening, an Old Delhi Heritage Walk (replete with stops at the tastiest street food corners), and a pigeon- and kite-flying experience for guests to partake in. The tasting menu is a flavourful burst of Mughai cuisine which can be customised according to the couples’/guests' needs.
Address: Haveli Dharampura, 2293, Gali Gulian, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
