Venue guide · Kissimmee, Orlando
Indian Wedding at Gaylord Palms: A Photographer’s Guide
Planning an Indian wedding at Gaylord Palms? This resort in Kissimmee, just south of Orlando, is one of the most popular places in Florida for multi-day South Asian celebrations. Its glass-roofed atrium, gardens, lawns and large ballrooms let you host every event, from the pithi to the reception, without your guests ever leaving the property.
We photographed Alisha and Kunal’s Gujarati Hindu wedding at Gaylord Palms here over four days: a pithi morning, an outdoor sangeet, the pheras and a reception that ran until the last song. This guide shares what we learned, for Hindu, Gujarati, Sikh, Muslim and fusion weddings alike.
Why couples choose Gaylord Palms for an Indian wedding
- Every event under one roof. Mehndi, sangeet, ceremony and reception can each have their own space, so there is no driving between venues.
- Guests stay on site. For multi-day weddings with family flying in, a large resort with hundreds of rooms makes everything simpler.
- Weather-proof. The enclosed, glass-roofed atrium gives you the look of an outdoor garden with air conditioning, a real advantage in Florida summers and the rainy season.
- Close to Orlando. It is a short drive from Orlando International Airport and the Disney area, which helps out-of-town guests.
Where each event happens at an Indian wedding at Gaylord Palms
Every wedding is planned with the resort’s event team, so spaces vary. Here is how South Asian weddings commonly use the property:
Pithi, haldi and mehndi
Morning rituals like the pithi or haldi work well in bright, airy spaces. Alisha and Kunal’s pithi was full of soft daylight, which keeps the yellow outfits and turmeric glowing in photos. Mehndi nights often use a smaller ballroom or an outdoor lawn with floor seating and colorful decor.
Sangeet
The sangeet is the most energetic night, with performances and dancing. An outdoor lawn under lantern light is a beautiful choice in the cooler months, and the Coquina Lawn has hosted sangeets here. In summer, a ballroom keeps everyone comfortable.
Baraat
Ask your event manager early about the baraat route, whether a horse or car is allowed, and how long the dhol can play. Plan 20 to 30 minutes for the baraat so the milni and family greetings are not rushed.
The wedding ceremony
Hindu and Gujarati ceremonies are often held in the atrium or a ballroom under a floral mandap. A Sikh Anand Karaj is usually held at a local gurdwara, with the reception at the resort. A Muslim nikkah suits a smaller, more intimate space such as the Orange Blossom Ballroom, which seats up to 312 guests.
Reception and walima
Receptions and walimas typically move into one of the large ballrooms, such as the Sun Ballroom, with a stage, dance floor and dramatic lighting.
Photo spots for an Indian wedding at Gaylord Palms
- The atrium: the glass roof gives soft, even daylight, so it is one of the few places where midday portraits look beautiful.
- Gardens and waterways: best in the hour before sunset for warm, golden light and couple portraits.
- Ballrooms: lower light, so we bring professional lighting to keep skin tones true and outfits detailed.
- Grand staircases and hallways: quiet spots for bridal portraits and the first look away from the crowds.
Questions to ask Gaylord Palms before you book
- Which spaces are available for each of our events, and what is the rain plan for outdoor events?
- Is a baraat with a horse, car or dhol allowed, and what route can it take?
- What is the policy on fire for the havan or agni during the pheras?
- Do you allow an outside Indian caterer, and is there a fee?
- How long do we have each space for decor setup before the event?
- What are the music and end-time rules for the sangeet and reception?
See more of our Central Florida work on our Indian wedding photographer in Orlando page.
Browse all our Indian wedding venue guides for Florida.
Frequently asked questions
Can you have an Indian wedding at Gaylord Palms?
Yes. Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee regularly hosts multi-day Indian and South Asian weddings, with spaces for the mehndi, sangeet, ceremony and reception. We photographed Alisha and Kunal’s Gujarati Hindu wedding at Gaylord Palms there.
Which Gaylord Palms spaces work best for each event?
Bright spaces suit the pithi or haldi, an outdoor lawn or ballroom suits the sangeet, the atrium or a ballroom suits the ceremony, and large ballrooms such as the Sun Ballroom suit the reception. Your event manager will confirm what is available for your dates.
Can we have a baraat at Gaylord Palms?
Many Florida resorts allow a baraat with planning. Ask the event team about the route, whether a horse or car is allowed, and how long the dhol can play.
Do you photograph Muslim and Sikh weddings at Gaylord Palms?
Yes. We photograph Hindu, Gujarati, Sikh, Muslim, Pakistani and fusion weddings across Central Florida, including nikkah and walima events and receptions after an Anand Karaj.
How many photos will we receive from a Gaylord Palms wedding?
A typical South Asian wedding receives around 2,000 to 3,000 edited images, depending on the number of events and hours of coverage. Photos are usually delivered in about 8 to 12 weeks.
Venue details: The Vendry, Orange Blossom Ballroom and Maharani Weddings. Spaces and policies can change, so confirm with the resort.
Planning an Indian wedding at Gaylord Palms?
Tell us your dates and events, and we will share ideas for portrait spots and timing at Gaylord Palms.
