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wedding at gajner palace bikaner
What could be more romantic than a royal palace wedding?  India is home to many wonderful fairytale palaces and forts that are rich in history, refinement, elegance and opulence and are among the most spectacular and sought after wedding venues in the world. Our team at MWP has been fortunate to plan and execute regal weddings at many of these grand venues across India, and here we share our list of top 10 Palace wedding venues:

Umaid Bhawan Palace- Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan is one of the most gorgeous wedding venues you can imagine to set your wedding day against. Made completely out of Chittar sandstone, this palace plays host to the rich and famous. It’s set against the backdrop of the Blue city of Jodhpur and its architecture is a confluence of Victorian and Rajput influences. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is home to one of the grandest ballrooms in the world- The Marwar hall. The 4,500 square feet Marwar hall has a same sized ballroom at the opposite side called the Mewar Hall. Together they are a sprawling 9000 square feet of event space.  If you wish to have your wedding outdoors, the Baradari lawns that extend to 17500 square feet is perfect for your big fat Indian wedding. The Baradari Lawn also features an exquisite Marble Pavilion. The 450 sq feet royal tent in the back lawn is ideal for a mehendi. Enjoy traditional rajasthani food along with a lavish spread of cuisines from the world over.
wedding at umaid bhawan palace

Rambagh Palace- Jaipur

Located in the heart of the pink city of Jaipur, the former hunting lodge and residence of the Maharaja is today one of the most sought after wedding venues in India. Suvarna Mahal, the grand ballroom of the palace is the perfect setting for a royal palace wedding. Feel like royalty as you get married at Rambagh Palace. The gardens of Rambagh are great for reception parties. Guests will be in awe of the lavish spread of food as well as the unique and intricate artwork adorned in the rooms in this regal paradise.
taj rambagh palace

Gajner Palace-Bikaner

Gajner palace is one of India’s secret gems that stretches over 6000 acres of land. This sprawling majestic palace, with its distinctive terraces and balconies is revered for its architecture and natural beauty. Host your royal wedding in this beautiful heritage property that was converted into a hotel in 1976. Each suite has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur. Every detail, from the furniture to the wallpaper, the four-poster beds and picturesque windows has been carefully recreated exuding an aura of a bygone age. All rooms have been thoughtfully fitted with modern conveniences.
wedding at gajner palace bikaner
This lakeside palace-complex adjoining a sanctuary, in the middle of Thar desert is an ideal place for a royal feast wedding.

Taj Faluknama Palace

Faluknama also known as the Mirror of the sky, was once the home of the famous Kohinoor and Jacob Diamonds. Perched at a royal 2000 feet above the city, the venue plays host to the most expensive weddings. The 101 Dining Hall with the world’s longest table, seats 101 guests and is perfect for formal sit down dinners. The Faluknama Palace has many outdoor lawns that can be used for a grand wedding. The Rajasthani gardens has a space of 9000 square feet. The indoor ballroom called the Durbar hall is as grand as it can possibly get lit with chandeliers all the way. The Jade room, with its hand-painted Victorian ceiling is equally beautiful for an intimate family pre-wedding function. Stand before the Palace facade, the Gol bungalow or the stained glass dome for spectacular photos that will mark the beginning of your fairytale union.
wedding at taj faluknama palace

Taj Lake Palace-Udaipur

The gem of Udaipur, Taj Lake Palace hosts some of the most talked about weddings in India. The exquisite Lake Palace of Udaipur is like a pearl that emerges from the placid waters of the lake. Once the summer palace of the king of Mewar, Taj Lake Palace is perfect for an intimate wedding. Guests will be escorted to a ferry to cross the lake. The Jag Mandir palace is a great setting for weddings and receptions alike. Soak in the tranquility of the quiet waters surrounding you, and enjoy walks around the grand elephant-flanked facade and verbena scented gardens.
wedding at taj lake palace

 Laxmi Vilas Palace-Heritage Hotel , Bharatpur

For centuries, the Laxmi Vilas Palace has been a witness to almost every eventful happening that took in the princely state of Bharatpur – Royal weddings, affairs of the court and the Royal duck shoots. It has played host to such dignitaries as the Duke of Edinburgh, Shah of Iran, King of Nepal and Shah of Afghan. There was of course enough to entertain those who entered the portals of the Palace. Feasts and festivities lasted for days, and the Palace kitchen ensured that the only gourmet cuisine arrived at the dining table. The same traditions of hospitality have been kept alive till the present day. In 1994, a decision was taken to convert the palace into a hotel. The Laxmi Vilas Palace has been operational ever since. Though the Laxmi Vilas Palace is now a premier heritage hotel, it is first and foremost a Royal residence with the family of Raja Raghunath Singhji staying in the Palace . Even today the traditional pujas and ceremonies, especially of Dusshera and Diwali, take place in the ceremonial rooms. While restoring and refurnishing the Laxmi Vilas Palace care was taken to preserve the royal character and the spirit of the property. The furniture, furnishings, even the photographs  and paintings on the walls reminded one of the gracious days of the Raj.
laxi vilas palace bharatpur

Laxmi Niwas Palace- Bikaner

Laxmi Niwas Palace has hosted many exclusive weddings and is royalty at its best. Gaze at hand-painted sculptures and gold-laden walls as you soak up the regal environs of the Palace. The guest rooms are unique in character with high ceilings, king size bed, sofas, 2 sitting rooms that adds to the luxury. Words wont do justice to describe the opulence of the palace! It is a grand old Palace with sumptuous sitting rooms, bar rooms and dining rooms that are filled with antiques, old photographs and hunting trophies.
wedding at laxmi niwas palace bikaner

City Palace Jaipur

A beautiful mix of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural influences, the City Palace in Jaipur is one of the most premium palace complexes in the world. Ideal to host a big fat Indian wedding, the palace has many lavish courtyards and gardens. A major part of the City Palace in Jaipur now consists of the ‘Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum’. It is also the residence of the Jaipur Royal Family.
wedding at city palace jaipur

City Palace Udaipur

City Palace Udaipur is one of the most beautiful palace complexes you will ever see. A pleasing honeydew gold color, the palace complex is one of the largest in India. Perched on a hilltop, the palace offers a splendid panoramic view of the city as well as of lake Pichola. The Zenana Mahal, Mor chowk, Manek Chowk, Badi Mahal and Moti Chowk are among some of the most sought after and flamboyant wedding venues in India.

Other Great Venues

Other grand palaces that are perfect to host your dream palace wedding are Lallgarh Palace in Bikaner and Noor-Us-Sabah Palace in Bhopal. 
Do let us know which are your favorite palace wedding venues in India in the comments section below :)
For help planning and executing a royal palace wedding, email us:
jaipur
Happy Sunday everyone! We’re finishing off this week in the prettiest way possible as we head to Jaipur for Rishab and Sakshi’s sweet-as-ever destination wedding. You’ve probably picked up by now that all of us atMy Wedding Planning are huge fans of destination weddings and when we get to feature a royal wedding, it just gets us jumping with joy. Over the last couple of years Destination Weddings have taken the Indian wedding industry by storm. Nowadays families manage to bring down their guest list to 200-250 guests and spread their functions over 2-3 days and guests enjoy a holiday-cum-wedding! I absolutely love planning and featuring weddings that have taken place at Udaipur and Jodhpur but Jaipur remains my favorite city for royal weddings. The main reason being that Jaipur has a great number of options to choose from including heritage venues, forts, palaces and royal gardens making it fit for different budgets and requirements. The other reason is that Jaipur is home to three of my most favorite wedding venues- City Palace, Fairmont and Shiv Vilas. These hotels are charmingly old school – service is amazing, tea is served each morning and afternoon, etc. All this without feeling old fashioned – the decor is bright and clean, with royal rajasthani touches. When Katia Peshakova sent me this fabulous Jaipur wedding, I had the biggest smile on my face. Firstly, the bride has worn the most delightful pastel pink lehenga and teamed it with drool-worthy gold jewels. Secondly, the pictures taken by Katia Peshakova of the entire wedding ceremony are simply stunning. And lastly because this wedding emanates a whole lot of love, joy and happy smiles as the bride and groom are college sweethearts!
But before you see this gorgeous wedding, have a look at these pre-wedding shots captured perfectly by Katia Peshakova. Pre wedding shoot is positively one of the prettiest trends in weddings at the moment. And with so many weddings happening at picturesque outdoors, this is a perfect way to make an impact right from the get go. Happy browsing!
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Don’t we all love a little sparkle? I’m loving the combination of these stunning gold jewels that Sakshi’s wearing.  So soft and pretty! Looks like one of those beautiful Tanishq ads! This fashion forward bride went the traditional way for her wedding attire. Keeping with her tradition, Sakshi who’s a Marwari Jain wore a traditional Rajasthani lehenga with sea green simple ‘kair design’ embroidery.
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The wedding photographer in the spotlight Katia Peshakova says, “Sakshi and Rishabh were, what you may call “exactly my kind of clients”: simple in behaviour but creative by nature. Since they were getting married in the beautiful “pink city” we wanted to explore beautiful places to shoot their pre wedding . I headed from Delhi to Jaipur late night and there we had 2 full days for our imagination to get blown away. On first day, we put all efforts to set the right plan to shoot. We went around looking for places that will make the perfect background as well as for outfits and props. Rishab and Sakshi wanted photos that can be frozen for generations (nothing less than that!)”
Further she says,”Rishab and Sakshi’s wedding story is so lovely as they are college sweethearts. They both are Marwaris and had the cutest day time wedding with all that beautiful natural light and magic of pink mixed with golden. Sakshi chose to wear traditional Rajputana poshak of pink colour. I absolutely loved it! It was accompanied with my favourite rakhdi (that circular typical rajputi tika).”
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We sincerely thank Katia Peshakova for sharing this wonderful wedding with us!
Most Expensive Bollywood Celebrity Weddings That Will Leave You Stunned
A-list celebrity guests, accommodated in seven star hotels, treated to most exotic world cuisines, utterly amazing venues, marvellous designer outfits, heavy jewellery, and immense media coverage; by now you must have understood that we are talking about the jaw-dropping expensive marriages of Bollywood. Our superstar couples certainly leave no stone unturned to make their holy union a memorable one.
So, take a look at some of the most famous B-town couples, who left every from the industry and outside awe-struck with their ultra-expensive wedding affairs.

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra

The wedding of Bollywood actress, Shilpa Shetty and London-based businessman, Raj Kundra, was an over-the-top majestic ceremony for its pompous, lavish and unforgettable royal affairs. They got married on November 22, 2009 at Bawa’s Villa in Khandala. Be itmehendi, sangeet or the actual wedding, the ceremonies were enough to display the royalty of this celebrity couple.
Apart from awe-inspiring wedding decorations, it was Shilpa’s outstanding Kundan jewellery with uncut diamonds and emeralds from Anmol Jewellers that surely raised a lot of eyebrows. Her engagement ring came with a hefty price tag of 3 crore, and generated a lot of buzz. And why not; after all, it was a staggering masterpiece. For the wedding functions, Shilpa wore outfits by ace designer Tarun Tahiliani while the groom chose designer-duo Shantanu and Nikhil, to dress him up. Reportedly, Shilpa splurged 50 lakhs on her bridal saree, designed by Tarun Tahiliani that had as many as 8000 Swarovski crystals embellished on it.
Furthermore, the reception held at Grand Hyatt hotel in Mumbai for their elite guests from the B-town, was another show of their incredible budget. The famous duo went all out for their splendid wedding with a nine-tier gasp-worthy cake, which was rumoured to weigh around 80 kilos. Well, considering the name and recognition the couple holds, it is an all-in-all fair game.

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan

This was one lavish ceremony that was meant to go in the history of B-town celeb weddings. Not all the details about Abhi-Ash wedding have been disclosed, but as per the reports, the cost for the incredible, larger-than-life event was incredible.
The gorgeous blue-eyed actress, Aishwarya Rai tied the knot with Abhishek Bachchan on April 20, 2007, at the Bachchan bungalow, Prateeksha. It was a regal ceremony filled with their closest friends and family. Though their wedding was a low key affair, it was still a lavish affair. It included many of Bollywood’s and politics’ big names like Anil Ambani, Karan Johar, Amar Singh, and more. 
From pujas and ceremonies, to vibrant outfits and jewellery, this ‘statement-making’ marriage still has us and B-town talking. Having prime designers Neeta Lulla and Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, the bride and the groom looked splendid in expensive wedding outfits. Aishwarya’s wedding date saree was embellished with stunning red and gold zari.
Their reception feast had the chefs from the Taj Hotel, to serve a scrumptious combination of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines was another money-guzzling arrangement. We are sure the large part of the budget went on security too.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor's wedding on October 16, 2012, took the concept of ‘pomp and show’ to another level. The celebrations and merriment was never ending for their five-day long nuptial ceremony. Celebrities from royal families and the world of sports and politics made the royal wedding a stunning spectacle with their mighty presence.
Everything was a splurge for this pair, and most of the expenses were doled out on couple’s custom-made outfits for various rituals. They made headlines with their designer outfits and Nawabi andaaz. Of course, Kareena’s mother-in-laws, Sharmila Tagore’s sharara that she wore for her wedding was beautiful and priceless.
Buy Stunning Jewellery For Your Wife at Amazon.in
The invitation card for the post-wedding reception, Dawat-E-Walima with the royal Pataudi emblem embossed on it was also amazingly special. The fabulous reception hosted by Saif AlI Khan's mother Sharmila Tagore, made the paparazzi go wild. The reports also mentioned that two five star hotels in Gurgaon were booked completely, with a helipad. There is no wonder that even the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee and his family was sent an invite.

Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh

The cute couple pulled out all the stops to have a gala wedding and make their big day an affair to remember. The cash that the lovebirds Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh dropped on their nuptials were off-limit. Their wedding on February 3, 2012, was held in a grand and high-class Maharashtrian style. After this, the couple went on to formalise their wedding with Catholic rituals in a church. It was a grand five-day affair; and the actual wedding was held in the Taj Lands End hotel, Mumbai.
There was a star-studded mehendi, preceding a similarly grand sangeet and a magnificent wedding. In this wedding, everything from the booked five star hotels and lavish spread to celebrity guests and the attires of the lovely couple became the talk of the town.
It was a swish luxury restaurant booked for the guests, which made their marriage even dreamier. They gave an awesome edge to their outfits cementing their position as stars. The ceremony was simply sparkling with B-towns’ big names like Bachchans, Kapoors and Khans. The exact cost that went into the entire wedding has never been calculated, though looking at the affair it is quite certain that it would have been an ultra-luxurious one.

Avantika and Imran Khan

Imran Khan married his childhood sweetheart Avantika Mallik, on January 10, 2011. Their glamourous affair turned in to a glitzy wedding that was nothing short of spectacular. Celebs and stars from every field came to attend their elaborate wedding functions. Reports also suggest that the family especially had chefs flown in from Lucknow to prepare traditional delicacies.
From mehendi and wedding to the star-studded reception, everything was magnificent. What upped the costs further was the fact that their wedding invitation cards came with special swipe cards to enter the venues. Their expensive and lavish reception was held in the Taj Lands End hotel. And, who’s who of the B-town was there in attendance, like Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Salman Khan, and Sachin Tendulkar, with Imran’smammu jaan, Aamir Khan looking after the guests personally. Reports also state that Karan Johar was the unofficial wedding planner for Imran and Avantika’s wedding.

Vivek Oberoi and Priyanka Alva

The opulence-crazy couple got married in a splendid style in 2010, at the lavish Alva farmhouse, near Hebbal Lake in Bangalore. Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi and Priyanka Alva, daughter of former Indian politician Jeevraj Alva had a royal theme to their big day.
Even before the wedding functions started they had everyone’s attention with their opulent wedding cards. Their wedding invite was limited-edition piece; the two-tiered box contained an expensive Ganjifa artwork, which made it a collector’s item.
One of the grandest and classiest Bollywood weddings saw the couple appearing as prince and princess. Everyone was heard gibbering about the Karnataka and Punjabi style wedding, ostentatious food lawns with palm trees, prodigious catering arrangements, and how gorgeous the couple looked in their designer dresses.
When it comes to the mandap decoration, sky was the limit. Decorated with 25,000 Swarovski crystals, imported flowers brought in from Czechoslovakia and Italy, and rangolismade by professionals, the wedding venue showcased the affluence and royalty that goes with the rich and famous.
Now there is little left to imagination why there is so much excitement and hoopla surrounding B-town weddings. Everything about these weddings from wedding preparations to guest list has a magnificent edge, and that is literally quite stunning!
Most Stylish Beautiful Royal Ladies in Indian History
India has its own royal historical importance. It used to be a country of many different royal dynasties in the pre-independence era. Even post-independence, if may not officially but royal dynasties still happen to exist. Indian queens used to be famous world over for their incredible beauty, effortless regal style and huge social activities. They were the master of their own minds and loved to live their life luxuriously and on their own terms.
We looked back to five such royal queens, whose beauty bounded no limits! Their style and fashion sense are still remembered today and will always be decades after.

1. MAHARANI GAYATRI DEVI

Vogue described her as one of the most beautiful woman in the world in the 60’s. Late Rajmata Gayatri Devi, the Maharani of Jaipur (1939 to 1970), is the epitome of true royalty and effortless style. Her choice of fine fabrics like pure French chiffon sari draping her, a small bindi shining on her forehead and delicate pearls complimenting her outfit speaks of her style statement with the grace and poise.
Columnist Nisha Jhangiani in Verve Magazine described –
 Delicate floral prints, dainty leheriyas, discreet bandhinis; she made every unobtrusive print her own, coupling them with slightly puff-sleeved blouses and a dot of a bindi. Over the years, the pale pastels may have made way for more mature teals, blues and greens; pearls may have been replaced with bolder diamond solitaires; but the sassy downward pallu drape remained. And though she may have been the recipient of many an opulent gift in her lifetime, her most treasured one was a navratan necklace of ruby, emerald, coral, sapphire, pearl, diamond, garnet, cat’s eye and yellow topaz strung on a gold chain – given to her by her Maharaja. And it’s this heartfelt sentimentality that made me fall hook, line and sinker for her sense of style.
Stylish Women Maharani Gayatri Devi
Source : pinterest.com
Did you know?
Maharani Gayatri Devi has been mentioned in The Guinness Book of Records for having the most expensive wedding in the 1940’s. She received a blue Bentley, a two-seater Packard and a mansion in Himalayas as wedding present. Her wedding trousseau boasts of sheets from Czechoslovakia, shoes from Florence, and nightgowns in mousseline de soie from Paris.  (As perwww.anaisevents.com)

2. INDIRA RAJE OF BARODA (MAHARANI OF COOCH BEHAR)

A mother passes on her beauty her daughter! It was evident the way Maharani Indira Raje Devi of Cooch Behar passed on her beauty, sensuality and taste for fine fashion to her daughter Gayatri Devi, who later became the Maharani of Jaipur and the most beautiful woman in the world.   Maharani Indira Raje Devi had a grandiose charm about her.
Did you know?
As mentioned in one of the articles at verveonline.com – Indira Devi first spotted the buttery smooth textile i.e. chiffon in Paris, and being the fashion visionary that she was, asked if the available width could be extended from 34 inches to 42 inches.
She was a strong-willed personality, who used to follow her own heart. As she chose to break off her arrange marriage with the Scindia of Gwalior to marry her love, Prince of Jitendra of Cooch Behar.
Her pearl necklace and ear danglers were seen in many of her old pictures, hinting at her love for those.
Beautiful Women Maharani Indira Raje Devi
Source : anaisevents.com

3. SITA DEVI OF BARODA

Known as ‘Indian Wallis Simpson’, Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda was always into the luxurious life and her love for having or buying luxurious items evidently prove that.  She was known for her meticulous detail to fashion as it was said that she used to travel with a thousand of saris with matching handbags and shoes.
Akshay Chavan, a royal enthusiast and amateur historian in Verveonline –
“She loved her jewels and she knew how to capture attention.  At a time when most Indian women and maharanis were photographed with their heads demurely covered, she was often seen at the Waldorf Astoria or The Dorchester, her hair thrown back to show off earrings and necklaces, hands posed so as to show off her bracelets and rings to best effect. Even her cigarette holder was studded with rubies.”
Did you know?
As per the Frenchsampler.blogspot.com – In 1953 the Maharani sold a pair of bejewelled anklets to Harry Winston. They had several large emeralds and diamonds. The jeweller set these stones into a spectacular necklace that was purchased by the Duchess of Windsor. The Duchess wore this to a 1957 New York ball that was also attended by Sita Devi. When other guests were admiring the necklace. The Maharani was heard to exclaim that those jewels looked just as nice on her feet. The embarrassed Duchess returned the necklace to Harry Winston. 
It was believed that the last order that Maharani made was for 260 exclusive saris from a factory called Saree & Co., which used to create French chiffon saris.
Maharani Sita Devi of Baroda
Source : blogspot.com

4. MAHARANI SITA DEVI OF KAPURTHALA

 ‘Secular Goddess’ was how Vogue described then 19 years old Rani Sita Devi of Kapurthala, who was considered India’s most glamorous royals of all time. After three years, she was named amongst the five best dresses women on earth by the worlds’ top-most fashion magazines. She was the daughter of a Zamindar and got hitched to a younger son of the Sikh Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala.
Did you know?
Rani Sita Devi of Kapurthala could fluently speak many European languages. She was a muse to an Intalian couturier Elsa Schiaparelli who named her 1935 collection inspired by Sita Devi’s Saris.
The Maharani was popular for her fine sartorial choices, which bespoke her royalty in her wardrobe.
Rani Sita Devi’s was pampered a lot by her husband who loved to lavish his royal wifewith dazzling jewellery from the likes of Cartier Van Cleef & Arpels. Being true to her royal status, she was always seen wearing beautiful jewels gaining her praise and attentionamong her socialites.
Maharani Sita Devi of Kapurthala
Source : pinterest.com

5. PRINCESS NILOUFER OF HYDERABAD

 ‘Style with substance’ or ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ can best define Princess Niloufer of Hyderabad. She was a royal not by birth but by the virtue of marriage like other Queens.  ‘Kohinoor of Hyderabad’ as she was popularly called, Princess Niloufer used to be considered among the most beautiful women in the world.
She used to speak about women’s rights. She also got herself trained as a nurse during World War II and carried our relief work. After she divorced her husband, she donated all her wealth to build a hospital for women and children in Hyderabad.
Princess Niloufer loved to dress up in latest fashion at social outings.  Her looks and clothes were the talking point all over the country and in European cities.
Did you know?         
As per princessniloufer.blogspot.com – The New York Fashion Institute of Technology showed the 1940s saris of Princess Niloufer, an Ottoman princess who married the son of the Nizam of Hyderabad. She made the traditional sari her own by giving it a Western touch through decoration and the placement of motifs. Her saris were ornamented with sequins, beads and metallic embroidery on chiffon, crepe and net, with the floral designs falling in the front or over the left shoulder. Many of these saris were designed by a Frenchman, Fernande Cecire, and embroidered in India. This is reminiscent of the days of the British Raj, when Indian princesses travelled to Paris and had saris designed by French couturiers. 
In a report in Siaset.com –
 Niloufer had a style of dressing that attracted the public and caught the attention of the fashion media.  Her sarees were especially crafted by Madhavdas, a designer from Bombay.  These were frequently studied and analyzed.  Even in later years, when she shifted to wearing European style clothes when travelling abroad, she still managed to cut a fine figure.  One of her European dresses formed the topic of discussion in the New York Times in 1961.
Princess Niloufer of Hyderabad
Source : pinterest.com
Princess’ clothes have inspired the attires of Bollywood leading ladies from Waheeda Rehman to Diya Mirza and served as textbooks for later designers, most recently for couturier Suneet Varma.