SRINAGAR: A family from Delhi and Amritsar chose Kashmir over Bangkok, Thailand, to host a grand wedding this week, underscoring the Valley’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for luxury celebrations.
Around 500 guests from different parts of India arrived in Srinagar to attend the wedding, which was organised with the support of local tourism stakeholders and a private tour and travel company.
The groom’s father said the family had initially planned to hold the wedding abroad and had even travelled to Bangkok to explore arrangements.
“We first went to Bangkok and stayed there for about ten days to check everything. But finally we decided to have the wedding in Kashmir. There is no place more beautiful than Kashmir. It is like a mini Switzerland. The atmosphere is peaceful, and it is the best location for grand events,” he said.
According to the managing director of Gauri Tour and Travels, the company that organised the event, the wedding involved a couple whose families belong to Delhi and Amritsar.
He said Kashmir offers all the elements required for destination weddings, including scenic venues, rich cuisine, cultural experiences and traditional hospitality.
The event comes at a time when the government of Jammu and Kashmir and tourism stakeholders are actively promoting the Valley as a premier destination for weddings and luxury events.
In recent years, several initiatives have been launched to showcase the region’s potential for hosting large celebrations. Among them is the “Wed in Kashmir” initiative, which aims to position the Valley as a hub for destination weddings.
The initiative was also highlighted during the Hindustan Wedding Planners Expo 2025 held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, where wedding planners and industry representatives from across the country explored opportunities in Kashmir.
Tourism stakeholders say the rise of wedding tourism is benefiting multiple sectors of the local economy, including hotels, transport services, event planners, florists, photographers and local artisans.
With more couples choosing the Valley for their special day, Kashmir is gradually expanding its identity from a traditional tourist destination to a venue for luxury celebrations. (With KNS inputs)
