Forget the cake, the dress and cars, what truly makes a wedding special is the venue. Whether it’s set overlooking the ocean, surrounded by mountains or on a wine farm, South Africa has almost every option imaginable. If you’re a local or wanting a destination wedding, here are our top picks for wedding venues in South Africa.
(Photo courtesy of The Oyster Box)
1. The Oyster Box in Durban
With amazing ocean views of Durban’s coastline, this five-star hotel has an amazing gazebo ceremony venue that seats 100 guests and an incredible five reception venues. There is also the white Pearl Room that seats 120 guests, the beautiful blue Shell Room and the intimate 20-seater Union Castle Room — all the venues are stunning.
(Photo courtesy of Cathedral Peak Hotel)
2. Cathedral Peak Hotel in Drakensberg
With a backdrop of the magnificent Cathedral Peak mountain range and surrounded by amazing gardens, the Cathedral Peak Hotel is one of the most beautiful places to have a wedding. The hotel farmhouse chapel is made of stone and thatch and has a variety of reception venues depending on guest numbers.
(Photo courtesy of Standkombuis)
3. Strandkombuis in Ysterfontein
If you’re wanting a beach wedding away from the crowds, then head to Strandkombuis in Yesterfontein up the West Coast. After a beautiful wedding on the sand, a choice of two onsite venues are available — an outdoor deck area or Sandpiper House.
(Photo courtesy of Tintswalo Atlantic)
4. Tintswalo Atlantic in Cape Town
If you’re wanting a small wedding in a stunning location then Tintswalo Atlantic at sunset is the ideal place. As the name suggests, the venue is overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and will be hosted on the deck and onsite restaurant.
(Photo courtesy of Bushfellows Private Game Lodge)
5. Bushfellows Private Game Lodge in Groblersdal
Looking for an unspoilt African landscape? Then Bushfellows Private Game Lodge is exactly what you need. It also has an on-site chapel and wedding planner to make sure everything runs smoothly on your special day.
(Photo courtesy of Donga Bush Camp)
6. Donga Bush Camp in Vredefort
Situated in the middle of a Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site is this amazing wedding location. If you’re looking for a rustic farm-style wedding, then this venue is the ideal one. The venue has an on-site chapel and can cater for 150 guests.
(Photo courtesy of Morrells Boutique Venue)
7. Morrells Boutique Venue in Johannesburg
Who said Joburg can’t be beautiful? This venue proves everyone wrong with its lavish gardens, gorgeous architecture and amazing decor. With a dedicated team of event planners, your every need will be catered for.
(Photo courtesy of Villa Castolini)
8. Villa Castollini in Knysna
Situated on top of the Knysna Heads in this seaside town, you’ll find this amazing five-star wedding venue. With views of the gorgeous Knysna Lagoon below, it’s a great opportunity for photos.
(KlausF/Wikimedia Commons)
9. Allee Bleue in Franshoek
Embrace the history of the Cape by getting married on a wine farm alongside or inside a Cape Dutch house. This wine farm has amazing views of the stunning Franschhoek Valley and vineyards that produce some of South Africa’s best wines.
(Photo courtesy of Makanyane Safari Lodge)
10. Makanyane Safari Lodge in Krokodildrift
One of the most romantic venues in South Africa, Makanyane Safari Lodge gives you a true African experience. You can exchange vows in African bush and enjoy traditional African food while being taken care of by Makanyane Safari Lodge’s professional staff.
(David Brossard/Wikimedia Commons)
11. Rovos Rail in Pretoria
All aboard! Here’s a wedding venue idea with a twist. Hop onboard the Rovos Rail with your 120 guests and enjoy a four course meal on your three-hour circular trip. The train also has a stage and full bar.
(Photo courtesy of The Grand Daddy Hotel)
12. The Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town
If you’re looking to have a city wedding, then The Grand Daddy Hotel on Cape Town’s hip Long Street is the ideal venue for your special day. The venue has an amazing rooftop area which is lined with seven funky Airstream trailers that can be used for the reception and ceremony.
(Photo courtesy of Intundla Game Lodge)
13. Intundla Game Lodge in Pretoria
Just 30 minutes outside of Pretoria is this scenic wedding venue. With an amazing chapel, delicious food and the African Bushveld as your backdrop, you’ll definitely have a memorable wedding here.
(Photo courtesy of Suikerbossie)
14. Suikerbossie in Cape Town
Overlooking the Hout Bay valley and Chapmans Peak is this amazing venue. Popular amongst locals, the venue has an area for the reception and an amazing restaurant with views of Table Mountain for guests to enjoy.
(Photo courtesy of Umbaba Lodge)
15. Umbaba Lodge in Hazyview
Gorgeous Bushveld, lapping water and lush fern gardens — Umbaba is an ideal location and venue for a breathtaking winter wedding. There is a lake side chapel that can accommodate 100 guests and a cozy restaurant which is ideal for a reception.
