Maybe you are here after re-watching Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and its grand destination wedding for the tenth time. Or you might be searching for serene locations to make your dream wedding even grander. Well, you are in the right place.
Be it Italy, Greece, France, the Caribbean, or even India, destination weddings have always meant foreign lands of wonder for us. But we rarely talk about the endless opportunities for destination weddings in Nepal. Let us explore seven of the best ones in no particular order.
Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu? Really! Kathmandu as a destination wedding location? These might be the things going on in your mind after reading our number one pick. Let me elaborate.
Kathmandu is a concrete city. A populous mega-city that people want to escape for their destination weddings. This is true to an extent. But let us not limit ourselves to the perception of Kathmandu. Kathmandu has endless possibilities when it comes to ideas and places for your dream wedding.
Natural scenery, historical monuments, religious sites, luxury resorts, and hotels that meet every demand. Kathmandu Valley has got it all. Overlooking the city for being the hub of the country is a mistake many wedding planners make.
A picturesque pre-wedding shoot around the hills around Kathmandu is a perfect way to start a wedding for the ages. Chandragiri Hills, Phulchowki Hills, Shivapuri Hills, Champadevi Hills, etc provide serene views of the city which make for amazing photographs and memories.
Hotels and Resorts like Dwarika’s, Chandragiri Hills Resort, Marriott, Gokarna Forest Resort, Club Himalaya, Soaltee, Yak and Yeti, Hotel Mystic Mountain, etc. offer high-quality hospitality and awe-inspiring venues for your dream day.
Kathmandu Valley is a city full of history. Its three metropolises in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur not only offer a vast array of venues and natural escapes but also provide ancient monuments to make your moments feel even more special.
To etch your wedding forever in front of religious sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Krishna Mandir, Changunarayan, Boudhanath, and many more is something no other city can provide. The three Durbar Squares and other historical sites are popular post-wedding photoshoot locations and rightly so.
Kathmandu as a destination wedding location has a lot of other pros. Easy availability of travel and vehicle facilities is a given because it is Nepal’s Capital. Wedding Planners, photographers, and vendors are plenty which makes it easier to plan your perfect wedding.
So your perfect destination wedding location might be a lot closer than you might think. Kathmandu offers everything you need to have the wedding of your dreams. So get your notepads and planning app of your choice ready. It’s time to plan a grand destination wedding in Kathmandu.
Pokhara
“Pokhara is truly and magnificently Pokhara”, Prem Prakash Malla exclaimed with joy in his famous song about the city. We can relate to it wholeheartedly.
Why Pokhara? Because it’s Pokhara.
A city whose name literally means ‘Ponds’. A city where Machhapuchhre casts a reflection on the famous waters of Fewa Lake. A city that has always meant beauty and vacation for Nepalese people. Pokhara is a no-brainer when it comes to being a great place for destination weddings.
Pokhara has always been portrayed as a dreamy city in the lap of mountains in Nepalese cinema. It has always been a getaway for a musical number. The city of lakes is the perfect place to have a movie-like wedding amidst the shadows of the beautiful mountains.
Lakes, Caves, Hilltops, Temples, Monasteries, Mountainous Views and Luxury Resorts. Need we say more? Pokhara has got you covered in terms of the places you might want to tie the knot in.
Places like Sarangkot, Shanti Stupa, etc provide a panoramic view of the mountain ranges which make for perfect spots to have great pre-wedding photoshoots.
There are a lot of places to explore and visit for the guests as well. A pre-wedding hike or picnic to places like Sarangkot is an amazing way to bond and have a better experience of the city. Paragliding is also a choice for brave-hearted couples looking to make their destination wedding even more memorable.
Hotels and Resorts in Pokhara are among the best in Nepal in terms of quality as well as their location. Fish Tail Lodge, Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, The Begnas Lake Resort and Villas, Rupakot Resort, and many others can be amazing venues for a wedding like no other.
Religious sites like Taal Barahi, and Bindhyabaasini Temple are just the right places to immortalize your promises.
Post-wedding ideas can range anywhere from a photo shoot on a boat to a night photo walk in the lakeside area. With Pokhara as a destination, the possibilities for photos are endless.
At heart, being a bustling metropolis, it isn’t difficult to manage a lavish wedding. Pokhara has easy access to the city through roads and airports, reaching the destination is not an issue.
Wedding Planners, Photographers, and Videographers are as easily available in Pokhara as in Kathmandu.
A destination wedding in Pokhara offers a unique experience for everyone. A wedding straight out of a Nepalese Musical will be a sight to behold. Maybe your destination wedding in Pokhara will make you realize what Prem Prakash Malla said in his song.
Chitwan
A sunset silhouette photograph of the bride and groom on the banks of the Narayani River. Can you imagine the scene? That’s one thing Chitwan offers. Let us give you countless more reasons to choose Chitwan as your destination wedding location.
Nepal is more than just mountains. Nowhere is that more clear than in Chitwan.
Its lush green forests, jungle safari, river banks, and culture attract thousands every year.
The city of Chitwan and its surroundings are among the most well-known destination wedding locations in Nepal. Chitwan allows you to explore the nature at its rawest. Maybe it is the tranquil shade of Nature that attracts the to-be-weds to Chitwan at the busiest time of their life.
Boat Safari through the famed Chitwan National Park is a great way to experience the wildlife. It can be a great activity for the guests as well.
A pre-wedding photoshoot with the backdrop of the famous Chitwan sunset is something every couple should do. An experience of the local Tharu culture is a perfect way to engage and entertain the guests. Jungle Safari in Sauraha is another way to make the wedding even more memorable.
Chitwan provides ample options for destination wedding venues which are located at the heart of nature. Barahi Jungle Lodge, Park Safari Resort, Soaltee Westend Resort, Meghauli Serai, Jagatpur Lodge, and many others are perfect hosts for a magical destination wedding in Nepal.
As is the case with all places of Nepal, many significant religious sites are present in Chitwan. Devghat Dham, Harihar Temple, and Maulakalika Mandir are some of the examples of holy places that newlyweds can visit for blessings.
Similar to both Kathmandu and Pokhara, the accessibility of the location and availability of vendors for shopping and essentials is a great plus point of Chitwan as a wedding location.
Chitwan is a place that offers calm and serenity in the lowlands of Nepal. A grand destination wedding amidst the green river banks of Chitwan should be on top of the list for anyone planning their wedding.
Mustang
From the lowlands to the upper regions of Nepal, our next pick for a destination wedding in Nepal is Mustang. Mustang is a district beyond the mountains. Famous for the windy Jomsom, magical Kagbeni, and holy Muktinath, Mustang is a wonderful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Mustang is a place that has captured the imagination of Nepalese people. While Pokhara and Chitwan are a few hours of drive away, Mustang is a bit far off the trails for many.
This mystique and aura of Mustang is what makes it a sought-after location for destination weddings. Movies like Jerry, Kabbaddi, etc have added to the fascination of Mustang for people. A destination wedding in Mustang might just be “Like in movies of old” that you want.
The beautiful landscapes of Mustang offer photo and video opportunities galore. The riverbeds of Kagbeni, the mountain back-drops of Jomsom, beautiful alleyways of Marpha all make for great locations great pre-wedding photoshoot locations.
Mustang is also home to one of the holiest places in Nepal, Muktinath. It is also home to countless monasteries. Visits to these important religious sites add to the sacredness of the wedding. The journey to Muktinath in itself is a pilgrimage that will elevate the destination wedding to another level.
When in Mustang, trying local cuisines and local alcohol is a must. Adding ‘Marpha ko Madira’ to the offerings at the wedding is bound to win admirers. A trip to Dhumba Lake will be a great experience which will also make for amazing photos and videos.
Being a remote area, the luxury that the previous locations offer isn’t available in Mustang. However, hotels and resorts like Lo Mustang Himalayan Resort, Shinta Mani, Moksha, etc. are great hosts for a lavish wedding.
Visiting the Upper Mustang is an added option if possible. The ancient city of Lo Manthang, Red Cliffs, and many monasteries present in that region are bound to make for great side-quests in your destination wedding.
Reaching Mustang can be a challenging feat for all the guests. However, an airport at Jomsom and ever-improving roads are bound to make your dream wedding in Mustang more accessible.
Wedding planners, photographers, videographers, and vendors aren’t likely to be locally available in Mustang. Getting planners and videographers from your native place or outside will be a good decision for a well-managed wedding.
Mustang is a wonderful choice for a destination wedding in Nepal. Since it is a bit off-the-trail for many looking to have a destination wedding, it is bound to be unique. So that’s it then. Get busy planning your destination wedding beyond the mountains in Mustang.
Kuri
Kuri Village is the gateway to Kalinchowk Bhagawati temple. It can also be a ‘getaway’ for an amazing destination wedding in Nepal. If you can pardon the pun, let us tell you about a little village in Dolakha that will be a perfect hill-station wedding destination.
Nepalese following snow flock to Kuri. It is a hill station located on the foothills of Kalinchowk that looks like a little piece of Switzerland or Shimla here in Nepal. The winter season is a prime period for weddings. Kuri is a great location for a destination wedding in any season. But winters in Kuri are just different.
Kuri is just 6-8 hours drive from Kathmandu. Accessibility is not a problem for those looking to host a big event for their wedding. This little hill station beneath the holy Kalinchowk hills can accommodate a lot of guests, meaning the grandeur of the wedding isn’t compromised.
Pre-wedding activities in Kuri include bonfires with local drinks and cuisine that come with the warm hospitality of the village. When in Kuri, sunrise and sunset from the hills is a must-see. An early morning hike to a vantage point will give you a view of the magical sun rising over a sea of cotton-like clouds.
The sunrise and sunset are great backdrops for pre-wedding photoshoots and a romantic escapade for the would-be bride and bridegroom. The short hike also offers an amazing view of the mountains which adds to the possibilities of photos and videos.
Accommodation in Kuri Village for a large number of guests may have to be spread across resorts and hotels. However, the simplistic beauty of traditional-style resorts will offer luxury similar to star hotels.
Miracle View Resort, Kalinchowk Country Villa, Tripura Resort, etc. can provide a comfortable stay during the wedding period. Though modest in scale, the beautifully designed buildings of Kuri are a sight to behold.
As mentioned before, Kuri lies beneath the holy Kalinchowk hill which is home to Kalinchowk Bhagwati. A trip to the holy hill after the wedding ceremony is the perfect way to bless the marriage. The cable car ride during the trip will offer picturesque views and memories alike.
Kuri is a village in Dolakha that has mainly attracted local tourists. Destination Weddings have been rare in this part of the country. But it is a place with untapped potential for beautiful destination weddings.
As Kuri is a small village settlement, wedding planners, photographers, videographers, and vendors for weddings need to be arranged from larger cities. Transport and logistics will not be a big issue because of its proximity to Kathmandu and other cities of Dolakha.
Kuri may not be a larger-than-life destination like the larger cities of Nepal. However, it can become a perfect destination for couples looking to have a destination wedding while following the road less travelled.
Ghandruk
Who is ready for a bit of trekking before the wedding?
Why? Because our next pick for the best destination wedding location is Ghandruk. Located in the Kaski district, Ghandruk is a beautiful Gurung Village, famous as the gateway to the Annapurna Trekking Circuit.
Ghandruk, a traditional village home to Gurung people, has been transformed into a hub for visitors. With a view of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre as the backdrop, a destination wedding at Ghandruk is an option that many should look into.
Ghandruk is just over 60 kilometers from Pokhara and with the construction of roads, the vehicles reach the foot-steps of Ghandruk itself. Reaching this magnificent destination with a rich cultural history has never been easier.
So what makes Ghandruk a great location for a destination wedding? The sceneries, the culture of the place, the exotic nature of the location, the local food, and ultimately the people of Ghandruk combine to make it a special place to host your wedding.
People look for various things for their destination wedding. Beautiful backdrops for their destination weddings? Checked. Immersive experience of a different culture? Checked. Local food and drinks to try? Checked.
Imagine a scenic pre-wedding shoot in the alleyways of Ghandruk. The beautiful song “Dubo Fulyo” from Kabaddi 3 might come to your mind when thinking about pre-wedding ceremonies in Ghandruk.
The would-be bride and groom in traditional Gurung dress in front of the mighty Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre for a photoshoot will be a sight to behold. The experience of the village lifestyle and Gurung culture is bound to enhance the wedding experience even more.
Many hotels have opened in Ghandruk. With service and facilities better than star hotels in cities, Ghandruk doesn’t feel like a village in the mountains. But the true essence of experiencing Ghandruk during the wedding can be gained by staying in the homestays of Ghandruk.
Made of seven villages, Ghandruk has a lot of places to stay. Danda Gau, one of the seven villages, is the ideal place to stay during the wedding. It offers the undisturbed experience of the old houses and heritage.
A wedding ceremony on the edge of the hills with Annapurna and Machhapuchhre watching will be a perfect culmination of destiny. The ceremony can be elevated by adding local Gurung cuisines and alcohol. A true medley of cultures and nature is what Ghandruk offers as a location for destination weddings in Nepal.
The wedding event and accommodation of guests have to be pre-planned due to Ghandruk being a popular tourist destination. However, photographers, videographers, and vendors might not be readily available in this village. So they have to be externally procured and managed.
Visits to the Old Gurung Museum, and Ghandruk Cultural Museum, hikes to hilltops for mountainous views, and exploration of the villages are activities that will mesmerize guests and the couple alike. They can also be a great way to capture romantic photos and videos.
The Meshrom Baraha temple can be the witness of the holy union of marriage. The Gurung elders and their blessings add to the occasion even more. No matter what culture or religion you belong to, Ghandruk offers immersion into Nepalese culture like no other.
So, grab your Ghaleks and Jama and get ready for a destination wedding full of Ghatu dance, a Mountain Range, and a village that will provide you with a wedding experience unlike any other.
Sukute Beach
Beach wedding in Nepal? Yes, please!
Sukute Beach is a riverside beach located in the Sindhupalchowk district. It is just 70 kilometres away from Kathmandu. It is situated beside the Bhotekoshi River which becomes Sunkoshi when two rivers meet at Dolalghat. It is one of the best places for destination weddings in Nepal.
Since Nepal is a landlocked country, Nepalese have always been fascinated with beaches. A beach wedding is on the bucket list of many. A seaside beach wedding might not be possible in Nepal. But Nepal has riverside beaches like Sukute Beach which can be great locations for a destination wedding.
A three-hour drive from Kathmandu takes you to Sukute Beach. Many resorts can be great hosts for a dreamy wedding besides the beautiful Bhotekoshi. Travel, arrival, and accommodation of guests are not big issues in Sukute Beach.
Sukute Beach allows a lot of activities to do before, during, and after the wedding. Rafting the fast-flowing Bhotekoshi with your friends at the Bachelor’s party is an adventurous option to choose from.
Bonfires and night parties are something Sukute Beach is famous for. Pre-wedding parties and gatherings in the sand at night will be something to marvel at. The intimate moments with family and friends at night bonfires beside a mighty river will be unmatched.
Hiking around Sukute Beach, Beach Volleyball matches between two families, sunbathing, etc are activities that add the luxurious charm to the destination wedding.
Activities like these and the scenic locations around Sukute Beach are amazing for pre-wedding photoshoots as well. With most resorts boasting swimming pools and picturesque beachfront rooms, a wedding in Sukute Beach offers grandeur amidst nature.
Sukute Beach Resort, Maya Beach Resort, Bhotekoshi Beach Resort, Sandy Beach Resort, etc are some of the places that can be host to a grand beachside wedding in Sukute Beach.
These resorts offer anything from tent facilities, and camping to premium AC rooms. The options for accommodation for the destination wedding are as varied as the activities to do in Sukute.
Tatopani and Bhotekoshi Gorge are very near Sukute Beach. Adventure-seeking couples can experience bungy jumping together if they are so inclined. Tatopani offers natural hot water springs and religious sites that can provide blessings for newlyweds.
A wedding ‘mandap’ on the sand banks beside a clear mountain river seems like something out of a dream. A destination wedding at Sukute Beach offers the chance to make this a reality.
Due to its distance from the major cities and the good roads, the logistics of the wedding will not be complicated. The photographers, videographers, and vendors might have to be arranged from the city. However, these might also be procured by the resorts if they are involved in the planning of the wedding.
A location different from the other places on our list, Sukute Beach is an exotic location for a destination wedding. However, it also allows you to have a lazy, sunbathed, and luxurious wedding unlike any other place in Nepal.
Sukute Beach is a small piece of wonderland near the Kathmandu Valley. It can be the best host for your dream destination wedding in Nepal. After all, a beach wedding in Nepal might just be one of a kind.
Conclusion
The list ends here. This doesn’t mean that these are the only places for destination weddings in Nepal. These are just our picks. Places like Bandipur, Ilam, Manang, Palpa, etc. are all great places to host a destination wedding in Nepal.
This list proves that Nepal provides countless locations for grand destination weddings. Nepal also provides a variety of experiences in terms of wedding locations.
Maybe when you are planning your destination wedding, you won’t be swayed by movies and look for places like India, Maldives, Dubai, or Europe. Because your dream destination wedding location is way closer to home than you think.