Take Your Wedding Vows Amidst Royal Splendour

They say marriages are made in heaven. But memorable weddings are made here, in the fabulous realm of the Maharajas—the royal palaces of Rajasthan. It is a heady blend of unparalleled cultural heritage, an abundance of natural beauty, a dazzling symphony of colours, inspiring tales of kings and queens, spellbinding palaces, ancient forts, ornately decorated havelis, glimmering sand dunes and the splendid architecture of its timeless wonders. Need we give more reasons why Rajasthan is a coveted and captivating destination for royal weddings?

As couples embark on a new chapter in their lives, their big day brings plenty of special moments to be cherished forever. These celebrations can be taken a notch-higher by adding a regal touch and no one does regal quite like the desert state. Imagine having a mehendi function in a lush Mughal Garden, or sangeet in a palace courtyard, or nuptials against the backdrop of the expansive desert, or a reception party beside an exquisite lake.

So, if a big fat desi wedding is on the cards, here are some royal palaces in and around Rajasthan that spell opulent and certainly feel like a fantasy turned into reality.

Ranbanka Palace, Jodhpur

Located in the heart of the blue city—Jodhpur, the Ranbanka Palace Hotel has been certified by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as a ‘Classic Heritage Hotel’. It was built at the turn of the last century for Maharajadhiraj Sir Ajit Singhji. The magnificent sandstone structure showcases the amalgamation of the Marwar and colonial influences and offers a journey into a bygone era. Modern day conveniences fuse perfectly with the old-world charm which has been carefully preserved to retain its antiquity. The exquisite palace hotel gives you the feel of another decade through its divans, jharokhas, fireplaces, lavish arches, gardens located by the pool, hunting trophies, family heirlooms, mantelpieces, intricate marble inlays and walls adorned with paintings and frescoes of the Maharajas. These details make the palace hotel a venue filled with romance and tradition, making it the perfect setting for a royal wedding.

Ranbanka Palace

Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur

Perched high above the beautiful city of Jodhpur sits the Umaid Bhawan Palace—the last of the great palaces of India. Set amidst acres of lush gardens, the imposing palace—a divine blend of eastern and western architectural influences—pays tribute to art deco architecture. The outer structure is built using interlocked golden Chittar sandstones whereas the lavish interiors are a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Western Art Deco styles. Burmese teak wood and Makrana marble have been used to design the interiors. The Makrana marble is the same as that of the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. Antique furniture and elegant art pieces are complemented by exotic murals. The palace offers magnificent views of the blue city and is replete with a durbar hall, lush landscaped gardens, a banquet hall, a throne chamber, decorative fountains, private dining areas, staggering pavilions, a spa, and much more. Adding to this magical experience are the dancing peacocks. It is easy to see why one can be besotted by elegance and grandeur. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is just the place to take your wedding to a whole new level of luxury.

ITC Rajputana, Jaipur

Colour and warmth best describe the ITC Rajputana Hotel in Rajasthan’s capital city, Jaipur. Inspired by the traditional havelis of Rajasthan, the exotic hotel, situated in the midst of the pink city, is an epitome of royalty. The splendid red-brick façade, rising at different levels around a central area are given the perfect finishing touch with manicured gardens, secluded courtyards, splendid decor, long running corridors, stylish interiors, simple lattice work and a phenomenal setting that immediately evokes a spirit of Rajasthan and its haveli culture. These features combined with the hotel’s faultless and regal hospitality hark back to a glorious past making it a truly enriching experience. From service to customs and from ambience to culture, the Rajput valour and pride has been taken into consideration for every little detail. Consider it a privilege, to get married in a wow-wonder like the ITC Rajputana.

Udai Kothi, Udaipur

Backed by the Aravalli Hills, fantastical palaces, forts, temples and heritage hotels, India’s city of lakes—Udaipur has a romantic charm that is unmatched. If you are looking for a luxurious and sumptuous venue to feel like a king or a queen on your big day, Udaipur is the city. Set in the picturesque surroundings of Lake Pichola is the Udai Kothi Hotel. The one-of-a-kind luxury boutique hotel, while modern at heart, carefully intersperses old-world charm with it, making it a perfect scene for a fairytale wedding. Be it for the bhaat nyotana, tilak ceremony, nikaasi, thamb puja, panigrahan, anjala bharai, or any other traditional ceremony, the Udai Kothi is a ‘cannot-afford-to-miss’ venue. The lush greenery, arched white marble pillars, spacious lawns, breezy terrace, ravishing rooftop pool and breathtaking views of the City Palace, Lake Palace, the Sajjan Garh Palace and the Bagore ki Haveli add more grandeur to your wedding vows. The hotel has been awarded best wedding venue and boutique hotel by reputed international publications.

Fort Rajwada, Jaisalmer

While Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur are synonymous with royal weddings, the golden city of India, Jaisalmer is one of the most fascinating and dreamiest places in the country. Dotted with luxurious mansions, forts and havelis, the city creates a beautiful world of golden fantasy. The allure and mystical vibes of the Fort Rajwada make it a venue that is out of this world. Spread across a land of six acres, Fort Rajwada stands tall as a testimony to its royal past. The striking fort has stood for hundreds of years and its arches, turrets and balconies serve as an elegant backdrop for any occasion. The hotel has been designed in soothing shades, inspired by the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. A pool-side barbeque, a rooftop sunset bar, balconies embellished with intricate carvings, the jaalis as old as 450 years, all ensure that you and your guests enjoy a slice of the world’s best destination wedding experience.

Fort Rajwada