Great choice — Sri Lanka’s south and west coast resorts give some of the most dramatic sunset backdrops in the Indian Ocean, perfect for wedding photos and ceremonies. Below are top resorts I recommend for a sunset wedding, with what makes each special and quick practical notes.

Top resorts with spectacular sunset views (shortlist)

• Cape Weligama (Weligama / south coast)

  • Why: dramatic clifftop setting and cliff-edge pools/venues that frame wide ocean sunsets — ideal for intimate or medium-size cliff-top ceremonies and photos. The resort runs bespoke wedding packages and clifftop ceremony locations. (resplendentceylon.com)

• Amanwella (Tangalle / south coast)

  • Why: small, highly private resort with a crescent beach and clean ocean horizon — great for intimate, upscale sunset ceremonies and pool- or beach-front receptions. Wedding/buyout options and private beach-club settings are offered. (beyondweddings.com)

• Jetwing Lighthouse (Galle)

  • Why: perched on a rocky promontory near Galle Fort with large sea-facing lawns and terrace spaces used frequently for sunset ceremonies and reception photos. Multiple event spaces and in‑house wedding planning. (jetwinghotels.com)

• The Fortress Resort & Spa (Galle area)

  • Why: beachfront and garden venues with direct ocean views and sunsets; the resort promotes dedicated wedding planners and beach ceremony packages — good for barefoot/relaxed or formal beach weddings. (fortressresortandspa.com)

• Anantara / Avani Kalutara (Kalutara)

  • Why: unique peninsula/lagoon-and-sea frontage lets you choose lagoon- or ocean-facing ceremonies; beach cove and lawn spaces are designed for sunset backdrops and can accommodate large parties. (anantara.com)

• Cinnamon Bentota Beach (Bentota / west coast)

  • Why: iconic Geoffrey Bawa–influenced architecture, oceanfront lawns and ballrooms — flexible for large receptions and beachside sunset ceremonies. Good option if you have many guests. (cinnamonhotels.azurewebsites.net)

• Heritance Ahungalla (Ahungalla / southwest coast)

  • Why: classic beachfront resort (Geoffrey Bawa design influence) with long sand frontage and ocean views suited for sunset ceremonies and large receptions. Heritance group lists this property among wedding venues. (heritancehotels.com)

• Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Yala / south coast — for a dramatic, rugged “sundowner” vibe)

  • Why: rugged coastal location with rocky outcrops and dramatic sunset vantage points — great for boho/eco-luxe weddings or sundowner events. Resplendent (owner) highlights its rocky/sundowner locations. (resplendentceylon.com)

When to plan (best months & timing)

• Best season for south/west coast sunsets: December–March (dry season for the south and west coasts; best weather and calmer seas). If you want consistent sunset-weather for outdoor ceremonies, aim for these months. (lonelyplanet.com)
• Ceremony timing for best light: schedule so your ceremony ends during golden hour — many planners recommend starting ~45–90 minutes before official sunset (gives time for the ceremony, group photos, and a couple’s golden‑hour portraits). Ask your photographer for a tailored timeline. (brides.com)

Quick practical tips for a sunset resort wedding in Sri Lanka

• Book early (9–18 months recommended for high-season December–March); some resorts recommend ~12 months for big dates. (fortressresortandspa.com)
• Ask each resort about: exclusive buyout options (useful for privacy and timing), ceremony locations (cliff/ lawn/ private beach), sound/curfew rules, and backup indoor venues in case of weather. (Most large resorts have dedicated wedding teams.) (resplendentceylon.com)
• Work with a photographer who knows the resort — they’ll plan exact timing around local sunset and tide conditions for best backdrops. (amandaraechiu.com)
• Check tides and local weather the week of the event (beach appearance and safety can vary), and have a brief rain contingency plan even in the dry season. (Resorts typically help with logistics.)
• If you need large guest capacity, prioritize resorts with ballrooms/gardens (Anantara Kalutara, Cinnamon Bentota) vs. smaller clifftop/boutique spots for intimate groups (Cape Weligama, Amanwella). (anantara.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow the list by region (Galle vs. Mirissa/Tangalle vs. Bentota/Kalutara), or
• Compare two or three resorts head‑to‑head on capacity, ceremony locations, sample wedding packages and estimated costs (I’ll pull the latest wedding pages/pricing and contact info).

Which would you prefer — a tailored shortlist by guest count (intimate vs. 100+), or a region-based shortlist?