From the United Arab Emirates
A wedding in India, planned from the United Arab Emirates
Hundreds of thousands of Malayali families live in the Gulf, and a wedding back home in Kerala is a tradition. So is a destination wedding for friends from every nationality in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Updated Kalyan Co Planning TeamReviewed by Mefas Fransis
Families in the UAE plan their wedding in India with Kalyan Co by video call in Gulf hours, with budgets in dirhams. Direct flights reach Kochi, Goa, Mumbai and Delhi in about three to five hours, so guests can come for a long weekend.
We plan around Gulf weekends and school holidays and meet every flight in Kochi.
We plan Malayali Hindu, Christian and Muslim weddings, North Indian weddings, and fusion weddings for international couples.
- Planning calls
- Video calls any time from 8 am to 9 pm Gulf time (9.30 am to 10.30 pm in Kochi).
- Typical budget
- AED 163,000–356,000150 guests, 3 nights, 4-star, Kerala · draft figure
- Currency
- Budgets shown in AED; contracts in Indian rupees
Flights for you and your guests
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah | Direct to Kochi, Trivandrum, Goa, Mumbai, Delhi and more | About 3–5 hours |
Questions from couples in the United Arab Emirates
How much does a Kerala wedding cost in dirhams?
For 150 guests over three days at a 4-star resort, most families spend roughly AED 163,000–356,000 including rooms, food, décor, photography and planning. Traditional weddings at a kalyana mandapam cost far less.
Can we plan a Kerala wedding from Dubai?
Yes; many of our families do. Calls happen in Gulf hours, and most families visit once for a venue walk-through.
And the usual worries
Is it legal for foreigners to marry in India?
Yes. Foreign nationals can marry under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, after one partner has lived in the district for 30 days and a 30-day notice period. Because that takes time, most couples marry legally at home and hold their ceremony in India.
Is it safe for our guests?
Our destinations are established tourist and wedding regions. We plan every transfer, keep guests in vetted hotels, and run a help desk and WhatsApp line throughout the stay.
Do our guests need visas?
Most do. Many nationalities can apply online for an Indian e-Visa; we send each guest the steps for their passport.
Will it be cheaper than a wedding at home?
Usually, for the same standard. Rooms, food, décor and staff cost less in India than in Western Europe, North America or Australia, which is why couples often host a longer celebration for the same budget.
Book a call in Gulf hours
Video calls any time from 8 am to 9 pm Gulf time (9.30 am to 10.30 pm in Kochi).