Sri Lanka is rapidly emerging as one of the most popular destinations for Indian nationals planning to get married abroad. This has been revealed by the latest "Destination Wedding Report 2026" released by WedMeGood, an Indian wedding planning agency.
According to this report, contemporary Indian young couples prefer to host unique wedding ceremonies that allow them to experience new things with only their closest friends and family, rather than traditional large-scale weddings.Currently, 25% of all weddings in India are organized around various tourist regions, and it is predicted that this will further increase to 30% to 32% by 2028. The trend of choosing Sri Lanka for such weddings held in foreign countries outside India is expected to grow at a high annual rate of 20% to 25%.
Several key factors contribute to Sri Lanka's increased appeal. 44% of Indian couples prefer destinations that can be reached within a short flight time of 2 to 4 hours. The visa-free access facility provided by Sri Lanka for Indian tourists is another major reason. Furthermore, the ability to experience a variety of high-end luxury hospitality, scenic beaches, wildlife, cultural, and spiritual wellness all within one country has strongly influenced the choice of Sri Lanka.
In addition, the amount spent on such destination weddings is increasing by about 8% per year. The report states that a destination wedding within India typically costs around INR 5.8 million, while the average cost for an event planned in a foreign country exceeds INR 15 million. It is also noteworthy that the duration of wedding ceremonies, which typically lasted about two days before 2020, has now extended to an average of 4 days. Here, strong emphasis is placed on the overall experience for guests, with the highest priority given to delicious food and beverages.
Commenting on this new trend, Ms. Mehak Sahani, Co-founder of WedMeGood, states that Indian weddings are undergoing a significant transformation. She further points out that the strong desire of new couples to gift their families and friends an unforgettable and meaningful experience has directly impacted their wedding budget.