Why Are India’s Most Sacred Temple Towns Becoming the Newest Luxe Wedding Destinations

India has always been a land of cultures and traditions, and Indian weddings are, in every way, a reflection of the country’s history and its wide-ranging culture. With its rituals deeply rooted in ancient scriptures, Indian weddings are not just grand in terms of ambience and celebration, but also in the ritualistic practices and traditions followed. And while several trends have come and gone in the wedding world, one is taking shape and is probably here to stay: weddings in temple towns.

Temple Towns like Rudraprayag, Tirupati, Vrindavan, Varanasi, and Puri have become the new go-to destinations for couples looking to get married with that perfectly fitting Indian backdrop that is equal parts spiritual and aesthetic.

At the recent International Congress for Wedding Futures (ICWF) 2025, Asia’s largest and most influential congregation for the global wedding fraternity, Girish Vasudev Kulkarni, founder of Temple Connect & ITCX International Temples Convention & EXPO, revealed that the temple towns of India are making their way to the list of destinations that couples are opting for their big day in the present times. And this shift, he highlights, is not just economical for the country but is also sustainable for the couple. He claimed that these towns fit the bracket of Indian wedding destinations perfectly, not just because they are spiritual but because they are rich in heritage, intimate and very Instagrammable. He had said that temple towns give couples a balance of intimacy and grandeur but without the noise of showmanship.

While Girish claimed that this trend is about couples stepping into married life with their values intact and the authenticity that these temple towns offer to their big day, Manifest spoke to Mohsin Khan of Vivah Luxury weddings and Sachin Singhal, Founder & CEO, Bandbaajaa.com to understand why do couples really opt for temple towns for their weddings.

Why Are Temple Towns The Newest Trend In The Wedding World?

“Couples choose temple towns like Rudraprayag, Tirupati, Vrindavan, Varanasi, and Puri for weddings driven by their deep spiritual significance, belief in divine blessings, and seeking auspiciousness,” says  Mohsin, adding that these towns offer serene, sacred environments and cultural richness, reinforcing traditions and invoking blessings for marital harmony and prosperity. While Sachin shares that there are many spiritual and cultural reasons why people prefer destinations like these, “We’ve met several couples who don’t resonate with the idea of large, extravagant Indian weddings. Instead, they seek serene settings that reflect the values and purity of Vedic-style ceremonies—weddings rooted in traditions from thousands of years ago.”

“The evolution of these cities is still underway, largely because the volume of business remains relatively low,” Sachin ponders over how these temple towns have evolved. “Limited availability of hotels, décor resources, spacious venues, and catering services keeps many people away from choosing these locations. In a way, this is actually beneficial, as it prevents these places from becoming overly commercialised.”

Mohsin adds that temple towns have upgraded infrastructure with improved roads, water supply, sanitation, and public utilities to support large-scale weddings. “Hospitality sectors offer modern amenities, banquet halls, luxury accommodations, and event management services. Governments promote destination weddings through policies, boosting tourism and enhancing facilities for comfort and crowd management.”

Notable Rise In Destination Wedding At Temple Towns

So, is there a rise in destination wedding inquiries for these spiritual locations? Mohsin agrees, stating that there is a clear rise in destination wedding inquiries for temple towns, driven mainly by spiritual, culturally rooted couples seeking meaningful ceremonies. “Young, modern couples valuing tradition but wanting intimate, authentic experiences lead this trend. NRIs and those preferring serene, sacred venues over lavish hotels also contribute significantly to the increased demand.” Sachin seconds that as he adds, “there has been a noticeable increase in enquiries for such destinations. Couples are gravitating toward understated, simple, Vedic-style weddings. They want their celebrations to be intimate, personal, and rooted in tradition.”

Talking about how couples balance the desire for a grand celebration with the sanctity and cultural sensitivities of religious towns, Sachin shares that couples, presently, balance grandeur and sanctity in temple towns by prioritising spiritual rituals first, like pheras at sacred sites, followed by elegant receptions in nearby venues. “They use subtle, culturally inspired decor—floral mandaps, brass accents—avoiding garish setups. Collaborating with local experts ensures adherence to temple guidelines, permissions for events, and respectful crowd management, blending opulence with devotion.”

Mohsin adds that couples who opt for such weddings usually prefer to keep the ceremony intimate and low-key. They invite only their closest guests for the main rituals. “For the wider circle, they often host a reception later in their hometown.”

What Sets Temple Towns Apart?

So, are there any unique rituals and experiences that these temple towns offer that set them apart? “These towns and temples offer a truly unique setting, enriched with centuries-old customs and traditions. The atmosphere naturally connects you to the almighty and evokes a meditative state,” says Mohsin. According to him, the food served is rooted in local culture—simple, authentic, and soulful. Local folk artists often participate, offering a refreshing alternative to loud DJ music. Guests genuinely immerse themselves in the entire experience. 

While Sachin shares that temple towns offer unique rituals like the eternal fire ceremony at Triyuginarayan Temple, where couples marry at the very site of Shiva and Parvati’s wedding, bringing deep spiritual significance. He adds, “Vedic rituals with sacred mantras, strict traditional dress codes, classical music, and ceremonies conducted by trained priests create authentic cultural experiences.” These towns, Sachin mentions, blend natural beauty with devotion, providing intimate, soulful ceremonies that prioritise blessings and tradition over extravagance, creating an unmatched divine ambience distinct from conventional luxury weddings.

Logistical Challenges In Hosting A Wedding At Temple Towns

Steering the conversation towards the logistical challenges of hosting a wedding at a temple town, 

Sachin adds that planning weddings in temple towns involves several logistical challenges. “Couples must obtain permissions from temple authorities and local government, including requisition letters from parents and age proof certificates to comply with legal and ethical norms.” He sheds light on the restrictions that temple towns often have when it comes to hosting weddings at these complexes. He says, “Temples often enforce strict regulations on ceremonies, crowd size, and timing to preserve sanctity and prevent disruption. Managing large guest groups requires coordination with temple officials for crowd control and security.”

Another logistical challenge Sachin shares is that registration under the Hindu Marriage Act is advised for legal recognition, and vendors and planners must also respect cultural sensitivities and temple-specific rules regarding decor and rituals, balancing celebration with reverence.

Meanwhile, Mohsin holds the opinion that the only challenge is the logistics and the limited availability of basic necessities in these cities, as they are not designed for commercial weddings. “Travel arrangements, transportation of décor and ritual materials, doctor-on-call services, and essential medicines all need to be planned and arranged well in advance.”

What is the economic impact of destination weddings at temple towns on local communities? Mohsin states that destination weddings boost local economies in temple towns by generating revenue for hotels via high occupancy, increased priest fees for rituals, artisan sales of decor/jewellery, and transport services from cabs to charters. “They create jobs, enhance infrastructure, and promote cultural heritage.” 

Sachin seconds the former and adds, “It definitely boosts the local economy, as we engage a majority of the local workforce during such wedding events.” While concluding, he adds that this provides financial stability to the community and helps improve local infrastructure for future weddings.