OT Wedding Wednesday: The Best Venues In India For A Micro Wedding

As the world watched the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, a smaller but no less beautiful wedding took place around the same time—that of Hindi actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal. While the former event polarised opinion throughout India, the latter generated fulsome praise and adoration on the internet as people enjoyed the quiet elegance and intimate nature of the event.It was an example of a wedding trend that has been growing in popularity: micro weddings. As its name suggests, a micro wedding is a smaller version of the Big Fat Indian wedding, typically with a guest list of no more than 50 people and restricted to immediate family and close friends only. This does not mean that the event is a humdrum affair. Depending on the couple’s wishes, a micro wedding can be just as big on décor, flower arrangements, catering, music and photography as a conventional ceremony. Micro weddings are suitable for couples who don't necessarily want a big event with hundreds of guests but who also don’t want to compromise on the experience either. It is designed to create a more thoughtful, sentimental and intimate experience for the couples and their loved ones.Some of the benefits of a micro wedding include being able to save money and having more of it to spend on things you want, like hiring a local musician who you’ve loved for years to play at your wedding; having more time to enjoy the company of your guests and all those who you’re close to; and having a smoother planning experience since there are fewer people.If you’re interested in planning a micro wedding in India, here’s our selection of the best venues you should consider for your big day.Plantations And VineyardsPlaces like Darjeeling, Coorg, Ooty, Palampur, Munnar, Kodaikanal and Yercaud are not only beautiful hill stations but also perfect venues for a micro wedding. They have lush greenery, cooler climates, panoramic views and world-class facilities for hosting numerous wedding functions. Vineyards, with their earthy smell and broad horizons, can also be considered.The Havelis Of RajasthanRajasthan is known for its royal palaces and the opulence that comes with hosting a wedding in such places. The Alsisar Mahal, the Royal Heritage Haveli, the Amet Haveli and the Samode Haveli are gorgeous venues that will add more than a touch of royalty to your intimate gathering. The top-notch food also makes them a big draw for couples and guests.Seaside VillasNatural landscapes like the seashore and forests add a special sparkle to wedding events. Choose from the O’NEST Beachfront Villa in Alibaug, the Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort and Spa in Port Blair, The Postcard Cuelim in Goa, the Paradise Isle Beach Resort in Malpe, the Chariot Beach Resort in Mahabalipuram and the Mayfair Heritage in Puri where you can exchange vows and party the night away with your loved ones in scenic surroundings.HouseboatsCombining a river cruise with traditional Keralite culture and food makes houseboats an ideal micro wedding venue. The gentle swaying of the boat as it cuts through the tranquil backwaters of Kerala and the changing views of the landscape provide a peaceful and intimate ambience. The houseboat will drop you off at a seaside resort like the Taj Kumarakom Resort and Spa, the Coconut Lagoon and The Leela Ashtamudi A Raviz Hotel for you to continue the festivities long into the night.