Intimate Wedding Venues in Eastern Cape, South Africa

The Eastern Cape offers an array of stunning intimate wedding venues, ideal for couples seeking a more personal celebration. Discover secluded coastal retreats, charming country houses, and rustic farm settings perfect for smaller guest lists. These venues specialise in creating a warm, exclusive atmosphere, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with your nearest and dearest in a beautiful, unforgettable setting. Read moreWhether you envision an elegant affair or a relaxed gathering, the Eastern Cape's small venues provide endless possibilities. Picture exchanging vows with the ocean as your backdrop or celebrating under the stars in the countryside. The region’s natural beauty, combined with venues that prioritise detail and intimacy, makes it a prime choice for a wedding that is both sophisticated and deeply personal.
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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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La Colline Venue

Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
La Colline is a breathtakingly beautiful country estate venue, nestled in lush greenery with stunning views, elegant facilities, and serene surroundings, perfect for unforgettable weddings and special occasions.
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  • 130
  • Moderate ($$)
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Marine Lodge

East London, Eastern Cape
The Kat Leisure Hotel Group offers you the perfect spot to celebrate your wedding in the Eastern and Western Cape. From seaside hotels to mountain getaways, we strive to meet your expectations.
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  • 80
  • Affordable ($)
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Intle Boutique Hotel

Jeffreys Bay
Your Safari Style Wedding. A destination wedding at Intle provides the perfect backdrop for a unique and unforgettable wedding, specially tailored to bring your dream wedding day to life.
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  • 50
  • Moderate ($$)
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The Beach Hotel

Port Elizabeth
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The ideal venue for your dream wedding... If you are planning a wedding in the friendly city of Port Elizabeth, look no further than The Beach Hotel.
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  • 80
  • 58 Bedrooms
  • R 17 500 – R 21 500
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Tsitsikhaya Lodge

Storms River
We cater for all kinds of weddings on or off our premises. We can accommodate groups of up to 80 in our restaurant for your wedding in a cosy corner of our gardens.
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  • 80
  • Moderate ($$)
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African Sky’s Venue

Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
African Sky’s wedding venue is fully licensed with in-house catering as well as an outdoor Chapel and self catering area.
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  • 120
  • Moderate ($$)
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Luxe-Molen Boutique Hotel

Queenstown
Your wedding should be a memorable event and as you begin to plan that special day in your life, Luxe-Molen would like to offer our wedding services to make it remarkable for you and your guests.
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  • 100
  • 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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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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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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Palm Villa

Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
Palm Villa Wedding and Conference Venue is an all in one wonderland, offering the perfect setting for weddings. Set in a leafy forest estate, this 6 hectare property is a hidden treasure.
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  • 190
  • Moderate ($$)
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Intaba Lodge

Khowa, Chris Hani District Municipality
A wedding at Intaba Lodge is a day to remember… We have both the expertise and facilities to turn any occasion into something truly memorable.
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  • 120
  • Affordable ($)
Everything you need to know about weddings in Eastern Cape

An intimate wedding in the Eastern Cape allows you to fully immerse yourselves and your guests in the region's breathtaking landscapes.

  • Personalised Experience: Venues focus on bespoke details for smaller groups.
  • Stunning Backdrops: From the Wild Coast to the Karoo, the scenery is epic.
  • Supplier Access: Top local suppliers often have more availability for smaller, flexible events.

The region is rich with venues perfectly suited for smaller guest lists:

  • Boutique Guesthouses: Exclusive-use properties offering luxury and privacy.
  • Coastal Lodges: Ideal for relaxed, scenic ceremonies by the sea.
  • Private Game Reserves: A unique safari-style wedding experience.
  • Country Farms: Rustic charm and wide-open spaces for a laid-back celebration.

An intimate wedding can often be more cost-effective, allowing you to enhance the guest experience with special touches.

Venue Hire: Expect to pay between ZAR 15,000 and ZAR 50,000 for exclusive use of a small venue, depending on the location and season.

Catering: A major benefit of a smaller guest list. Per-head costs for high-quality dining range from ZAR 450 to ZAR 900.

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Off-Peak Season: Consider a wedding between May and August for lower rates and cosy indoor settings.
  • Mid-Week Weddings: Venues often offer significant discounts for Monday-Thursday events.
  • All-Inclusive Packages: Many small venues offer packages that bundle accommodation and catering, providing great value.

Summer (December - February):

Hot and sunny, especially along the coast. Ideal for beach weddings and outdoor receptions. Be mindful of occasional summer rainfall in some areas.

Autumn (March - May):

Often considered the best time to marry. You'll find mild, pleasant weather, less wind, and beautiful golden light for photography.

Winter (June - August):

Cooler and drier. Perfect for cosy indoor weddings with fireplaces in the Karoo or Midlands. Game viewing is at its peak if you're considering a safari venue.

Spring (September - November):

The landscape comes alive with wildflowers. Expect pleasant temperatures, though it can be windy along the coast.

Getting There:

The Eastern Cape is served by several airports, with the main hubs being Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) and East London Airport. For more remote venues, guests will likely need to hire a car. It's wise to provide clear driving directions and travel time estimates.

Where to Stay:

Many intimate wedding venues offer on-site accommodation for the wedding party or all guests.

  • Exclusive-Use: Look for venues with cottages or guest suites included in the hire.
  • Nearby Options: For venues without lodging, research nearby guesthouses and hotels in towns like Jeffreys Bay, Port Alfred, or Graaff-Reinet to recommend to your guests.
FAQ's

What is considered an 'intimate' wedding in the Eastern Cape?

Generally, a small or intimate wedding in the Eastern Cape caters for guest lists of up to 60 people. Many venues specialising in these events have a maximum capacity of around 40-50 guests to ensure a truly personal and high-quality experience.

Are all-inclusive packages available for small weddings in this region?

Yes, many boutique venues in the Eastern Cape offer all-inclusive packages designed for intimate weddings. These often bundle venue hire, catering, bar services, and sometimes accommodation, simplifying the planning process and offering excellent value.

What unique backdrops can I find for an intimate wedding in the Eastern Cape?

The region is incredibly diverse. You can host your wedding with the dramatic cliffs of the Wild Coast as your backdrop, amidst the serene plains of the Karoo, within a lush private game reserve, or in a charming historic farmhouse in the countryside.

Do I need a wedding planner for a small Eastern Cape wedding?

While not essential, a local planner can be invaluable, especially if you're planning from a distance. However, many small venues have an excellent in-house coordinator who can manage the key details perfectly for an intimate celebration.

What is the average cost for a small wedding venue in the Eastern Cape?

Venue hire for an intimate wedding can range significantly, from around ZAR 15,000 for a simple dry-hire to over ZAR 60,000 for exclusive use of a luxury lodge. The final cost depends heavily on the location, inclusions, and season.

Is it easy for guests to travel to wedding venues in the Eastern Cape?

Main centres like Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and East London are easily accessible via flights. However, many of the most scenic, intimate venues are in rural areas. Renting a car is often the best option, so providing clear directions and travel advice is recommended.