From palaces to havelis: India's historic wedding venues.

For many people, getting married in a palace or fortress is a childhood dream. Heritage sites with their ancient corridors and halls where kings and queens once walked, grand staircases and elegant interiors provide couples with a wonderful opportunity to create memories and a piece of history on their special day. "When the palaces were built many years ago, they were designed with festivities in mind. They have been designed with large rooms, high ceilings, huge palatial spaces, extreme luxury and exquisite grounds, making them ideal wedding venues," says Ekta Saigal Lulla, founder and partner of Weddings by ESL.

Why choose a historic wedding venue? Fortresses, palaces and havelis are often amongst natural beauties that usually require minimal effort to look beautiful at a wedding. The grand entrances, majestic palace plazas and landscaped gardens also provide the perfect setting for photo shoots, ceremonies, games or just relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere. Royal wedding venues are not limited to antiques, history and splendor. Most venues offer beautiful pools, game rooms, and spas that you can book to entertain your wedding guests. But the most appealing part is the lightness. Most palace hotels offer everything you need for a great day under one roof. You can have mehendi and haldi ceremonies, exchange vows, have sumptuous dinners, dance all night and retire to your marriage suite, all in one place. There is no need to move between different locations and disrupt the flow of the day. Plus, these spaces are great for personalizing with colors, flowers and details of your choice.

Want to set your wedding story in one of these? Here are 10 of the most incredible venues for an unforgettable royal wedding in India.

About Bhawan Palace Tearooms, Jodhpur

This unrivaled grand dame of palatial hotels has magnificent views of the city and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Located in 1997, this hotel, designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, is managed by IHCL.

Amenities and Services:All 347 rooms feature elegant artwork, Makran marble (the same used in the Taj Mahal) and exotic murals. Exquisite lawns are perfect for wedding rituals or a royal banquet. There is also a grand neoclassical ballroom, a selection of bars and a vintage car museum to entertain your guests.

Capacity: up to 700 guests.

Belgadia Palace, Orissa

This 18th century Victorian palace is the quintessential venue for an exclusive and sophisticated wedding. As you walk through the grand lobby, past the large windows and up the monogrammed staircase, you'll notice that history and elegance are present at every corner. With only 11 guest rooms, this venue is perfect for a small but incredibly beautiful wedding. Take your vows in the Narayanhiti Suite, which used to be the private room of the Princess of Nepal, King Tribhuvan's daughter, and then dine al fresco in the mango gardens or beautifully decorated gardens. The palace also has a billiards room, theater, spa, pool and museum.

Guest capacity: 30 guests for lodging, up to 700 guests for events.

Lalit Great Eastern Hotel, Kolkata

If you're visiting Kolkata, you must stay at Great Eastern, whether you're Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling or Queen Elizabeth. Such is the uniqueness and adoration of this hotel, built in 1840 by David Wilson. Marble hallways, meticulously restored antique baths and fittings, retro tapestries dress up the past, while large TVs, JBL sound systems and floor-to-ceiling mirrors welcome luxury. Interestingly, the hotel was electrified in 1883 and became the first hotel in India with electricity.

The hotel showcases 215 luxurious rooms and suites where guests will feel like they have traveled back in time. Those looking for a secluded location will fall in love with the picturesque rooftop, and the grand ballroom is suitable for a lavish event such as a party.

The guest capacity is 550 guests.

Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal

This 19th century palace with its arched rows, majestic columns and intricate ornaments creates a truly stunning wedding space. The luxury continues in the interior of the 100 rooms with colonial furniture, ethnic furnishings and deep soaking tubs that add to the charm.

The couple can begin their nuptials in one of the five banquet rooms or on the Queen's lawn overlooking the Royal Hippodrome. The fantastic food at this exquisite historic hotel is the centerpiece, thanks to age-old recipes from the Begum repertoire.

Guest capacity: 500 guests.