Onam is Kerala’s most celebrated festival, marking the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. While Onam itself is a festival of harvest, joy, and cultural heritage, it has become a prime time for Keralites to plan weddings, blending the festivities with one of life’s most cherished milestones—marriage.
At Luxtales, we have captured some of the most stunning weddings that seamlessly intertwine the grandeur of Onam with the luxury and charm of destination weddings in Kerala. Here’s why Onam weddings are a unique cultural phenomenon and why now is the perfect time to plan your dream wedding in Kerala.
Onam Weddings: A Season of Celebration and Joy
Onam is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration that lasts for 10 days, bringing together families, friends, and communities. It’s during this time that Kerala’s landscape, already adorned with greenery, is further beautified by traditional flower carpets (Pookkalam), vibrant clothing, and an overall festive atmosphere.
Why is Onam the Perfect Time for Weddings?
- Cultural Significance: Marrying during Onam is considered auspicious by many in Kerala. The festive spirit, combined with age-old traditions, adds emotional and cultural depth to the wedding celebrations.
- Festive Décor: The vibrant Onam décor, from Pookkalam to hanging lamps, blends perfectly with modern luxury wedding setups.
- Holiday Season: Many Keralites who live abroad return home during Onam, making it an ideal time for family gatherings and weddings.
Destination Weddings During Onam in Kerala
Imagine celebrating your wedding in Kerala during Onam, surrounded by lush greenery, traditional music, and the aroma of fresh flower petals. Kerala’s destination wedding spots offer a luxurious backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot during this cultural season.
Top Destination Wedding Venues for Onam:
- The Leela Kovalam: Overlooking the Arabian Sea, this luxury hotel is perfect for couples wanting a coastal wedding infused with Onam’s festive energy.
- Kumarakom Lake Resort: Located by the backwaters, this serene spot is perfect for an intimate yet lavish wedding.
- Alleppey Houseboats: What could be more unique than a floating wedding ceremony on Kerala’s tranquil backwaters during the festival?
- The Raviz Ashtamudi: Combining heritage and modern luxury, it’s a popular venue for a grand Onam wedding celebration.
- Taj Green Cove, Kovalam: Known for its grandeur, this venue blends traditional charm with contemporary luxury, making it ideal for Onam-inspired weddings.
Guruvayoor: Record Number of Weddings This Year
This year, Guruvayoor, Kerala’s sacred town known for its famous Sri Krishna Temple, witnessed a record-breaking number of weddings. Guruvayoor is revered for its spiritual significance, making it a go-to destination for religious weddings. Onam has further spiked this trend, with couples seeking both cultural and religious blessings on their special day.
At Luxtales, we have had the privilege of capturing beautiful Guruvayoor weddings this year, preserving moments of faith and festivity through our lenses.
Luxury and Cultural Weddings in Kerala
Kerala has long been a destination for luxurious and cultural weddings. The state offers a perfect blend of modern luxury with cultural heritage. Whether it’s a traditional Nair wedding or a Christian ceremony by the beach, Kerala’s diversity in culture and landscapes makes it the ideal location for weddings.
Key Elements of Luxury Cultural Weddings:
- Onam Sadhya as Wedding Feast: Kerala’s traditional vegetarian feast, the Onam Sadhya, can be incorporated as part of the wedding banquet, creating a unique blend of tradition and modern gastronomy.
- Traditional Kerala Wedding Attire: Brides dressed in Kasavu sarees (gold-bordered) and grooms in traditional dhotis, paired with modern accessories and design elements.
- Cultural Performances: From Kathakali dancers to Thiruvathira, Onam weddings can feature performances that encapsulate Kerala’s rich artistic traditions.
Wedding Photography During Onam: Capturing the Magic
At Luxtales, we specialize in capturing the essence of Kerala’s festivals and culture through our wedding photography. Onam weddings, in particular, provide a vibrant canvas with:
- Pookkalam Designs: The floral decorations serve as a unique background for wedding photos.
- Traditional Attire: Kerala brides and grooms shine in traditional Onam-inspired wedding outfits, creating timeless and culturally rich portraits.
- Lush Green Landscapes: The monsoon season leaves Kerala lush and green, offering a perfect backdrop for dreamy wedding photographs.
Our team is skilled in highlighting the intricate details of Onam weddings—from the festoons and lamps to the cultural performances, ensuring that every photo tells the story of your grand celebration.
Wedding Planners and Services in Kerala: Your Dream Wedding Awaits
Planning an Onam wedding or destination wedding in Kerala requires careful attention to detail, and this is where professional wedding planners can make all the difference. Kerala’s wedding planners specialize in curating bespoke wedding experiences, bringing together traditional elements with modern luxury.
Luxtales, with our strong network of wedding planners in Kerala, helps in coordinating every element of your special day—from venue selection to décor, photography, and cultural performances. Our team works closely with couples to ensure a smooth and memorable wedding experience.
Cochin and Trivandrum: Hubs for Luxury Wedding Photography
Both Cochin and Trivandrum have become hotspots for destination and luxury weddings. Whether it’s a Christian wedding by the waterfront in Cochin or a royal Hindu ceremony in Trivandrum, these cities offer diverse settings for weddings.
Why Choose Cochin or Trivandrum for Your Wedding Photography?
- Historical Backdrops: Cochin’s colonial architecture and Trivandrum’s royal palaces offer stunning settings for wedding portraits.
- Beaches and Backwaters: Capture dreamy photos against the serene backdrop of Kerala’s famous beaches and backwaters.
- Cultural Landmarks: Whether it’s the temples in Trivandrum or the churches in Cochin, Kerala’s landmarks provide an authentic cultural touch to your wedding photography.
Conclusion: Book Your Onam Wedding Photography with Luxtales
The Onam season is not only about celebrating the harvest but also about cherishing new beginnings. What better way to start your journey of love than with a wedding during this festive time?
At Luxtales, we are committed to making your wedding a timeless celebration of culture, luxury, and love. Contact us today to book your wedding photography and videography for the upcoming Onam season.
Is Onam a popular time for weddings in Kerala?
Yes, Onam is a highly auspicious time for weddings in Kerala due to its cultural significance. Many families choose this time to celebrate weddings because it’s a festive season filled with joy, traditional food, and vibrant decorations. Venues and vendors are often in high demand, so early booking is essential during this time.
How can couples incorporate Onam elements into their wedding?
Couples can integrate traditional Onam elements like the Pookkalam (floral rangoli), Onasadya (grand feast), and Onam folk dances into their wedding. These touches bring a festive and cultural flair to the event, adding a local, vibrant touch to both the wedding and the photography.
Why is Guruvayoor a popular wedding destination during festival seasons?
Guruvayoor, home to the famous Guruvayoor Temple, is one of the most popular wedding destinations in Kerala, especially during auspicious seasons like Onam. Known for its spiritual significance, the temple witnessed a record number of weddings this year, reflecting its importance in Kerala’s cultural and religious landscape.
How can couples manage logistics for a wedding in Guruvayoor during peak seasons?
Weddings at Guruvayoor, especially during the festival season, require careful planning. Couples should book the temple and accommodations well in advance. Also, collaborating with local wedding planners familiar with the area can help manage crowds and ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly, even during the busiest times.
What are the best locations for a destination wedding in Kerala?
Kerala offers a range of beautiful destinations for weddings, from the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom to hill stations like Munnar and beach resorts in Kovalam. These locations offer unique scenic backdrops that make weddings memorable and stunning for photography.
What should couples consider when planning a wedding during the Onam festival in Kerala?
Onam is one of Kerala’s most celebrated festivals, making it a popular time for weddings. However, it’s essential to plan early due to high demand for venues and vendors. Couples can incorporate traditional elements like Pookkalam (flower carpets), and festive feasts, into their wedding for a culturally rich experience.
What makes Kerala cultural weddings unique?
Kerala cultural weddings are deeply rooted in traditions, whether it’s a Hindu, Christian, or Muslim ceremony. From the simplicity of Nair weddings to the grandeur of Syrian Christian weddings, the rituals and aesthetics make them unique. Incorporating these cultural elements into the photography can create timeless memories that reflect the couple’s heritage.
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