Backwater Wedding Cost in Kerala: A Complete Budget Breakdown

Backwater weddings in Kerala have a timeless charm. Surrounded by tranquil lakes, coconut groves and gently floating houseboats, these weddings offer a setting unlike any other.

But if you are planning one, the big question remains: How much does a backwater wedding cost in Kerala?

This blog breaks down the typical budget for a 2-day backwater wedding, from ₹10–15 lakh to ₹50 lakh and beyond.

We will walk you through the key expense areas like venue, food, décor, photography and planning. Plus, you will find smart tips to save money with local vendors and off-season bookings.

What Does a Backwater Wedding Cost in Kerala?

The backwater wedding cost in Kerala can vary significantly based on guest count, season and the level of luxury you want.

Here is a quick snapshot:

₹10–15 lakh: Entry-level wedding for 40–60 guests, using homestays or small resorts

₹20–30 lakh: Mid-tier wedding for 75–100 guests with decent décor, food and planning

₹35–50 lakh+: Premium experience with 100–150 guests, 5-star venues and full-service teams

Now let us break that down, category by category.

1. Venue and Accommodation

This is where a major chunk of your budget goes. In backwater locations like Alappuzha, Kumarakom and Kochi outskirts, the venue cost depends on property type, facilities and number of rooms booked.

Budget Range	Venue Type	Cost (2 Days)
₹10–15 lakh	Boutique homestays, 2–3 star resorts	₹2.5–4 lakh
₹20–30 lakh	Mid-range resorts (Kumarakom, Kochi)	₹5–10 lakh
₹35–50 lakh+	5-star resorts like Zuri or Taj	₹10–18 lakh

Many backwater properties bundle stay and venue rental together. A two-night stay for guests with basic hall usage or lawn access usually comes as a package.

Pro tip: Ask if the venue allows bringing external caterers or decorators. It can impact your total backwater wedding cost in Kerala considerably.

2. Catering

Food costs depend on guest count, menu variety and whether you choose resort catering or an independent vendor.

Guest Count	Catering Cost (4 meals over 2 days)
50 guests	₹1.5–2.5 lakh
100 guests	₹3–4.5 lakh
150 guests	₹5–7 lakh

Menu options:

• Kerala sadhya (vegetarian feast)

• Seafood dinner with local specialities

• North Indian buffet or continental lunch

• Welcome drinks, tea breaks and light snacks

Ways to save:

• Skip luxury plating and stick to buffet-style meals

• Limit dessert items and live counters

• Use local caterers familiar with the region

Food is a major part of the backwater wedding cost Kerala couples need to factor in—especially if you are hosting guests for multiple meals.

3. Décor and Styling

Backwaters offer stunning natural backdrops. That means you can often do more with less—if you plan it right.

Décor Level	What It Includes	Cost Estimate
Basic	Minimal florals, cloth drapes	₹1.5–3 lakh
Mid-range	Thematic setups, lighting, stage design	₹4–7 lakh
Premium	Floating mandaps, imported elements	₹10–15 lakh

Common elements:

• Banana leaf or coconut-themed entrance

• Simple white mandaps with local flowers

• Photo corners and welcome boards

• Fairy lights and hanging lanterns

Using local décor vendors can bring down the backwater wedding cost in Kerala significantly without affecting the look and feel.

4. Photography and Videography

Capturing the beauty of your venue and the emotion of the day is non-negotiable. Kerala’s light and landscape make for stunning frames.

Photography Package	Coverage	Cost Range
Basic	1 photographer, 1 videographer	₹75,000–1.5 lakh
Mid-tier	2 shooters + highlight reel	₹2–4 lakh
Premium	Drone, same-day edit, full film	₹5–8 lakh

Local teams who have shot in backwater settings know how to use reflections, lighting and boat angles to full effect.

5. Wedding Planner and Support Team

Planning a backwater wedding involves a lot of moving parts: boat arrivals, guest coordination, vendor management and weather contingencies. That is why hiring a planner is highly recommended.

Planner Type	Scope	Cost Estimate
Day coordinator	Event-day management only	₹40,000–1 lakh
Mid-range planner	Vendor tie-ups + execution	₹1.5–3 lakh
Full-service agency	Concept, styling, end-to-end flow	₹4–7 lakh

A planner familiar with the region can help reduce stress and also optimise your backwater wedding cost in Kerala by recommending reliable local vendors.

Budget Add-Ons

Depending on your style and priorities, here are some common extras:

Add-On	Approximate Cost
Houseboat ride for guests	₹10,000–₹30,000
DJ and sound setup	₹30,000–₹1.5 lakh
Live Kerala music (chenda, flute)	₹20,000–₹75,000
Guest hampers	₹300–₹1,000 per guest
Custom invitations	₹10,000–₹25,000
Bridal makeup artist	₹25,000–₹70,000

These costs can be adjusted based on priority, season and vendor availability.

How to Reduce Your Backwater Wedding Cost in Kerala

Even if you are planning a high-quality wedding, there are smart ways to manage the budget:

Choose off-season months: June to September (monsoon) and March to May (summer) bring discounted venue rates.

Keep the guest list tight: 50–80 guests is the sweet spot for backwater venues.

Focus on 2 main functions: Combine mehendi with welcome dinner or opt for a brunch wedding.

Use local flowers and props: Avoid expensive imported items.

Opt for weekday weddings: Saturdays and long weekends are the most expensive.

Being flexible on dates and décor style can help you bring down your backwater wedding cost Kerala without losing charm or quality.

Final Thoughts

Planning a destination wedding by the backwaters is a dream come true for many couples and with good planning, it can also be practical and affordable.

Whether you choose a cosy homestay with 50 guests or a luxurious 5-star resort experience, understanding your costs early helps you make confident decisions.

The natural beauty of Kerala’s backwaters does half the job. Your attention to detail, warm hospitality and meaningful moments will do the rest.

If you need help choosing a venue or getting vendor quotes based on your backwater wedding cost in Kerala, we at Shaadi Spaces are happy to assist.