Temple weddings are undergoing a remarkable revival in India. Once considered a traditional alternative to elaborate destination ceremonies, they are now becoming a top choice for couples seeking a spiritually rooted, culturally rich, and aesthetically timeless wedding experience. With more families rediscovering the charm of sacred spaces and rituals passed down through generations, 2026 is expected to see a surge in demand for temple-based wedding celebrations.
From ancient Himalayan shrines to coastal sanctuaries overlooking the sea, India offers an unmatched variety of wedding-worthy temples - each steeped in mythology, architectural beauty, and regional customs. Because temple weddings require specific permissions, coordinated rituals, and advance bookings, planners emphasize early preparation, especially for high-footfall shrines.
This guide presents a detailed, state-by-state overview of India’s most sought-after temple wedding destinations for 2026, along with cultural highlights and practical considerations.
Why Temple Weddings Are Becoming a Top Trend
Spiritual Significance: Couples seek blessings from deities revered by generations of their families.
Cultural Revival: Traditional wedding chants, ancient mantras, and regional rituals bring authenticity.
Budget-Friendly Options: Compared to luxury hotels, temples often require modest donations and simple setups.
Unique Aesthetics: Temple architecture - carvings, garbhagriha entrances, mandapas - adds visual grandeur.
Eco-friendly Celebrations: Minimal decoration, natural surroundings, and fewer logistical layers reduce carbon footprint.
STATE-WISE TEMPLE WEDDING DESTINATIONS FOR 2026
Maharashtra
Maharashtra offers a harmonious blend of heritage, accessibility, and cultural depth. Temples here are well-connected and supported by strong hospitality infrastructure.
Top Venues
Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik
Famous Jyotirlinga temple; ideal for couples who want Vedic rituals. While full weddings inside the sanctum are restricted, symbolic ceremonies and blessings are popular.Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnagiri
Located by the sea; offers scenic sunrises and beaches - perfect for pre-wedding shoots and serene ceremonies.Jejuri Khandoba Temple, Pune District
Considered highly auspicious for Maharashtrian families, especially couples with ancestral ties to the deity Khandoba.Bhimashankar Temple (Jyotirlinga)
Surrounded by thick forests; ideal for couples seeking an intimate, spiritual setting. Permissions required.Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
Symbolic rituals and blessings are permitted; many families combine the wedding with heritage tours.
Additional Notes
Best season: October–February (pleasant weather)
Permissions: Mandir trusts require prior approvals and specific timings
Nearby venues: Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur banquet halls for receptions
Gujarat
Gujarat is emerging as a major temple wedding hub thanks to its blend of spirituality and excellent tourist infrastructure.
Top Venues
Somnath Temple
A revered Jyotirlinga with majestic sea views offering unparalleled spiritual ambience.Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka
Perfect for Vaishnavite ceremonies; associated with Lord Krishna’s legacy.Modhera Sun Temple
Known for stunning 11th-century architecture; only symbolic weddings allowed on premises.Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha
A Shakti Peeth attracting devotees seeking Devi’s blessings for marital harmony.
Why Gujarat Works Well
Good roads and hotels
Many temples allow structured, pre-booked wedding slots
Ideal for photography due to golden sandstone structures and clear skies
Punjab
Temple weddings in Punjab blend devotion with vibrant community celebrations.
Key Temples
Durgiana Temple, Amritsar
Architecturally reminiscent of the Golden Temple; ideal for serene ceremonies.Devi Talab Mandir, Jalandhar
A revered Shakti temple; families often combine rituals with traditional Punjabi festivities.ISKCON Temples in Ludhiana & Amritsar
Popular for Vaishnav traditions, kirtans, and simple yet elegant marriages.Kali Mata & Shiv Mandirs around Patiala
Preferred for small symbolic ceremonies with traditional Punjabi customs.
Good to Know
Punjabi weddings may blend gurdwara ceremonies with temple rituals.
Amritsar and Ludhiana offer excellent hospitality options for guests.
Karnataka
Karnataka is home to some of India’s most visually dramatic temple locations, especially along the coast.
Top Picks
Murudeshwar Temple
Iconic 123-feet Shiva statue overlooking the Arabian Sea. Beautiful drone-friendly vistas.Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Famous for strict rituals and divine atmosphere.Dharmasthala Manjunath Temple
Known for large-scale ceremonies with community participation.Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple
Ideal for intimate weddings near the beach.Sringeri Sharada Peetham
A serene riverside temple offering classical South Indian traditions.
Best Season
November–March (avoid monsoons)
Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s temples combine royal architecture and spiritual charm—making them ideal for those seeking grandeur with divinity.
Popular Wedding Temples
Birla Mandir, Jaipur
White marble beauty perfect for elegant ceremonies.Brahma Temple, Pushkar
Rare temple dedicated to Lord Brahma; sacred lakeside setting.Eklingji Temple, Udaipur
Beloved by Mewar royals; auspicious for Shiva devotees.Karni Mata Temple, Deshnoke
Unique cultural setting; symbolic rituals only.
Bonus
Can be paired with palace or haveli receptions
Winter weddings are ideal
Kerala
Kerala blends spirituality with lush landscapes and traditional rituals.
Most Sought-After Temples
Guruvayur Temple
One of India’s busiest wedding temples with strict queues and fixed timings.Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
Only symbolic ceremonies allowed; attire rules strictly followed.Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur
A UNESCO-recognised heritage site known for classic Kerala architecture.Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
Auspicious for couples seeking Devi’s blessings.
Why Kerala?
Traditional Kerala attire and rituals offer unmatched elegance.
Eco-friendly setups supported by temple grounds.
West Bengal
Temple weddings in Bengal weave together Tantra, Bhakti, and devotional art.
Top Venues
Kalighat Temple
A Shakti Peeth with deep emotional and cultural resonance.Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Stunning riverside location; ideal for symbolic ceremonies.Tarapith Temple
Famous for Tantric traditions; allows limited wedding rituals.Belur Math Lawns
While full marriages are not performed in the sanctum, spiritual gatherings and blessings are permitted.Hanseswari Temple
Known for unique star-shaped towers.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Tirumala Tirupati Temple
One of India’s most prestigious wedding locations; booking begins months in advance.Srikalahasti Temple
Preferred for couples seeking traditional Shaiva rituals.Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam
Iconic Vaishnav shrine with ancient stone architecture.Kanaka Durga Temple, Vijayawada
Popular for blessings and symbolic ceremonies.
Telangana
Yadadri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Newly redeveloped; now a major pilgrimage and wedding destination.Chilkur Balaji Temple (Visa Balaji)
Ideal for small, intimate weddings.
Uttarakhand
The Himalayas elevate the emotional and spiritual experience of a wedding like no other.
Top Himalayan Wedding Temples
Triyuginarayan Temple
Believed to be the site of Shiva–Parvati’s celestial marriage; the sacred eternal flame (“Akhand Dhuni”) burns continuously.Kedarnath & Badrinath
Only symbolic rituals allowed due to temple restrictions.Jageshwar Temples
Ancient cluster of 100+ temples offering peaceful forest surroundings.Neelkanth Mahadev, Rishikesh
Situated on a hilltop; suitable for blessings and simple ceremonies.Daksheshwar Mahadev, Haridwar
Preferred by families seeking traditional North Indian rituals.
Best Season
March–June, September–November (avoid monsoon and peak winter)
Odisha
Odisha’s temples are known for their graceful Kalinga architecture and sacred ambience.
Top Venues
Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneswar
Limited permissions; iconic for traditional Shaivite rituals.Konark Sun Temple
Weddings inside the monument are not allowed, but symbolic weddings and photo shoots are permitted nearby.Jagannath Temple, Puri Region
Families often choose symbolic rituals in Puri followed by blessings from priests.
Goa
Beyond beaches, Goa offers some of the oldest Hindu temples in western India.
Temple Options
Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple
12th-century structure surrounded by forests; best for intimate weddings.Mangeshi Temple
One of Goa’s most prominent temples; allows symbolic rituals.
Why Choose Goa?
Can be clubbed with beach receptions
Beautiful monsoon and winter photography backdrops
Madhya Pradesh & Bihar
Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho Temples
Symbolic ceremonies only; excellent for heritage-themed celebrations.Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain
Jyotirlinga with powerful spiritual energy.Omkareshwar Temple
Located on an island shaped like ‘Om’; auspicious for Shiva devotees.
Bihar
Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
Popular for ancestral rituals and symbolic weddings.Mundeshwari Temple
One of India’s oldest functioning temples; ideal for small sacred ceremonies.
LEGAL & PRACTICAL FORMALITIES FOR TEMPLE WEDDINGS
1. Legal Registration
To make the marriage valid:
Register under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Submit:
Aadhaar or passport
Address proof
Joint photos
Application form
Obtain:
Priest-issued temple marriage certificate
Government-issued marriage registration certificate
2. For NRI Couples
Apostilled documents
Embassy-attested affidavits
Visa copies
Local witness details
3. Temple Permissions & Logistics
Book time slots at least 2–6 months in advance
Follow attire codes (common in South Indian temples)
Photography rules vary—many temples allow only external shoots
Donations or “dakshina” may be mandatory for certain rituals
4. Budget Ranges (Approx.)
Simple temple ritual: ₹5,000–₹30,000
Medium-scale arrangements with décor: ₹30,000–₹1.5 lakh
Premium setups + hospitality: ₹2–10 lakh
5. Best Seasons Nationwide
October to March (cool weather)
Avoid peak monsoon (June–August) for hill or coastal temples
The Essence of Temple Weddings in 2026
As India moves into the 2026 wedding season, temple weddings stand at the intersection of spirituality, heritage, and modern minimalism. Families are embracing the joy of divine blessings, timeless rituals, and meaningful celebrations over extravagance. Whether performed in majestic Himalayan shrines or coastal sanctuaries bathed in golden light, temple weddings offer an emotional and cultural richness that few other venues can match.