Romantic Wedding Venues in Amathole District Municipality, South Africa

Discover romantic wedding venues in Amathole District Municipality, a region where dramatic coastlines meet serene countryside. This Eastern Cape gem offers an unforgettable canvas for your celebration, blending natural splendour with intimate charm. Find settings that range from secluded beachfront hideaways to lush, forested estates, each promising a unique and personal atmosphere for your vows.
Whether you envision an elegant affair in a historic manor or a bohemian celebration under the stars, Amathole delivers. The area is rich with boutique guesthouses and exclusive lodges designed for romance. Explore a curated selection of venues that specialise in creating bespoke wedding experiences, ensuring every detail reflects your love story against a backdrop of breathtaking South African beauty.
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Fort D'Acre Reserve

Port Alfred
More Pricing Inside
Our Wedding Shed has seen countless parties, first dances, best man speeches and bouquet tosses over the years. It is the ideal space for weddings that require space for up to 200 guests.
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  • 200
  • 5 Bedrooms
  • From R 29 500
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Areena Riverside Resort

East London
Our wedding venue, on the banks of the Kwelera River, is the perfect setting for small intimate weddings of 50-60 guests. You have the option of an outdoor ‘chapel’ on the riverbanks or an indoor wedding ceremony and reception.
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  • 60
  • 20 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Lupela Lodge

Lady Grey
"OuKraal" is our sandstone wedding venue that can accommodate up to 300 guests on long or square tables. Soft drapes, fairy lights and chandeliers add a classic charm to this 86 year old wool shed.
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  • 300
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Thistlewoods

East London, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
At Thistlewoods we understand how special your wedding day is to you. We acknowledge that each couple has their own ideas and that each wedding should be unique & different.
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  • 220
  • Moderate ($$)
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Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Centre

East London, Eastern Cape
We understand that your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life and should be treated as such. Here at the Blue Lagoon, we offer you our gorgeous sunset wedding venue with spectacular views of the Nahoon River.
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  • 150
  • Moderate ($$)
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Yellowwood Forest

Morgan Bay, South Africa, Amathole District Municipality
Expect an unpretentious & rustic wedding experience with self-catering accommodation and camping, just 1.5 km from the Morgan Bay beach.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Morgan Bay Hotel

Morganʼs Bay
Morgan Bay is a place for the incurable romantic and is fast becoming a favourite beach wedding venue in the Eastern Cape. The mile-long beach, ocean and majestic cliffs create a breathtaking backdrop to the most romantic of wedding ceremonies.
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  • 120
  • 39 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Trennerys Hotel

Qolora Mouth
Trennerys Hotel is the perfect setting for that special wedding day. Have your wedding here, and your honeymoon will be compliments of us!
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  • 110
  • Moderate ($$)
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OppiePlaas Country Estate

Haga-Haga, Amatola Coastal, Amathole District Municipality
OppiePlaas Country Estate – located near Haga Haga on South Africa’s magnificent Wild Coast – caters for private weddings. We have a fully-licensed restaurant, and offer self-catering and bed & breakfast accommodation.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Kob Inn Beach Resort

Willowvale,, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Imagine exchanging vows against the backdrop of pristine beaches and a serene lagoon at Kob Inn Beach Resort. Our dedicated team is committed to turning your dream beach wedding into reality, ensuring every detail is as perfect as you've envisioned.
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  • 80
  • Moderate ($$)
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Hlosi Game Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve
Celebrate your special day in a stunning safari setting where the wild beauty of Africa provides the perfect backdrop for your vows. Say "I DO" in a picturesque wedding location with panoramic views, surrounded by your closest friends and family.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Roydon Reserve

Komani, Chris Hani District Municipality
Roydon Lodge provides an extensive selection of wedding venue options both indoors and amidst our picturesque outdoor settings, accommodating weddings of up to 300 guests with bespoke wedding catering services
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  • 300
  • Moderate ($$)
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Kings Lodge Hotel

Hogsback, Eastern Cape
KING’S LODGE HOTEL offers a fully-equipped and charmingly elegant Wedding venue, complete with decor and menu of choice, for the Bridal couple who wish to experience a rustic and enchanting ‘Forest’ style wedding.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Crawfords Beach Lodge

East London, Amathole District Municipality
Crawfords Beach Lodge located on the beautiful Chintsa East beach offers the perfect location for a beautiful seaside backdrop wedding worth celebrating in style.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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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 ($$)
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Olivewood Estate

East London, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
All weddings at Olivewood Private Estate celebrate life, love and happiness. We understand how every wedding detail represents your unique style and taste.
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  • 180
  • Moderate ($$)
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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 ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in

Beachfront Bliss

Venues along the Sunshine and Wild Coasts offer breathtaking ocean views and direct beach access, perfect for a ceremony with your toes in the sand.

Country Estates

Explore secluded manors and lodges nestled in lush, green landscapes for the ultimate in privacy and rustic elegance.

Forest Hideaways

The mystical forests around Hogsback provide an enchanting, fairytale setting for an intimate and truly unique wedding day.

Boutique Guesthouses

Discover charming and exclusive-use guesthouses ideal for smaller, more personal celebrations with your closest friends and family.

Venue Hire Estimates

Venue hire for a romantic wedding in Amathole can range from ZAR 20,000 to ZAR 80,000+, depending on the venue's exclusivity, size, and package inclusions.

Catering Costs

Expect to budget between ZAR 400 and ZAR 900 per guest for catering. All-inclusive packages can often provide better value and simplify planning.

Key Planning Tips

  • Book in Advance: Desirable coastal and forest venues are often booked 12-18 months ahead, especially for peak season dates.
  • Source Locally: Embrace the region's character by using local florists, photographers, and musicians.
  • Marriage Officer: You will need to book a registered South African marriage officer to legally officiate your ceremony.

Spring (September - November)

A beautiful season with mild weather and blooming wildflowers, creating a naturally romantic backdrop for garden and outdoor ceremonies.

Summer (December - February)

Ideal for a classic beach wedding with long, warm days. Always have a stylish indoor contingency plan for potential summer showers.

Autumn (March - May)

Often considered the best time to marry, with stable, pleasant weather and beautiful golden light perfect for photography.

Winter (June - August)

Offers crisp, clear days and the chance for a cosy, intimate wedding indoors, complete with roaring fireplaces and a dramatic atmosphere.

Getting There

The main access point is East London Airport (ELS), which is well-connected to major South African cities. From the airport, guests can easily rent a car or arrange a shuttle to reach venues across the district. The N2 highway also provides excellent road access.

Accommodation

Many wedding venues offer beautiful on-site rooms for the wedding party. For other guests, the region boasts a wide array of charming B&Bs, boutique hotels, and coastal resorts in towns like Hogsback, Morgan Bay, and Cintsa, ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to stay.

FAQ's

What makes Amathole a unique choice for a romantic wedding?

Amathole's unique appeal lies in its unspoiled and diverse natural beauty. You can choose a romantic backdrop of dramatic Wild Coast beaches, mystical Afromontane forests, or serene rolling hills. This provides an incredibly private and spectacular setting for your day.

Are there all-inclusive romantic wedding packages in the Amathole region?

Yes, many venues, particularly the private lodges and coastal resorts, offer excellent all-inclusive packages. These typically bundle venue hire, catering, and sometimes accommodation, which helps to simplify the planning process and budget management for your romantic day.

What is the best time of year for a romantic wedding in Amathole?

Autumn (March to May) is often ideal, offering stable, pleasant weather and gorgeous golden light. However, each season has its charm: spring for wildflowers, summer for beach ceremonies, and winter for cosy, intimate celebrations by a fireplace.

How far in advance should we book a romantic venue in Amathole?

For popular venues, especially those with unique features like coastal views or forest settings, it is recommended to book 12 to 18 months in advance. This is particularly important if you are planning to marry during the peak seasons of spring or autumn.

What are some unique photo opportunities in the Amathole District?

The region is a photographer's dream. Imagine romantic portraits on the rugged cliffs of the Wild Coast, enchanting shots amidst the ancient trees and waterfalls of Hogsback, or golden-hour pictures in the rolling hills of the countryside. Each setting offers a unique and breathtaking backdrop.

How accessible is the region for wedding guests travelling from afar?

The Amathole district is very accessible. The primary gateway is East London Airport (ELS), which has regular flights from major South African hubs. From there, venues are reachable via hired cars or pre-arranged shuttles on well-maintained roads like the N2.