April 12, 2025 | Special Feature

With a strong portfolio of world-class hotels and resorts set against breathtaking landscapes, Saudi is becoming a dream canvas for Indian weddings. From grand desert escapes and sophisticated metropolitan venues, to intimate ceremonies set against coastlines, the country’s growing hospitality ecosystem has something to suit every wedding theme and vision.

Saudi: Becoming a Wedding Haven
With a slew of new properties and an increased focus on luxury tourism, the country is making a bold pitch to the wedding and events industry. This includes showcasing its opulent hotel infrastructure, pristine natural landscapes, and culture that find synergy with Indian traditions. Most importantly, what Saudi offers is exclusivity. It is an untapped space where Indian weddings can be as extravagant as they need and as intimate as they dream.

According to Saudi-based destination management companies (DMCs), the number of wedding- related inquiries from India has risen steadily since 2023, particularly from ultra-high-net-worth (UHNI) families looking for novelty, privacy, and a ‘wow’ factor.

The Destination Portfolio: From Riyadh’s Opulence to AlUla’s Sandstone Serenity
Saudi’s venue offering for Indian weddings spans a stunning spectrum—from palatial city hotels to remote desert resorts that feel custom-designed for cinematic ceremonies. In the capital city of Riyadh, hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Al Faisaliah offer a seamless blend of regal architecture and modern facilities. The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, in particular, stands out as a top choice for large-scale Indian weddings. It features sprawling gardens, chandelier-lit ballrooms, and over 500 rooms to accommodate wedding entourages.

Jeddah, the gateway to Saudi Red Sea, is fast becoming a favourite for couples looking for a beachside wedding. The Park Hyatt Jeddah—overlooking the marina and with landscaped lawns—offers a picture-perfect venue for pheras, sangeets, or reception dinners. Another big plus is that the city airports are well-connected internationally, making it easy for family members coming in from across the globe. City hotels like VOCO Riyadh and Shangri-La Jeddah have amenities and large inventories to host grand weddings and milestone celebrations.

One of the most unique offerings in Saudi is AlUla—a destination like no other. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, date palm groves, and UNESCO-protected heritage sites, AlUla lends itself to boutique weddings and pre-wedding shoots. Properties like Habitas AlUla, Shaden Resort, and Banyan Tree AlUla offer luxurious, eco-sensitive accommodation and experiential dining. The coming years will also see the addition of ultra-luxury options in the Red Sea Project and NEOM region. These futuristic destinations are expected to launch private island resorts and smart hotels with AI-powered services adding to Saudi’s already-robust luxe offering.

Hospitality That Understands Indian Rituals
While Saudi may still be new to the Indian wedding market, its luxury hospitality sector is top of mind for high-net-worth (HNI) travellers. Leading five-star hotels have already started customizing their wedding offerings for South Asian traditions, working with Indian chefs, sourcing specialty ingredients, and offering flexibility in venue layout and event flow. Properties such as the Rosewood Jeddah, Four Seasons Riyadh, and Habitas AlUla have worked with Indian clients for both weddings and high-end corporate events and are well-versed in managing multiple-day celebrations. From hosting baraat processions and setting up a traditional mandap to organising themed sangeet nights, Saudi hotels are proving to be more than adept at adapting to the

Indian wedding format—albeit with some cultural caveats.
Much like any destination wedding, it’s good to check local regulations and coordinate with local authorities on decibel levels and timings. On the F&B front, mocktail bars, Arabic coffee experiences, and curated non-alcoholic beverage counters are gaining popularity.

Vendors and Cultural Compatibility

A major decision Indian planners face is whether to fly in their own vendor teams or work with local partners. In most high-end weddings, a hybrid model is used. Core teams such as the wedding planner, bridal makeup artist, mehendi artist, and décor lead are flown in from India, while the production, audiovisual, lighting, and guest logistics are often handled by local vendors. Saudi’s events industry is sophisticated to say the least, with companies that have executed major concerts, government galas, and fashion weeks.

Firms such as Balich Worldwide Shows and Ouchhh Studios can provide cutting-edge stage design, mapping projections, and immersive experiences. Food, too, needs planning much like any aspect of a great Indian wedding. While Indian chefs can be flown in and certified under halal protocols, many hotels have also trained their in-house teams to prepare Indian vegetarian, Jain, and Mughlai menus under local guidelines. Buffet layouts, service styles, and thali-style meals can all be customised with prior coordination.

The Planner’s Checklist: Partnerships, Permissions, and Presentation

For Indian couples, looking to host their wedding celebrations in Saudi, it’s important to note that the legal ceremony must take place in India or another country before the symbolic celebrations are held in Saudi. In all cases, Indian planners should work closely with local legal advisors or hotel-based compliance teams to ensure that all events follow the country’s guidelines.

Top DMCs such as Discover Saudi, Almosafer Events, and Arabian Nights KSA have developed wedding-focused services that cater specifically to the Indian market. These agencies also help secure permits, hire bilingual staff, and design experiences that blend Saudi hospitality with Indian opulence.

For Indian travel agents and wedding planners, working in Saudi requires a ground-up strategy. Since Saudi is building custom ecosystems, liaising with local DMCs become indispensable here—not just for transportation and accommodation, but also for permit management, guest protocol, and contingency planning.

For travel agents, there’s potential to extend their value by offering add-on experiences such as Red Sea cruises, heritage site tours, desert safari dinners, or falconry shows. These can be integrated into the overall guest itinerary, turning a three-day wedding into a five-day immersive experience—especially attractive to international guests.

It is important to note that large-scale events in Saudi require official approval. Hotels and local event companies are responsible for securing these permits, which define the scale and nature of the gathering. In cities like AlUla or heritage zones, planners must also work closely with government agencies such as the Royal Commission to secure additional permissions—especially when hosting ceremonies in archaeological sites or cultural spaces.