Destination Backwater Wedding Cost in Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kochi? A Practical Breakdown

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Kerala, with its palm tree-filled, serene backwaters, is quickly becoming a favorite for couples seeking a picturesque destination wedding. But how much will it actually cost to get married in the backwater venues in God’s Own Country”?

Here is a reality check, a practical breakdown of what to expect when budgeting for your destination wedding in middle Kerala backwater places like Alleppey, Kochi, and Kumarakom—whether you are planning an intimate affair or a grand celebration. We have sorted it out for you!

Cost of a destination backwater wedding in Kumarakom, Kochi, and Alleppey

Average Cost Range

A 2-day destination backwater wedding in these locations (Kochi, Kumarakom, and Alappuzha) for around 100–150 guests can cost between…

₹10–15 Lakhs (Intimate Wedding—Elegant but Budget-Conscious)

₹20–40 Lakhs (Mid-Range—Stylish with a Few Luxuries)
₹50 Lakhs+ (Luxury Wedding—Premium Venues & Custom Experiences)

Let’s break it down further.

1. Venue & Accommodation – ₹5–25 Lakhs

In Kerala, popular backwater venues located in central Kerala include resorts in Kumarakom, Alleppey, and Kochi.

  • Venue Type

    Cost per Night (100 guests)

    3-Star Resort

    ₹2–4 Lakhs

    4/5-Star Luxury Resort

    ₹6–12 Lakhs

    Houseboat Wedding

    ₹1.5–3 Lakhs (day use)

    Many resorts offer wedding packages inclusive of accommodation, meals, and basic décor.

2. Catering – ₹400–₹2,500 per plate

Food is a highlight at any Kerala wedding. Choices range from:

  • Traditional Kerala Sadya
  • Multi-cuisine buffets

    Live seafood counters, continental & fusion dishes

    Meal Type

    Approximate Cost

    Traditional Sadya

    ₹400–₹1,000 per person

    Buffet (Veg + Non-Veg)

    ₹1,500–₹2,500 per person

    For 150 guests, expect ₹2–3.5 lakhs total.

Decor & Event Styling – ₹1.5–10 Lakhs

Décor depends on your vision: simple floral setups or extravagant themed evenings.

  • Simple Traditional Setup: ₹1.5–3 Lakhs

     

  • Mid-Level Décor (floral, lighting, stage): ₹4–6 Lakhs

     

High-End Custom Décor (mandaps, backwater setups): ₹8–10 Lakhs+

Photography & Videography – ₹1.5–4 Lakhs

Capturing your special moments is key. For backwater destination weddings:

  • Pre-wedding + 2-day coverage: ₹1.5–3 Lakhs

     

Add-on drone shots or cinematic films: +₹50K–1 Lakh

Makeup & Styling – ₹30K–₹1.5 Lakhs

  • Bridal makeup packages (including trials, wedding day, and reception) cost ₹30,000–₹80,000.

    Groom and family styling can add ₹30K–₹50K more depending on the artist.

Entertainment & Extras – ₹50K–₹5 Lakhs

Live music (Chenda melam, violin, etc.)

    • DJ/Band
    • Folk dance, fire shows, or Kathakali performances
    • Emcee or anchor

 Entertainment can be minimal or fully curated depending on your vibe.

Transportation – ₹50K–₹3 Lakhs

This includes:

  • Guest pickups (airport/train station)

  • Travel to events

  • Houseboat rides or curated local experiences

Wedding Planner Fees – ₹1–5 Lakhs

Hiring a local destination wedding planner in Kerala is possible from Kochi city, Alappuzha town, or even Kottayam town for Kumarakom, Alappuzha, and Kochi wedding events; they are highly recommended to coordinate logistics, especially with permits for backwater ceremonies.

Optional Costs to Consider

  • Travel for guests (flight/train): ₹5K–₹15K per person (if covering)

     

  • Legal registration of marriage (₹10K–₹30K if you’re marrying legally in Kerala)

     

  • Mehendi artists, guest hampers, or outfit changes

     

Money-Saving Tips

  • Off-season weddings (April–September) can reduce venue rates.

     

  • Choose an all-inclusive resort to simplify and cut costs.
  • Opt for local décors and cuisine to reduce imports and logistics.

Final Thoughts

A backwater destination wedding in Kerala can be as affordable or luxurious as you want it to be. With proper planning, you can create a breathtaking celebration for far less than what you’d spend in cities like Mumbai or Delhi.

Whether it’s a backwater coastal event vow exchange or a sunset ceremony on a houseboat, Kerala offers unforgettable beauty without breaking the bank.

 

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Mayjohn P J

Mayjohn P. J. is the founder and CEO of Melodia Event Management, Kerala’s premier ISO 9001:2015-certified event planning company. With over 15 years of experience, he has organized 800+ events, including luxury weddings, corporate events, and destination celebrations across Kerala. Mayjohn is known for blending Kerala’s cultural traditions with modern event trends, creating unique and unforgettable experiences. He shares expert tips to help you plan stress-free events tailored to your style and needs.

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Melodia® Event Management is an ISO 9001 2008 Certified Company based in Kochi, Thrissur Kerala. We offer premium event management services including weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Contact us to know more.

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