Hosting a Dream Wedding in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has mini destinations that offer a unique charm for celebrating love

Famous for its rich history, culture, and incredible scenery, Sri Lanka is an exciting destination for weddings and special celebrations. With different backdrops to choose from including the beach and misty mountains, this Indian Ocean island also offers a plethora of things to do for guests that have traveled far for a pre, or post-wedding party, creating a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.

From the lush greenery of Lunuganga near Bentota to the sandy shores of Kumu Beach in Balapitiya, the misty hills of the island’s tea country to the chic, relaxed vibrancy of Monsoon in Colombo, Sri Lanka has mini destinations that offer a unique charm for celebrating love. In this blog, we share five unique venues in romantic and enticing destinations, managed by Teardrop Hotels, perfect for hosting small to mid-sized special events.

But first, the basics!

Weather and when to go: Sri Lanka’s rainy season on the south-west coast is from May to December, with a brief respite in July and August, so make sure to have weather backups in place (i.e., a marquee tent instead of an exposed open space).

Paperwork: The documentation required for a wedding in Sri Lanka is comprehensive, so make sure you give yourself enough lead time to process all the documents required, which include valid copies of your passports, original birth certificates, a letter stating the full names, postal addresses, and occupations of the couple, and the couple’s parents and affidavits. For the full list of requirements, go here.

Selecting vendors & other tips: When it comes to the look and feel of your event, Teardrop Hotels works with a selection of experienced and professional vendors. Our best floral design advice for couples is to partner with local artisans and keep it fresh and minimalist. For a touch of local fair, traditional Kandyan drummers and dancers perform a ritual with incense and fire for memorable theatrics your guests will not forget. Although everyone loves unique and personal wedding favours, consider providing practical and clever welcome items for your guests upon arrival like sunscreen, or insect repellent which will come in handy to help your guests enjoy their experience in a tropical location.

Wallawwa, near Negombo: A historic 200-year-old garden setting

Wallawwa is an extraordinary location for a wedding. Just 15 minutes away from Colombo’s international airport, it requires less than an hour’s drive from here to reach Colombo and is approximately 3 hours from UNESCO Kandy or 4 hours from Sigiriya in the cultural triangle.

This 18-bedroom boutique hotel and spa is set on acres of beautiful gardens and was once a World War II base for Allied forces. Wallawwa’s meticulously landscaped grounds, serene ambiance, and personalised service create a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for exchanging or renewing vows. Couples can choose from various locations within the property for their ceremony, whether it is under the shade of ancient trees, by the atmospheric candle-lit poolside gazebo, or within the elegant interior spaces.

Guest Capacity (including vendors): Located under an hour from Colombo, Wallawwa can accommodate 150 guests.

Kumu Beach, Balapitiya: A golden sand, beachfront paradise

The south of Sri Lanka is an extremely diverse destination, and Balapitiya is an ideal setting for couples who have dreamed of an ocean backdrop for their big day. Balapitiya is easily accessible via direct car transfer from Colombo’s international airport (under two hours), and it is also an easy area to navigate once on the ground, to easily extend a stay and venture further south along the coast to UNESCO Galle Fort.

Kumu Beach in Balapitiya is a luxurious, 10-bedroom beachfront boutique hotel that combines chic design with its natural surroundings. From beachside, and sunset ceremonies overlooking the Indian Ocean to elegant receptions under the stars, Kumu Beach offers an unforgettably relaxed or glammed up setting to say, ‘I do.’

Guest Capacity (including vendors): Located two hours from Colombo, Kumu Beach can accommodate 120 guests.

Lunuganga, Bentota: an inspirational, soulful backdrop to ‘I Do’

For a gorgeous and brag-worthy location, and one that is wedding-friendly and easy to work with, Lunuganga near Bentota offers a captivating, once-in-a-lifetime setting for a magical garden wedding. This enchanting 15-acre estate was once the country home of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and is a masterpiece of tropical modernist design. Couples can exchange vows amidst the timeless elegance of Bawa’s creations, whether it is within the picturesque pavilions, by a serene lakeside, or amidst the verdant foliage. In addition, each of your guests staying on-site gets a complimentary, guided garden walk of Lunuganga as part of their stay.

Guest Capacity (including vendors): Lunuganga is located two hours from Colombo and can accommodate 100 guests.

Monsoon, Colombo: Relaxed, stylish, and intimate

With its urban-meets-tropics design, impeccable service, and central location, Monsoon offers couples the opportunity to host a wedding or a pre/post-wedding party that is as unique and vibrant as the city itself, with a selection of the best southeast Asian dishes found anywhere in Colombo. Located on Park Street, a colourful street buzzing with bars, restaurants, and cafes, Monsoon gives out a natural, relaxed yet stylish backdrop to your big day.

Guest Capacity (including vendors): Monsoon can accommodate a maximum of 70 seated guests, or 120 guests cocktail style.

Intimate celebrations in the hills