In the era of big, extravagant weddings, a refreshing change is afoot: Couples are taking an interest in intimate, meaningful ceremonies that truly reflect their unique stories.
Take actors Aditi Rao Hydari and Sidharth, who recently exchanged vows at the 400-year-old Sri Ranganayaka Swamy Temple in Telangana, a place of personal significance for Hydari.
Furthermore, actor Hemansh Kohli’s wedding ceremony took place in an intimate family ceremony on November 12 at ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in Nehru Place, New Delhi.
They are part of a new wave of choosing locations that speak of heritage and emotions rather than grandeur.
Entrepreneur Shraddha Bhansali also chose Uttarakhand’s Triyuginarayan Temple, located at an altitude of 6,500 feet above sea level, for a deeply personal touch for her wedding. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married, and it resonates with their own spirituality.
”I am a follower of Lord Shiva,” he added, ”I saw this place on Instagram two years ago and immediately thought, this is the place where I will get married.” His pictures on Instagram captured that moment. Captured the energy as he and his partner took rounds around the temple’s Akhand Dhuni – an eternal flame that is said to have been burning since the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
The rise in temple weddings is not just due to the location; It’s about creating something personal and timeless.
Wedding photographers Shiv Sharma and Nitin Yadav of The Wedding Contours have experienced this change firsthand. Temple weddings have a vibrancy that is a mix of heritage and tradition that makes capturing these moments feel special, says Sharma.
“These places bring families together in a serene, spiritual setting,” says Yadav. Photographing these gatherings means preserving not only the moment, but also the rich layers of family history and culture. “
Wedding planner Kaveri Vij sees this trend as more than just a setting choice. “For some couples, getting married in the temple has a deep meaning—it’s a beautiful way to honor their faith,” she says, adding, “It’s usually an intimate family ceremony, Some people opt for a grand reception afterward. Planning these weddings means taking every detail into consideration, giving them a perfect, magical experience.’
