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Gonubie Manor
East London, Gonubie
At Gonubie Manor we understand that every Wedding is different and we have proven to go out of our way to make sure that your Wedding day will be extra special.
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- 450
- Moderate ($$)
Wedding Venues in Amathole District Municipality, South Africa
Discovering your dream wedding venue in the Amathole District Municipality is an exciting step. This Eastern Cape region offers a stunning mix of coastal beauty, lush forests, and historic towns, providing a diverse backdrop for your day. From beachfront resorts to elegant country estates and secluded game lodges, you'll find incredible options to explore. The area is known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, adding a unique character to any celebration.
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Shamwari Long Lee Manor
Paterson
Are you busy planning your wedding? Do you want it to be an elegant, yet extraordinary affair? Then you need to have a luxury safari wedding at one of the most exclusive destinations in the Eastern Cape and South Africa: Shamwari Private Game Reserve
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- 79
- Moderate ($$)
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Tea in the Trees
amatola, Amathole District Municipality
Celebrate your special day with us at our unique and versatile wedding venue, situated in a coastal forest just 2 minutes drive from 12 km of pristine beaches, simply perfect for wedding photographs.
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- 80
- Moderate ($$)
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Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
Grahamstown
Inspired by the pristine surrounds and composed around Kwandwe’s ethos of ‘connected experiences’, weddings on the reserve are highly personalised wedding ceremonies.
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- 80
- 26 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Prana Lodge
Chintsa
More Pricing Inside
Prana Lodge's unparalleled natural surroundings and luxurious modern décor create the perfect setting for scenic destination weddings.
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- 60
- From R 35 000
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Haga Haga Hotel
Haga-Haga
Haga Haga Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate your wedding. A stone’s throw from unspoilt endless beaches set against the backdrop of rolling hills and magnificent ocean views
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- 120
- Moderate ($$)
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Liamara Estate
East London AH, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Make your wedding memorable by hosting it at the uniquely captivating Liamara Estate. A world-class destination with exceptional wedding service and scenic views.
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- 60
- Moderate ($$)
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Knotwood Forest
East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
From the wedding ceremony to a picnic reception or intimate harvest 'soiree' and to the photoshoot, we would be honoured to host you on the day you begin your journey together!
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- 100
- Moderate ($$)
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Santa Paloma Guest Farm
East London, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Our wedding venue is flexible and offers couples a one-stop wedding destination. Our farm offers beautiful natural vistas and quiet secluded hideaways where photographers can record your special day forever
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- 120
- Moderate ($$)
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L'Avion
East London, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
L’Avion Wedding Venue is set in the peaceful and tranquil surrounds of Wings Park Airfield, situated only 19km from Merrifield School on the N6 towards Stutterheim. We can host and cater for any variety and size of weddings.
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- 130
- Moderate ($$)
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2 Swans
East London, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
2 Swans is a wedding venue in a picturesques setting with a beautifully designed white marquee on the banks of a huge lake.
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- 2000
- Moderate ($$)
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The Amber Venue
East London, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
You decided who you plan to spend the rest of your life with, let us help you make the important choice about where and how to celebrate your wedding.
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- Moderate ($$)
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The Graham Hotel
Grahamstown
Beyond our world class accommodation, the Graham Hotel boasts state of the wedding facilities.
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- Moderate ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in
All About Getting Married in AmatholeWedding Costs & BudgetingWeather & SeasonalityGuest Transport & Accommodation
The Amathole Atmosphere
Amathole offers a unique blend of Xhosa culture and colonial history, set against a backdrop of the dramatic Wild Coast and inland Amathole Mountains. It's a perfect region for couples seeking a wedding location rich in heritage and astounding natural beauty, away from the typical tourist trails. The vibe is relaxed, authentic, and deeply connected to nature.
Popular Venue Styles
- Coastal Retreats: Venues along the coast offer stunning sea views and a relaxed beach atmosphere.
- Country Estates: Elegant manors and farms nestled in the rolling hills provide a classic, romantic setting.
- Forest Sanctuaries: Locations like Hogsback are famous for their mystical, forest-shrouded venues.
- Game Reserves: For an adventurous safari-style wedding experience with incredible wildlife backdrops.
Average Venue Hire Costs
Venue hire in the Amathole region can vary widely depending on the location and package. As a guide, expect to budget between ZAR 20,000 and ZAR 80,000+ for exclusive use of a venue. This fee typically includes the use of the space, tables, chairs, and basic facilities. Always confirm exactly what is covered in your chosen package to avoid surprises.
Helpful Budgeting Tips
- Off-Season Savings: Consider a wedding between May and August for potentially lower rates from venues and suppliers.
- Mid-Week Weddings: Venues often offer attractive discounts for weekday celebrations from Monday to Thursday.
- All-Inclusive Packages: These can simplify planning and often provide better value by bundling catering, decor, and accommodation.
Peak Wedding Seasons
The Amathole District has a temperate climate, making it a wonderful year-round destination.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and humid with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Ideal for vibrant, lush outdoor weddings.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Features pleasant, mild temperatures and beautiful natural light, making it a very popular season.
Off-Peak Wedding Seasons
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Generally mild and dry, especially along the coast. Perfect for cosy, indoor weddings with fireplaces. The high-altitude areas like Hogsback can even see snow.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is warm and pleasant. Another excellent choice for outdoor ceremonies.
Travelling to Amathole
The main airport serving the region is East London Airport (ELS). From there, guests can hire a car to travel to various venues. The N2 highway is the primary route through the district, connecting major towns. It is advisable to provide guests with clear directions, especially for venues in more remote or rural locations.
Accommodation For Guests
Amathole offers diverse lodging options for your guests:
- Hotels & Resorts: Concentrated in larger towns like East London and Port Alfred.
- Guesthouses & B&Bs: Abundant in smaller towns and coastal villages like Cintsa and Morgan Bay.
- Self-Catering Cottages: A great option in areas like Hogsback.
Many wedding venues offer on-site accommodation or have partnerships with nearby providers.
FAQ's
What is the average cost of a wedding venue in the Amathole District Municipality?
Venue costs vary significantly based on location, capacity, and inclusions. On average, you can expect to budget between ZAR 20,000 and ZAR 80,000 for venue hire alone. All-inclusive packages that bundle catering and other services will have a higher per-person cost but can offer better value.
Do I need a wedding planner for a wedding in Amathole?
While not essential, a local wedding planner can be invaluable. They have established relationships with trusted suppliers in the Eastern Cape and can help navigate the logistics of planning, which is especially useful if you are arranging your wedding from another province or country.
What are the legal requirements for getting married in South Africa?
To marry legally in South Africa, you and your partner will need valid identification (ID book or passport), to complete the BI-31 form, and provide three recent passport-sized photos each. You must also have two witnesses present at the ceremony, which must be conducted by a registered marriage officer.
When is the best time of year for an outdoor wedding in Amathole?
Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are generally considered the best seasons for an outdoor wedding. These months offer pleasant temperatures, a lower chance of rain, and beautiful natural scenery. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cooler but often dry and sunny.
Are there many all-inclusive wedding venues in the region?
Yes, many venues in the Amathole District, particularly game lodges, coastal resorts, and dedicated country estates, offer all-inclusive or comprehensive packages. These typically cover venue hire, catering, basic decor, and sometimes even accommodation, simplifying the planning process significantly.
How accessible are Amathole wedding venues for travelling guests?
Most guests from afar will fly into East London Airport (ELS). From the airport, venues are accessible by car via the N2 and other main roads. It's important to consider the travel time from the airport to more remote venues, such as those along the Wild Coast, and provide clear directions and transport advice for your guests.