13 Most Expensive Weddings in India
India’s weddings aren’t just ceremonies—they’re grand festivals where tradition, luxury, and exuberance merge into unforgettable celebrations. From multi-day extravaganzas to meticulously themed royal affairs, these celebrations are a testament to the country’s rich cultural tapestry and its penchant for opulence. In this article, we explore the world of the most expensive weddings in India, breaking down the costs, the wealth behind them, the sheer scale of the festivities, and the royal touches that transform these events into modern-day fairy tales.
How Much Does a Luxury Wedding Cost in India?
When it comes to celebrating love with an unmatched flair, Indian luxury weddings take extravagance to a whole new level. These celebrations are not merely events but grand spectacles that combine tradition, culture, and modern opulence. So, what exactly does it cost to create such a dazzling affair?
The Price Range of Extravagance
A luxury wedding in India can cost anywhere from 5 crores INR (approximately $600,000) to a staggering 700+ crores INR (over $87.5 million). Yes, you read that right—these celebrations can easily break into double-digit millions when all the lavish details are taken into account. But behind these eye-popping figures lies a world where every rupee is a testament to love, heritage, and a flair for the extraordinary.
What Drives the Cost?
Several key factors contribute to the overall expense of a luxury wedding in India:
- Venue Selection: Imagine hosting your celebration in a centuries-old palace, a sprawling heritage resort, or a state-of-the-art modern banquet hall. These venues are often chosen for their majestic appeal and are then transformed with custom décor, lighting, and floral arrangements that take months of planning.
- Designer Attire and Jewelry: Luxury weddings are a fashion statement. Brides and grooms don custom-made outfits designed by top designers, often featuring hand-embroidered details and exquisite fabrics that cost lakhs to crores. Add to that the opulent jewelry—often family heirlooms or bespoke pieces encrusted with diamonds and precious stones—and you’ve got a look that is nothing short of spectacular.
- Entertainment and Experiences: The guest experience is paramount. Renowned musicians, internationally acclaimed DJs, choreographed dance performances, and even fireworks displays are part of the package. Many luxury weddings also feature a series of events—pre-wedding functions, sangeet nights, cocktail parties, and post-wedding celebrations—that add layers of excitement and, of course, additional cost.
- Customized Décor and Themes: From intricate floral installations and thematic stage designs to bespoke table settings and lighting arrangements, the décor is tailored to create an immersive experience.
- Culinary Excellence: No luxury wedding is complete without a gourmet dining experience. Multiple cuisines, live food stations, and bespoke menus prepared by celebrity chefs transform the dining experience into a culinary extravaganza.
Richest Weddings in India
India’s wealthiest families know that a wedding is not merely an event—it’s a legacy. Here, we look at some of the richest weddings that have set new benchmarks in opulence.
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant Wedding
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding in Mumbai was a global spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide, blending traditional Hindu rituals with ultra-modern extravagance. Thousands gathered in the streets to witness the groom’s grand procession from the family home at Antilla to the Jio World Convention Center, while international media and celebrities followed every moment.
The glitzy, over-the-top events were further elevated by star-studded performances from international music icons. The festivities featured dazzling live shows that included performances by Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Luis Fonsi, and Rema, infusing the celebrations with a dynamic global energy. On July 5, a vibrant sangeet set the stage with Radhika stunning in a crystal ensemble by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, while Anant made a memorable impression with his ruby-diamond-accented attire and a distinctive cheetah brooch. The crescendo came on July 12 with a magnificent baraat, where Anant arrived on horseback amid an explosion of music, dance, and intricate floral artistry crafted by event planner Preston Bailey.
The wedding ceremony itself was a masterful fusion of tradition and modern luxury. Radhika, resplendent in a bespoke red-and-white couture outfit by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, completed the sacred rituals—exchanging garlands, performing the kanyadaan, phera, and sindoor daan—with heartfelt devotion, all while the elaborate décor underscored the event’s grandeur. Post-ceremony, the celebrations continued with a poignant bidaai and subsequent poojas, culminating in the grand Mangal Utsav attended by over 14,000 guests.
Estimated total cost: $600 million
Sushanto Roy and Seemanto Roy Wedding
The double wedding of brothers Sushanto and Seemanto Roy, orchestrated by Sahara Group chairman Subrata Roy, remains one of the most extravagant and talked-about events in India’s history. Held in 2004 in Lucknow, the celebration honored the unions of Sushanto Roy with Richa Ahuja and Seemanto Roy with Chantini Toor, unfolding over four days of festivities, making it one of India’s most expensive weddings.
The venue in Lucknow was transformed into a breathtaking spectacle, adorned with exotic white and yellow flowers, glittering prism lights, and decorative lamps that set a mesmerizing tone for the celebrations. Over 11,000 guests attended the event, which drew a mix of prominent politicians, businessmen, and Bollywood stars. To accommodate the international guest list, private jets were chartered to bring in visitors from around the world.
The festivities featured high-profile performances, including a vibrant display by Shiamak Dawar’s dance troupe and a unique performance by the British Symphony Orchestra, adding an international flavor to the celebration. Both couples looked every bit the part of royalty, with their wedding outfits designed by acclaimed designers Rohit Bal and Sabyasachi, perfectly complementing the grandeur of the occasion.
Adding a touch of generosity to the opulent celebrations, Subrata Roy also organized a separate wedding ceremony for 101 underprivileged girls and ensured that over 15,000 poor people were fed during the festivities. This act of philanthropy, combined with the lavishness of the event, set a new benchmark for extravagance and cultural grandeur in India’s wedding scene.
Estimated total cost: $69 million
Shristi Mittal and Gulraj Behl Wedding
The wedding of Shristi Mittal and Gulraj Behl was nothing short of a fairy tale, set against the enchanting backdrop of Barcelona, Spain. Shristi, the niece of billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, tied the knot with investment banker Gulraj Behl in a lavish celebration. The three-day extravaganza drew a close-knit gathering of approximately 500 family members and friends who were treated to an event marked by sophistication, cultural flair, and extravagant details.
On the day of the wedding, Shristi made a stunning entrance in a traditional red and gold gown that perfectly blended heritage with modern elegance. Her hair was swept back into a classic, elegant up-do, allowing her elaborate jewellery, ornate headpiece, and intricate henna tattoos to capture all the attention. The groom, making an equally dramatic appearance, arrived on horseback at the National Museum of Catalan Art, perched at the top of a hill, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable ceremony.
As guests made their way into the venue, they were greeted by impeccably dressed butlers serving champagne, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. To cater to the diverse tastes of the attendees, chefs flown in from India and Thailand prepared a sumptuous meal, culminating in the presentation of a six-tiered wedding cake weighing an impressive 60 kilograms. The evening ended on a spectacular note as guests stepped outside to witness a romantic fireworks display illuminating the Barcelona skyline.
Estimated total cost: $65 million
Lalit Tanwar and Yogita Jaunapuria Wedding
The week-long nuptials of Lalit Tanwar and Yogita Jaunapuria were a dazzling display of extravagance and power, drawing thousands of guests to witness the grand celebration. The couple married in a series of four elaborate functions spread over a seven-day period, with the festivities kicking off at a family farmhouse. In an unconventional twist, the groom reportedly wore a garland made entirely of bank notes and even received a Bell 429 helicopter as a gift.
The celebration continued to build in scale as the families hosted a community reception that set the stage for the final crescendo in Delhi that weekend. With thousands of attendees including Bollywood stars, prominent politicians, and influential figures from across the country, the marriage was not just a union of two individuals but also a strategic power deal between influential families. Kanwar Singh Tanwar, a well-known city politician from the ruling Congress party, and the bride's father, a former Delhi politician, ensured that every detail of the wedding resonated with both grandeur and political significance.
Reports from newspapers painted a picture of opulence with the wedding being celebrated with 100 lavish dishes and 12 giant TV screens broadcasting the proceedings for all to see. The pre-wedding ceremonies were equally remarkable: according to the Hindustan Times, 2,000 guests were invited to an earlier function where each attendee received a silver biscuit, a safari suit, and $500 in cash. In a particularly notable gesture, at one of the rituals, the bride's family presented the groom with gifts worth approximately $5 million, while even the groom’s barber received a gift valued at around $5,500.
Estimated total cost: $55 million
Biggest Weddings in India
Sometimes it’s not just about how much is spent—it’s about the scale and the spectacle. India’s biggest weddings are renowned for their massive guest lists, sprawling venues, and celebrations that last for days.
Vineeta Agarwal and Muqit Teja Wedding
The wedding of Vineeta Agarwal and Muqit Teja was a dazzling fusion of Italian luxury and traditional Hindu splendor, staged at the iconic San Clemente Palace Hotel & Resort. Vineeta, the daughter of Indian iron magnate Pramod Agarwal, and Muqit Teja became man and wife after six months of meticulous planning. The 72-hour celebration was designed to impress an intimate gathering of 800 guests, with a dedicated staff of 500 ensuring that every extravagant detail was perfectly executed.
The festivities boasted a stunning array of décor that blended the sophistication of Italian design with the rich vibrancy of Hindu tradition. Elaborate touches included 50 flower-entwined Murano glass chandeliers, two majestic golden elephant statues, and even a blimp that added a playful element to the celebration. The groom made a grand entrance on horseback, accompanied by family and friends, while the bride, resplendent in layers of veils, joined him in a ceremonial procession marked by the exchange of floral wreaths and heartfelt vows.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued with an exquisite dinner featuring vegetarian delicacies catered by Venice’s famed Harry’s Bar, followed by a live concert that kept the festive spirit alive. In a spectacular highlight, international superstar Shakira was flown into Venice for a special 45-minute performance that added an unmistakable global flair to the evening. The event was brought to life by a talented team of Venetian designers, florists, and tailors who left no expense spared.
Estimated total cost: $22 million
Sonam Vaswani and Navin Fabiani Wedding
The wedding of Sonam Vaswani and Navin Fabiani was an affair to remember—a dazzling celebration that marked one of the most lavish nuptials of 2017. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Vienna, the festivities unfolded in some of the city’s most iconic venues. The celebrations began at Vienna’s Palais Ferstel, where guests were treated to an atmosphere of grandeur before moving on to a vibrant mehndi ceremony held at Palais Liechtenstein Park. The magic of the day was further amplified by a star-studded performance from international sensation Bruno Mars alongside renowned artist Sukhbir, a highlight that left the guests in awe.
The main wedding ceremony took place at the world-famous Belvedere Palace, one of the most lavish palaces in the world. Here, in a setting reminiscent of a Viennese ball, Sonam and Navin exchanged their vows during an elegant outdoor ceremony. Black limousines transported guests from their hotels to the palace, ensuring that every arrival was as stylish as the event itself.
Sonam Vaswani made a stunning statement with her bridal attire; she chose a beautiful red pure silk embellished lehenga designed by Manish Malhotra that perfectly captured the spirit of traditional opulence. For her mehndi ceremony, she switched to a vibrant pink lehenga bursting with floral embellishments, also by Manish Malhotra, adding to the colorful festivities of the day. Navin Fabiani, complementing his bride’s look, donned a dapper beige sherwani for the main ceremony and later opted for a chic pink and white kurta pajama for the pre-wedding rituals.
Estimated total cost: $26 million
Vikram Chatwal and Priya Sachdev Wedding
The wedding of Vikram Chatwal and Priya Sachdev was a week-long extravaganza that redefined opulence, featuring ten spectacular parties spread over three cities and hosting over a thousand guests. The event attracted an international jet set, with three chartered 737s and a fleet of private jets ferrying guests from around the globe.
New Delhi–based wedding planner Vandana Mohan, who has been orchestrating Indian weddings for nearly twenty years, described it as “the biggest wedding I’ve ever done.” Her role involved overseeing fourteen special hospitality desks at each hotel and coordinating a fleet of 70 private cars for the multi-city tour.
In preparation for the festivities, 50,000 kilos of flowers were shipped in from Holland, Bangkok, and Calcutta, while 3,000 candles were lit and an astounding 65,000 meters of fabric were utilized to create breathtaking décor. Each event featured elaborate buffets meticulously tended for hours, ensuring that even at 2 a.m. there was still food available for everyone—a testament to the dedication and scale of the planning. The wedding itself was a stupendous, mind-bending caravan of festivities, so grand that it was filmed for a documentary by the Discovery Channel.
Estimated total cost: $20 million
Adel Sajan and Sana Khan Wedding
The wedding of Sana Khan and Adel Sajan was a spectacular four-day destination celebration that redefined luxury on the high seas. The couple, along with 1,500 close family and friends, embarked on an unforgettable journey aboard the Concordia-Class Costa Fascinosa cruise liner. With a playful #DilDhadakneDo theme, the ship sailed from Barcelona to Marseilles and Cannes in France, finally docking in Savona, Italy.
The festivities began with a retro-style welcome dinner where Sana dazzled in a glittery 1920s-inspired gold embellished flapper dress, complete with diamond earrings and a vintage finger curl hairstyle, while Adel and guests danced to popular Bollywood hits. The sangeet was staged as a live concert featuring a memorable duet performance by Badshah alongside Vishal and Shekhar, with Sana stunning in an embellished green and gold lehenga with an attached tulle cape by Neeta Lulla. The main wedding ceremony followed traditional Indian rituals, as the ship’s decks were transformed to reflect the charm of Indian customs.
The celebrations culminated in an elegant reception set in an English ballroom-themed upper deck, adorned with white florals that created an atmosphere of sophisticated glamour. Here, celebrities such as Gauhar Khan and Sushmita Sen graced the event with emotional speeches, while Sana stunned in an iridescent white Elsa-inspired gown paired with a statement diamond necklace, and Adel looked dapper in a white tuxedo with black lapels.
Estimated total cost: $30 million
Royal Weddings in India
Even in a modern, democratic India, the echoes of regal traditions are alive and well—especially when it comes to weddings. These events, reminiscent of royal courts and palatial banquets, are styled with a nod to a bygone era of grandeur and nobility.
Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal Wedding
The Ambanis celebrated their union with a series of unforgettable events at Antilia, Mumbai. The festivities began with a grand proposal party and roka ceremony attended by celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Karan Johar. At the roka, Isha dazzled in a pale pink lehenga by Sabyasachi, paired with exquisite diamond jewelry.
On the wedding day, Antilia transformed into a floral wonderland. The entrance along Mumbai’s Altamount Road was adorned with bold marigold streamers, setting the stage for an in-house baraat led by Isha’s brothers, Akash and Anant Ambani, on horseback. The Piramal family added their own festive flair with vibrant turbans and lively dance moves.
The bride made a graceful entrance under a cascade of flowers, proceeding to the mandap for a traditional varmala ceremony with Anand Piramal. Isha’s bridal look for the main ceremony was a custom 16-panel lehenga by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla—a stunning ensemble featuring intricate embroidery, Mughal jaalis, and floral motifs, with a special nod to her mother through the incorporation of Nita Ambani’s wedding sari as a dupatta. Complementing her was Anand’s sophisticated ivory sherwani.
The star-studded guest list boasted Bollywood icons such as Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Janhvi Kapoor, and Rekha, alongside notable figures from politics and sports including Hillary Clinton, former President Pranab Mukherjee, Ratan Tata, Virender Sehwag, and Zakir Hussain.
Estimated total cost: $87.5 million
Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia Wedding
The wedding of Vanisha Mittal, daughter of billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, to investment banker Amit Bhatia in 2004 remains one of the most extravagant and expensive weddings in the world. This six-day celebration spanned several picturesque French locations and even featured a re-enactment of the couple’s courtship. The engagement ceremony took place at the Palace of Versailles—the only private function ever held within its historic walls—setting a record in grandeur. Invitations, comprising twenty pages of poetry and detailed ceremony information, were sent out in elegant silver boxes, perfectly matching the lavish tone of the event.
The festivities continued with a Sangeet party hosted at le Jardin de Tuileries, located alongside the Louvre in Paris. However, the centerpiece of the celebration was the wedding itself, held at Vaux-le-Vicomte—a historic 17th-century castle situated 55 kilometers from Paris, originally built for the finance minister of Louis XIV. For the occasion, over 35 craftsmen were flown in from Mumbai to construct a bespoke mandap within the expansive gardens of the castle. The Mittal family also chartered private jets to transport at least 1,000 high-profile guests from around the globe, underscoring the international scale of the celebration.
Entertainment was nothing short of spectacular. Guests enjoyed dazzling performances, including a private act by pop icon Kylie Minogue and an appearance by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. A stunning fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower added further magic to the night.
Estimated total cost: $37.5 million
Brahmani Reddy and Rajiv Reddy Wedding
The Brahmani Reddy and Rajiv Reddy wedding was a celebration of unparalleled grandeur and cultural extravagance. Karnataka mining baron Janardhana Reddy's daughter, Brahmani, tied the knot with P Rajeev Reddy—the son of a prominent Hyderabad-based industrialist—in a glitzy affair held on November 16 at Bengaluru's iconic Palace Grounds. Spanning five days, the festivities attracted an impressive crowd of 50,000 people, including prominent politicians, celebrities, and movie stars.
For the wedding ceremony, organizers created a breathtaking replica of the lavish Vijayanagara Empire, setting a regal stage that highlighted the event's monumental scale. The groom made a dramatic entrance on a horse-drawn chariot, while the bride enjoyed a flashy procession that featured 100 cultural troops. The procession showcased an eclectic mix of performers, including Brazilian samba dancers, traditional Indian kamsale and nandikolu kunita artists, and tribal dance troupes. This vibrant escort continued right up to the mantap—a meticulously recreated rendition of the Tirupati Tirumala Temple, complete with its iconic seven doors.
Brahmani's trousseau was a testament to luxury. Her wedding saree was valued at an astounding Rs 17 crore (approximately $2.1 million), and her jewelry collection was reported to be worth Rs 90 crore (around $11.25 million).
Estimated total cost: $37.5 million
Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan Wedding
On January 14, 2007, Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan sealed their commitment with a formal engagement ceremony at the Bachchans' residence. By April 2007, the couple tied the knot in Mumbai, in a wedding that quickly became one of Bollywood's most celebrated events. Aishwarya stunned in a pastel blue lehenga set featuring delicate floral threadwork and a refined white border, styled elegantly with a diamond necklace and shoulder-grazing earrings. Abhishek complemented her look perfectly in an embellished sherwani by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, an outfit that has since become a favorite among grooms across India, with many mothers seeking a similar ensemble for their sons.
The wedding festivities were filled with heartfelt moments and joyful celebrations. During the sangeet, family members, including Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan, shared special moments on the dance floor, cheered on by the couple. The three months of preparation leading up to the event were marked by emotional depth and creative satisfaction, making the celebration both personal and exquisitely planned. Prior to the wedding, Abhishek’s pre-wedding puja was a significant highlight. He was seen in a traditional look complete with a turban and sehra, while his mother, Jaya Bachchan, performed a customary ritual to bless him before he set off for the wedding venue.
Estimated total cost: $750,000
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh Wedding
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's wedding was a modern fairytale, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como, Italy. The couple exchanged vows at the magnificent Villa del Balbianello. Prior to the main event, traditional rituals like the Nandi Pooja were observed, where Deepika donned a saffron kurta and dupatta by Sabyasachi to bless the union with good health and prosperity.
The pre-wedding festivities continued with a vibrant Mehndi and Sangeet held at the ultra-luxurious CastaDiva Resort and Villa d’e Este in Italy. At the Mehndi ceremony, Deepika showcased her elegant style in a pink threadwork kurta paired with a matching dupatta and a red shawl, while Ranveer opted for a printed cotton angrakha and embroidered silk bundi. The celebrations further embraced their rich cultural heritage with a Konkani wedding, where Deepika stunned in a golden silk saree gifted by her mother, followed by a Sindhi wedding in which she wore a red Sabyasachi lehenga with an embroidered veil, complemented by Ranveer’s Kanjeevaram sherwani, creating a look of regal finesse.
The festivities then extended to India with a lavish Bangalore reception at the Leela Palace, where the newlyweds graced the event in royal attire. The celebration continued with a series of post-wedding parties in Mumbai, culminating in a grand finale at The Grand Hyatt Mumbai. There, the couple elevated the glamour quotient with Deepika in a bold, custom-made Zuhair Murad gown paired with a matching red veil and Ranveer in a sleek black tuxedo, perfectly blending traditional elegance with contemporary style.
Estimated total cost: $8.7 million
