In God’s Own Country, a wedding is not just a ceremony — it is an ethereal celebration where nature and culture conspire to craft an experience that feels otherworldly. Here, vows are exchanged to the rhythm of temple bells and the whisper of Arabian waves, as houseboats glide like floating palaces across shimmering waters.
Solemnising a wedding in Kerala is a dream come true and now even the government of Kerala is actively promoting it as a wedding destination. Kerala has taken a decisive step to place itself firmly on the global wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) map, with the successful organisation of the country’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave in Kochi.
The three-day event, hosted by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, brought together over 675 buyers and stakeholders from India and across the world.
Inaugurating the conclave, Tourism and PWD Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said Kerala offered the “best off-beat venues” that transform every celebration into an enchanting experience. “Our state offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, world-class infrastructure and highly efficient professionals. Here, dreams are not just celebrated; they truly come alive,” he emphasised.
From the shimmering backwaters of Alappuzha to the majestic forts of Bekal, from houseboats that float on serene waters to luxury resorts nestled in the Western Ghats, Kerala provides diverse and distinctive settings for weddings and conferences. The Minister noted that every celebration or corporate gathering in the state is infused with world-class hospitality, transforming events into cultural discoveries.
Kerala’s connectivity and transport systems give it a clear edge in attracting global wedding and MICE clients. The government’s allocation of `3,760 crore for canal development will further enhance the state’s water-based transport and tourism infrastructure.
Kerala’s Tourism Secretary Biju K and Tourism Director Ms. Sikha Surendran outlined the state’s broader strategy. The wedding and MICE industry is estimated to be worth $1 trillion globally, but India accounts for only 1.8 per cent of it. By combining its scenic landscapes, cultural wealth, modern infrastructure, responsible tourism ethos, and now, technological innovation, Kerala is positioning itself as not just a tourist destination, but a global stage for life’s biggest celebrations and business gatherings.