20 Unconventional Temple Wedding Venues in India!

Tying the knot in a soulful and tranquil place like a temple is a different experience altogether! The calmness, the mystical vibe, and the spiritual atmosphere make temples inarguably one of the perfect wedding destinations. Nothing is better than starting this new phase of your life with the blessings of the almighty!

In the Indian culture, especially in current times, most couples who opt out for temple weddings either desire a low-key wedding or want a pious and spiritual ceremony on their D-day. India being full of temples, you don’t need to go too far to find a divine destination.

So, if you’re interested in going ahead with a temple wedding, these are some unconventional temples where you could get hitched:

1. Triyuginarayan temple, Uttarakhand

The very spot where Lord Shiva and Parvati tied the knot and got bonded for eternity. Who wouldn’t want to marry at this very spot and relish a relationship of a lifetime?

2. Mangateshwar temple, Khajuraho

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a stunning backdrop for a temple wedding. The intricate sculptures and architectural marvels of these ancient temples create a captivating ambiance. Built by the Chandela Dynasty, this temple has a ling that stands 8 feet tall. With a picturesque backdrop, intricate architecture and calming atmosphere, this is a perfect wedding destination.

3. Brihadeeswara temple, Thanjavur

Another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is an exemplary example of perfect Dravidian architecture. Have a culturally rich wedding, filled with tradition, authenticity, and spirituality at this temple. The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple’s towering gopuram and intricate stone carvings create a majestic ambiance, offering a grand setting for a memorable wedding ceremony.

4. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

The Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. The temple complex consists of three temples, with two large shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and one smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Shore Temple is known for its intricate carvings, serene surroundings, and stunning views of the sea, making it a popular choice for weddings and a must-visit destination in Mahabalipuram.

5. Bhoganandishwara Temple, Nandi Hills

Image source: Bengaluru Nodi

The temple has a tank in the center of the structure which serves as a photographer’s delight, especially for wedding shoots. The structure is in itself nothing short of stellar and magnificent. It has ornate pillars and window carvings adding to the beauty.

P.S.- Be ready to keep posing if you decide to have your wedding here!

6. Chaturbhuja temple, Orchha

This temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a mix of architectural features of a temple, fort, and palace. The exterior of this complex has petaled stoned moldings, jeweled stone girdles, and geometric designs. You don’t need to think twice before deciding to get hitched here.

7. Konark Sun temple

A temple dedicated to the Sun God or Lord Surya depicts a massive, 100-foot chariot with wheels and horses. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate their D-day against this architectural masterpiece?

8. Dakshineswar temple, Kolkata

Image source: Debjoy Nandy  

This temple is primarily dedicated to Goddess Kali. However, it also has 12 shrines, dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and others, along the riverfront. The idol of Goddess Kali, the inner structural beauty, and the tranquility, make it yet another spectacular wedding destination.

9. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

Adjectives used to describe this temple like, ‘massive’ or ‘enormous’ are not quite good enough! This temple has 9 sacred pools, 50 shrines, and 21 towers or gopurams. The fascinating pillars, mandaps, and vibrant colors as part of the structure make this a breathtaking wedding venue.

10. Golden Temple, Amritsar

Image source: Lovely Digital Studio

Also known as Darbar Sahib, this is the most important divine pilgrimage for the Sikhs. The temple was built around a beautiful pool, which adds to the mesmerizing look of it. This temple is a gorgeous blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture. Don’t miss out on its stunning appearance, tranquility, and rich culture!

11. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Located on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Rishikesh is a spiritual hub known for its numerous ashrams and temples. The Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Triveni Ghat are popular wedding venues that offer a serene and picturesque setting.

12. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the majestic Virupaksha Temple. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is surrounded by a surreal landscape of ruins, boulders, and the Tungabhadra River, making it a unique and captivating wedding venue.

13. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

The Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai is an iconic Dravidian-style temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. Its vibrant architecture, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and sprawling courtyards provide a colorful and grand setting for a traditional temple wedding.

14. Koothandavar Temple, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Situated at the southernmost tip of India, the Koothandavar Temple in Kanyakumari is known for its stunning location overlooking the confluence of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. The temple’s unique setting and breathtaking views make it an unconventional choice for a memorable wedding.

15. Jagatpita Brahma Mandir, Pushkar, Rajasthan

The Brahma Temple in Pushkar is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma. Its prime location by the sacred Pushkar Lake and the surrounding Aravalli Hills creates a tranquil and spiritually significant ambiance for a wedding ceremony.

16. Chennakesava Temple, Belur, Karnataka

The Chennakesava Temple in Belur is renowned for its intricate Hoysala architecture. The temple’s beautifully carved sculptures and ornate pillars offer a visually stunning backdrop for a distinctive temple wedding experience.

17. Shri Mukti Naga Kshetra Temple, Hyderabad, Telangana

This unique temple in Hyderabad is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features a massive 108-feet-tall statue of Lord Naga (serpent). The temple’s serene ambiance and striking architecture make it a distinctive choice for a temple wedding.

18. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang Monastery, also known as Galden Namgyal Lhatse, is the largest Buddhist monastery in India. Nestled amidst the Himalayas, it offers breathtaking views and a tranquil setting for couples seeking a peaceful and spiritually enriching wedding ceremony.

19. Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

The Dilwara Temples are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples renowned for their intricate marble work. The temples’ serene atmosphere, stunning architecture, and lush surroundings make them an unconventional yet captivating choice for a temple wedding.

20. Martand Sun Temple, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir

The Martand Sun Temple, located amidst picturesque mountains, is an ancient temple dedicated to the Sun God. The temple’s historical significance, breathtaking views, and tranquil surroundings make it an offbeat choice for a temple wedding.

These unconventional temple wedding venues in India offer a distinctive setting and a blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Ensure to inquire about any specific requirements or permissions needed to host a wedding ceremony at these locations.

So, where do you plan to tie the knot?