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Olive Rock Wedding
Wolseley, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Olive Rock offers a stunning wedding destination location to exchange wedding vows and celebrate significant moments.
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- Moderate ($$)
Romantic Wedding Venues in ZA, South Africa
Discover the most romantic wedding venues South Africa has to offer. From intimate vineyard estates in the Cape Winelands to dramatic coastal settings and exclusive safari lodges, this stunning country provides a breathtaking backdrop. Explore a handpicked selection of venues that specialise in creating unforgettable, love-filled celebrations, each with its own unique charm and elegance.
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Ouma Isie's Tea Garden - The Smuts House
Centurion, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Stunning wooded areas and the unqiue location makes this is the venue of choice for weddings.
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- Moderate ($$)
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The Fairway Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Randburg, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
BEAUTIFUL VENUES OFFERING EXCELLENT SERVICE AND FOOD THAT WILL MAKE EVERY WEDDING AN UNFORGETTABLE ONE
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- 150
- Moderate ($$)
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Waverley Hills
Wolseley, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Waverley Hills offers a serene and elegant venue. Built with class and style, with immaculate finishes, sets a gorgeous canvas amongst the vineyards and olive trees
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- Moderate ($$)
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Cussonia Crest
Pretoria, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Cussonia Crest is the ideal wedding venue, set against the stunning backdrop of the Magalies Mountains in South Africa.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Zimbali Lodge
Ballitoville, iLembe District Municipality
CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING IN ELEGANCE AND CHARM
Embark on an ethereal journey to a destination of fine distinction on the majestic KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
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- 100
- Moderate ($$)
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Grand Exotic
Umhlali, iLembe District Municipality
If you decide to have your special day at The Grand Exotic, we will be delighted to host it for you!
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- Moderate ($$)
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Die schat
Cape Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
Die Schat at De Oude Caab strives to achieve for their guests to feel like they are at a home away from home. Our lovely garden setting with swimming pool allows for your dream wedding to become a reality.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Jakkalswater Guest Farm
Nababeep, South Africa, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Jakkalswater also has a beautiful chapel , where your dream wedding can be held! It is located in the hang of the giant granite mountains and has a breathtaking view across the Namaqua valley.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Kloofzicht Lodge & Spa
Randburg, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
Having made one most important life decisions, let us help you make your day unforgettable.
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- 120
- Moderate ($$)
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Didingwe River Lodge
Steelpoort, Sekhukhune District Municipality
Have your special day at our beautiful lodge itself, or at our Riverbarn right next to a spectacular river or let our Didingwe Team create a garden or veld wedding of your dreams.
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- 110
- Moderate ($$)
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Chocolat Bistro
Cape Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
If you are looking for somewhere to host your next fabulous wedding, look no further. The Birdcage at Chocolat Bistro is equipped to provide that certain je ne sais quoi to any celebratory affair.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Monte Bello Estate
Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Picture your dream wedding on a picturesque country estate in Bloemfontein. At our esteemed wedding venue in Bloemfontein, we meticulously assist you in crafting your special day.
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- 600
- Moderate ($$)
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Mooibosch
Roodeplaat, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Mooibosch is a wedding venue located in the East of Pretoria, Boschkop.
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- 300
- Moderate ($$)
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De Haven Oost Wedding Venue
Pretoria, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Nestled within the heart of lush, overgrown gardens lies a wedding venue unlike any other in Pretoria. A harmonious blend of untamed nature and industrial sophistication.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Running Waters Venue
Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
Our exclusive wedding venue is designed to accommodate from 70 – 450 guests with a designed divider offering you the opportunity to create your own floor spa
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- 450
- Moderate ($$)
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Riverside Castle
Gauteng, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Riverside Castle - Exclusive Wedding Venue with Luxurious Accommodation
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- Moderate ($$)
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Amakhala Safari Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve
Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
Make your wedding day an unforgettable occasion that you can cherish for the rest of your life.
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- 24
- Moderate ($$)
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The Milestone
Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
The wedding venue included an in-house co-ordinator to make the journey for the bride & groom that much more enjoyable with a lot less stress.
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- 80
- Moderate ($$)
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Waterford Estate
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
With stunning vineyard views and majestic mountain backdrops, our grounds provide the perfect setting for various weddings. Step onto our estate and be captivated by the beauty and elegance that surrounds you.
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- Moderate ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in
Embracing Romance in South AfricaWedding Costs & PlanningBest Seasons for a Romantic WeddingGuest Travel & Accommodation
Iconic Romantic Settings
- Cape Winelands: Rolling vineyards, historic manor houses, and gourmet cuisine create a classic, elegant atmosphere perfect for a fairy-tale wedding.
- Coastal Escapes: Pristine beaches along the Garden Route or the dramatic cliffs of the Western Cape offer stunning ocean backdrops for your vows.
- Safari Lodges: The untamed wilderness of the Kruger or private reserves provides a uniquely adventurous and intimate setting.
Unforgettable Experiences
Many venues offer more than just a space. Think private wine tastings for your guests, sunset game drives with the 'Big Five', or intimate beach ceremonies followed by a bonfire. The natural beauty of the country, from Table Mountain to the Drakensberg, becomes an integral part of your celebration, creating incredible photo opportunities and a magical ambience.
Average Venue Costs
The cost for a romantic wedding venue in South Africa can vary widely based on location and exclusivity.
- Exclusive-use Venues: Expect to pay from R80,000 to R300,000+ for venue hire, especially in prime locations like the Winelands or private game reserves.
- Per-Person Packages: Many venues offer all-inclusive packages, typically ranging from R800 to R2,500 per guest.
Key Planning Tips
Book in Advance: Popular romantic venues, particularly for the peak season (September to April), get booked 12-18 months ahead of time.
Local Planners: Consider hiring a local wedding planner. They have established relationships with top suppliers and can navigate logistics, which is especially helpful for couples planning a destination wedding.
Spring & Summer (Sep - Feb)
This is the peak wedding season, offering long, sunny days and lush, vibrant landscapes. It's perfect for:
- Outdoor ceremonies in the Winelands.
- Warm-weather beach weddings.
- Garden receptions that last late into the evening.
Be mindful of the 'Cape Doctor' wind in Cape Town during summer months.
Autumn & Winter (Mar - Aug)
Often overlooked, these seasons offer unique romantic possibilities.
- Autumn: The Winelands are spectacular with golden foliage and milder weather.
- Winter: Think cosy receptions with roaring fireplaces in the Midlands or enjoy dry, pleasant weather for a safari wedding up north. This is often a more budget-friendly time to marry.
Getting Around
South Africa is a large country. Major international airports are in Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), and Durban (DUR).
For guests travelling between regions or to remote venues, domestic flights are efficient. Car hire is highly recommended for exploring areas like the Garden Route or the Winelands. Advise guests to book transport well in advance of their travel.
Accommodation Options
Most premier wedding venues offer on-site accommodation for the wedding party and close family.
- For larger guest lists, nearby hotels, guesthouses, and boutique B&Bs are plentiful in popular wedding areas.
- Consider arranging a room block or providing a curated list of recommended local stays for your guests to make their planning easier.
FAQ's
What makes a South African wedding venue romantic?
The romance lies in the diversity and drama of the landscapes. You can marry on a vineyard estate with mountains as your backdrop, on a secluded beach at sunset, or in the heart of the African bush. This natural beauty, combined with world-class hospitality, creates a uniquely magical and intimate atmosphere.
What are the legal requirements to get married in South Africa?
A legal wedding ceremony in South Africa must be conducted by a registered marriage officer. Most venues can recommend trusted local officers who can officiate your ceremony and handle the legal paperwork, for both local and international couples. You will need to provide identification and complete some forms.
What are the most popular regions in South Africa for a romantic wedding?
The Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) are incredibly popular for their classic, elegant romance. The Garden Route and Western Cape coast are sought-after for breathtaking ocean views. For a unique and adventurous romance, private game reserves near the Kruger National Park are an exceptional choice.
Is South Africa an expensive country for a wedding?
Costs vary significantly. While exclusive luxury venues can be on par with international prices, South Africa generally offers excellent value, especially for international couples due to favourable exchange rates. You can find stunning romantic venues to suit a wide range of budgets, from intimate guesthouses to grand estates.
What kind of cuisine can we expect at a South African wedding?
South African wedding cuisine is a highlight, often focusing on fresh, local, and seasonal produce. Expect world-class food and wine pairings in the Winelands, fresh seafood along the coast, and traditional 'braais' (barbecues) given a gourmet twist. Venues pride themselves on creating bespoke menus.
Can we plan a romantic South African wedding from abroad?
Absolutely. South Africa is a top destination wedding location. Many venues have dedicated coordinators experienced in working with international couples. Hiring a local wedding planner is also highly recommended to manage logistics, time zones, and suppliers, ensuring a seamless planning process from afar.