Discovering the ideal hotel wedding venue in South Africa is an exciting first step. From chic city hotels in Cape Town with spectacular views to luxurious safari lodges in the bushveld, the options are as diverse as the country itself. Whether you envision a grand ballroom reception or an intimate garden ceremony, South Africa's hotels provide exceptional service and all-inclusive packages to bring your celebration to life.
These venues simplify planning with on-site accommodation for you and your guests, professional event coordinators, and world-class catering. Explore a curated selection of hotel wedding venues across South Africa, each offering a unique blend of elegance, convenience, and unforgettable scenery. Use the filters to narrow your search by capacity, style, and budget to find a space that truly reflects your story.
Select from our over 11,000 square feet of wedding space, which also encompasses indoor venues.
Dream weddings don't just happen, they're planned. Marriott Certified Wedding Planners are trained to help.
With its rolling lush green lawns, prime beachfront wedding location, and the magnificent backdrop of Table Mountain, Dolphin Beach Hotel is a picture-perfect wedding location to celebrate your special day with family and friends.
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.
Let Canelands Beach Club and Spa host your most special day. We have proudly hosted some of the most stunning and intimate weddings on the northern coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
For couples seeking a distinctive wedding experience in exploring Durban and Umhlanga, this premier three-star hotel is the perfect spot for your wedding celebration.
Magnolia Restaurant is a stunning wedding reception venue, seating up to 150 people, and is included in our Reception Package, along with square tables, chairs, standard crockery, cutlery and staff.
THE ART OF A KAROO ART WEDDING; Own the hotel. Have it all to yourselves, maybe for days. Revel in its originality and all the opportunities of the village around you. Create a wedding as unique as you are.
Celebrate your happily-ever-after in style at The Westin Cape Town. Featuring upscale décor and spacious layouts, the hotel provides sophisticated backdrops for your wedding ceremony and banquet hall reception, located in the heart of Cape Town.
It’s the perfect Drakensberg wedding venue. With millions of years old Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak watching over you and witnessing your vows, this is one of the most beautiful and romantic locations in the Drakensberg.
Located in the tranquil setting of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, surrounded by rolling green pastures and fresh country air, Midlands Saddle & Trout is the perfect wedding venue near Mooi River for your wedding.
Say ‘I do’ at Afrique Wedding Venue in Boksburg near Johannesburg. Our East Rand boutique hotel and intimate wedding venue offers a unique blend of Cape Dutch architecture and rustic elegance.
No adventure is greater than the one you start with the one you love. The perfect step-off point is the gracious elegance we offer you at the magnificent 4 star family-owned Cathedral Peak Hotel to celebrate your wedding.
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.
The Royal St. Andrews Hotel offers a uniquely magical setting for couples to celebrate their special day surrounded by exceptional beauty and fairy-tale romance.
South Africa offers an incredible spectrum of hotel wedding venues, ensuring a perfect match for any couple's style.
City Chic: Sophisticated hotels in Cape Town and Johannesburg with skyline views.
Coastal Bliss: Beachfront resorts along the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Vineyard Elegance: Luxury hotels nestled in the beautiful Cape Winelands.
Safari Adventure: Exclusive game lodges in Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves.
The primary advantage of a hotel wedding is the seamless convenience and expert service.
All-in-One: Ceremony, reception, and accommodation in one stunning location.
Expert Staff: In-house wedding coordinators manage every detail.
Catering: World-class chefs and customisable menu options.
Guest Experience: On-site amenities like pools, spas, and activities for guests to enjoy.
Venue hire for a hotel wedding in South Africa can range significantly, from ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 150,000+.
Key cost factors include:
Location: Prime spots in Cape Town or the Winelands are typically pricier.
Exclusivity: Exclusive use of the hotel will increase the cost.
Guest Count: Per-person package prices usually range from ZAR 800 to ZAR 2,500.
Tips for Budgeting:
Off-Season Weddings: Consider May to August for lower rates.
Mid-Week Dates: A Friday or Sunday wedding can be more affordable than a Saturday.
All-Inclusive Packages: These often provide better value by bundling services like catering and coordination.
Smaller Guest List: An intimate wedding can significantly reduce per-head costs.
South Africa's climate varies by region, so the 'best' time depends on your chosen location.
Western Cape (Cape Town, Winelands): Best during the warm, dry summer months (November to February).
Gauteng (Johannesburg): Dry, sunny winters (May to August) are ideal. Summers bring afternoon thunderstorms.
KwaZulu-Natal (Durban): Humid summers and mild, dry winters. Winter is often preferred for coastal weddings.
Seasonal Highlights:
Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflower season in the Western Cape. Pleasant temperatures nationwide.
Summer (Dec-Feb): Perfect for beach weddings, but it's peak season so book well in advance.
Autumn (Mar-May): Milder temperatures and beautiful golden light, especially in the Winelands.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Ideal for cosy indoor receptions or safari weddings when game viewing is at its best.
One of the biggest perks of a hotel venue is the built-in, convenient accommodation for everyone.
Guest Room Blocks: Most hotels offer discounted rates for a block of rooms for your guests.
Bridal Suites: A luxurious suite for the wedding couple is often included in the wedding package.
Variety of Options: From standard rooms to private villas, hotels can cater to different guest budgets and needs.
Getting around South Africa is relatively straightforward for local and international guests.
Major Airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, and King Shaka (Durban) are the main hubs.
Car Rentals: Renting a car is the most common way to travel between locations.
Guest Shuttles: Consider arranging shuttle services from the airport to the hotel for destination weddings.
FAQ's
What are the legal requirements for getting married in South Africa?
To legally marry in South Africa, you'll need to present valid passports, and if applicable, divorce decrees or death certificates of a former spouse. You must have at least two witnesses present at the ceremony. Many hotel wedding coordinators can assist in arranging a marriage officer and guiding you through the paperwork.
Do hotel wedding packages in South Africa typically include everything?
Most hotel packages are comprehensive, often including venue hire, catering, basic furniture, and staffing. However, elements like floral arrangements, entertainment, and photography are usually sourced separately. Always review the package details to understand what is and isn't included.
Can we have our ceremony and reception at the same hotel venue?
Absolutely. This is one of the main advantages of a hotel wedding. Most venues offer multiple spaces, such as a garden or chapel for the ceremony and a ballroom or restaurant for the reception, allowing for a seamless transition for you and your guests.
How far in advance should we book a hotel wedding venue in South Africa?
For popular hotel venues, especially in prime locations like the Cape Winelands or during the peak summer season, it is recommended to book 12 to 18 months in advance. For off-season or mid-week dates, you may find availability with less notice.
Are South African hotel venues suitable for intimate weddings?
Yes, many hotels are perfectly equipped for smaller, more intimate weddings. Boutique hotels and luxury lodges often have private dining rooms, secluded gardens, or exclusive-use villas that provide a beautiful and personal setting for a smaller guest list.
What kind of cuisine can we expect at a South African hotel wedding?
South African hotels pride themselves on culinary excellence, offering diverse menus that fuse local flavours with international cuisine. You can expect everything from elegant plated dinners and sophisticated buffets to a traditional 'braai' (barbecue) experience, with options to customise menus to your preference.
