Kochi emerges as top wedding destination

Kochi: Kochi, known as ‘Queen of Arabian Sea,' is rapidly shedding its image as just a transit point for tourists, evolving instead into a premier hub for high-end themed destination weddings. The city is now witnessing a surge in luxury nuptials, driven primarily by affluent families from North India seeking a blend of tropical serenity and world-class hospitality.The destination wedding market in Kochi is currently estimated at approximately Rs 200 crore annually. With an average 100 high-profile themed weddings taking place each year, the city has become a competitive alternative to traditional hotspots like Rajasthan or Goa. "The season begins in Nov and extends till March. Besides Mumbai and Delhi, now high-end clients from Bengaluru and Hyderabad also prefer the state. Popular wedding destinations include Kochi, Kumarakom, Bekel, Kovalam and Ashtamudi. Each event extends to three days with multiple ceremonies," said Manju Balaram, a noted wedding planner who did 18 themed wedding events in the last season. Major hospitality players are reaping the rewards. For instance, Ramada Resort by Wyndham Kochi, hosted nearly 40 destination weddings last year alone. Similarly, Lulu Group, which manages five flagship properties including the Grand Hyatt Kochi, Bolgatty and Kochi Marriott, reports a combined 40 to 50 destination weddings annually. "The market for Kochi will be around Rs 200 crore if you consider all the hotels. Predominantly the weddings are from North India. We also have a lot of weddings where either the bride or groom is a Keralite," Viju Jacob, executive vice-chairperson, Synthite Industries Pvt Ltd, told TOI. "⁠Our biggest source market is from Mumbai and Delhi followed by Gujarat for destination weddings. We also see Non-Residential Malayalees getting married in our hotels in Kochi," said Rahul Raj, head of hospitality, Lulu Group India. The cost of celebrating in the ‘paradise' varies based on the scale of luxury. A typical two-night full resort buyout at a property like Ramada starts at approximately Rs 30 to 35 lakh. However, for ultra-luxury experiences involving larger guest lists and elaborate productions, budgets frequently start from Rs 2 crore upwards. "On average, 50% to 55% of this budget is allocated to hotel lodging and food and beverage (F&B), with the remainder spent on logistics, decor and entertainment," Raj pointed out. Service and gastronomy remain the primary focus for these elite clients. "Authenticity is non-negotiable; for a Rajasthani wedding, guests expect an authentic Marwari feast for at least one meal," Jacob added. The ‘glocal' approach, combining Kerala's scenic backdrops with the familiar tastes of North, has solidified Kochi's reputation as a versatile, sophisticated and increasingly sought-after wedding destination. What sets Kochi apart is its unique topography. While the state offers a mix of hills and wilderness, Kochi's specific ‘X-factor' is its abundance of lakeside and backwater venues. Properties like Grand Hyatt Bolgatty offer a stunning 360-degree water view, while Ramada leverages its expansive lakeside frontage and iconic infinity pool to attract couples. For those prioritising scale, Hyatt Regency Thrissur provides world-class convention facilities capable of hosting up to 10,000 guests, proving that Kerala can handle the ‘Big Fat Indian Wedding' with ease.