By Rahma Rifkhan
They say, “Focus on the marriage, not the wedding”.
Well, we say “Why not both?”
With a wedding comes a myriad of choices to be made and countless tiny details to focus on. Everything starting from the gown down to the garnish has to be just right. Simply put, wedding planning is not for the light-hearted.
So, we decided to make things easier for you: Here’s a curated list of perfect venues on the island to host the wedding of your dreams.
1. A Hotel Wedding: Shangri-La Colombo
For a lavish ceremony that becomes the talk of the town, what better venue than one of the island’s most luxurious hotels. Shangri-La Colombo is renowned for its ability to transform their spaces to give each wedding an extravagant splendour with their gorgeous decor.
Depending on your guest count, you can either opt for the Shangri-La Ballroom, with its pillarless elegant interior or the Lotus Ballroom with its glittering lotus chandeliers.
There are three menus available priced per person as follows: A buffet menu at LKR 7,200, a Biriyani menu at LKR 6,000 and a set menu at LKR 8,750.
Click here to check out each wedding package, what they include as well as the proposed menus.
Location: No.1. Galle Face, Colombo 2
Contact No: 011 788 8288
Email Address: events.slcb@shangri-la.com
Website: Click here
2. A Hotel Wedding: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa
Yet another sought-out destination wedding spot, Marriott Weligama ticks all the boxes required for a memorable walk down the aisle. With a bird’s eye view of the Indian Ocean and an aesthetically modern interior, it’s an ideal wedding location with that perfect blend of elegance and luxury.
There are four wedding packages available. Emerald at LKR 6,500 nett, Ruby at LKR 7,000 nett, Sapphire at LKR 7,500 nett and Diamond at LKR 8,000 nett.
Click here for the complete catalogue of each wedding package and the menus available.
Location: Pelana, Matara Road, Weligama
Contact No: 041 460 0101
Website: Click here
3. A Hotel Wedding: Taj Samudra, Colombo
Taj Samudra, with its breath-taking views of the ocean’s blue waters and its lush green gardens is one of the go-to venues for exotic destination weddings.
You can choose between multiple beautiful spaces designed to make your day a timeless work of perfection. The Grand crystal ballroom features high ceilings and an atmosphere of grandeur while the Samudra Ballroom boasts scenic views of the ocean.
The price per person is at LKR 7,500 onwards.
Location: No 25, Galle Face Centre Road,Colombo
Contact No: 011 244 6622
Email Address: reservations.samudra@tajhotels.com
Website: Click here
4. A beach wedding: Jetwing Blue
Say “I do” as the golden sun sets over the calming turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. A sun-kissed wedding followed by a star-lit reception awaits you at Jetwing Blue Negombo.
They have four available wedding packages with prices per person as follows: The Bronze package at LKR 6,500 nett , the Silver package at LKR 7,500 nett, the Gold package at LKR 8,500 nett and the Platinum package at LKR 10,000 nett.
Click here for the complete catalogue containing information on each package, available menu options and venue facilities.
Location: Poruthota Road, Ethukala, Negombo.
Contact No: +94 114 709 400
Email Address: resv.blue@jetwinghotels.com
Website: Click here
5. A rustic wedding: The Barnhouse
A rustic English barn house tucked away among tall trees and green hues. It’s no surprise that The Barnhouse is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the island given its simple sophistication and aesthetic flair. The entire setting is beautifully in sync with nature and serves as an exceptional location to get married in.
You can opt for the main barn and the mini barn depending on the number of guests. There is also a choice between 4 of their specially curated menus: Bronze(LKR 5,500), Silver(LKR 5,800), Gold (LKR 6,800) and Platinum (LKR 8,900)
Click here for the complete catalogue of available packages and their rates.
Location: No 155/9, 2nd Lane, Galpotta Road, Kiriberiya, Panadura.
Contact No: +94 38 2247799
Email Address: inquiries@barnhouse.lk
Website: Click here
6. A garden wedding: Arie lagoon
Arie Lagoon provides a charmingly picturesque garden setting for you to tie the knot. The moonlight, flicker of candles and the glow of fairy lights builds an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.
Their enchanting event spaces offer scenic views of the Negombo Lagoon and can be custom-decorated to create the magical wedding you desire .
Their menus are priced at LKR 4,250 per person. (For more details, contact them by phone or email)
Location: 587 Pamunugama Road, Thalahena, Negombo
Contact No: +94 317 745 745
Email Address: reservations@arielagoon.com
Website: Click here
7. A mansion wedding: Tintagel Colombo
This mansion has a rich heritage cemented in its walls. To date, it stands gracefully emanating the stories of a proud nation.
Completed in the 1930’s, it has housed the British Military, served as the family home for three generations of prominent political leaders- The Bandaranaike’s and more recently, they welcomed British Royalty and world leaders from around the globe.
Your testaments of love amidst Tintagel’s testaments of history would be nothing short of perfect.
You have the choice between booking their courtyard, the private dining room or the entire property depending on the number of guests.
Their set menu prices range from LKR 7,650 upwards
Click here for the complete catalogue consisting of all the rates.
Location: 65 Rosmead Place,Colombo 7
Contact No: +94 11 4602060 / +94 11 4602122
Email Address: reservations@tintagelcolombo.com
Website: Click here
8. A lakeside wedding: Waters Edge
Away from the bustling sounds of the city but close enough to witness the twinkling reflection of city lights off the serene lake. Water’s Edge provides a beautiful canvas to paint your dream wedding on.
There are multiple charming spaces to choose from: Grand Ballroom, Eagle, View, Lawn and Nelum and each space has its own curated wedding package.
They are priced per person as follows: Nelum at LKR 5,665, Eagle at LKR 5,995, View at LKR 6,545, Lawn at LKR 6,655, The Grand Ballroom at LKR 6,655 (Below 500 guests) and LKR 6,325 (Above 500 guests)
Click here for brochures consisting of all the wedding packages and menus.
Location: 316, Ethul Kotte Road, Battaramulla
Contact No: +94 77 358 7419
Email Address: specialevents@watersedge.lk
Website: Click here
9. A forest wedding: Cinnamon Lodge
For those who want to celebrate their love encompassed in the wonders of nature- This one’s for you. Cinnamon Lodge Habarana offers a scenic wedding venue underneath a foliage of greenery, wildflowers and birdsong. This is an ideal location for all animal-enthusiasts and nature-lovers.
There are four wedding packages available as Olu, Nelum and Manel depending on the number of guests.
Click here for information on wedding packages available at Cinnamon Lodge. Their price per head could vary from LKR 4,500 upto LKR 7,500 .
Location: Habarana, Sigiriya
Contact No: +94 662270012
Email Address: info@cinnamonhotels.com
Website: Click here
10. A hilltop wedding: Ceylon Tea Trails
Imagine walking down the aisle at an altitude of 1250m, amidst lush green hills, glittering lakes and colonial architecture.
Recreate that enchanting experience you just imagined at Ceylon Tea Trails.
Comprising 5 bungalows scattered across a breathtakingly vibrant landscape, this venue was recommended by the renowned wedding couturier, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, as a blissful location for an intimate wedding.
The bungalows are named Summerville, Castlereagh, Dunkeld, Norwood and Tientsin . You have the choice between using one charming bungalow or all five.
Their wedding packages do not have a fixed rate and are custom tailored to suit each couple and their requirements.
Location: Hatton
Contact No: +94 11 7745730
Email Address: reservations@resplendentceylon.com
Website: Click here
Here’s some inspiration : Destination Wedding Edit by Sabyasachi Mukherjee
11. A unique wedding: Taprobane Island
Here’s perhaps the most exclusive location on our list: Taprobane Island
Where the bronzed sandy beaches of Weligama meets the turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean, nestles the majestic islet of Taprobane. A historically unique spot to take your vows in, with its seamless fusion of colonial architecture, golden sunsets, swaying coconut trees and blooming tropical flowers.
Built in the 1920’s, this island boasts a rich history and is considered to be the only privately owned island in Sri Lanka.
As every wedding hosted here is an exclusive event, their wedding packages do not have a fixed rate and are custom tailored to suit each couple and their requirements.
Location: Weligama
Contact No: +94 91 4380275
Email Address: info@thesunhouse.com
Website: Click here
Here’s some inspiration: Jonaspeterson.com
Well, that’s a wrap!
We hope we’ve made your wedding planning just a bit easier and here’s to wishing your celebration of love is everything you hoped for!
Looking forward to an invite 😉
*Rates and packages are as at 1st of March 2022
