Are you planning a destination wedding? Are you looking for a place full of cultural ethnicity and breathtaking sceneries, sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets and a tropical climate to tie the knot? Some want that perfect sunset that only Mother Nature can provide, and others see it as a way to combine a wedding and a perfect vacation for their friends and family.
Sri Lanka has always been an ideal destination for an exotic wedding ceremony and honeymoon, and currently, it enjoys the third spot among the most popular destinations for weddings and honeymoons in the world. It’s known for its romantic landscapes, glorious beaches and magnificent jungle-set places with incredible sceneries. Whether you have decided to plan an outdoor wedding on the beach or an indoor wedding in a luxurious holiday villa, Sri Lanka may be the ideal spot for you. Make your fairytale wedding come true in this magical land.
The best areas and beaches for getting married in Sri Lanka
If you are already sold on the idea of getting married in Sri Lanka, the next most important thing to look for is the area where you’d like to have the occasion take place. The atmosphere and the energy of the wedding will depend on the location of the event as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most common wedding locations in Sri Lanka.
Beaches at Kalutara / Galle / Tangalle / Pasikudah / Mount Lavinia
Beaches at these spots play a significant role in the wedding industry among foreigners. There are a number of star hotels and villas who offer special discounts for couples planning their wedding at these places. Each of these places offers a unique set of happenings. It will be a bit puzzling to select which would be the best selection due to the abundance of great locations & wedding packages. Make sure you make some calls before setting yourself up for a venue.
Kandy
If you love Sri Lankan traditional values and culture, then getting married in Kandy is perfect for you. Being the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy offers some of the best wedding experiences as packages. The bride will be dressed in a traditional saree whose design is very similar to what the princesses of Sri Lanka used to wear. The groom will be dressed in the traditional Kandyan “Nilame” suit which is considered to be very prestigious. Most Sinhalese weddings in the country follow the Kandyan royal traditions which have led to an emerging trend of foreigners getting married in the same fashion. If you love Sri Lankan culture & history, there’s no better choice than going for a royal Kandyan wedding.
Colombo
If you are looking for a luxurious wedding experience, then Colombo is for you. As the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo has a lot in store for couples who look forward to the big day. There are many 5 star hotels such as the Shangri-La, the Kingsbury, the Galadari, the Hilton, Cinnamon Hotels & the Waters Edge. If you love your wedding to have that old-school grandeur, Galle Face Hotel offers an authentic vintage experience as it is one of the oldest luxury hotels in the country.
However, if you are looking for a truly unforgettable experience, there is nothing more enjoyable than renting an entire holiday beachfront villa that will be hosting your wedding.
Trincomalee / Jaffna
Trincomalee & Jaffna are situated in the northern & eastern provinces of Sri Lanka and is home to the majority of the Tamil community in the island. As such, these locations are great for couples looking to get married in the authentic Hindu fashion. The culture & traditions of Tamils in Sri Lanka are heavily influenced by the neighbouring subcontinent. This is perfect for couples who love authentic Hindu culture.
The best villas & hotels for getting married in Sri Lanka
Deciding on a wedding location in Sri Lanka can be quite difficult considering the number of amazing options you have right in front of you. Beach weddings in Sri Lanka can be much more affordable than a traditional wedding. Often times a couple can fly to an all-inclusive resort in Sri Lanka, get married, and spend a four-star week-long honeymoon for just a few thousand dollars. Beach weddings in Sri Lanka today are becoming more and more common and their popularity is growing not only among the foreigners but with locals as well.
There are plenty of hotels and villas near the beach so you have plenty of options available to you. Here are a few you could consider.
For your inspiration:
Best holiday villas to get married in Sri Lanka
Best hotels and resorts to get married in Sri Lanka
AVANI Kalutara Resort
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The AVANI Kalutara Resort is a perfect wedding venue for a posh beach wedding. The property is surrounded by vibrant gardens and a private beach fringed with palm trees. With its contemporary architecture, top-notch cuisine and an outdoor space that can host up to 200 people and an indoor ballroom with a capacity of 600 people, it easily is one of the most sought-after wedding venues In Sri Lanka. On top of that, you will have all the possibilities to test the pool wearing your wedding dress 🙂
ISHQ Villa in Talpe, Galle
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There is nothing more exciting than having the whole villa just for yourself to celebrate your wedding day. At ISHQ Villa in the Galle area, you will enjoy spacious designer interiors, a private pool, and a giant private outdoor area. Worried about the organization process? No stress, as the highly skilled in-villa stuff, its cooking crew and your concierge manager will ensure an unforgettable experience for you and your guests!
Jetwing Blue
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The Jetwing Blue hotel in Negombo is perfect if you want your wedding venue to include modern and stylish settings. This stylish beachfront property offers both indoor and outdoor wedding spaces such as the ballroom which can accommodate up to 450 to 500 people. If you fancy a beach wedding, then the beach adjoining the hotel can easily accommodate up to 800 guests.
Talalla Villa
For those who want to celebrate their wedding in style, the futuristic Talalla Villa will definitely become a perfect fit. Sophisticated interiors, romantic ocean views, a luxurious outdoor pool area and its proximity to the beach create a holistic experience for the guests. Needless to say, the level of service it offers also meets the highest standards.
Pointers to remember when selecting a location for your wedding in Sri Lanka
- Having a well maintained and beautiful looking garden is a great help when you want to take photos of the most memorable day of your life. You also need to make sure that there is enough beach area to have a decent ceremony.
- There are some extra things you can do to make it really special and truly Sri Lankan. One of the things tourist love the most is taking pictures of the wedding couple with an elephant. It is also considered good luck to walk under the belly of the Elephant.
- Another thing to look for is the cost; usually, in Sri Lanka, you can purchase a relatively cheap wedding package. But, if you are a tourist some hotels will try to charge you extra, so it is good to do some research and compare prices before contacting a suitable hotel/property. Using trusted agents like Eats & Retreats, you will ensure the best service and the lowest prices for your Sri Lanka wedding getaway.
Benefits of getting married in Sri Lanka
- You will stand out from the crowd, definitely! Wed away, and you won’t have to choose from the same old hometown spots all your friends have booked.
- Not to mention the glorious scenery that Sri Lanka offers would make your wedding day truly a memorable one.
- You would save on décor- with a wedding in a stunning setting, your location of choice supplies the theme, from a castle fairytale to sea-inspired gathering, might not need much to add to it.
- Most hotels, villas, and resorts in Sri Lanka provide incredible wedding packages that offer honeymoon experiences all inclusive to make your stay an unforgettable one. And why not start the honeymoon early? In such an exotic island, you won’t be wasting your time and the mere ambiance of whichever location you choose is sure to put you in a relaxed mood as soon as you arrive.
What more could you possibly ask for? Make your fairytale wedding come true on this paradise island- Sri Lanka!