Galle Face weddings – An ‘enchanting’ ever after

The Galle Face Hotel, having witnessed many wedding ceremonies in its hallowed halls over centuries, is now introducing a new wedding experience, giving emphasis to its deep-rooted vintage Ceylonese history. With years of experience in creating luxury wedding experiences from across the world, the hotel’s management team, namely General Manager Antony Paton has now included to the Galle Face Hotel wedding experience a Wedding Salon, an exceptional luxury wedding planning platform. 

This development has restored the hotel’s original architecture, introducing a sense of ‘curated’ modernity to its surroundings, in order to seamlessly blend the old age and the new. At each wedding ceremony, one can experience almost a tangible air of vintage charm in the venue, complemented by the dramatic windows that flood the space with natural light, giving the capacious halls a heavenly glow. 

With a distinct reinvention of facilities and services, one can observe only a slight architecture and structural change. Located in the heart of the Colombo city, the hotel undoubtedly enjoys the most picturesque location. With the surroundings of a beachside resort combined with the grandeur and elegance of a heritage hotel, there is no wonder about the Galle Face Hotel being an award winning, historical treasure in Sri Lanka.    

Thakshila Galappaththy – Director Banquets and his team are ready to welcome you to the Galle Face Wedding experience. “If one was to ask, why are people attracted to the Galle Face Hotel? The reason is that, they come here because of its characteristics, the history and nostalgia that linger at every corner of the hotel. The hotel was established in 1864. And we want all to experience the days of yesteryears and indeed give all our customers a unique and memorable experience. Not only elated to the weddings ceremony and banquets, but also the services and other facilities pertaining to accommodation and dining alternatives are also planned and provided to enhance the satisfaction of those who select our hotel for their special day. 

“We are now in the process of gathering bookings. There will be two main halls under this restoration project. One is the ‘Jubilee Ballroom’ and the other is the ‘Grand Ballroom’. We are having two different wedding packages which are named ‘Jubilee Package’ and ‘Imperial Package’. The nett cost per person for the Jubilee package is Rs. 6,500 whereas the Imperial package will be priced at Rs. 7,500. These are the highest prices in the market thus far. 

“However we are unparallel also in the superiority in services provided, the individual attention to detail, the eclectic mix of imperial tradition, romance, vintage architecture and flavour that lingers in this heritage property. The packages will be inclusive of a horse carriage with a white horse or a vintage Cadillac and the guest is given the privilege to choose either of these options to be included on their wedding day,” said Thakshila. 

The Grand Ballroom comprises of a very versatile system that will tailor the mood and tone of the venue according to the guest’s preference with a choice from over 16,000 colours to glamourise the venue. The Wedding Salon, established in front of the hotel, offers many resources to the wedding couple including a conversation room to plan your wedding with a digital screen that displays images and a studio room for photographers. “I call it the perfect salon to tie up all the loose ends before you tie the knot,” continues Thakshila laughingly. 

“We are hoping to include several photographers, floral designers, plush seating options and even beauty experts in our vendor list as well. We will be signing agreements soon with them. If you choose to have your wedding here at Galle Face Hotel there will be a dedicated wedding concierge from the start to the end to ensure the smooth continuation of the event and attend to any unexpected requirements. 

“Our menus are visibly superior and there are many options to choose from. If one requires an additional menu item apart from the items included in these menus we have, we will be more than happy to provide you with a charge. We also have experienced chefs and specialised experts who have worked around the world, so the food experience will also be very different. We conduct a staff parade before the wedding where our staff will be suited up with different uniforms which is a new addition as well. My team and I are ready to cater to all your wedding day needs, so visit us today for an unforgettable tomorrow’s memories,” added Thakshila. He avers further, “A dedicated wedding coordinator for Tamil weddings is readily available at all times.”

Some exceptional moments in the history of Galle Face Hotel include the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887 with the presence of over 20,000 people at the height of Britain’s imperial supremacy. Along its illustrious 150 year history, royals and statesmen from across the world have graced the halls of Galle Face Hotel, including the Empress of France Princess Eugenie, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, the Duke of Hamilton, Indira Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Richard Nixon. 

They have all been unanimous in their appreciation of the unique architecture, the warm hospitality and the picturesque location of the hotel. The Duke of Edinburgh, Admiral Louis Mountbatten, Emperor Hirohito of Japan and several other heads of state have also stayed at the Galle Face Hotel, all of which is recorded on beautiful marble and wooden plaques around the hotel. 

The legendary Galle Face Hotel will provide a stunning venue for social gatherings, weddings and indeed corporate conferences with its elegant ballrooms and incomparable service. Through the harmonious marriage of the past and present, the legacy of the historic Galle Face Hotel continues, providing guests with a distinctive experience at a truly iconic Sri Lankan hotel.  

Reservations for weddings at Galle Face Hotel are now open and more information can be obtained on 011-2-541010 or www.gallefacehotel.com.