Short answer

• There’s no single “best” place — pick the region that matches the vibe you want. For a classic Sri Lanka destination wedding, the most popular choices are: the South Coast (Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Bentota) for dramatic beaches and colonial charm; the Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella) for cool, romantic gardens and a colonial grand‑hotel feel; and the Cultural/Nature area (Dambulla / Sigiriya / Kandalama) for jungle/temple backdrops and unique eco‑venues. (marriage.market)

Where to consider (with why each is a good wedding pick)

• Galle & South Coast (Jetwing Lighthouse, Amangalla/Galle Fort nearby, Cinnamon Bentota, Weligama Bay Marriott)
  • Why: spectacular ocean cliffs, golden beaches, great sunset photo ops, a range of luxury hotels and colonial venues; easy for big guest lists and resort packages. (marriage.market)
• Bentota / Kalutara
  • Why: classic beachfront resorts, palm‑lined beaches, convenient transfers from Colombo — good for mid‑size to large resort weddings. (marriage.market)
• Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella — The Grand Hotel, tea‑estate properties)
  • Why: cool climate, lush tea‑estate views and colonial hotels that make for an elegant, intimate wedding different from a beach ceremony. (weddingswork.com)
• Cultural/Nature (Heritance Kandalama / near Sigiriya)
  • Why: dramatic jungle/rock‑fort backdrops, architecturally striking hotels (Heritance Kandalama is a favorite for nature‑themed weddings). (weddingswork.com)
• Colombo (Cinnamon Grand, Taj Samudra)
  • Why: best for guests who prefer a city hotel wedding with luxurious ballrooms and international flight connections. (weddingswork.com)

Best season

• West and south coast (Galle, Bentota, Weligama): November–April is the drier, most reliable season for beach weddings. The east coast has its dry season at different months (roughly May–October). Plan around November–April for the safest weather windows on the south/west coast. (brides.com)

Practical items most couples ask about

• Getting there: international flights arrive at Bandaranaike (Colombo) International Airport (CMB); from Colombo the south coast is commonly a 2–4 hour drive depending on traffic and destination. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Legal paperwork: foreigners can marry in Sri Lanka but there are administrative steps (birth certificates, passports, affidavits of single status or divorce/death certificates as relevant, sometimes security/clearance reports and residency/notice periods depending on how you register). Many couples register at the Sri Lankan Registrar or at a Sri Lankan mission; rules/required documents vary by nationality so confirm with the Sri Lankan Registrar/Embassy you’ll use. (un.int)
• Wedding planners & packages: most large resorts offer wedding packages and in‑house coordinators; for multi‑venue logistics, local wedding planners are highly recommended (they handle permits, styling, vendors, and translation of paperwork).

How to choose the “best” place for you

• Vibe: beach sunset vs. cool hill‑station romance vs. jungle/cultural drama.
• Guest list size: big resorts (Marriott, Shangri‑La, Cinnamon, Jetwing) handle large groups; boutique hotels/tea estates are better for 30–80 guests.
• Ease for guests: Colombo and south‑coast resorts are easiest to reach from the international airport; more remote hill or east‑coast venues increase transfer time/complexity.
• Budget: luxury international brands and private villas cost more but include many services; boutique and local hotels can be more affordable while still very photogenic.

Suggested next steps

• Pick 2–3 regions you like (e.g., Galle + Nuwara Eliya) and narrow by guest count and budget.
• Contact 2–3 target hotels/resorts for sample wedding packages, capacity and available dates.
• Hire a local wedding planner who has experience with foreign legal paperwork and vendor coordination.

If you want, I can:

• Recommend specific venues by guest count and budget (small/medium/large),
• Pull sample wedding packages and estimated costs for a few hotels,
• Or summarize the exact legal documents you’ll need based on your nationality.

Which of those would be most useful?