Once seen as a domestic extravaganza, the Indian wedding is now a key driver of outbound tourism with couples tying the knot everywhere from European castles and Middle Eastern deserts, to South East Asian beaches! Sensing the opportunity, tourism boards and global hospitality brands are racing to adapt, upgrading infrastructure, easing regulations, and crafting bespoke experiences tailored to Indian traditions. In this TTJ report, representatives from leading tourism boards share how India is becoming a pivotal market in their global strategies playbook.
As India’s wedding industry hurtles toward a projected value of USD 132.92 billion by 2031, according to Blueweave Consulting, global destinations are rolling out the red carpet for the big fat Indian wedding. With over 10 million weddings each year, rising disposable incomes, and a social media-fuelled appetite for grandeur, Indian couples are looking far beyond traditional venues. From palaces in Portugal to deserts in AlUla and vineyards in France, the Indian wedding has become a prized export that combines scale, culture, and unmatched production value.
Thailand
Indian weddings and milestone celebrations have played a significant role in boosting tourism from India to Thailand. Pre-pandemic, Thailand hosted nearly 300 to 400 Indian weddings annually, and since 2024, that momentum has returned in full force. Each celebration typically brings 150 to 500 guests, with an average of 200 to 400, depending on the scale. Reported wedding budgets range from 5 to 10 million baht, rising higher in luxury tiers at 10 to 30 million baht. Beyond weddings, Thailand’s beach destinations are a top choice for birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and pre-wedding getaways.
Reasons for its Popularity
When it comes to hosting a grand Indian wedding, few places deliver like Thailand. From vibrant rituals to lavish décor, the country seamlessly caters to every cultural and ceremonial detail; be it vegetarian or Jain cuisine, celebrity entertainers, floral installations, ice sculptures, horses, elephants, henna artists, makeup teams, or even the family punditji!. Siriges-a-nong Trirattanasongpol, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) New Delhi Office, says, “Proximity to India, visa exemption, stunning locales, flexible pricing, the signature warmth of Thai hospitality, and the famously accommodating ‘can-do’ attitude, make Thailand an ideal destination for unforgettable events.” The guests can further extend their stay to explore the country’s many attractions, turning a wedding into a full-fledged vacation.
Industry Engagement
Siriges-a-nong affirms, “We at TAT New Delhi are consistently engaging with wedding planners and event organisers by organising FAM trips and networking meets with Thai suppliers, and also collaborating for wedding shows. We have incentives for organising Indian weddings and celebrations, which include a ticket to Thailand for the wedding planner, a cash incentive based on the number of guests, and ten spa vouchers for the wedding party.” Alongside selected hotels, TAT has launched the ‘Celebrations with Care’ campaign, promoting eco-friendly activities like zero food wastage, composting, and feeding the underprivileged.
As the demand for Indian destination weddings continues to surge, TAT is pivoting its strategy to strengthen on-ground partnerships rather than direct promotional campaigns. Siriges-a-nong shares, “We are always keen to connect the wedding planners and organisers to the right people in the airlines, hotels, and venues that are looking forward to welcoming the wedding segment. Looking ahead, TAT is now focused on spotlighting lesser-known but equally enchanting destinations such as Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, and Rayong. These locations are still under the radar for Indian weddings, but have a wide variety of venues, luxury hotels, and experiences to offer.”
Ras Al Khaimah
Destination weddings are fast becoming a cornerstone of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth, with Indian celebrations leading the charge. In recent years, the Emirate has seen a significant rise in Indian arrivals, driven by its appeal as a wedding destination offering beachside luxury, desert grandeur, scenic mountain backdrops, and world-class hotel infrastructure. With well-connected direct flights from key Indian cities and just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah offers both accessibility and seclusion, ideal for the typical multi-day Indian wedding festivities. Its high-end resorts and event-ready venues have hosted an increasing number of high-end, large-scale Indian weddings that generate substantial business for local vendors, planners, and hospitality partners across the Emirate.
Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), observes, “We have recorded over 40 per cent surge in confirmed Indian weddings in the first half of 2025, with continued momentum expected as more families discover the Emirate’s potential for immersive, high-impact celebrations.”
Crafting Indian Celebrations with Authenticity
Ras Al Khaimah has the infrastructure and a wide network of service providers required to support Indian wedding celebrations that typically include multiple ceremonies and detailed cultural requirements. The Emirate offers a range of beach resorts and desert properties, of international hotel brands, with spaces suitable for hosting multi-day events and pre-wedding functions of every scale. Acknowledging the importance of catering as a core component of Indian weddings, Iyad points out that hotels and venues in Ras Al Khaimah often work closely with Indian chefs to deliver menus that include traditional Indian sweets, North and South Indian cuisine, with vegetarian options as well. Services such as mandap setup, floral design, and baraat logistics are arranged with cultural accuracy and operational efficiency.
Deepening Ties with the India Market
India remains a top source market for Ras Al Khaimah, and the Emirate is actively building strong ties with Indian wedding planners, influencers, and MICE agencies. In both 2023 and 2025, Ras Al Khaimah hosted the Exotic Wedding Planning Conference, giving top Indian planners firsthand exposure to its scenic venues, world-class hospitality, and diverse landscapes. In July 2025, it also conducted a four-city India roadshow in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad, engaging over 300 travel trade professionals, including event planners.
Iyad shares, “We have recorded 36 per cent growth in MICE in the first half of 2025, and weddings are a big component of this growth. To accelerate this momentum, we have launched a tailored incentive programme with the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and our hotel partners, offering perks such as complimentary site visits, expedited approvals, and custom group packages. Our Wedding Planner Certification Program, featuring an intuitive e-learning platform, enables certified planners to expedite civil approvals and secure access to exclusive signature venues, thereby reinforcing the Emirate’s reputation as not just ‘wedding-friendly’, but ‘wedding-extraordinary’.
Despite seasonal and global travel shifts, Ras Al Khaimah remains a year-round wedding destination with over 8,200 rooms, more than half in five-star hotels, and 7,500 more keys expected by 2027, including marquee brands like TAJ, Wynn, and Four Seasons. Modern couples are increasingly drawn to culturally rich venues like Al Jazeera Al Hamra, Dhayah Fort, and the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck. As the Emirate expands its offerings, it remains committed to preserving the authenticity that sets it apart.
Spain
Spain has seen growing interest from Indian families over the past five years for destination weddings, pre-wedding bachelor trips, and honeymoons, particularly among high-net-worth travellers. In 2023, Indian arrivals peaked at nearly 250,000, the highest in recent years. While wedding-related travel remains a niche segment, its high-value, multi-day nature and off-season timing bring year-round economic benefits to local communities. Elena Orland, Director, Tourism Office of Spain in India, says, “Wedding-related tourism presents an excellent opportunity to bring sustainability to life, and I feel this trend will only grow in the following years.”
Courting High-Value Indian Celebrations
Spain offers an extraordinary variety of wedding venues, from Moorish palaces and Mediterranean resorts to historic Paradores in castles and monasteries, blending old-world charm with modern luxury. Elena Orland, Director, Tourism Office of Spain in India, says, “Our venues can accommodate everything from intimate traditional rituals to lavish multi-day Indian celebrations, with in-house makeup artists, hairstylists, and personal assistants. Popular destinations like Seville, Marbella, Málaga, and Barcelona are well-equipped with experienced professionals and entertainment options, while the Canary Islands offer stunning landscapes and a welcoming Indian community, making logistics seamless. With its beauty, infrastructure, and openness to tradition, Spain is perfectly positioned for unforgettable Indian weddings.”
Spanish venues and organisers have grown adept at hosting multi-day Indian weddings, seamlessly incorporating rituals like mehendi, haldi, sangeet, and large baraat processions, often on horseback or in vintage cars. From coordinating logistics with local authorities to offering customised décor, Indian menus, and even flamenco performances, event teams ensure each celebration blends tradition with local flair.
Future Vision
Elena shares, “We are committed to sustainable tourism, and positioning Spain as a year-round wedding destination for Indian travellers is a key focus. Spain is capable of meeting the highest demands with quality and efficiency. Beyond popular cities, we aim to spotlight lesser-known regions like Andalucía, Cataluña, Castilla y León, and Extremadura.”
Spain envisions becoming a premier destination for Indian weddings by blending the grandeur of Indian traditions with the warmth, hospitality, and natural diversity that define Spanish culture. Increasingly, venues are embracing sustainability through local sourcing, renewable energy, reusable décor, and reduced travel impact without compromising on experience or emotion. What makes Spain truly special, however, goes beyond logistics or landscapes. Elena sums up with a perfect thought, “Spaniards, like Indians, deeply value family, celebration, and tradition. It is common for locals to join in the joy of an Indian wedding as if it were their own.”
