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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 ($$)
Luxury Wedding Venues in South Africa
Discover the finest luxury wedding venues in South Africa, a destination celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and exclusive settings. From opulent vineyards in the Cape Winelands to lavish safari lodges in the wild, each venue offers a unique backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. Expect world-class service, gourmet cuisine, and breathtaking views for your special day in one of the world's most beautiful countries. Read more
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The Salene
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Your Perfect Wedding Venue Awaits in the Winelands of Western Cape. Host the wedding of the season at The Salene, a premier Stellenbosch wedding venue.
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- 200
- Moderate ($$)
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MolenVliet
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
MolenVliet specialises in exclusive weddings, we will make sure that your experience is filled with endless pleasure within this gorgeous haven.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Karkloof Safari Spa
Pietermaritzburg, uMgungundlovu District Municipality
Are you searching for your dream game lodge wedding venue in South Africa? We’re so glad you’re here.
Get married under the wide, African sky.
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- 100
- Moderate ($$)
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Eensgezind
Cape Town, South Africa
Voted as one of the top wedding venues in South Africa, Eensgezind is the perfect wedding venue for your special day, situated in the beautiful Durbanville countryside.
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- 250
- Moderate ($$)
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Mount Edgecombe Country Club
Mount Edgecombe,, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
We have world-class wedding facilities with the ability to cater for varying group sizes in our various wedding venues.
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- 250
- Moderate ($$)
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Wijnlanden Uitzicht
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Well known for its simple elegance and off-beat rustic farm feel, Wijnlanden Uitzicht guarantees their intimate, personalised weddings are a cut above the rest, ensuring attention to the finest details.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Slipperfields
Evander, Gert Sibande District Municipality
Slipperfields is your ideal country-side setting for an intimate or extravagant wedding, a mere 20-minute drive from Port Elizabeth, nestling at the foot of the mountain.
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- 350
- Moderate ($$)
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Vivari Hotel
Johannesburg, West Rand District Municipality
Celebrate Your Love at Vivari Hotel: A Premier Wedding Venue in Johannesburg.
For couples seeking a truly breathtaking setting for their special day, Vivari Hotel offers one of the most enchanting wedding venues in South Africa
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- 110
- Moderate ($$)
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Tintswalo Atlantic
Cape Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
Tintswalo Atlantic Presents a World Class Wedding Venue. The lodge has been hailed one of the most romantic destinations in Southern Africa, making it a coveted wedding venue.
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- Moderate ($$)
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The Conservatory
Franschhoek, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Nestled on the banks of the Kastaiing River, The Conservatory is set among vineyards and ancient oaks, presenting an absolute hidden gem for weddings.
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- 120
- Moderate ($$)
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Inimitable Wedding Venue
Muldersdrift, iLembe District Municipality
When the founders of Inimitable, Zavion and John, were looking to actualize their lifelong dream of building a wedding venue that was as unique as it was marvelous, it was very important that the right setting be chosen.
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- 400
- Moderate ($$)
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Jordan Wine Estate
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Enjoy a perfect wedding at Jordan Wine Estate!
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- Moderate ($$)
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Pecan Manor
Hartbeespoort, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
Pecan Manor is the ultimate wedding venue for small intimate weddings. Our Team pride themselves in service excellence and will do all that they can to make your wedding day a fairy-tale.
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- 100
- Moderate ($$)
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The Manor House
Ballito, iLembe District Municipality
The Manor House offers you the luxury of choice with several beautifully appointed spaces to utilise, enabling you to bring your creative vision for your wedding to life!
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- Moderate ($$)
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Schoon Huis Manor
Kempton Park
Allow us the pleasure to host your most beautiful day in collaboration with Nice to Meat you. The lush and spacious gardens make this the perfect wedding venue and your guests will feel transported to another world.
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- 100
- Moderate ($$)
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Sweetfontein
Britstown, Pixley ka Seme District Municipality
The Most Popular Wedding Destination. This serenely situated farm lodge is a timeless beauty that is touched with a gracious and mystical charm, a spirit calling hearts to dream.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake
Bloemfontein
- 100
- 94 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Benguela Cove
Hermanus, Overberg District Municipality
Celebrate your love story at Benguela Cove, where every wedding is a unique, tailored experience.
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- Moderate ($$)
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The FOX
Johannesburg, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
The FOX is an urban industrial wedding venue in Johannesburg's inner city.
A unique warehouse wedding venue with luxurious space.
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- 2000
- Moderate ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in South Africa
Luxury Weddings in South AfricaVenue Costs & BudgetingBest Seasons to MarryGuest Experience & Logistics
South Africa offers a breathtaking array of settings for a luxury wedding. The country's diverse landscapes mean you can choose from a variety of exclusive venue types, each providing a unique atmosphere.
- Wine Estates: The Cape Winelands, including regions like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are famous for their historic estates, mountain backdrops, and world-class culinary experiences.
- Safari Lodges: For a truly unforgettable celebration, consider an exclusive-use safari lodge in areas like the Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands, where your wedding can be combined with incredible wildlife encounters.
- Coastal Retreats: The dramatic coastline offers everything from chic boutique hotels in Cape Town to private villas along the Garden Route, perfect for ocean-view ceremonies.
Planning and Legals
International couples can legally marry in South Africa with relative ease. You'll need valid passports and to complete specific Home Affairs paperwork. Many luxury venues have dedicated wedding coordinators who are experts in managing the requirements for both local and destination weddings.
Hiring a high-end local planner is also highly recommended to connect you with the country's top-tier suppliers, from florists to photographers, ensuring a seamless and stylish event.
The cost of a luxury wedding venue in South Africa varies significantly based on location, exclusivity, and the time of year.
- Venue Hire Fees: Expect exclusive-use hire fees to start from around R150,000 and exceed R1,000,000 for premier estates or lodges, especially during peak season.
- Per-Person Costs: High-end catering and beverage packages typically range from R2,000 to R5,000+ per guest.
- What's Included: Packages often include the basics like tables, chairs, and staffing, but always clarify specifics. Safari lodges may offer all-inclusive rates covering accommodation and activities.
Budgeting Tips
When budgeting for a luxury wedding, account for more than just the venue fee. Key costs to consider include:
- Top-Tier Suppliers: Elite planners, photographers, and floral designers are significant investments.
- Marquee Hire: A high-end glass marquee or bespoke tent structure can be a major expense if your venue requires it.
- Guest Experience: Factor in costs for welcome events, transportation, and pre-wedding activities to create a memorable celebration for your guests.
South Africa's climate varies by region, offering beautiful options year-round.
- Summer (December - February): This is the peak season in the Western Cape. It’s perfect for sun-drenched vineyard weddings and coastal celebrations, but requires booking well in advance.
- Autumn (March - May): Often considered the best season in many parts of the country. The weather is mild, the light is beautiful for photography, and the Winelands are cloaked in stunning autumn colours.
- Winter (June - August): The ideal time for a safari wedding. The bush is dry, making wildlife easier to spot, and the days are generally mild and sunny with cool evenings perfect for gathering around a fire.
Seasonal Considerations
The Western Cape experiences winter rainfall, so if you're planning a winter wedding there, a venue with elegant indoor spaces is essential. Conversely, summer in the north of the country can bring dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, which can be spectacular but require a solid rain plan. Your chosen season will also impact supplier availability and pricing, with summer being the most competitive and expensive period.
Accommodation
Ensuring your guests are comfortable is key to a luxury wedding. Many premier venues offer exquisite on-site accommodation for the wedding party or all guests. For larger weddings, your venue or planner can recommend and secure room blocks at nearby five-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, or luxury villas. Arranging seamless transport between accommodation and the venue is a crucial touch.
Transport & Travel
South Africa is well-connected, with major international airports in Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT). For remote safari lodges or exclusive estates, arranging private chartered flights or luxury coach transfers is common. Within cities and the Winelands, consider organising private chauffeurs or elegant shuttle services to ensure guests travel in comfort and style throughout the wedding weekend.
FAQ's
What defines a wedding venue in South Africa as 'luxury'?
Luxury venues in South Africa are distinguished by their exclusivity, exceptional service, and breathtaking locations. This could be a private wine estate in Franschhoek, a five-star safari lodge in the Kruger, or an architecturally significant coastal villa. They provide bespoke planning, gourmet cuisine, premium amenities, and a high degree of privacy for an unparalleled wedding experience.
How far in advance should we book a luxury wedding venue in South Africa?
For the most sought-after luxury venues, especially in prime locations like the Cape Winelands or exclusive game reserves, it is advisable to book 12 to 18 months in advance. This is particularly important if you are planning your wedding during the peak summer season (December to February) to secure your preferred date.
Are all-inclusive packages common at high-end South African venues?
Yes, many luxury venues, particularly safari lodges and exclusive-use estates, offer comprehensive all-inclusive packages. These typically cover venue hire, catering, beverages, on-site accommodation, and sometimes even guest activities. These packages simplify the planning process and ensure a seamless, high-quality experience.
What are the legal requirements for foreigners to marry in South Africa?
Foreign nationals can legally marry in South Africa. You will need to present valid passports, a completed BI-31 form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage), and official proof of your marital status. It is highly recommended to work with a local wedding planner or the venue's coordinator to ensure all paperwork is handled correctly.
What unique experiences can we offer guests at a luxury South African wedding?
South Africa offers incredible opportunities for guest experiences. You could arrange private wine-tasting tours in the Winelands, guided safari drives at a game reserve, a sunset cruise along the Cape Town coast, or even a round of golf on a world-class course. Many luxury venues can help coordinate these bespoke activities.
Is it necessary to hire a local wedding planner for a luxury wedding?
While not a legal requirement, hiring a top-tier local wedding planner is highly recommended, especially for a destination wedding. They have established relationships with the best local suppliers, understand the logistics of high-end events, and can navigate any regional complexities, ensuring a flawless and stress-free celebration.