A Lesbian Wedding in India: Four Ceremonies Celebrating Love and Tradition
When Mrittika (she/her) and Viktoria (she/her) decided to celebrate their love at the stunning Rajbari Bawali, they weren’t just planning a wedding; they were weaving together Indian and Hungarian traditions in a way that was completely their own. From honoring the four elements as part of their theme to blending traditional attire with personal flair, this celebration was anything but conventional. And yes, planning a cross-cultural wedding halfway around the world came with its challenges, but they tackled each one with creativity and heart.
How did your love story begin?
Our love story started unexpectedly in Hong Kong. I had just moved into a new flat on Lamma Island, a gorgeous car-free island with stunning outdoor spaces, and decided to rent out a room. Viktoria was the first person to come see it.
She had been in Hong Kong for only a few months and had already moved multiple times, looking for the right place.
We quickly connected, and within weeks of her moving in, our friendship blossomed into something deeper. Even when she had to return to Austria, we stayed connected, calling each other daily until I eventually moved to be with her.
Why did you choose Rajbari Bawali as your wedding venue?
Rajbari Bawali felt like a perfect fit for us, but it was more than just a beautiful place. When Viktoria and I first visited India together, we stayed at Bawali for a night to escape the intensity of Calcutta.
This place brought back childhood dreams for me, as I’d always imagined a traditional Bengali setting but never thought I could have a lesbian wedding there.
As we sipped tea that morning, Viktoria turned to me and said this would be the perfect place for our wedding.
It was a magical moment, and I knew we’d found our venue.
What inspired the four elements theme for your wedding?
Our wedding theme was rooted in the natural elements: Water, Earth, Fire, and Wind. We wanted to keep the focus on nature, beyond cultural or religious divides, as a symbol of love that transcends borders.
The Water ceremony took place on the Ganges with traditional Baul music, where we floated candles in leaf bowls. For Earth, we exchanged vows under a giant tree. The Fire ceremony was about promises with fire as our witness, and the Wind ceremony on New Year’s Day symbolized fresh beginnings.
What were some challenges you faced while planning the wedding from afar?
Planning a wedding in India from abroad was definitely challenging! The time difference was tricky, and since Viktoria doesn’t speak Hindi, a lot of the communication and planning fell to me.
We both put thought and heart into every decision, and the team at Rajbari Bawali really came through, making us and our guests feel like family.
Each element felt personal and intentional, and we were so grateful to everyone who brought our vision to life
Were there any unique or non-traditional aspects in your wedding?
Yes, quite a few! For our Fire ceremony, we worked with lady priestesses who are breaking gender norms by stepping into traditionally male roles as priests in Calcutta. It felt empowering to be surrounded by strong women during this ceremony. We also had our faces on coconuts, custom cookies, and drink toppers!
Our first dance wasn’t traditional either—we danced to the beat of dhaaks, traditional Bengali drums.
Can you tell us about your wedding outfits?
Our outfits combined Indian, Chinese, and Western styles, each with a unique twist. For the Water ceremony, a queer Bengali designer created custom outfits that included our Chinese zodiac symbols, the dragon and snake. My Earth ceremony dress was made by the same tailor who created my late cousin’s wedding dress, honoring her memory. Viktoria wore a red suit for that ceremony. For the Fire ceremony, we both wore traditional Indian attire, blending cultures and personal stories into every look.
What advice would you give to couples planning a cross-cultural wedding?
Our biggest piece of advice is to find people who understand and respect your vision. Communication is so important, especially when blending traditions. Trust your instincts and remember that a smaller, more intimate guest list can make the experience more meaningful.
We also recommend being organized with budgeting. Viktoria helped manage expenses, and we tracked every bill and payment to make the process less stressful.
What were your favorite moments from the wedding weekend?
The entire weekend felt like a dream. We had friends and family from different parts of the world who all came together for us, which was surreal.
One of our favorite parts was the dance parties we held after our Earth and Fire ceremonies, complete with color bombs, flares, and fireworks. It was a beautiful fusion of all our worlds meeting and celebrating with joy and love.
Photography by Picture Makers
Venue The Rajbari
