Weddings at Ghalib’s haveli? Delhi’s heritage sites may soon host your big day

The Delhi government is preparing to roll out a new policy aimed at transforming the capital into a key destination for weddings, private events, and cultural gatherings. Central to this shift is a plan to simplify how people get permissions to host events at historical and cultural sites, as reported by TOI.

Tourism, culture, and art minister Kapil Mishra told The Times of India on Tuesday that the government wants to tap into the city's large but often overlooked network of monuments and heritage buildings.

“About 70–80 monuments can be effectively used for hosting cultural and private events,” Mishra said. “It must be ensured the event doesn't damage the sites.”

Monuments in the spotlight

The monuments being considered range from well-known names to forgotten corners of the city. These include the Mutiny Memorial at Northern Ridge, Dara Shikoh Library at Kashmere Gate, Maqbara Paik near GTK bus depot, and the tomb at Sadhana Enclave. Also on the list are pavilions at Qudsia Garden, sites in Vasant Vihar, Ghalib Haveli in Chandni Chowk, and the 14th-century Bara Lao ka Gumbad.

These sites, steeped in layers of Delhi’s history, are now being reimagined not only as cultural venues but also as prime spots for destination weddings and photography.

Weddings with a heritage backdrop

Mishra confirmed that officials have already been asked to shape a policy focused on building Delhi’s identity as a wedding destination. A senior official involved in the planning said, “We want to make the permission process simpler, including for people who do wedding photography at historical places.”

The idea is to position Delhi as a location where history and hospitality meet. The city already has a spread of farmhouses, hotels and banquets that cater to the wedding market. The missing piece, according to officials, has been the red tape that event organisers face when applying for clearances.

One platform, one process

To change that, the government is pushing for a digital single-window clearance system. This would allow event organisers to apply for permits and licences through one portal, cutting down time and confusion. Mishra told TOI this was among the proposals discussed in a recent meeting with industry representatives.

The meeting also covered other long-term solutions, including a public-private partnership model and strategic support to develop the broader events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector.

“Discussions covered multi-platform sponsorship models, strategic capital subsidy schemes, and financial and marketing support to promote the MICE sector,” said Mishra.

While some industry participants called for GST relaxations, they also flagged the high rental costs for venues across Delhi. Several pointed out that current rates were often unreasonably high for most organisers.

In response, Mishra stated, “Govt will ensure a transparent and fair system for venue allocations.”

One of the more urgent demands from industry stakeholders was the development of a full-scale international convention centre in Delhi. The absence of such a venue has meant lost opportunities for hosting global-scale events. Suggestions were also made to open up unused government lands and public spaces for event use, especially for mid-size and low-budget organisers.

Officials from the department of art, culture and language added their perspective too. They suggested that government-backed cultural programmes should be listed on commercial platforms to increase public participation and visibility. The aim is to bridge the gap between heritage and access.

The minister made it clear that the government intends to take this plan seriously.

“I will personally bring all industry concerns to CM’s attention,” Mishra told TOI. “It’s time Delhi emerges not just as a historical and political capital, but also as a global event hub.”

Delhi, with its layered architectural and cultural past, has long served as a backdrop for major events, both political and cultural. But it has never fully embraced its potential in the global events market. While states like Rajasthan and Goa have cashed in on weddings and high-end tourism, Delhi’s administrative complexity has kept many organisers at bay. This new push, if implemented smoothly, could bring much-needed visibility and economic activity to both its heritage sites and event economy.

What remains to be seen is how quickly permissions become more accessible, and how well these heritage spaces are preserved as they open up to the public in new ways.

(With inputs from TOI)