Archive · 2 Dec 2025
India's Wedding Boom Shifts to Tier 2/3 Cities
In India, many couples are choosing to have their weddings in smaller cities instead of big cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
This is because big city wedding places are all booked up and very expensive.
Smaller cities offer beautiful locations, cost less money, and are becoming very popular.
Families are saving money on venues and using it to make their weddings even more special.
Social media also plays a big role, as couples want unique and picturesque places for their big day.
Hotels are opening up in these smaller cities to meet the growing demand, and the trend seems to be here to stay.
The destination wedding market in India is projected to reach $36.8 billion by 2025, with 46 lakh weddings estimated to generate Rs 6.5 lakh crore in business this season.
Demand for tier 2 and tier 3 cities as wedding destinations has grown by 30% in the past year, driven by venue shortages, affordability, and the desire for unique locations.
Couples are increasingly involved in wedding planning, with a focus on natural light, heritage backdrops, and photogenic architecture, which smaller cities often provide.
Weddings in tier 2 cities cost between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 1.2 crore for 100-300 guests, while international destinations start at Rs 60 lakh and can go up to Rs 2.5 crore.
Hotels in smaller cities are 20-25% cheaper than in metros, and families are reinvesting their savings into décor, hospitality, or entertainers to upgrade their celebrations.
- Who
- Indian couples, particularly double-income pairs and NRIs, and their families
- What
- Shift in wedding destinations from metros to tier 2 and tier 3 cities
- When
- During the current wedding season, with a significant increase in demand for non-metro venues in the past two years
- Where
- Tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India, such as Bikaner, Coorg, Kochi, Indore, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and others
- Why
- Due to venue shortages, affordability, novelty, and the desire for unique, photogenic locations
- Estimated Weddings This Season
- 46 lakh
- Total Business Generated
- Rs 6.5 lakh crore
- Cost of Metro Wedding
- Rs 25-50 lakh per day
- Cost of Tier-2 Wedding
- Rs 30 lakh - 1.2 crore for 100-300 guests
- Cost of International Wedding
- Rs 60 lakh - 2.5 crore for similar guest counts
- Growth in Demand for Tier-2/3 Destinations
- 30% (Meragi) and 28-32% (Kestone Utsav)
- Savings on Accommodation and Meals
- 20-30% (Tamarind Global)