Delhi’s historical monuments may soon transform into stunning wedding and event venues, with the city government planning to allow private and cultural functions at select heritage sites.
According to officials, a new scheme is being developed to permit bookings of specific monuments under the Delhi Archaeology Department for weddings, cultural events, and other private gatherings. The initiative aims to promote heritage tourism while ensuring that preservation and security remain top priorities.
Among the shortlisted sites are some of Delhi’s most architecturally significant monuments, representing diverse eras of the city’s history.
The Mutiny Memorial at Northern Ridge, built in 1863 to commemorate soldiers who died in the Revolt of 1857, is one such site being considered. The Dara Shikoh Library at Kashmere Gate — once home to Mughal prince Dara Shikoh and later used as a British administrative office — is another.
Other potential venues include Maqbara Paik near the GTK bus depot, a Mughal-era tomb believed to belong to an imperial courier, and the Lodi-period tomb in Sadhana Enclave, known for its early Indo-Islamic architectural style. The pavilions at Qudsia Garden, remnants of an 18th-century palace complex built by Qudsia Begum, wife of Emperor Muhammad Shah, have also been proposed.
Additionally, remains of medieval tombs and walls in Vasant Vihar, the Ghalib Haveli in Chandni Chowk — the 19th-century residence of poet Mirza Ghalib — and the 14th-century Bara Lao ka Gumbad, a domed rest house from the Tughlaq era, may soon host wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Officials said the plan is still in its early stages, with discussions underway on logistics, venue selection, and the introduction of necessary infrastructure.
“Extra security measures will be implemented to ensure that no damage occurs to the heritage structures during private events,” an official told PTI, adding that the government is also considering GST relaxations on booking fees for such venues.
Around 80 monuments could be selected for the initiative under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, allowing private firms to manage events while maintaining strict heritage protection protocols.
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, who first proposed the idea, said the department is currently working on approvals and infrastructure upgrades to make these heritage sites more accessible to the public.
If implemented, the initiative could turn Delhi into one of the most unique wedding destinations in the world — where couples can tie the knot amidst centuries-old Mughal, British, and Sultanate-era architecture.
