- Mayfair Spring Valley in Assam offers secluded, natural settings ideal for intimate weddings
- The Serai in Chikmagalur features private villas and coffee estate views for tranquil celebrations
- Ri Kynjai in Shillong provides lakeside ceremonies with Khasi-inspired architecture and natural beauty
The wedding season is here and preparations are already in full swing. Guest lists are being debated, menus are being discussed and Pinterest boards are filling up faster than invitation RSVPs. Yet alongside the planning comes an important question that many couples are asking: should the wedding look like every other ballroom celebration, or should it feel personal and intimate? For a growing number of couples, the answer lies in destination weddings. Wonder why? It is because of the beauty of its slower pace, the ability to celebrate surrounded by nature and the chance to create moments that feel private. Imagine exchanging vows beside a mist-covered lake, dancing under open skies or hosting a Mehendi in the middle of a coffee plantation where the scent of roasted beans lingers in the air.
Now, if that is what you want for your big day, then these offbeat wedding resorts across India offer the ideal blend of beauty, privacy and thoughtful spaces to ensure your wedding feels truly yours. Let us check them out.
Also Read: 8 International Wedding Destinations That Cost Under Rs 1 Lakh Per Guest
Here Are 7 Offbeat Indian Resorts Nobody Tells You About:
1. Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati
Spread across 35 acres in Assam's lush foothills, Mayfair Spring Valley feels like a secluded garden designed for meaningful and unhurried celebrations. The property features flowing ponds, private villas, manicured lawns and open terraces that are ideal for both sunrise ceremonies and starlit pheras.
Wedding setting:
A Haldi ceremony on the lawns, pheras under a canopy of stars, Assamese folk music during cocktails and a celebratory dinner featuring traditional regional dishes alongside modern favourites. While the Kaziranga Banquet Hall and the ballroom provide indoor setups, the outdoor spaces are where the venue truly shines.
Why it works:
The natural landscape offers cinematic wedding photo backdrops that require minimal décor, making it suitable for couples who prefer understated elegance.
Best season: November to March.
2. The Serai, Chikmagalur
Set within a 70-acre coffee estate in the Western Ghats, The Serai blends earthy warmth with understated modern luxury. Villas with private pools and forested pathways create privacy and a calm wedding atmosphere where guests feel immersed in nature rather than in a hotel environment.
Wedding setting:
A Mehendi by the infinity pool, pheras beneath ancient trees and a sangeet celebrated under mist-covered hills. Minimal décor feels intentional here because the setting itself is already expressive.
Why it works:
Ideal for couples seeking tranquillity, greenery and subtle luxury over traditional lavish setups.
Best season: October to February.
Also Read: 10 Dreamy Wedding Destinations In India For 2025
Photo Credit: Instagram
3. Ri Kynjai, Shillong
With panoramic views of Umiam Lake, Ri Kynjai feels remote, romantic and deeply peaceful. The Khasi-inspired architecture, use of local natural materials and open spaces make weddings feel rooted in the region rather than borrowed.
Wedding setting:
A lakeside mandap during sunset, bamboo installations lit with soft fairy lights and a candlelit dinner that feels warm, atmospheric and personal.
Why it works:
It offers serenity, cultural depth and natural beauty without distraction.
Best season: November to April.
4. The Leela Kovalam, Kerala
Set dramatically above the Arabian Sea, The Leela Kovalam is perfect for a beach wedding experience without crowded public spaces. It offers panoramic views, refined design and multiple open-air venues where every frame feels wedding album ready.
Wedding setting:
A sunset ceremony overlooking the ocean, a seafood-led reception inspired by Kerala's coastal cuisine and styling with natural elements such as coconut leaves, fresh flowers and linen fabrics.
Why it works:
The setting feels cinematic yet effortless, particularly during sunset when the sea becomes the focal point.
Best season: October to March.
5. Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal
Jehan Numa Palace combines white colonial architecture, expansive lawns, arches and historical details without overwhelming scale. It is ideal for couples who want heritage aesthetics without the size of Rajasthan's palace wedding venues.
Wedding setting:
Vintage-inspired décor, warm ambient lighting, garden pheras beneath glowing canopies and a curated menu inspired by Nawabi cuisine.
Why it works:
The venue feels regal yet approachable, making it suitable for both traditional and contemporary ceremonies.
Best season: November to February.
6. Pench Jungle Camp, Madhya Pradesh
Located near Pench National Park, this venue is well suited to couples who want an unconventional wedding venue that blends nature and celebration.
Wedding setting:
A forest mandap beneath tall trees, sangeet evenings beside a lily pond, bonfires and décor influenced by natural textures such as wood, grass and earthy tones.
Why it works:
It feels like an experience rather than a format. Guests stay engaged because the wedding unfolds like a retreat.
Best season: October to March.
Photo Credit: junglehomepench.com
7. Della Resorts, Lonavala
Located between Mumbai and Pune, Della Resorts is ideal for couples who want elevated hospitality without long travel logistics. The resort offers multiple venue types including lawns, pool decks and hilltop mandaps that feel modern and curated.
Wedding setting:
Poolside cocktails, contemporary décor, live entertainment and a hilltop ceremony overlooking the Western Ghats.
Why it works:
It balances style and convenience, which makes it suitable for couples who want premium experiences combined with accessibility for guests.
Best season: October to February.
Also Read: 7 Offbeat Wedding Destinations In India That Feel Like A Dream
Why These Wedding Venues Work For Smaller Guest Lists?
These offbeat wedding venues work particularly well for intimate weddings because they offer:
- Privacy for 50 to 200 guests
- Picturesque backdrops requiring minimal additional décor
- Unique experiences such as plantation walks, wildlife safaris or spa therapies
- A relaxed pace, allowing the wedding to feel like a holiday
Planning Essentials For Offbeat Destination Weddings:
These properties are beautiful but may require additional planning compared to conventional hotel venues.
- Check if outdoor music or fire-based décor requires special permits
- Confirm vendor access since some locations may require external support
- Plan weather alternatives, particularly for hill stations during monsoon months
- Ensure elderly or mobility-restricted guests have easy access to key areas
Photo Credit: The Leela Kovalam, Kerala
Offbeat destination weddings offer something beyond scale and spectacle. They offer emotion, place and connection. Whether your perfect moment takes shape beside a still lake, a cliff overlooking the sea or beneath a forest canopy, these venues remind couples that weddings do not need to be grand to be unforgettable. They simply need to feel true to the individuals celebrating them.
