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Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens
Clarens
A luxurious wedding retreat in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains
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- Moderate ($$)
Wedding Venues in South Africa
Discovering the perfect setting for your day is simple with this selection of wedding venues in South Africa. The nation offers a breathtaking array of choices, from elegant wine estates in the Cape, to rustic game lodges in the bushveld, and chic urban spaces in Johannesburg. Each region provides a unique atmosphere for your celebration, whether you envision a grand affair or an intimate gathering with close family and friends. Read more
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Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town North Wharf
Cape Town
Dream weddings don't just happen, they're planned. Marriott Certified Wedding Planners are trained to help.
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- 50
- Moderate ($$)
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The Fernery Lodge & Chalets
Stormsrivier
A venue with picturesque views
A wedding at The Fernery Lodge and Spa makes this special celebration that much more unique.
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- 7 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Thornhill Safari Lodge
Guernsey Nature Reserve
Thornhill Safari Lodge offers exclusive Bush weddings under the African sky surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.
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- Moderate ($$)
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De Oude Werf
Bronkhorstspruit, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
De Oude Werf was founded 15 years ago in 2005 by the owners Johan & Hanlie Cloete (lovely married couple), who both have a passion for beautiful weddings.
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- 400
- Moderate ($$)
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Ukuphupha
Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
Ukuphupha is proud to be Your One Stop Shop for all your wedding requirements.
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- 300
- Moderate ($$)
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Protea Hotel by Marriott Dorpshuis & Spa Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch
Our "Spookhuis" wedding room can accommodate 50 guests cocktail-style
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- Moderate ($$)
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The Marine Hermanus
Hermanus
Turning your wedding dreams into a reality
The Marine provides a unique location for the most memorable day of your life – whether you are planning a small ceremony or large reception, bespoke destination wedding or blissful honeymoon.
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- 120
- 40 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Sabi Sabi
Mpumalanga, Ehlanzeni District Municipality
The Sabi Sabi wedding experience. Get married in a wildlife-rich private reserve in the Greater Kruger area with 4 luxury lodges each with its own character and style.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Adante
Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
Andante Venue wedding facilities include picturesque gardens, trees and water features that will set the ideal wedding location to capture your special memories.
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- Moderate ($$)
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The Woods Venue
Humansdorp, Sarah Baartman District Municipality
The Woods is a unique, one of its kind venue, situated on the banks of a farm dam and nestled between trees. We would love to welcome you to your venue of your dream venue for any type of wedding.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Suikerbossie
Cape Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
Suikerbossie Restaurant & Estate offers everything you could possibly want for your wedding. From incredible Sea & Mountain views to well renowned Chef's, and complete Wedding Planning & Co-ordination.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Ganico
Krugersdorp, West Rand District Municipality
From the natural light gallery space of the Atrium, to our lush Pomegranate orchard. We have curated not just a wedding venue…but an experience
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- Moderate ($$)
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Rand Club
Johannesburg, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
Rand Club’s versatile rooms create the ideal setting for memorable occasions, from small intimate wedding celebrations of 10 pax up to lavish weddings of 250 pax
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- 250
- Moderate ($$)
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Country Sjiek
Wolseley
Set on the spacious grounds of a working farm, with a splendid backdrop of mountains and fynbos, Country Sjiek is the perfect rustic-chic setting for your wedding.
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- 300
- Moderate ($$)
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Moditlo River Lodge
Hoedspruit
Say ‘I do’ in the heart of the African bushveld
Turn your big day into your dream day with a fairytale wedding in the heart of the African bushveld!
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- 50
- 18 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Ocean Breeze Hotel
Strand
The Ocean Breeze Hotel in Strand, Western Cape, South Africa, is the perfect venue for your wedding, paired with it incredible location is a variety of solutions to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly & professionally.
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- 200
- Moderate ($$)
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Mimosa Lodge
Montagu
Idyllic wedding venue and innumerable culinary delights
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- Affordable ($)
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Hout Bay Manor
Hout Bay
Our experienced team will assist you in ensuring you have the wedding of your dreams – working behind the scenes to make sure that everything runs smoothly on the day.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Prana Lodge
Chintsa
More Pricing Inside
Prana Lodge's unparalleled natural surroundings and luxurious modern décor create the perfect setting for scenic destination weddings.
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- 60
- From R 35 000
Everything you need to know about weddings in South Africa
All About Getting Married in South AfricaAverage Wedding Venue CostsWeather & The Best Time To MarryTransport & Accommodation
Legal Requirements
To legally marry in South Africa, you must be married by a registered marriage officer. You will need to present valid identity documents (or passports for non-residents) and have two witnesses present at the ceremony. If either party is a non-South African citizen, it's wise to check for any additional paperwork required by your home country.
Unique Venue Styles
South Africa's variety is its biggest strength. Consider:
- Winelands: Historic estates with Cape Dutch architecture and vineyard views.
- Bushveld: Luxury lodges offering safari experiences for guests.
- Coastal: Beachfront venues along the Garden Route or KwaZulu-Natal coast.
- City Chic: Modern hotels and rooftops in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Venue Hire Fees
Venue hire can range from ZAR 30,000 to over ZAR 150,000, depending on the location, exclusivity, and day of the week. This fee usually covers the use of the space for a set number of hours, along with basic tables, chairs, and staffing.
Cost Per Person
Catering is often the largest additional cost, typically ranging from ZAR 500 to ZAR 1,500+ per guest for food and basic beverages.
Budgeting Tips
- Off-Season Savings: Winter weddings (June-August) often come with reduced rates.
- Mid-Week Dates: Venues may offer discounts for Friday or weekday celebrations.
- All-Inclusive Packages: These can simplify planning and prevent unexpected costs.
- Be Aware: Always check for hidden costs like gratuity, corkage fees, and overtime charges.
A Season for Every Style
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and vibrant. Perfect for coastal weddings, but be prepared for summer rainfall in regions like Gauteng.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild temperatures and beautiful golden light, especially in the Winelands.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often dry. Ideal for cosy, indoor venues with fireplaces.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Pleasant weather and stunning natural scenery as flowers begin to bloom.
Regional Climates
South Africa's weather varies significantly by region.
- Western Cape: Has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
- Gauteng: Experiences summer thunderstorms and dry, sunny winters.
- Kruger & Bushveld: Best visited in the dry, cooler winter months for prime game viewing.
- KwaZulu-Natal Coast: Humid and sub-tropical year-round.
Getting There
International guests will likely fly into O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town, or King Shaka (Durban) international airports. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring and reaching venues outside of major city centres.
Guest Transport
For venues in remote locations like the Winelands or bush, arranging a shuttle service for guests is a thoughtful and practical touch, ensuring everyone can celebrate safely.
Accommodation Options
Many premier South African wedding venues, particularly wine estates and game lodges, offer excellent on-site accommodation for the wedding party and guests. This creates a seamless and immersive destination wedding experience.
For venues without lodging, there is always a wide range of nearby hotels, charming guesthouses, and self-catering options to suit every preference and budget.
FAQ's
What is the average cost of a wedding venue in South Africa?
The cost varies widely. Venue hire can range from ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 150,000+, while catering typically costs between ZAR 500 and ZAR 1,500 per person. Prime locations like the Cape Winelands are generally at the higher end of the price spectrum compared to other regions.
When is the best time of year to get married in South Africa?
Autumn (March to May) and Spring (September to November) are popular for their mild, pleasant weather nationwide. However, the 'best' time depends on your chosen region and style. The Western Cape's dry summers are perfect for outdoor weddings, while winter offers cosy indoor settings and potential discounts.
What are some unique types of wedding venues in South Africa?
South Africa is famous for its diverse venues. You can choose from elegant wine estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, luxury safari lodges in the Kruger area, dramatic mountain resorts in the Drakensberg, or chic, modern spaces in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
What are the legal requirements to get married in South Africa?
To get married legally, you need a registered marriage officer, valid identity documents (or passports for foreign nationals), and two witnesses. Non-residents should confirm if any extra documentation is required from their home country before travelling.
Should we hire a wedding planner for our South African wedding?
While not a requirement, a wedding planner is highly recommended, especially if you are planning from abroad. Their local expertise is invaluable for sourcing trusted suppliers, managing logistics, and navigating the specifics of your chosen venue, which can save you significant time and stress.
Is it safe for international guests to attend a wedding in South Africa?
Yes. Many of South Africa's most popular wedding venues are in secure estates, private game reserves, or established tourist areas. As with any international travel, guests should take standard safety precautions. Venues are experienced in hosting international visitors and ensuring their comfort and security.