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As villa weddings become the preferred choice for those who value closeness and personalization, they are reshaping the wedding industry
Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal got married on June 23. (Image Credits: Instagram/aslisona)
In recent years, a distinct shift has emerged in the world of weddings. Many couples are now trading extravagant, guest-heavy celebrations for more intimate, villa-style gatherings that allow for a deeper, more personal experience. This trend is especially appealing to millennials and Gen Z couples, who are drawn to the exclusivity and meaningful connections that these smaller, private weddings provide.
Manoj Sihag, Director, Echor Hotels Pvt Ltd, observes this evolution first-hand, “As the trend toward intimate, villa-style weddings grows, we’re seeing couples gravitate toward unique, personal celebrations that prioritize meaningful connections over grandiosity. This shift reflects a broader change in how people want to experience their special day—surrounded by close friends and family in a setting that feels both exclusive and personal.”
To accommodate this demand, Echor Hotels recently launched Vivaah by Echor, a specialized initiative that curates bespoke wedding experiences across their scenic properties, blending intimacy with elegance. Sihag notes that these curated celebrations help create memories focused on genuine connections, making weddings truly unforgettable.
For Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO, ELIVAAS, the allure of villa weddings is clear. “Villas provide a secluded, serene setting, enabling couples to enjoy their special day alongside only their closest friends and family,” he says. “The beauty of villa weddings lies in the remarkable level of customization they offer. With options for bespoke decor, tailored menus, and unique entertainment, couples can design every element to capture their style and story, making the day feel distinctly their own.” Khare explains that this intimate environment not only deepens connections among guests but also ensures that each wedding feels like a one-of-a-kind experience, crafted specifically for the couple.
Supporting this trend, recent surveys reveal that a significant percentage of younger couples are choosing smaller gatherings. According to WeddingWire India, over 33% of millennial and Gen Z couples now prefer intimate weddings, valuing meaningful time with loved ones over grandeur. Jatinder Paul Singh, Co-Founder and Global CEO of Viacation, highlights this shift, saying, “This growing trend towards intimacy over grandeur speaks to the desire for a wedding experience that is personal and memorable. Villas provide the perfect backdrop for such occasions, offering a private, peaceful environment where couples can celebrate their love surrounded by only their closest family and friends.” Singh adds that villa weddings’ flexibility allows couples to customize each detail—from decor to dining—crafting a day that truly reflects their love story.
However, despite the surge in villa weddings, the traditional “big fat Indian wedding” still holds a cherished place in India’s wedding culture. Roop Partap Choudhary, Executive Director, Noormahal Palace Hotel and Founder, Colonel Saab, observes that while intimate weddings are trending, grand celebrations aren’t going anywhere. “Nowadays, millennial couples are embracing intimate weddings over extravagant celebrations for several reasons,” Choudhary shares.
“A limited guest list enables couples to get creative with their choice of venue, select a wonderful destination tailored to their tastes, and enjoy a unique sense of exclusivity.” From royal heritage hotels to lakeside and beachfront venues, intimate weddings allow couples to celebrate their personalities while fostering meaningful connections with their closest loved ones.
Choudhary also highlights the sustainability factor, noting that smaller gatherings help reduce the carbon footprint by minimizing energy consumption and waste. “Opting for an intimate wedding is a step toward sustainability,” he says, underscoring that couples today are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices. Yet, for many, grand weddings with deep cultural roots remain essential. Noormahal Palace Hotel embraces both trends, offering options that cater to couples seeking either grand or intimate celebrations.
As villa weddings become the preferred choice for those who value closeness and personalization, they are reshaping the wedding industry. Whether couples opt for the grandeur of a traditional celebration or the intimate charm of a villa gathering, today’s weddings are increasingly focused on meaningful experiences. This shift represents a desire to create memories that reflect each couple’s unique journey, making every celebration—grand or small—truly unforgettable.