Are you a recently engaged Indian couple that’s looking to have a destination wedding outside India? Here’s a list of the 5 best places to have your Indian wedding abroad…

1. Samujana Villas, Koh Samui, Thailand

Located a short trip away from India, Samujana villas offers intimate weddings at a dreamy beachside lawn or villa with as little as 10 guests all the way to a lavish 250 guests. The resort is located on a lovely hillside location, very rarely found at other resorts. Overlooking a coral cove, it has 24 charming villas to choose from, all with oversized private infinity pools, modern Thai architecture and breath-taking views, and 5-star hotel services. The weddings here cost as little as USD 1,500 in addition to the villa or lawn rental charge which starts at around $2,500.

2. The Residence Zanzibar

Surrounded by tranquil blue waters, Zanzibar offers you and your Indian guests a visa on arrival, which makes things a lot easier while planning your Indian destination wedding. The Residence Zanzibar by Cenizaro also have Indian wedding planners on board that will help you plan a wedding of your dreams. You can even have your wedding barefoot on the beach, and watch a glorious Zanzibar sunset. Prices are available on request.

3. North Island, Seychelles

Enjoy your Indian beach wedding in style at North Island in Seychelles, a luxury private island perfect for those intimate weddings. The best part about having a wedding here, is knowing that a part of the proceeds go towards the conservation of the diverse ecosystem. They offer a dedicated wedding planner to help you plan out your day and have alternative venues at their bar and restaurant available for the afterparties.

4. Shangri-La, Sri Lanka

For those of you who do not a wedding too far away for your guests, consider Sri Lanka as a destination. The Shangri-La in Hambantota is a beautiful destination not too far from the airport and offers a stunning tropical garden setting for your wedding as well as a beach not too far away. They also have a ballroom that seats up to 1,400 people if you have a large wedding party.

5. Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Create a memorable bride and groom entrance by riding on one of the abras (Arabic boats) through the canals at Madinat Jumeirah to the wedding venue. Madinat Jumeirah is one of the most stunning properties to have a wedding in Dubai. They offer 3 wedding packages at a range between AED 21,000 (GBP 4,294) to AED 31,500 (GBP 6,339). You can choose the “Elegant Package” – a package where you can have an intimate signing ceremony at your wedding tent on the beach or garden, a signing table & theatre seating; all the way to the “Ultimate Package”, which involves a wedding with the famous Burj Al Arab in the backdrop, a complimentary round of sparkling wine for each guest and rose confetti as you begin your new life together. Sourcing Indian wedding dresses in Dubai are really easy too, with several boutiques on Jumeirah Beach Road close by.