When organizing a destination wedding in Kerala, the first things that spring to mind are surely houseboats on calm backwaters or emerald resort scenes amidst nature. But there is more to Kerala than its off-postcard-perfect appearance. For the adventurous who want something off-the-beaten-path and unusual, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path locations in the state that abound with character, culture, and nature.
From charming garden hideaways to artistic retreats and majestic palaces, these venues show that Kerala’s magic extends well beyond its famous backwaters. Here’s a carefully chosen list of unique places where you can create a wedding celebration as special and unforgettable as your love story.
LA Mirage, Koratty: A Beautiful Place Surrounded by Nature
LA Mirage is a picturesque location in serene village Koratty. It is a flawless combination of modern sophistication and traditional Kerala charm. Surrounded by thick greens, tall trees, and open sky, the location turns into a secret paradise for nature lovers’ couples.
Its big outer lawns are large enough to host anything from small and intimate weddings to large weddings. From a night garden wedding or fairy-lit evening wedding, LA Mirage kindly supports different wedding themes. It is also a good venue for pre-wedding parties such as haldi, mehndi, or a music night.
Old Harbour Hotel, Fort Kochi: Heritage Meets Ocean Elegance
Between the greenery and old architecture of Fort Kochi lies the picturesque retreat of the Old Harbour Hotel, ideally placed for intimate destination weddings and renewals of vows. Between verdant landscapes, weathered courtyards, and winding roads to the tranquil seacoast landscape, the heritage boutique hotel resonates with rustic charm in tastefully renovated interiors, well-furnished social spaces, and breezy outdoor verandas.
Ideal for an intimate, personalized destination wedding in Kerala, this venue is a romantic atmosphere filled with a warm, golden color at sunset. One can imagine string lights woven across the trees as the guests sit down to eat beneath a canopy of stars, live acoustic music drifting on the breeze to add to the heritage atmosphere. Couples are able to celebrate their union in the warm confines of living history, in a true setting as original and enduring as their love itself.
Brunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi: Colonial Charm Meets Modern Luxury
For the history buff and lover of old-world aesthetics, CGH Earth’s Brunton Boatyard is a colonial-era antique beauty with antique furnishings. A 19th-century shipbuilding complex, the quaint restored building is an upscale hotel today, gazing out over the Arabian Sea with expansive views.
The architecture is a peaceful confluence of Dutch, British, and Portuguese, with large verandas, antique chandeliers, and large courtyards presenting the backdrop of a wedding reminiscent of luxury, from a classical Indian wedding ritual to a modern wedding ceremony.
Kumarakom Lake Resort: Serenity on the Vembanad Lake
Whereas houseboats still cruise Kerala backwaters, Kumarakom Lake Resort takes it to a different level. Built above the banks of expansive Vembanad Lake, the resort is celebrated for its chic villas, lush landscapes, and Kerala-inspired architecture.
The venue is the perfect place for a lakeside wedding romance, complete with lotus-floral motifs, floating mandaps, and cultural activities. The location is the perfect blend of luxury and nature, providing tourists with a serene oasis and couples with the perfect stage for their destination wedding in Kerala.
The Quilon Beach Hotel, Kollam: The Seaside Beach Wedding of Serenity
If your vision of a beach wedding is sand between your toes, sea breeze in your hair, and the singing of waves in the distance, the Quilon Beach Hotel in Kollam is where you have to be. Kerala’s first government-approved beach wedding destination, this chic seaside hotel offers a clean and peaceful environment for couples who want something different by the ocean.
You can enjoy sunrise morning wedding with sun rising or sunset romantic encounter with candles and ocean views.The hotel offers a stunning beachfront location and staff to cater to all your arrangements so that everything is perfect on your special day.
With elegant rooms, delicious food, and stunning Arabian Sea views, The Quilon Beach Hotel is perfect for couples who wish to have a beach wedding that is both elegant and minimalistic. With or without large or intimate weddings, the beachfront setting makes it truly special.
Kowdiar Palace, Thiruvananthapuram: A Royal Wedding Dream
For those who have long dreamed of witnessing a royal destination wedding, Thiruvananthapuram’s Kowdiar Palace is an experience like no other. The Travancore Royal Family’s vintage palace is filled with splendor, with Kerala-style architecture, expansive lawns, and subtle refinement.
Even though permission is privileged to conduct an event here, the privilege is only half the charm. A Kowdiar Palace wedding is not just an event—it’s a declaration of forever refined and cultural legacy, so that your wedding day is a regal experience of the past.
Conclusion
Kerala’s landscape is a set of destination wedding sites that lie far beyond its often-boasted-about backwaters. For couples who want to celebrate as distinctively as their love, these other sites provide the ideal setting. From secluded forest locations and colonial sites to peaceful lake resorts and palace scenery, choices vary from diverse to breathtakingly inspiring.
Skip the tourist trail and discover Kerala’s untold beauty—because your romance is worth a setting that’s just as beautiful.
Whether you dream of a heritage celebration, a lakeside romance, or a beachside vow exchange, these unique venues make planning a destination wedding in Kerala an unforgettable experience rooted in beauty, culture, and charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose an unconventional wedding venue in Kerala instead of a backwater resort?
Unconventional venues offer a more personal and memorable experience. While backwater resorts are beautiful, unique locations like heritage hotels, beachside spots, palaces, or forest retreats offer character, exclusivity, and cultural richness that make your wedding stand out.
Are these offbeat venues suitable for large weddings?
Yes, many unconventional venues like LA Mirage, Kumarakom Lake Resort, and Brunton Boatyard have spacious lawns, banquet areas, and professional event support that can accommodate both intimate and large-scale weddings comfortably.
How early should I book these unique wedding venues in Kerala?
It’s best to book at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for popular or limited-access venues like Kowdiar Palace or heritage resorts. This gives you enough time to plan logistics, secure permissions, and coordinate with local vendors.
