# Planning a wedding in India from abroad

Source: https://kalyanco.com/international

Publisher: Kalyan Co (https://kalyanco.com)
Updated: 2026-09-24

Yes, you can have your wedding in India without living here. Most couples from abroad marry legally at home and hold the celebration in India, or marry under India’s Special Marriage Act. Kalyan Co plans it remotely by video call and WhatsApp, quotes in your currency and meets every guest at the airport.

## The process

1. **A video call in your time zone.** Thirty minutes to talk about places, guest numbers, dates and budget. You get a shortlist within 48 hours.
2. **A proposal in your currency.** Venues, a draft budget in dollars, pounds, euros or dirhams, and a timeline.
3. **Planning from home.** Monthly calls, a shared plan and a WhatsApp group. Most couples visit once, or not at all, before the wedding.
4. **Save the dates and guest travel.** A travel page for your guests with visas, flights, hotels and dress codes.
5. **Wedding week.** We meet everyone at the airport and run every function. You enjoy it.

## Common worries

### Is it legal for foreigners to marry in India?

Yes. Foreign nationals can marry under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, after one partner has lived in the district for 30 days and a 30-day notice period. Because that takes time, most couples marry legally at home and hold their ceremony in India.

### Is it safe for our guests?

Our destinations are established tourist and wedding regions. We plan every transfer, keep guests in vetted hotels, and run a help desk and WhatsApp line throughout the stay.

### Do our guests need visas?

Most do. Many nationalities can apply online for an Indian e-Visa; we send each guest the steps for their passport.

### Will it be cheaper than a wedding at home?

Usually, for the same standard. Rooms, food, décor and staff cost less in India than in Western Europe, North America or Australia, which is why couples often host a longer celebration for the same budget.

### Will it feel like our wedding, not someone else’s?

Yes. You choose what to include. Many couples keep their own vows and traditions and add Indian touches: garlands, mehndi, a sadya or chenda drummers.

### What if something goes wrong?

One planner owns the whole plan, with a backup for every vendor, weather plans for every outdoor function and a crew on site from set-up to the last guest home.

## By country

- [From the United States](https://kalyanco.com/international/us)
- [From the United Kingdom](https://kalyanco.com/international/uk)
- [From the United Arab Emirates](https://kalyanco.com/international/uae)