Sample 3 Day Kerala Wedding Itinerary (With Day and Midnight Wedding Options)

Planning a 3-day destination wedding in Kerala is a dream come true for many couples, but it works best when it is carefully structured.

Unlike local weddings that guests attend for just a few hours, destination weddings are immersive experiences. Your guests are coming from far, often taking leave and spending on flights. So the schedule must be well-balanced, respectful of their comfort and deeply reflective of your love story.

In this blog, we share a complete Kerala wedding itinerary for a 3-day celebration. It includes two options for the main wedding ceremony:

1. A daytime wedding—which is best suited for most venues in Kerala

2. A midnight wedding—ideal for North Indian traditions but with specific planning needs

We also explain important facts that many couples are unaware of, such as the need for a full venue buyout and the reality of a 4-night stay. This is not just about events, it is about guest experience and seamless execution.

Why a 3-Day Kerala Wedding Needs 4 Nights

This is the first thing many clients do not realise: a 3-day itinerary usually means a 4-night venue booking.

Here's why:

• Guests check in on Day 1 (usually after lunch)

• You host events on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3

• Guests check out on Day 4, after brunch or breakfast

This is the standard across India for weddings hosted at private or destination venues. Even major resorts in Jaipur, Goa and Udaipur follow the same format.

In Kerala, this is even more important because:

• Most weddings happen at boutique resorts or heritage venues, not banquet halls

• These venues are surrounded by natural settings, not city infrastructure

• For privacy, logistics and styling, full venue buyouts are essential

So yes, if you are planning a 3-day wedding, you will need to book your venue for 4 nights and buy out all rooms. This is standard. In fact, it works in your favour, your guests feel like they are on a private vacation with you, and your planners get complete control over setup, flow and guest management.

Day 1: Arrival, Haldi and Welcome Evening

Day 1 is about settling in and starting with warmth and style. Most guests arrive between 12 noon and 3 pm. Offer a welcome drink, local snacks and give them time to rest before the functions begin.

Suggested Flow:

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Guest arrival, check-in, welcome kits, freshen up

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Haldi ceremony for the couple in an open lawn or courtyard

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Mehendi function with folk music, juices and light snacks

8:00 pm onward: Welcome dinner (can be clubbed with Sangeet)

Even if you keep it simple, this evening sets the tone. Add Kerala touches like brass lamps, banana leaf counters and coconut shell mocktails. Mention timing and dress codes in your printed or digital Kerala wedding itinerary to avoid confusion.

Day 2: Wedding Ceremony (Choose One of Two Options)

This is the main day and here, couples must choose between a daytime wedding or a midnight wedding with Baraat.

Option A: Daytime Wedding (Recommended for Kerala)

Most Kerala venues (especially heritage, beach or backwater properties) encourage daytime ceremonies.

This is because:

• Kerala sunsets are early (between 6–6:30 pm)

• There are strict noise limits after 10:30 pm in most areas

• Open-air setups are best enjoyed in daylight

• Most local priests and vendors are used to morning timings

You can plan a romantic garden ceremony at 10 am followed by a banana leaf lunch and a relaxed evening.

Sample Schedule:

6:30 am – 8:30 am: Bride and groom preparations

9:00 am – 11:00 am: Wedding ceremony (mandap near backwaters or beach)

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Kerala sadhya lunch (on banana leaves)

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Guest rest time

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Farewell high tea or cultural show (optional)

This format is ideal for multicultural couples and also for those who want a calm, visually beautiful wedding in Kerala’s natural light. You avoid late-night fatigue and respect venue norms.

Option B: Midnight Wedding with Baraat (North Indian Style)

If you want a traditional North Indian wedding with a Baraat at night and pheras around midnight, you absolutely can do it, but it must be planned carefully.

Important Considerations:

• You must book the venue for 4 nights. Guests will rest after the wedding on Day 3 and leave the next morning.

  
  

• You must book a full venue buyout. No outside guests can share the property during the Baraat or pheras.

  
  

• You must check noise limits and permissions. Some venues allow baraat-style entries till 10:30 pm, but pheras continue indoors.

  
  

• You must ensure lighting, staff, vendor flexibility for midnight support.

Sample Schedule:

9:00 am – 11:00 am: Optional sightseeing, spa or brunch for guests

11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Haldi ceremony

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Mehendi session with live folk or DJ

7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: High tea and Baraat staging area

9:00 pm: Baraat procession with dhol and lights

10:00 pm – 11:30 pm: Varmala and guest dinner

12:00 am – 2:00 am: Pheras and wedding rituals

2:00 am onward: Light snacks or return to rooms

Guests sleep on Day 3 morning and check out after brunch. Your Kerala wedding itinerary should make this very clear with mention of late-night dress code, comfort needs and event pacing.

Day 3: Brunch and Farewell

Day 3 is the soft ending to your celebration. Whether you had a morning or midnight wedding, keep this day light and personal.

Sample Flow:

9:00 am – 11:00 am: Brunch with fresh juices, Kerala filter coffee and breakfast favourites

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Short thank-you note, photo exchange or gifting moment

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Guest departures, check-outs, transport

Offer Ayurvedic spa sessions, curated return gifts (like banana leaf diaries, coconut candles or spices) to end on a high note.

Final Notes for Couples Planning a Kerala Wedding Itinerary

If you are planning a 3-day wedding in Kerala, here is what you must keep in mind:

• Book the venue for 4 nights. There is no way around this. It gives you event space, buffer time and guest comfort.

• Buy out the venue fully. You cannot host a multi-day wedding with random outsiders staying at the same property.

• If you want a midnight Baraat, talk to your planner early. Get the permissions, sound arrangements and staff in place.

• Afternoon or early evening ceremonies work better in Kerala’s natural light and calm atmosphere.

• Use a printed or digital Kerala wedding itinerary to communicate clearly with your guests.

Your wedding in Kerala can be as grand or intimate as you want, but it must be planned with care. Whether you follow a North Indian wedding format with a midnight Baraat or a South Indian-style day ceremony, the three-day format allows plenty of space for rituals and fun.

Just remember: 3 days = 4 nights. Full venue buyout = better control. Clear itinerary = happy guests.

Your wedding is not just about moments, it is about flow. This Kerala wedding itinerary gives you the perfect structure to begin your forever.