Mumbai is a city of dreams, they say. Likewise, a wedding here should mean nothing less than a dream wedding either. When brides and grooms start looking at wedding venues, they leave no stone unturned to find that just-perfect beautiful venue. Every woman wants her wedding to be a unique, memorable affair and hence, an appropriate venue selection plays a vital role in ensuring that. However, there is a dearth of open spaces in this city. Finding a perfect venue in the city can be a daunting task. So I decided to do a complete round-up of the city and the host of dream venues, be it open spaces or off-beat locations, that it offers to a couple tying the knot. We all must have attended weddings in banquet spaces at some point of time; so this time around, I thought of scouting for exclusive venues, which are clearly different from the typical 5-star banquet spaces. Something note-worthy is how all the venues listed underneath are in South Mumbai. Here is an ascending list of findings from my treasure hunt, so-to-speak.
5. Hindu Gymkhana Ground
Hindu Gymkhana ground is a grand affair venue right across the ocean, at Marine Drive, adorned by the ‘Queens Necklace’. It started out in the year 1878, and is now regarded as a heritage site as well. Although not always available for weddings, it is one of the prime wedding grounds in South Bombay, which has hosted many crème-de-la-crème weddings. This ground can easily accommodate around 1500 guests.
Décor – Monopoly Vendor
Catering – Recommended Vendor / Clients Preference
Parking Space – 20% of ground space
Location – Marine Drive, South Mumbai
For this venue, you are easily looking at a rental of two and a half lakhs for the ground, plus the décor and catering cost which depends on the choice of décor and the number of guests expected. Also, since this venue is open to wedding events only on set certain days, it is advisable to book the space as soon as the dates are set.
4. The Cooperage Lawn
Set in the posh location of Colaba, this is the ultimate venue for you if you like the idea of a garden wedding surrounded by beautiful trees adding drama to your lavish décor. The place has three lawns, spread over a whopping 69000 sq ft, which can accommodate upto 5000 guests in totality. Each individual lawn can easily accommodate 1000 guests. This venue boasts of some of the finest weddings in Mumbai, like that of Anil Ambani & Tina Ambani, Krishna Bhupal (G V K Reddy’s grandson) & Dia Mehta and the like.
Décor – Monopoly Vendor
Catering – Recommended Vendor / Clients Preference
Parking Space – 100 Cars
Location – Colaba, South Mumbai
For this venue, you are easily looking at a rental of two and a half lakhs for the lawns, plus the décor and catering cost which depends on the choice of décor and the number of guests expected. Also, since this venue is one of the coveted venues, it is advisable to book the space as soon as the dates are set. You should consider making bookings atleast six months in advance.
3. The Pier @ Bombay Presidency Radio Club
Radio Club is a one of its kind wedding venue in South Bombay, overlooking the backwaters and Gateway Of India, easily one of the most beautiful spots. The Pier, as it’s called, has a clear view of the sea and the heritage monument as its backdrop, while conveniently accommodating around 1000 guests. It’s a cosy space right in the middle of the Arabian Sea, tucked away on the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel road that one could instantly fall in love with. Although one either needs to be a member of the club, or be lucky enough to find a member in the immediate family to be able to book this venue.
Décor – Monopoly Vendor
Catering – Club
Parking Space – Vicinity of The Pier / Club
Location – Colaba, South Mumbai
For this venue, you are easily looking at a rental of one and a half lakhs for the pier, plus the décor and catering cost which depends on the choice of décor and the number of guests expected. Also, you definitely do need to be a member of the club, or have a member book this space for you. It is advisable to book the space as soon as the dates are set. You should consider making bookings atleast six months in advance.
