Kandy, Sri Lanka—a city where ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality merge into one. Imagine tying the knot in a charming colonial mansion, a riverside retreat, or a lush garden where peacocks might just be your uninvited (yet majestic) wedding guests. Sounds like something out of a fairytale? Well, in Kandy, it’s very much reality.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding steeped in history, culture, and pure Sri Lankan magic, let’s explore the best traditional wedding venues in Kandy—from intimate bungalows to grand ballrooms.
Why Choose Kandy for Your Wedding?
Before we jump into venues, let’s talk about why Kandy is an unforgettable wedding destination:
✔ Rich cultural heritage – Home to Sri Lanka’s famous Poruwa ceremony, a beautifully symbolic traditional wedding ritual.
✔ Breathtaking scenery – From misty hills to serene lakes and rivers, Kandy is pure romance.
✔ Perfect blend of tradition & luxury – Whether you want an elegant ballroom affair or a rustic garden ceremony, Kandy has it all.
✔ Milder climate – Unlike the scorching beaches, Kandy enjoys a pleasant, cooler atmosphere.
Top Traditional Wedding Venues in Kandy, Sri Lanka
1️⃣ Ellerton Bungalow – Intimate & Colonial Elegance
Perfect for: Small, romantic weddings with a colonial touch.
Hidden away in the hills, Ellerton Bungalow is a boutique wedding paradise. Imagine an intimate ceremony in the garden, surrounded by tea plantations, with the scent of fresh flowers and the sound of birds singing your love song.
✅ Traditional Kandyan wedding packages (think drummers, dancers, and all the charm!)
✅ Exclusive use of the bungalow – No random tourists photobombing your first kiss.
✅ Cozy yet elegant setting – Ideal for up to 30 guests.
2️⃣ Mahaweli Reach Hotel – Grand Riverside Elegance
Perfect for: Couples dreaming of a luxurious riverside wedding.
If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” next to a gently flowing river, Mahaweli Reach Hotel is THE place.
💎 Stunning outdoor & indoor venues – A lush garden or a grand ballroom, your choice!
💎 Custom Sri Lankan wedding packages – Traditional attire, flower garlands, and elephants? They can make it happen.
💎 A riverside backdrop for fairytale wedding photos.
Tip: Plan your wedding at sunset—the golden hues reflecting off the water are pure magic.
3️⃣ Mountbatten Bungalow – Vintage Colonial Charm
Perfect for: Couples looking for a mix of history and natural beauty.
Mountbatten Bungalow is where old-world charm meets romance. A former colonial residence with sprawling gardens and breathtaking views, this venue is ideal for an outdoor ceremony under the Sri Lankan sun.
🌿 Rustic garden setting – Perfect for a bohemian or nature-inspired wedding.
🌿 Historical charm – Walk down the aisle in a venue steeped in history.
🌿 Privacy & exclusivity – Feel like royalty for the day.
4️⃣ The Golden Crown Hotel – Luxury & Grandeur
Perfect for: Couples who want a regal, ballroom-style wedding.
For those who want a BIG celebration, The Golden Crown Hotel is wedding royalty. Their opulent Grand Ballroom can host hundreds of guests while still feeling elegant and classy.
👑 Lavish indoor spaces – Think chandeliers, floral backdrops, and top-tier décor.
👑 Multiple ballrooms – Whether it’s an intimate 50-person gathering or a grand 500-guest wedding, they have options.
👑 Custom wedding menus – From traditional Sri Lankan feasts to gourmet international cuisine.
Traditional Kandyan Wedding Must-Haves
Planning a wedding in Kandy? Consider incorporating these authentic traditions:
✨ Poruwa Ceremony – A beautiful Sinhalese wedding ritual held on a wooden platform (Poruwa), symbolizing the couple’s new home.
✨ Drummers & Dancers – Nothing sets the mood like a grand entrance with Kandyan dancers and traditional drummers.
✨ Elephant Procession – Want to feel like royalty? Some venues offer an elephant escort for the couple.
✨ Betel Leaf Exchange – A sacred Sri Lankan tradition representing blessings and prosperity for the couple.
Planning Tips – What to Consider for Your Kandy Wedding
✔ Best time for a wedding? December to April (less rain, cooler temperatures).
✔ Budget-friendly or luxury? Kandy offers both—choose between boutique venues or 5-star hotels.
✔ Can foreigners get married in Sri Lanka? Yes! Just make sure to check legal requirements here.
✔ DIY or planner? Many venues offer full wedding planning services, so you can relax and enjoy the magic.
Final Thoughts – Let’s Capture Your Happy Moments!
Your wedding day is one of the most magical days of your life, and Kandy provides the perfect stage for your love story. Whether you choose a garden ceremony, a riverside retreat, or a grand ballroom, one thing is for sure—it’s going to be unforgettable.
And what’s a wedding without stunning photos? That’s where I come in. 📸 As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing raw emotions, breathtaking landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
👉 Check out my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
👉 Explore wedding photography packages: Investment
👉 Let’s chat about your dream wedding! Contact me
So, are you ready to say “I do” in one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting locations? ✨
