From the United States
A wedding in India, planned from the United States
Whether you are Indian American, marrying into an Indian family, or simply in love with India, a wedding here gives your guests the trip of a lifetime, and usually costs less than the same standard at home.
Updated Kalyan Co Planning TeamReviewed by Mefas Fransis
Couples in the United States plan their Indian destination wedding with Kalyan Co by video call, in US hours, with budgets in dollars. Guests fly one stop via the Gulf or Europe into Kochi, Mumbai or Delhi. Most couples marry legally at home and celebrate in India.
We keep US hours for calls, quote in dollars, and plan guest travel from every major US gateway.
We plan Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Muslim, interfaith and fusion ceremonies, and we brief every guest who has never been to India.
- Planning calls
- Video calls 8 am to 12 noon Eastern (5.30–9.30 pm in Kochi), evenings and weekends on request.
- Typical budget
- US$44,000–97,000150 guests, 3 nights, 4-star, Kerala · draft figure
- Currency
- Budgets shown in USD; contracts in Indian rupees
Flights for you and your guests
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco | Direct to Delhi or Mumbai on some routes, or one stop via the Gulf or Europe | About 15–22 hours |
| Other US cities | One or two stops | About 20–26 hours |
Questions from couples in the United States
How much does an Indian destination wedding cost in US dollars?
For 150 guests over three days at a 4-star resort, most couples spend roughly US$44,000–97,000 including rooms, food, décor, photography and planning. Use our calculator for your own numbers in dollars.
When is the best time for a US couple to marry in India?
November to February suits most destinations and fits US holidays; late December books up earliest.
Can we get legally married in India as US citizens?
Yes, under the Special Marriage Act, but it needs 30 days of residence and a 30-day notice period. Most US couples marry legally at home and hold the ceremony in India.
And the usual 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.
Book a call in US hours
Video calls 8 am to 12 noon Eastern (5.30–9.30 pm in Kochi), evenings and weekends on request.