Wed-in-India: Why More Couples Are Choosing Swadeshi Weddings

TIT Correspondent
info@impressivetimes.com

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to embrace “Wed in India” is reshaping the way Indian families celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones. Once seen as a status symbol, flying abroad for luxury weddings is slowly giving way to domestic celebrations that are equally grand, culturally rooted, and eco-conscious. From Rajasthan’s palaces to Goa’s beaches and Uttarakhand’s serene hills, Indian destinations are witnessing a surge in bookings, turning the country into a hub for world-class wedding tourism.

In 2023, while addressing an event in Uttarakhand, PM Modi urged affluent families to hold weddings in India instead of heading abroad. He compared the movement to the spirit of “Made in India,” highlighting how keeping weddings within the country supports local economies and strengthens cultural pride. His message resonated further during his Mann Ki Baat programme, where he encouraged business families to “celebrate in Bharat.”

The shift gained more visibility when Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant chose Jamnagar for their grand wedding, setting an example for others that India itself offers the luxury and scale sought by high-profile couples.

According to Parthip Thyagarajan, CEO of WeddingSutra.com, only about 10% of high-net-worth individuals opt for destination weddings, and within that segment, merely 10–15% go abroad. The majority are choosing Indian locations such as Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala, Mahabalipuram, Jim Corbett, and hill stations around Delhi and Mumbai. With growing state-backed incentives, easier logistics, and rising luxury hospitality supply, the preference for India is steadily increasing.

The appeal lies in a mix of heritage, convenience, and sustainability. India offers unmatched diversity—forts and palaces for royal-themed weddings, beaches for casual yet glamorous affairs, and mountains for intimate, nature-inspired celebrations. The boom in eco-luxury properties further caters to couples seeking grandeur with a green conscience.

With government encouragement, expanding hospitality infrastructure, and changing consumer mindsets, India is well on its way to becoming the global capital of destination weddings. For couples, celebrating their big day in India no longer feels like a compromise—it feels like a statement of pride, sustainability, and cultural connection.