A destination wedding guide, based on when you’re getting married

Thanks to destination weddings, marriages are not just made in heaven, but also celebrated in what seems like a similar setting. Few things can compete with sealing the deal by the bucolic chalets of Switzerland, or the paradisiacal Maldivian islets with guaranteed privacy. But what happens when you’re snowed in and can’t savour every last bit of that countryside Swiss charm? Or when torrential rain dampens any celebratory spirits, and your overwater villa now turns into an event undercover? That gorgeous lehenga was not made for trudging through the snow or battling bugs in the pouring rain. That’s why planning your destination wedding based on when you’re getting married is key. 

From affordable rates during shoulder season to fewer crowds and predictably pleasant weather, these are the places the algorithm has been gatekeeping that should be on your radar for a happily ever after. 

Spring 
Florals for spring are spectacular, with nature taking charge of your wedding decor, as you take your vows amidst evergreen fields. Here’s where to head for the best backdrops on your dreamy day!

An Eternal Spring Fling In Lakshadweep, India 

We’ll call this Lakshadweep’s ambivert phase, on the brink of hectic summers and the exit of crowded winters. During this shoulder season between March to April, rates are typically lower, crowds fewer, and the waterfront views? Just as crystal clear! Welcome to Lakshadweep, which literally translates to “a hundred thousand/lakh islands”. India’s smallest union territory comes with a large-hearted approach to hospitality that the country is internationally renowned for. This is when the archipelago thrives with blooming coral reefs underwater, and fun watersports overwater, including kayaking in a glass-bottom boat! The palm-fringed beaches pose as the perfect backdrop for a tropical-style wedding, followed by a raging sundowner! The Coral Pearl property by IHCL SeleQtions, Taj, makes for a luxurious pick with glamping tents overlooking the unobstructed expanse of the Arabian Sea. Accessible via Kochi, Lakshadweep has something for everyone. There’s island hopping, cruising and bird watching for an overt approach, whilst guests who prefer unwinding will enjoy sunbathing with a side of seafood by the coast. 

Floral Bliss In the Algarve, Portugal 

If you’re looking for a European destination wedding that comes with gorgeous views yet a considerate budget, Portugal hits that sweetspot. During April-May, the weather is pleasant, unlike heaty summers, making it ideal for an outdoorsy wedding. Plan your photoshoot alongside the vibrant wildflowers sprawled across hillsides and fields, and make the most of the town celebrating with you during the Easter processions! At the plush Tivoli Carvoeiro, hosting a wedding turns into a romantic escapade with gold sand beaches and pristine waters keeping you and your guests company, and complementary anniversary stay for the bridegroom a year later! Budget-friendly and relatively less crowded at this time of year, Algarve ticks all the right boxes for an unforgettable spring wedding.

Summer
Sunny skies and twinkling eyes, while rings are exchanged with that golden summer glow in the air. If that’s your vibe, here’s where to head. 

To Bring On The Heat: Paros, Greece 

A pocket-friendly alternative to Greek counterparts that is just as picturesque, this is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. From July to August, expect warm temperatures and buzzing nightlife. But if you want to indulge in the islander life sans the claustrophobic crowds (and burgeoning budgets), skip Santorini and head to Paros instead. A quick ferry ride away from its popular cousin, Mykonos, this is where the crowds are lesser and the beaches quieter, perfect for couples keen on an intimate celebration. Treat your guests to Cycladic cuisine and soak in the summer sun, before exploring waterfront tavernas and boutiques at the neighbouring Naoussa. On the brink of public discovery, luxury properties have started to make their presence felt here, from the family-run Andronis Minois to Cove Paros, which boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Paros is that dreamy mix of historic churches, soft-sand beaches, and island hopping, without the crowd craze. The best part yet? You won’t leave without cinematic frames captured for posterity.

Beat The Heat In Cool Kodaikanal, India 

She’s known as the “princess of hill stations” in India with good reason. Think exchanging rings by the rolling hills, a resort reception overlooking pine forests and verdant valleys, or unwinding by the star-shaped Kodai Lake. In the summer months from April to June, temperatures range between a comfortable 13-34°C, making it ideal for family-oriented weddings amidst idyllic environs. Not as crowded as the other popular stalwarts like Lonavala, Mussoorie or Ooty, it comes with the quiet promise of experiential celebrations in a cool climate during sweltering summers. The Carlton hotel makes for a dreamy pick with a dedicated destination wedding package for larger cohorts, while StayVista offers sprawling villas for more close-knit celebrations, and comes with a gazebo, lawn, rustic decor and trained staff to ensure a seamless experience. 

Fall 
This is the season that gives reason to fall in love. Golden hour, auburn leaves and tan lattes: even nature puts on her best at this time of year, and we know her favourite spots! 

Autumn Leaves And Salzburg Stays 

Falling for fall is easy when it looks this beautiful, case in point: Septembers in Salzburg. This is when tan is the colour of the season, treetops get that midas touch courtesy of nature’s golden turnover and the air is schnitzel crisp. Savour the alpine charm with your guests during this off-season, with views of the Alps and hills that truly come alive while gathering the season’s first snowfall. Switch bar crawls with café trails, walk the off-beaten cobblestone paths whilst sipping hot chocolate, and watch as the fallen leaves make the perfect frame for your wedding photographs! While here, if you’re opting for a civil marriage, don’t miss the marble hall at Mirabel Palace, only the “most beautiful wedding hall in Europe”, a favourite spot to tie the knot for couples from all over the world! The Mirabel Gardens, as seen in “The Sound of Music”, make for a beautiful photoshoot location, apart from others seen in the classic film, such as The Venetian Room at Schloss Leopoldskron or Hellbrunn’s white gazebo. Salzburg, dubbed the “Rome of the North”, also boasts an array of Baroque-style churches, including St. Peter’s, in the cradle of the city. When in Mozart’s birthplace, tune into the best with a string quartet at your nuptials or settle into luxury at the five-star Hotel Sacher Salzburg, which comes with sweeping views of Salzburg and a taste of the Original Sacher-Torte. 

Toast To Happiness In Barossa Valley, Australia 

Oenophile couples, look no further than the rustic warmth of Australia’s vineyards during this time of year! The harvest season from March to May brings with it fall freshness amidst thriving viticulture. Grape harvest is at its prime, copper dominates the canvas, and days remain warm while nights come with a pleasant nip in the air. Here, book your spot at St. Hugo to exchange rings during an intimate ceremony beneath a canopy of vines. Later, tuck into a seasonal menu made with indigenous ingredients of the season, paired with St Hugo’s acclaimed wines. Guests will love the interactive elements as they tour the vineyard, embark on the barrel to bottle journey and indulge in wine tastings. Less crowded than a Napa Valley in Northern California, Barossa Valley is perfect for a classic autumnal celebration. 

Winter 
Cool air, warm hearts and a forecast that says: 100% chance of falling in love! If you’ve always imagined saying “I do” at a fairytale-esque altar, winter won’t disappoint.

Habibi, Come To Dubai For A Pleasant Wedding 

Expect luxury per square foot here, as no one does destination weddings quite like Dubai. During winter, temperatures are low enough, akin to an outdoorsy air conditioner, ideal to flaunt your most elaborate attire without breaking into a sweat. Here, watch your moodboard come alive with easy access to expert planners, bespoke designers and the best in the bridal business. Experience the Arabic wow factor as you take your vows under clear blue skies and twinkling city lights, or possibly at a poolside al fresco eatery at Palazzo Versace, where guests can relax in cabanas post festivities. There’s a venue to match every aesthetic, whether you’re going for a private beachfront resort at Palm Jumeirah like Anantara or Atlantis The Royal Dubai, or a desert fort with camel rides, or perhaps even a luxury yacht to experience the Arabian Gulf in its entirety. Do keep in mind that winter is peak season, and we advise planning well in advance. However, Dubai remains one of the most well-connected spots for guests flying in, boasting world-class hospitality and a culinary scene unlike any other. 

A Winter Wonderland At Lake Tahoe, California 

Imagine your bridal entry atop a horse-drawn sleigh, across a charming town! If you’re going for a fairytale-style winter wedding, surrounded by snow-powdered peaks and pistes, Lake Tahoe promises all that, and then some. There’s skiing for an adventurous twist to your wedding after-party, or chatting over craft beer by the fireside at a cosy mountain lodge for that hygge touch. With an average lake-level snowfall of around 18 feet and possibly more at higher altitudes, South Lake Tahoe is a quintessential wintry wondrous pick. Guests will love unwinding in heated pools or jacuzzis after the day’s events, or enjoying a gondola ride against the majestic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. For weddings that welcome children, be sure to consider visiting the Heavenly Village, which lights up during winter and boasts an ice skating rink and a cinema for kids. Easier on the pocket as compared to its winter counterparts like Zermatt or Banff, Lake Tahoe is the perfect amalgam of fantastical adventure. Lead image: Virat Kohli/Instagram 

Also read: 5 vow renewal destinations for couples who secretly just want a vacation

Also read: Bridal R&R: Why taking a little break needs to be on your wedding checklist