If you’re planning a multi-day Indian wedding in Colorado, you’re likely organizing more than just one event. From pre-wedding ceremonies like the Mehndi and Sangeet to the main wedding day and reception, every part of your celebration requires careful coordination.
Here’s a practical breakdown of what to expect, how to structure your timeline, and what to consider from a photo and video standpoint.
Common Ceremony Types
Not all Indian weddings look the same. The type of ceremony often depends on your cultural background or religious traditions. Here are a few you may be planning:
Hindu Ceremony
This often includes a baraat (groom’s procession), a mandap (ceremonial altar), and traditional rituals such as the saat phere and kanyadaan. These typically take place in the morning or early afternoon.
Sikh Ceremony
Held in a gurdwara or a venue with the Guru Granth Sahib present. The couple circles the holy book during the laavaan. A separate reception is usually held afterward.
Muslim Ceremony (Nikah)
Involves a signed marriage contract, religious readings, and a walima reception. Some couples also include a henna night or mehndi party prior to the wedding day.
Christian Ceremony
Usually takes place in a church or outdoor venue, followed by a large Indian-style reception with dinner and dancing.
Some couples include multiple ceremonies to honor both sides of the family—whether that’s a Hindu and Christian ceremony, or another combination.
Pre-Wedding Events: Mehndi, Haldi, and Sangeet
Most Indian weddings include multiple events in the days leading up to the ceremony. These are the three most common:
Mehndi
A casual daytime or evening gathering where the bride and guests get henna applied. Often hosted at a home or hotel.
Haldi
Held the morning before the wedding. Family members apply turmeric paste to the bride and groom for good luck and blessings. It’s intimate, lighthearted, and filled with color.
Sangeet
The biggest pre-wedding celebration. Think choreographed dances, performances by friends and family, and an energetic dance floor. This usually happens the night before the wedding.
Example Timeline for a 2–3 Day Indian Wedding in Colorado
Here’s how most couples space things out:
Day 1
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Morning: Haldi ceremony
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Afternoon: Mehndi for the bride’s side
Day 2
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Evening: Sangeet celebration with dinner, performances, and dancing
Day 3
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Morning: Wedding ceremony (often followed by lunch)
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Evening: Reception with grand entrances, speeches, and dancing
If you’re hosting multiple ceremonies, some couples extend to four days or split the wedding and reception across two separate days.
Photo and Video Tips for Multi-Day Weddings
As photographers and videographers who specialize in Indian weddings, here are a few things we recommend:
Plan for buffer time
Events often run late, especially when travel between venues is involved. Pad the schedule so you’re not rushed.
Think about lighting
Midday sun can be harsh, especially in the mountains. Golden hour is best for portraits, and indoor events often need additional lighting.
Use a multi-camera team
With so much happening across multiple days, it’s important to have more than one shooter to capture everything, especially during simultaneous events like getting ready or split ceremonies.
Clarify the important moments
Whether it’s a tearful moment with a parent or a specific ritual your family holds dear, let your photo and video team know what matters most to you.
Capture every event
If you’re investing in a multi-day celebration, don’t skip coverage for smaller events like the Haldi or Mehndi. These are some of the most personal, joyful moments of the entire week.
If you’re in the early stages of planning your Indian wedding in Colorado, we’d love to be a resource for you. We’ve worked at top venues across Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and beyond—and know what it takes to document multi-day South Asian weddings beautifully and efficiently.
To see our work or start the conversation, get in touch here.
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