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.
Whether you dream of a sun-drenched ceremony overlooking the ocean, a fairy-tale reception under a canopy of stars in the bushveld, or a chic urban celebration, South Africa delivers. These venues are renowned for their exceptional service, ensuring every moment of your romantic wedding is as perfect as you've imagined, creating a magical start to your forever.
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Durban Botanic Gardens

Durban,, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
The Durban Botanic Gardens, Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden, is an ideal green setting for weddings. All revenue generated from wedding venue hire is managed by the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust.
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  • 7500
  • Moderate ($$)
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Cavalli Estate

Cape Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
The​ main wedding venue is ​characterized by its contemporary and neutral design, able to be adapted to the style of your wedding, with adequate space to seat 300 people ​or alternatively 600 people for a standing cocktail reception.
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  • 300
  • Moderate ($$)
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Zorgvliet Wine Estate

Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Zorgvliet Wines can be the perfect wedding venue for you, if you want to add a touch of magic and style to your big day.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Providence Country

Nottingham Road, uMgungundlovu District Municipality
Our wedding venue in KZN boasts exquisite indoor and outdoor wedding ceremony sites and a breathtaking reception area, along with the radiant bride and groom suites, to create a heart-warming experience for every part of your wedding day.
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  • 180
  • Moderate ($$)
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Maroupi Wedding Venue

Ballito, iLembe District Municipality
Our wedding venue has a warm welcoming ambience with soft finishes, white flowing curtains, a rich use of wood and a touch of modern yet rustic sophistication.
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  • 200
  • Moderate ($$)
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Casalinga

Krugersdorp, West Rand District Municipality
Casalinga Organic Farm exudes old-world charm and romance – a perfect location for your perfect day!
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  • 180
  • Moderate ($$)
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Fleur de Lys

Kapama Game Reserve, Mopani District Municipality
Outdoors under the beautiful skies, couples have the chance to enjoy truly South African romance. Weddings at Fleur de Lys Barn offers a unique, elegant venue to those who wish to be surrounded by peace and stretches of farm- and wildlife.
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  • 200
  • Moderate ($$)
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Drostdy Hotel

Graaff-Reinet, Sarah Baartman District Municipality
Blending timeless elegance with modern luxury, The Drostdy proudly offers one of the most historic and charming wedding venues in South Africa.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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The Boma

Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
Have you ever dreamed of getting married in an enchanted forest, saying your vows under a canopy of trees and celebrating with friends and family in a festive, relaxed environment?
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Skilpadvlei

Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
You will find a welcoming ambience with its unique look and feel, flair and elegance for your wedding.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Ilanga Estate

Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Your Wedding Day… The most precious and beautiful day of your life! Thank you for considering Ilanga Estate for this special event!
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  • 300
  • Moderate ($$)
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African Leaves & The Hothouse

Dullstroom, Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Situated at the foot of the mountains of the Zuikerboschhoek Bewarea and with a view of water, forest and countryside, The Hothouse venue has become known as one of the most intimate and private wedding venues in the area.
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  • 120
  • Moderate ($$)
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Strandkombuis

Yzerfontein, West Coast District Municipality
On the wild and beautiful west coast of South Africa, Strandkombuis is a magical venue in a world of its own... a dream location for your perfect beach wedding
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Très Jolie

Roodepoort, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
Trés Jolie is a country wedding venue situated on a 5 hectare estate in Ruimsig, Gauteng. The wedding venue is accessible to all major centers of the region and the tranquil estate offers the bride and groom an ideal location for their wedding day.
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  • 200
  • Moderate ($$)
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The Glades Farm

Balgowan, uMgungundlovu District Municipality
Avenues of trees, glades, forests, mountain scenes, 2 dams and a scattering of Nguni provide a natural balance between charm and variety when it comes to planning wedding activities and the photographers schedule.
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  • 160
  • Moderate ($$)
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Francine's Venue & Farmhouse

Hoedspruit, Mopani District Municipality
Your dream wedding imagined in the Bush. We offer a one-stop event and wedding experience, catering from intimate functions up to 150 people for large celebrations.
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  • 150
  • 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 ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in

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.