Planning a Destination Wedding in Sri Lanka: Your 2027 Guide to Costs, Seasons & Packages

If you are currently in the early planning stages of your wedding and exploring the magic of Sri Lanka, you are not alone! We have been receiving a wave of inquiries from couples eyeing 2027 for their big day.

One question we get asked constantly is: "Where do we even start with the budget?"

To help you navigate the early stages of planning, we’ve taken a real enquiry from one of our recent couples and turned it into a comprehensive guide. Below, we break down everything you need to know about costs, seasons, and what to expect when hosting an intimate to mid-sized wedding (80–100 guests) on this beautiful island.

1. Pricing & Packages: What to Expect

Budgeting for a destination wedding can be tricky, but Sri Lanka offers incredible value compared to many other tropical destinations.

• Cost Per Head: For a standard 5-star resort wedding, you can expect catering costs (buffet/dinner) to range between $45 – $75 USD per guest.

• Minimum Spend: Most premium venues do not have a "minimum spend" per se, but they often require a minimum guest count (usually 50–100 pax) to secure specific ballrooms or private beach areas.

• Estimated Package Cost: For a 2-day celebration (e.g., Welcome Dinner + Wedding Ceremony/Reception) for 100 guests, a realistic budget range is $60,000 – $80,000 USD. This typically covers venue, food, stay, and basic decor/logistics.

Sample "Intimate Luxury" Package (80 Guests)

• Ceremony: Beachfront Poruwa ceremony with traditional drummers.

• Reception: Gala dinner with a mix of Sri Lankan and International cuisine.

• Stay: 2 Nights accommodation for the couple + breakfast.

• Price Range: Starting from $25,000 – $35,000 USD (excluding guest accommodation).

2. Seasonal Pricing: When to Go

Sri Lanka is unique because it has two distinct monsoon seasons, meaning there is always a sunny coast somewhere on the island.

• Peak Season (West & South Coast - Galle, Bentota, Colombo):

  • Best Weather: November to April.

  • Pricing: Highest rates, especially December–January.

• Peak Season (East Coast - Trincomalee, Pasikudah):

  • Best Weather: May to September.

  • Pricing: Great value for money; perfect for summer weddings.

• Off-Peak / Shoulder Season:

  • Months: April and November often offer a "sweet spot"—lower rates (savings of 20–30%) but a slightly higher risk of scattered showers.

3. What’s Included vs. What’s Extra

When you see a "Wedding Package," it’s crucial to know exactly what you are paying for.

Typically Included:

• Venue Hire: Private access to the garden, beach, or banquet hall.

• Catering: Buffet or set menu (tastings are usually complimentary for the couple upon confirmation).

• Basic Furniture: Standard banquet tables, chairs, white linens, and cutlery.

• Service Staff: Waitstaff and bar service.

Typically NOT Included (Additional Costs):

• Accommodation: Unless you book a "resort buyout," guest rooms are usually paid separately (or by the guests themselves).

• Alcohol: Many venues charge a corkage fee if you bring your own alcohol, or you must purchase their beverage packages.

• Taxes & Service Charge: Always budget for an additional 30–35% on top of listed prices for government taxes and service charges.

• Vendor Meals: Don't forget to feed your photographers and planners!

4. Additional Services & Logistics

A destination wedding requires a village. Here is how the support system works:

• On-Site Coordination: Most hotels provide a "Wedding Sales Manager" who handles the venue and food. However, for decor, timelines, and vendor management, we highly recommend hiring an independent Wedding Planner.

• Vendor Recommendations: We have a curated list of trusted local partners for:

  • Photography/Videography (Local talent is world-class and often more affordable than flying someone in).

  • Hair & Makeup Artists (Experts in tropical, humidity-proof styling).

  • Entertainment (DJs, live bands, and traditional Kandyan dancers).

5. Policies & Booking for 2027

Since you are aiming for 2027, you have time, but popular dates fill up fast.

• Booking Timeline: To secure a specific weekend in peak season (e.g., January or February 2027), we recommend confirming your venue by mid-2026.

• Payment Schedule:

  • Deposit: Typically 20–30% non-refundable to save the date.

  • Interim: 50% due 3–6 months prior.

  • Final: Balance due 30 days before the event.

• Cancellation: Policies vary, but generally, deposits are forfeited if cancelled. Flexible rescheduling is sometimes available for unforeseen global events.