A CELEBRATION OF LOVE: WEDDING IN AGRA
Introduction
An architectural splendour built completely of white marble with intricate carvings and jewels adorning its beauty, the Taj Mahal is not just a mausoleum, it is one of the seven wonders of the world. What makes it so special is the finesse with which the craftsmanship is done to create this enormous structure that appeals to people all around the globe. But that’s not all, for it is also a symbol of love that Emperor Shah Jahan had for his wife Mumtaz, in honour of who’s this monument was made.
Probably the most beautiful monument that celebrates love all over the world, the Taj is undoubtedly a prime location to tie the knot. A celebration of Love requires a place that symbolises love in all its glory, and hence, Agra is a perfect destination for your wedding. Old and the new generation, Indians and foreigners, we are all enraptured by the beauty that Taj Mahal truly is, and when we do think of Love, it is bound to be the first to come to our mind. Who wouldn’t like to have a wedding at such a pristine location? The Taj Mahal, a masterpiece in itself, would serve as a perfect backdrop for wedding photos and is bound to give you an experience you’ll bury in the treasure trove of your memories forever.
Situated on the banks of Yamuna river, the impressive Taj Mahal does not need to be praised, for we are all familiar with its beauty. The travel though, needs to be planned thoughtfully. Ideally, one would prefer to take a flight to Delhi or Jaipur and then travel by road. From Delhi to Agra is a train journey of 2 to 3 hours or by road it takes 4 to 5 hours. From Jaipur, it is a train journey of 4 hours and by road it takes 5 to 6 hours. You can also travel directly by train to Agra.
Once this is decided, the next major destination lies in choosing a location that manages to capture the exquisite nature of Taj and provides you with all the amenities you require to have the perfect wedding and ensure all your guests are comfortable and satisfied. Here is a list of hotels to make the choice easier for you.
Picking the venue
With architecture fit for royalty, menus that would make your mouth water, and best of the best amenities, the Taj Mahal is not the only monumental architecture in Agra, for these hotels come a close second. Here is a list of luxurious 5-star hotels that would make your regal destination wedding experience come to life.
The Oberoi Amar villas
Situated just 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amar villas have an exquisite design and style inspired by Mughal architecture. Fountains, terraced halls, reflection pools and pavilions make the Oberoi Amar villas a paradise on earth. They are one of the best hotels in Agra and a perfect location to rekindle the romance. They also offer a view of the majestic Taj Mahal, the most exquisite testimony to undying love, and a perfect backdrop to get married, of course. An ultra-luxurious location, the hotel also offers warm hospitality, and plethora of amenities. The skilled team coupled with the magnificent location our bound to ensure that all your wedding functions are planned to perfection, and executed without any glitches. The décor team is sure to dazzle the area to suit your taste and bring in the festive vibe. With an array of delicacies to choose from, you can treat your guests with a feast fit for royals. The signature range of cocktails offered by the Oberoi Amar villas is not to be missed. Book your wedding here and your assured to have a picture-perfect wedding full of fond memories.
No. Of guests: 100
Cost per plate: 4000-4500
Nature of venue: Hall
Alcohol permitted: Yes
Courtyard by Marriott
Planning the grand Indian wedding? Courtyard by Marriott is your ideal choice. A majestic venue that cannot be praised enough, symbolising luxury and exquisiteness in every inch of its fine architecture, the Courtyard by Marriott is a 5-star luxury haven. Offering an event space of 23000 sq. feet and a capacity to occupy 600 guests, you definitely won’t have to edit your guest list here. The hotel also offers certified wedding planners to bring to life your boldest visions in the heart of Agra. With a catering team that can craft culinary delights that would be the best you have ever tasted; the hotel also gives you a chance to customise your menus so that every bit of the wedding is to your preference. They further have various features to manage your event with ease. The venue is bound to offer top notch services to ensure your wedding is perfect!
No. Of guests: up to 600
Cost per plate: 1500-1800
Nature of venue: Hall/Lawn
Alcohol permitted: Yes
Radisson Blu
Luxury awaits minutes away from the Taj Mahal, at Radisson Hotel Agra, a 5-star hotel with plush, comfortable accommodation and resort-style amenities. Radisson Hotel Agra is situated close some of India's most prominent attractions including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Nature Walk, Agra Can’t Railway station and Yamuna Expressway. The Hotel boasts of a rooftop pool overlooking the Taj Mahal, a beautiful spot for clicking those wedding pictures. The elegant banqueting space is bound to cater to all your needs as families join at this auspicious occasion. A team of professionals will be at your service to plan the wedding you’ve wanted down to the tiniest detail. The food options are also flexible, allowing you to choose from a range of delicacies. Radisson Blu is bound to aid you in all your needs as you tie the knot.
No. Of guests: 2250
Cost per plate: 1200/-
Nature of venue: Hall
Alcohol permitted: Yes
ITC Mughal, Agra
Oozing luxurious living in the lovely city of Agra, the ITC Mughal is one of the finest architectural splendours. It is surrounded by almost 23 acres of manicured lush green lawns and gardens, and lights that add beautiful hues to make this destination look even more dazzling. The only Indian hotel to have won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture, it is bound to add a royal touch to your wedding. In an aim to turn your wedding into an event extraordinaire, the event management associates at ITC Mughal are there to guide you every step of the way. The cuisine is bound to elicit a moan with flavours that will leave you awestruck, making this a once in a lifetime experience for all the visitors. The staff is always at your service and will spare no effort in ensuring that you have a wonderful wedding.
No of guests: 2250
Cost per plate: 1400/-
Nature of venue: Lawns/ Halls
Alcohol permitted: Yes
Jaypee Palace Hotel
A glorious structure of red sandstone and marble, spread over 25 acres of elegantly landscaped greenery and enormous water bodies, Jaypee Palace hotel is indeed a palatial retreat. With a blend of Mughal and contemporary architecture and endless walkways laden throughout the hotel, it has an ambience perfect for an unforgettable wedding. The hotel also permits to hire outside decors to suit your needs as you plan for this special day. With a delectable menu, Jaypee Palace Hotel is sure to take care of all your catering needs. Meticulously designed to provide you with the best possible facilities, this hotel is a natural choice of location for most people planning a destination wedding in Agra. The luxurious rooms leave no room for doubt when it comes to a beyond satisfactory accommodation. Your dream wedding can be brought to reality with the fabulous backdrop here at Jaypee Palace Hotel, Agra.
No. Of guests: 1500
Cost per plate: 2000/-
Nature of venue: Hall/Lawn
Alcohol permitted: Yes
Another decision as important as the location is choosing the date, and while planning destination weddings, it is recommended to look into the weather that best suits the place to avoid any inconveniences on your special day.
Best time to host a wedding in Khajuraho
Being a subtropical place, Agra has dry summers, mild winters and moderate monsoons. For an outdoor wedding, it will be recommended to have one during January – February, as the pleasing winds sooth you in this beautiful city. October- November wedding season is risky due to the possibility of rains but if you’re hosting an indoor wedding it is recommended since the Taj Mahal is a sight to behold drenched in rain. It’s best to avoid an April May wedding as the humid climate may take a toll on your enthusiasm. You wouldn’t be able to explore Agra with the same exuberance in tepid conditions.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding in Agra can be a very tedious job, especially if you want perfection in the tiniest detail. It is recommended that you hire a wedding planner to make your job stress free and allow you to enjoy this wedding to the fullest. A destination wedding in Agra will become all the more memorable if you loosen your pockets. Afterall, weddings happen once in a lifetime, so don’t hesitate to splurge a bit to get all your expectations covered. Also, you can consider a pre wedding or post wedding tour package of Agra for your guests to keep them entertained. It will also be a memorable trip, filled with joy and laughter. We wish you have a fabulous wedding, and an eternal love, because that’s what Agra is all about!