Destination Wedding in Goa: A Step-by-Step Planning Guide for Out-of-State Couples
Many couples served by Big Monkey Productions do not reside in Goa. They come all the way from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, or abroad and may find it difficult to organize a wedding from a different place altogether. Hence, we have compiled this easy-to-follow guide for your Goa destination wedding planning process.
Step 1: Pick Your Wedding Dates Early
Begin with your dates. The busiest wedding time for Goa comes between October and February, during which the climate is cool and dry. In case you require a popular wedding spot or a famous team of vendors, it is advisable that you confirm your wedding dates as soon as possible. Our guide on when to plan your wedding in Goa will assist you month-wise.
Step 2: Choose the Right Venue
The venue defines the entire wedding: its decor, guest experience, and even pictures. It could be a beach, church, or even a heritage property, but what matters is choosing something that fits the wedding theme you have in mind. All of your questions about finding the right venue are answered in our guide on Top Wedding Venues in Goa.
Step 3: Sort Out Travel and Stay for Guests
Given that the majority of your guests are likely going to fly into the place, you need to think about their arrival and accommodation arrangements. Some resorts provide discounts on group bookings, while others assist in arranging for airport pickups as well.
Step 4: Book Your Local Vendors
It will be of immense value for the decorators, caterers, and photographers to have been in Goa before, since everything will be very easy for them on that day itself. Everything will go smoothly since they will know about the weather conditions in the area, the permissions required, and everything else. It is because of this that couples prefer hiring wedding photographers in Goa who have done it before.
Step 5: Plan Permits and Legal Paperwork
When it comes to churches and registered venues, be aware that there is some paperwork that needs to be done at least several weeks before your wedding, so be sure to do this in advance, as your wedding coordinator can help you with this.
Step 6: Map Out Your Ceremony Schedule
In India, Goan weddings typically involve more than one celebration, such as haldi, mehendi, sangeet, the main event, and the reception. Planning all these activities for two to three days will allow your guests to explore Goa as well. Our article on traditions during Goa wedding ceremonies covers all these aspects.
Step 7: Confirm Your Photography and Video Team
Your photographs and video are the only things you will retain when the wedding is long over. Book your crew ahead, especially during the busy seasons, and provide them with all the information about your schedule so that they can prepare for the coverage of all the significant events.
Wedding planning when you live outside the city is difficult, but you need not go through the whole process on your own. Big Monkey Productions helps many couples from other cities with their weddings and can guide you on the location-specific details, including photography lighting and pre-wedding locations.
FAQs
How far in advance should I start planning a destination wedding in Goa?
Ideally 8-12 months ahead for peak season, so you have time to comfortably book your venue, vendors, and guests’ travel.
Is it expensive to plan a wedding in Goa from another city?
The costs vary widely based on the venue and the number of guests, but many couples find Goa to be more affordable than other big-city wedding destinations.
Do I need a wedding planner for a Goa destination wedding?
It’s not required, but a planner or a knowledgeable local vendor team can save you a lot of time and stress, especially when it comes to logistics.
What documents are needed for a wedding in Goa?
It depends on the type of ceremony you’re having; church weddings and registered marriages have their own paperwork, so it’s best to check with your venue early on.
How many days should a Goa destination wedding be planned for?
Most couples will budget 2-3 days to allow for pre-wedding events, the main ceremony, and the reception at a comfortable pace.