Mariam & Kevin

We are so excited to celebrate with you in India! 🇮🇳 Before travelling, please make sure you have the necessary travel documents well ahead of your trip.

First, find the category that applies to your passport:

🛂 Applying for an Indian e-Visa

For e-Tourist Visas, eligible applicants may apply online up to 120 days before arrival and at least 4 days before their arrival date. We strongly recommend applying well in advance rather than waiting until the minimum deadline.

1. Check that your passport nationality is eligible on the official e-Visa website .
2. Complete the online e-Visa application. You might require information of the host family etc., we are happy to assist you with such info - just shoot as a message. .
3. Upload your passport information page and a recent photograph as specified by the portal.
4. Pay the applicable visa fee. Fees vary by nationality and are non-refundable.
5. Wait for your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email.
6. Check your application status and make sure it says GRANTED.
7. Print or save a copy of your approved ETA and bring it when travelling.

Important: Four days is the minimum application lead time, not a guarantee of approval. Use only the official Government of India e-Visa website . Beware of third-party websites charging additional fees.

🛂 Check Your Passport

Before travelling, please make sure your passport is valid for your entire trip. We recommend having at least 6 months of validity remaining when travelling internationally.

Please also ensure that the passport you use for your flight is the same passport associated with your Indian visa or OCI card, where applicable.

🛬 Before Arriving in India

1. e-Arrival Card

Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders should complete India's electronic arrival card within 72 hours before arrival. This is not a visa; it provides arrival information to Indian immigration.

Complete the official e-Arrival Card →

The official form is free. Do not pay third-party websites or click on first sponsered website links from your Google search to complete it.

2. Air Suvidha Self-Declaration

Please check the current instructions and complete the Air Suvidha Self-Declaration Form if required for your journey.

Official Air Suvidha portal →

The official form is free. Do not pay third-party websites or click on first sponsered website links from your Google search to complete it.

📱 Your India Travel Checklist

• Valid passport
• Valid OCI card OR approved Indian visa/e-Visa, if applicable
• e-Arrival Card confirmation, if applicable
• Air Suvidha confirmation, if applicable
• Flight itinerary
• Hotel/accommodation information
• Wedding venue and emergency contact information
• Digital and printed copies of important documents

Please check the latest entry requirements for your nationality and travel itinerary before departure. Visa and arrival rules can change.

Please take care of your passport and visa early so there are no last-minute travel issues. We can't wait to celebrate with you in India! 🤍

December is one of our favorite times to visit Kerala. Expect warm, humid weather around 28–31°C during the day and 23–25°C in the evenings.

The wedding will take place in Kochi, Kerala, India. Although both our families are originally from Kottayam, a smaller town about two hours away, Kochi seemed like the perfect place to bring together our international and local friends.

We are Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, a Christian community in India founded by St. Thomas the Apostle. Our wedding will follow the traditions of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, with Indian-American influences. Our wedding will be officated by Bishop H.G. Dr. Yuhanon Mar Meletius Metropolitan.

The liturgy will be in English and Malayalam, and we will provide an English-Malayalam wedding book for guests attending the church service.

Everybody! We would love to celebrate with you and your family.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen will travel together with the bride and groom. For everyone else, buses will be available to take guests from the church to the reception hall.

Uber is widely used in Kochi, where you can book car rides. You can book traditional Indian rickshaws on the Uber app too! They are also easily accessible and inexpensive.

There is limited parking at the church, but plenty of parking at the reception hall.

Whatever you're comfortable wearing! There are no strict requirements. Families and the wedding party will be wearing both Western and traditional Indian outfits throughout the celebrations, and we're happy to help you find Indian attire if you'd like to try it.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen will have a specific dress code, which the bride and groom will communicate separately.

Otherwise, while exploring Kochi, Kerala, or India, we recommend light and loose clothing.

We've put together a few hotel recommendations in Kochi, listed based on their proximity to the wedding church and convenient access to nearby metro stations.

Tap any hotel to view its location on Google Maps. If you need help with accommodation, feel free to contact the bride and groom or their families.