In 2011, the Sawlanis from Dubai and the Ahluwalias from London selected an offbeat and meaningful destination for their wedding: Amritsar. They chose the city for its spiritual ambiance, especially for the Golden Temple, with their celebrations held at the city’s sole five-star property, the Ista Hotel. The event hosted 300 guests, who were treated to a truly memorable experience. , the renowned Dubai-based wedding planner behind the magical three-day affair, shared why this wedding was so special: “I also got a chance to visit the Golden Temple at 4:00 am for the Palki ceremony, which was heavenly. I grew very close to the bride, her sister Rinku, and their families during the planning, and I hope more couples consider Amritsar for their destination weddings.”
Engagement Night - Moroccan Glamour Meets Punjabi Grandeur
Source: WeddingSutra
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Why Amritsar is an Emerging Destination Wedding Hotspot
The celebrations began with a ‘Bedazzled and Bejeweled’ Moroccan-themed engagement at Forest Farm House, with catering by The Four Seasons from Chandigarh. A spectacular entertainment lineup included fire dancers performing in sync with dhol players, and a bartending team flown in from Delhi.
Mehndi Celebration - A Vibrant Punjabi Village Fairytale
Source: WeddingSutra
The Mehndi ceremony on the second day gave guests an authentic Amritsar experience with a lively Punjabi village theme. Featuring colorful decor, charpais, straw huts, and props like a classic Basanti tanga from Sholay, the setup was as festive as it was immersive. Guests enjoyed traditional Punjabi food from local dhabas, Bhangra dancers from Ludhiana, and photo ops on hay stacks or a village truck. The couple made a grand entrance on a marigold-adorned red tractor to the tune of Yamla Pagla Deewana.
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The Wedding Ceremony - A Sacred Sikh Anand Karaj at the Gurudwara
The wedding ceremony, a Sikh Anand Karaj, was held in a Gurudwara, followed by Langar Prasad, maintaining the purity and authenticity of the traditions.
Reception Night - Victorian Elegance in Soft Pink and Ivory
Source: WeddingSutra
For the reception, the bride envisioned a Victorian elegance that was brought to life in the Ista Hotel’s tented garden. With soft pink and ivory decor, lush roses, and flowing drapes, the evening had an ethereal ambiance. The couple entered to live saxophone music, and Jannat, a fusion band from Delhi, added a unique musical touch to the celebration.
Event design was led by Rimjhim Events from Dubai, working closely with the Ista Hotel and local coordinators Monish and Jatin Mehra. Photography was managed by Madhavi from Tasveer Digital Color Lab, while DJ Gaurav from Insanity the DJs handled sound and lighting. Jaywant Thakre provided hair and makeup services, rounding out an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Weddings in Amritsar
Is Amritsar a good destination wedding location?
Yes. Amritsar offers spiritual ambiance, iconic landmarks like the Golden Temple, and luxury hospitality options for destination weddings.
Can a Sikh Anand Karaj be planned for international guests?
Absolutely. A professional wedding planner coordinates Gurudwara bookings, guest transport, and ceremony flow while respecting religious customs.
What themes work well for Amritsar weddings?
Punjabi village themes, Moroccan-inspired engagement nights, and Victorian-style receptions blend beautifully with the city’s heritage charm.
How many guests can luxury hotels in Amritsar accommodate?
Five-star venues like Hyatt Amritsar can host large wedding functions with tented garden receptions and ballroom events.
