Intimate Wedding Venues in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Discovering your dream intimate wedding venue in KwaZulu-Natal starts here. This diverse province offers spectacular backdrops, from the majestic Drakensberg mountains to the sun-kissed Dolphin Coast. Whether you envision a cosy celebration in the Midlands or a chic gathering by the sea, KZN provides an array of exclusive small wedding venues, each promising a truly personal and unforgettable experience for you and your closest guests. Read moreThese intimate settings are perfect for couples seeking a more meaningful celebration. Enjoy the luxury of quality time with every guest, exquisite dining, and personalised details. From boutique hotels to private estates, explore venues that specialise in creating beautiful, bespoke weddings on a smaller scale, ensuring your day is as unique as your love story and feels effortlessly elegant. Find the perfect small venue for your special day.
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Zulu Nyala Game Lodge

Hluhluwe
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Have you ever imagined saying "I do" surrounded by the untamed beauty of the African bush? At Zulu Nyala in the pristine wilderness of Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal, your dream wedding becomes an unforgettable reality.
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  • 200
  • 40 Bedrooms
  • R 13 200 – R 44 000
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St Lucia Eco Lodge

St Lucia, South Africa
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The St. Lucia Eco Lodge provides a serene tranquility perfect for any bridal couple looking for that perfect venue for one of the most important days of your lives!
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  • 80
  • 30 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Botha House

Pennington, Ugu District Municipality
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You’re getting married? How wonderful! A special day to share with friends and family…
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  • 10 Bedrooms
  • R 25 000 – R 58 575
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St Ives Lodge

Lidgetton
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LET US ASSIST YOU IN PLANNING YOUR DREAM WEDDING… Elegance is Timeless… Don’t Compromise on the Start of your HAPPILY EVER AFTER..
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  • 100
  • From R 25 000
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Grey Goose Game Lodge

Newcastle
If you’re looking for tranquility, lush lawns, landscaped gardens, safety and breathtaking views… look no further! Grey Goose Game Lodge is unlike any other venue.
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  • 350
  • 29 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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The Oyster Box

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Welcome to The Oyster Box, where your dream wedding becomes a reality. Whatever your vision, we have the venue, facilities, and service to create an unforgettable wedding day. Let us make your dream wedding a reality.
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  • 120
  • 86 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Rain Farm Game Lodge

uMhlali
Celebrate your wedding in the Boma with its ethnic feel or the Fairy Light Patio with its breathless view under the night sky, whilst enjoying a delicious gourmet meal.
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  • Luxury ($$$)
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Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

KwaNompondo
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MINDFUL LUXURY AND SPACE IN THE HLUHLUWE-IMFOLOZI PARK Capturing the suspension between earth and sky, this glass wrapped lodge rests on a ridge overlooking Africa’s oldest game reserve.
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  • 36
  • 16 Bedrooms
  • R 2 000 – R 2 450
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Battlefields Country Lodge

Dundee
Dundee Battlefields Lodge is the favourite wedding venue in Dundee, and the KZN interior. With different indoor and outdoor wedding venues to choose from, you can create your wedding, your way.
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  • 700
  • 70 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Brahman Hills

Nottingham Road
It’s time to celebrate at South Africa’s leading wedding venue! But first: how to tie the knot... without getting tied into knots? No problem! The Brahman Hills Wedding Team is ready to spin your dreams into reality.
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  • 400
  • Moderate ($$)
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The Estuary Hotel & Spa

Port Edward
Celebrate your marriage in our lovely chapel, our manicured lawn or leave your footprints on our beach. Cocktail weddings can be enjoyed under the stars with breathtaking views.
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  • 150
  • 44 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Fern Hill Hotel

Howick
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Exquisite, Unique and memorable Weddings don’t need to be a stressful experience. Put your trust in our team to help carry the load and produce the wedding of your dreams.
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  • 150
  • R 3 000 – R 8 000
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iNsingizi Lodge

Mid Illovo
Say your I do’s at our unique bush wedding venue. If the bushveld runs in your blood, iNsingizi is the perfect backdrop for the most special day of your life.
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  • 120
  • Moderate ($$)
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First Group Midlands Saddle and Trout

Mooi River
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.
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  • 48
  • 93 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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Champagne Castle Hotel

Champagne Valley
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.
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  • 80
  • 12 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
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aha Alpine Heath Resort

Northern Drakensberg
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Host the wedding of your dreams as emotions relating to space and tranquillity create a haven of peace and a sense of wellbeing. Take in the scenic mountains and enjoy the crisp mountain air
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  • 70
  • 100 Bedrooms
  • From R 730,00 pp
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Cathedral Peak Hotel

Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal
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.
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  • 140
  • 104 Bedrooms
  • Moderate ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in KwaZulu-Natal

An intimate wedding in KwaZulu-Natal allows for a truly personal celebration. With a smaller guest list, you can focus on quality time with your loved ones and create a relaxed, meaningful atmosphere.

  • Deeper connections with guests
  • More flexibility with unique venues
  • Greater control over your budget
  • Personalised and bespoke details

KZN's diverse landscapes provide stunning backdrops for smaller gatherings.

  • The Midlands: Boutique farmhouses and country estates.
  • Dolphin Coast: Chic beachfront hotels and private villas.
  • Drakensberg: Secluded mountain lodges with epic views.
  • Safari Lodges: Exclusive-use lodges for a unique bush wedding.

The cost of an intimate wedding venue in KZN can vary. For a guest list under 60, couples might expect to spend between R40,000 and R90,000+ for venue hire and catering.

Key Cost Factors:

  • Exclusivity and privacy level
  • Day of the week (weekends are pricier)
  • Inclusions (e.g., catering, decor, staff)
  • Location and season

Budgeting Tips:

  • Off-Season Savings: Consider a wedding between May and August for potentially lower rates.
  • All-Inclusive Packages: Many small venues offer packages that simplify planning and can be cost-effective.
  • Weekday Weddings: A Thursday or Friday wedding can significantly reduce venue hire fees.

KwaZulu-Natal's subtropical climate makes it a great year-round wedding destination, but some seasons are better suited for certain styles.

Summer (Nov - Feb):

Hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms. Ideal for coastal weddings with an ocean breeze. Landscapes are lush and green.

Winter (Jun - Aug):

Mild, dry, and sunny days. Perfect for crisp Midlands or Drakensberg weddings with cosy fireplaces.

Autumn (Mar - May):

Warm days and less rain make this a popular and reliable season. The Midlands are particularly beautiful during this time.

Spring (Sep - Oct):

Pleasantly warm with blooming flowers. A fantastic time for garden ceremonies before the peak summer heat arrives.

Always have a stylish indoor backup plan for rain, especially in summer!

Getting There:

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) near Durban is the main travel hub. From there, guests can easily rent cars to reach venues in the Midlands, Drakensberg, or along the North and South Coasts.

Getting Around:

Renting a car is the most convenient option. For remote venues, consider arranging a shuttle service for guests to ensure a seamless experience.

A major benefit of a smaller wedding is the potential for on-site accommodation for your whole party.

Accommodation Options:

  • On-Site: Many intimate venues offer exclusive use of on-site cottages or guest suites.
  • Nearby: KZN offers plentiful B&Bs, boutique hotels, and guesthouses in all key wedding areas to suit every budget.
FAQ's

What is considered an 'intimate' or 'small' wedding in KwaZulu-Natal?

Generally, an intimate wedding in KZN refers to a celebration with fewer than 60 guests. This size allows for more personalised experiences and opens up possibilities for unique venues like private villas, boutique hotels, or exclusive-use farmhouses that can't accommodate larger crowds.

Are there all-inclusive packages for small weddings in KZN?

Yes, many venues in KwaZulu-Natal that specialise in smaller weddings offer all-inclusive packages. These often bundle venue hire, catering, basic decor, and sometimes even coordination services, which can simplify your planning process and offer excellent value. Always check the specifics of what's included.

What's the best time of year for an outdoor intimate wedding in KZN?

For a dry, sunny outdoor ceremony, the autumn months (March to May) and spring (September to October) are ideal. They offer warm, pleasant weather with less humidity and a lower chance of rain compared to the summer. The winter months (June to August) are also great for clear skies, especially in the Midlands.

Do I need a wedding permit for a beach ceremony on the KZN coast?

Yes, for a ceremony on a public beach, you will likely need a permit from the local municipality. Many coastal wedding venues with private beach access can assist with or handle these arrangements for you, so it's always worth asking your venue coordinator for guidance.

Are intimate wedding venues in KZN child-friendly?

This varies by venue. Some boutique hotels or exclusive-use lodges may have policies on children, while farm-style venues in the Midlands are often very accommodating. It's best to confirm the venue's policy directly if you plan on having children attend your wedding.

How far in advance should we book a small wedding venue in KZN?

Even for a smaller wedding, it's wise to book your preferred venue 9-12 months in advance, especially if you're planning for a popular date or season like autumn or spring. Unique, in-demand intimate venues can get booked up just as quickly as larger ones.