Sri Lanka emerges as top choice for Indian destination weddings

Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the fastest-growing international destination wedding markets for Indian couples, according to the Destination Wedding Report 2026 released by Indian wedding planning platform WedMeGood.The report highlights a significant shift in wedding preferences among Indian couples, with destination weddings now accounting for nearly 25 percent of all weddings in the country. The figure is projected to rise to between 30 and 32 percent by 2028 as more couples opt for intimate, experience-led celebrations over large-scale traditional ceremonies.WedMeGood's findings show that destination wedding spending has increased by 8 percent year-on-year. The average budget for a domestic destination wedding has reached INR 5.8 million, while international destination weddings now average more than INR 15 million, reflecting a growing willingness among couples to invest in personalised experiences.Sri Lanka has been identified as one of the most sought-after international destinations, with Indian wedding bookings to the island projected to grow by 20 to 25 percent annually. The report attributes the country's rising popularity to its close proximity to India, visa-free access for Indian travellers, luxury hospitality offerings, diverse landscapes, and the availability of cultural, wellness, wildlife and beach experiences within a single itinerary.The report also found that 44 percent of Indian couples prefer destinations within a two to four-hour flying radius, placing Sri Lanka in a favourable position. Destination weddings now last an average of 3.2 days, compared to 1.8 days before 2020, as couples increasingly seek immersive, multi-day celebrations.Guest experience has become a key focus for modern weddings, with food and beverage offerings ranked as the most important engagement factor. Indian cuisine continues to be a major consideration for couples planning weddings overseas.Commenting on the findings, WedMeGood Co-Founder Mehak Shahani said Indian weddings are undergoing a significant transformation, with couples placing greater emphasis on creating meaningful experiences for family and friends. She noted that growing demand for personalisation, curated food experiences and immersive itineraries is reshaping the destination wedding market and influencing wedding budgets.--with Agencies inputs--