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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Montusi Mountain Lodge

Bonjaneni
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When you book Montusi for your wedding you book the whole of Montusi. This means the lodge and the 1000 hectares of conservation estate just for your dream Drakensberg wedding and celebration.
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  • 16 Bedrooms
  • From R 40 000
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The Nest Drakensberg Mountain Resort Hotel

Champagne Valley, KwaZulu-Natal
The Nest Hotel located in the Central Drakensberg is the perfect spot to say, “I do”. Picture Cathkin Peak as your backdrop with the surrounding rolling hills of the Drakensberg Mountains. It does not get more romantic than this!
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  • 110
  • Moderate ($$)
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Plumbago Hills

Uitenhage, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Where dreams come true… Nestled between the hills in Kruisriver, just outside Uitenhage, Plumbago Hills’ unique blend of stylish elegance and country charm creates the perfect setting for the wedding of a lifetime.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Emdoneni Lodge

Hluhluwe
If you have ever dreamt of a true African wedding, walking down a grassy aisle with African wildlife grazing in the background, then this is possible at Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project, where even a cheetah may pose with you for a photograph!
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  • 70
  • 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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Kangelani lodge

Outer West Durban, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Perched on Alverstone Hill, with panoramic views of the Assagay Valley, is an African style lodge set in log and stone offering serenity, relaxation and warm hospitality, Kangelani Lodge is the perfect Wedding Venue!
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Blue Waters Hotel

Durban
Start planning your Dream Wedding at the Blue Waters! Our experienced coordinators and chefs will ensure every detail is just right. We offer four stylish wedding venues, some with ocean views that stretch to eternity.
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  • 250
  • Moderate ($$)
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Hill Billion Estate

Port Shepstone
Hillbillion Estate hosts the most spectacular weddings in the region, the property boasts an array of photo-ready spaces, from lush gardens and pools to beautifully decorated rooms and walkways.
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  • 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.