Weddings at Neelambari
Married at Guruvayur, celebrating by the river
Every year a number of couples marry at Guruvayur temple in the morning and then come to Neelambari for the rest of the day. They come from all over Kerala and from outside it, and many would rather continue the celebration in a quiet place than in a hotel in the busy temple town. We are about an hour away, in a village on the Karuvannur river near Thrissur.
If you plan to hold the rest of the celebration at Neelambari, an early morning slot at the temple works best. Usually only the immediate family of the bride and the groom go to the temple, and they can be at Neelambari for breakfast after the ceremony.
An hour from the temple
- Guruvayur temple is about 40 km away, an hour's drive by NH 66.
- Thrissur is 13 km away, and so is the railway station.
- Kochi International Airport is 42 km away, usually about an hour's drive.
We are south of Guruvayur. When the bride's family, the groom's family, or both are from the southern side of Thrissur, the logistics are easier.
What we can arrange for the day
- The feast. A sadya (the traditional Kerala feast, served on a banana leaf) in the Thrissur style, cooked in our kitchen, either the classical menu or our Neelambari Signature sadya. You are also welcome to bring your own caterer.
- The spaces. The Koothambalam (our temple theatre) seats about 100, with the Nalukettu (the courtyard) next to it for the sadya. For a larger gathering, the Jaalam, covered and open to the garden, takes 500 to 600. Puzhayoram, on the river, suits a smaller one.
- Rooms. Nine rooms on the property, two of them tree houses by the river, for the families closest to the wedding. We can arrange more rooms at properties nearby for the extended family and friends. These are charged separately.
- The perfect backdrop for photos The gardens, the river and the traditional buildings are already a place where couples come for pre-wedding and post-wedding photographs.
- A performance, if you would like one. Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Panchavadyam or Melam, on request.
- One person to deal with. The venue, the decoration, the food and the local arrangements all come through one contact at Neelambari, which matters most to families who are travelling.
The whole property, or just the spaces you need
The whole property can be taken exclusively for your event: no other function in the other venues, and no guests other than yours in the rooms. You can also opt for a specific venue for the event along with rooms that you may need.
A green celebration, if you want one
Decoration and sadya can be booked with us. If you would like them to be green, with living plants, no single-use plastic and a sadya served on banana leaves, you can read about our Unhurried Wedding.
Planning your day with us
Message us on WhatsApp, call +91 94005 25150, or use the enquiry form. We will take it from there.