Best wedding Venues in Sri Lanka

For the last 10 years, Sri Lanka has remained one of the world’s top Wedding destinations. So, whether you’re a native or an outsider, and however you choose to tie the knot, with whom and in front of whose eyes, you’ll certainly need a venue.

The most common wedding ceremony in Sri Lanka, practiced by Tamils and Sinhala people, is the Poruwa Ceremony; a blend of the traditional Sri Lankan Poruwa ceremony, combined with Buddhist and other local influences, as well as traces of the British colonial influence from the 1870s, when registered marriage was formally introduced.  Other popular ceremonies include Hindu and Civil ceremonies, with the island offering a number of venues and locations, to suit varying individual needs.

Here’s a run-down of the best wedding venues in Sri Lanka

Go Traditional – Luxury Hotels and Beaches

Considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean, it’s not difficult to see why Sri Lanka remains one of the top choices for couples looking to tie the knot. Not only do you cut on flower bills, simply by using the outstanding natural beauty of the island, with its multitude of luxurious and exotically beautiful flowers, it is also possible to feed your guests with fresh, delicious and local produce from the island’s rich land and shores.

For those looking to combine natural beauty with Sri Lankan tradition, the Talalla Beach resort in the Southern Province, is a popular choice. With its beautiful grounds, tropical gardens and golden beaches, the resort offers a wide range of packages including many traditional Poruwa elements, such as the beautifully decorated “Poruwa” platform upon which the official ceremony takes place, the traditional exchange of milk, rice and water between bride and groom, to symbolise a lifetime of taking care for each other and traditional Kandyan dancers and drummers.

For a more secretive experience, the privately owned and breath-taking Boutique hotel, Kahanda Kanda , located slightly inland from Galle, on the island’s south coast, offers the option of an intimate wedding just for two, in a number of beautiful settings and locations across the vast property, with similar bespoke services and add-ons available to suit individual needs.

The Hindu Package with Style

For a traditional Hindu package, in a setting of both architectural and natural beauty, check out the Heritance Tea Factory, which opened as a hotel back in 1996 and is located on the original grounds of the Hethersett tea plantation, established in the 1870s by William Flowerdew. The rather endearing Tamil name for the plantation is ‚Pupanie‘, which means “flowers of frost” – a reference to the cold mist that occasionally collects upon Hethersett. This beautifully converted tea factory, located 2km above sea level, offers stunning views overlooking the lush green plantations and with the setting sun and the creeping cold mist, its enough to give anyone goose-pimples on their special day.

The Heritance Tea Factory also offers a traditional blessing ceremony for those looking to renew their vows.

Alongside the Tea Factory, the Heritance chain also boasts the Heritance Kandalama, which overlooks the Kandalama Lake, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Rock, as well as the Heritance Ahungalla, located on the golden sandy beaches of the Laccadive Sea, designed by local architect Geoffrey Bawa, both of which offer wedding day services and packages to suit individual needs.

Go Natural – Eco packages

Fancy having a waterfall as a backdrop or exchanging vows, suspended above a vast river? Then why not explore the option of an eco package. Whisk your guests deep into the heart of the Sri Lankan jungle, engage in outdoor activities, reward them with an exotic, mouthwatering wedding banquet and incorporate as many or as little traditional Poruwa elements as you desire, to create a truly unforgettable experience. Of course, all outdoor functions are subject to the weather but package organizers will be on hand to make alternative arrangements in the case of such an emergency.

Go Nautical

For those looking for something a little different, why not go off-land in Sri Lanka’s largest sailing restaurant, Garton’s Ark, which is also available for hire as a wedding venue. With the help of the staff, create your own first class menu, entertainment and theme, to best suit your needs and give guests a most unforgettable wedding experience.

The Wildcard

If a sailing boat was not quite wild enough, why not take the party underwater with a deep-sea wedding. Sri Lanka’s coast is renowned for its underwater beauty, so for those diving daredevils, why not tie the knot in a snorkel.