Beyond Tuscany: The World’s Most Under-the-Radar Luxury Wedding Destinations for a Big Fat Indian Wedding

If Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma put Tuscany on the map for destination weddings and Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra made Suryagarh the stuff dream Pinterest boards are made of, it’s time to look beyond the obvious for your own picture-perfect moment in an exotic locale. As Indian couples continue to seek unique destinations that balance spectacle with story, the new luxury lies in picking places that have yet to be saturated on your Instagram feed but are still overflowing with charm. From a seaside soirée in Sicily to a palace party in Jodhpur, these lesser-known cities across the world promise the grandeur of a Big Fat Indian wedding with a distinctive global twist…

Sicily, Italy

If the pictures of cliffside villas overlooking the azure Mediterranean waters are what you picture for your wedding, Sicily is the answer. The city offers a dramatic backdrop for weddings, with its charming, sun-kissed, beach-facing estates and picturesque venues near the slopes of Mount Etna. For an Indian wedding, the island’s warm light and spacious villas allow for multi-day events. Think: mehendi on the terrace of a Sicilian villa, sangeet under the stars, and a formal reception in a historic vineyard.

Perfect if you’re looking for… Italian countryside romance with epic sea-to-mountain scenery and gourmet Italian heritage built into your wedding weekend.

Koh Samui, Thailand

The White Lotus’ recent season might have been divisive, but if there’s one thing that everyone agreed on was that the location was spectacular. On Thailand’s tropical island of Koh Samui, you’ll find luxurious beachfront resorts that tailor weddings with sleek styling, private vows on the sand and a tropical-elegant escape for guests. Palm-fringed shores, warm sea breezes and luxurious hospitality that can transform an island stay into a destination wedding of ease and glamour. You can go for a sunset beach ceremony and a kaleidoscopic decor that’s complemented by the tropical setting.

Perfect if you’re looking for… a relaxed luxury setting, barefoot-elegance meets five-star resort, where your guests double as sun-seekers and your wedding is framed by sea and sky.

Kyoto, Japan

For a destination wedding steeped in culture and undisturbed natural beauty, Kyoto is a captivating choice. The serene Zen gardens and the timeless Shinto shrines offer something extraordinary. Whether you host a garden ceremony under cherry blossoms or an elegant reception in a silk-lined ballroom, Kyoto brings a timeless atmosphere. The relaxing onsens can be Godsent to relax and unwind in between wedding festivities, and the picturesque architecture can provide great options for an intimate wedding.

Perfect if you’re looking for… an elegant cultural infusion, where every element, from decor to setting, echoes refined heritage and your wedding becomes a story of tradition meeting contemporary luxury.

Provence, France

The southern French region of Provence offers dreamy wedding settings with its fragrant lavender-draped fields, olive groves, elegant châteaux and a climate to match. The French countryside’s light, rustic-chic appeal and relaxed luxury are perfect for an intimate wedding. For Indian weddings, the ability to stage multi-day festivities in a sprawling vineyard or private estate is a huge plus for elaborate ceremonies and immersive guest experiences.

Perfect if you’re looking for… elegant rural charm and a celebration that combines French sophistication with nature’s beauty.

Seville, Spain

In the heart of Andalusia, Seville invites you to celebrate amidst Moorish splendour, elegant haciendas and lush gardens. The region is rich in wedding-friendly historic estates offering both indoor-outdoor versatility and plenty of Spanish flair. The combination of architecture, warmth and vibrant culture lends itself to a destination wedding that’s straight out of your most beloved mood boards. The vibrant culture of the city lends itself perfectly for a fun-filled wedding that would be unforgettable.

Perfect if you’re looking for… sunshine, Spanish flair and a venue with character, where your celebration can be both grand and full of soul with scenic courtyards and historic elegance.

Cairo, Egypt

For a destination wedding steeped with grandeur and history, Cairo presents elegant ballrooms overlooking gardens and, in some cases, even the pyramids. The Egyptian capital city offers bold romance and global accessibility. Picture a lavish banquet by the Nile, guests accommodated in upscale hotels, and heritage touches such as belly-dance introductions alongside traditional Indian choreography.

Perfect if you’re looking for… a bold backdrop, dramatic heritage and a luxury hotel that enables a big-scale wedding with architectural grandeur and memorable vistas.

Corfu, Greece

If you want a Grecian setting for your wedding but want something other than popular islands like Santorini or Mykonos, Corfu is perfect. The Ionian Island combines Mediterranean Sea vistas, Venetian-style architecture, and lush greenery to create a wedding destination that’s elegant and subtly under-the-radar. With a UNESCO-listed old town, coastal cliff venues and historic charm, Corfu offers couples a refined island escape. The ease of European travel, scenic seaside cocktail events and elegant receptions in villas make Corfu a stylish alternative to more typical island venues.

Perfect if you’re looking for… a sun-kissed island wedding off the beaten path, where the beauty of Greece meets understated luxury and relaxed intimacy.