Image Credit: Reis Magos Fort, Goa
Majestic, rugged and spectacularly located. Forts are giving destination weddings in Goa an edge like never before. Most sit perched on the precipice of an outcrop jutting out into the ocean, overlooking jaw-dropping views.
Imagine swathes from your mandap billowing in the wind under piercing blue skies, laterite walls rising high above azure seas and a serenity that can only come atop a quiet hill. A leading wedding planner in Goa suggested that fort ceremonies are an excellent way to stand out from the crowd and offer your guests something different.
Here are a few options for fort destination weddings in Goa.
Picture Credit: Fort Tiracol, Goa
FORT TIRACOL
Built in the 17th century, Fort Tiracol straddles the northern edge of Goa boasting a panoramic view of the swirling estuary below, the quiet Querim beach and the Arabian Sea expanding into the distance.
Lush green covers the open hillside just beyond the main fort, offering the perfect setting for pheras or a sangeet at sunset.
FORT AGUADA
One of the best-preserved Portuguese forts in Goa, Fort Aguada features solid stone ramparts that stretch out into the sea. Built in 1612, it is home to a towering lighthouse that’s one of the oldest in Asia.
Gift yourselves a fun, offbeat pre-wedding photoshoot on its winding staircase, and recreate iconic Bollywood moments within the fort on your big day.
Picture Credit: Reis Magos Fort, Goa
REIS MAGOS
Newly restored, Reis Magos is the closest fort to Panjim and overlooks the charming city along the banks of river Mandovi. It may be small compared to Goa’s other forts, but commands one of the prettiest views with a gorgeous flight of stairs leading to the church of Reis Magos (Three Kings) at its base.
Its whitewashed walls, rustic stone floors and enchanting archways enhanced by the original work of world-renowned artist Mario Miranda and other Goan artists make the perfect backdrop for your ceremonies.
CHAPORA FORT
If you’re looking for photographs amid ruins, you should definitely consider Chapora Fort for your destination wedding in Goa. Rubbing shoulders with north Goa’s hippie enclave and littered with loose stones from its old walls, this ancient structure has bastions and turrets that make for the cutest backdrops.
Within its laterite walls is a wide open space that was once home to barracks and housing, but could be the location of one of the most off-beat wedding venues in Goa.
CABO DE RAMA
The rocky history of Cabo de Rama is visible among the pockets of vegetation creeping slowly up its walls. Parched dry grass covers the floor and the blackened stone walls jutting out over the blue sea look over virginal sands and the captivating natural beauty of Goa across the bay.
Juxtaposed with the dark ruins is the whitewashed church of Santo Antonio, still in perfect condition. This stunning contrast of colours plays beautifully with surrounding panoramic views to give your guests a once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding experience.