Romantic Wedding Venues in South Africa

Discover the most romantic wedding venues South Africa has to offer. From intimate vineyard estates in the Cape Winelands to dramatic coastal settings and exclusive safari lodges, this stunning country provides a breathtaking backdrop. Explore a handpicked selection of venues that specialise in creating unforgettable, love-filled celebrations, each with its own unique charm and elegance. Read moreWhether you dream of a sun-drenched ceremony overlooking the ocean, a fairy-tale reception under a canopy of stars in the bushveld, or a chic urban celebration, South Africa delivers. These venues are renowned for their exceptional service, ensuring every moment of your romantic wedding is as perfect as you've imagined, creating a magical start to your forever.
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African Hills

Hartbeespoort, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
For an unforgettable wedding in Magaliesburg, choose African Hills Safari Lodge & Spa on Plumari Nature Reserve.
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  • 150
  • Moderate ($$)
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Webersburg Estate

Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Webersburg warmly invites you to its elegantly restored Cape Dutch Homestead, boutique winery and elite wedding venue nestled against the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands.
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  • 500
  • Moderate ($$)
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Mooibosch

Roodeplaat, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Mooibosch is a wedding venue located in the East of Pretoria, Boschkop.
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  • 300
  • Moderate ($$)
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MAC Country Venue

Tzaneen
Welcome to MAC Country Venue, the premier country destination for weddings in Limpopo. We have extensive experience with the provision of services for weddings, and aim to ensure that the big day is memorable, fantastical, and runs without a hiccup.
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  • 150
  • Moderate ($$)
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Kuungana Bush Lodge

Pretoria, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Kuungana Bush Lodge, is an award winning, 4 star rated “bushveld” wedding venue 15km’s east of Pretoria.
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  • 200
  • Moderate ($$)
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Huysen Hill

Klein Brak River, Garden Route District Municipality
A working farm, Huysen Hill is a uniquely located in South Africa’s famous Garden Route. An old barn – known as a ‘skuur’ in Afrikaans – was renovated and turned into a wedding venue.
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  • 150
  • Moderate ($$)
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Belle Vallee

Wellington, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Situated in the Western Cape Winelands, Belle Vallee is a wedding venue situated a mere 55 minutes drive from Cape Town
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Riverside Country Estate

Springs, City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
At Riverside we're more than just a wedding venue; we're creators of memories. Our dedicated wedding team, including your personal Wedding Coordinator, ensures a seamless and stress-free experience, allowing you to bask in the joy of your special day
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  • 300
  • Moderate ($$)
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The Barn at Redstone

Dam, Bojanala Platinum District Municipality
Beautiful, romantic, sophisticated, rustic, unforgettable, unique, mesmerising, extraordinary, WOW! If this is the description you want for your wedding day then The Barn at Redstone is the place for you.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Pheasant Hill

Pretoria, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Pheasant Hill Boutique Hotel, Wedding Venue is fully equipped with the necessary facilities to accommodate guests seeking to use our accommodation or the garden for small weddings.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Zimbali Lodge

Ballitoville, iLembe District Municipality
CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING IN ELEGANCE AND CHARM Embark on an ethereal journey to a destination of fine distinction on the majestic KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
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  • 100
  • Moderate ($$)
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Glencairn

Randburg, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
Come get married on the farm. Glencairn offers a variety of editorial settings for your wedding.
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  • 250
  • Moderate ($$)
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Kopano Nokeng Lodge

Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Our superb wedding facilities are at your disposal to entertain family and friends in your individual style. Let our peaceful and beautiful surroundings be the backdrop to your special day… your day, your way!
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  • 450
  • Moderate ($$)
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Olijvenkraal

Paarl, Cape Winelands District Municipality
We Can’t Wait to Host Your wedding at Olijvenkraal! Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Olijvenkraal is the ultimate destination for creating unforgettable weddings.
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  • Moderate ($$)
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Rademeyers

Pretoria, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
The warm Old Farmhouse Restaurant and Opstal wedding venue, originally a milk farm, is nestled in the heart of Moreleta Park, Pretoria.
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  • 120
  • Moderate ($$)
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The Milestone

Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
The wedding venue included an in-house co-ordinator to make the journey for the bride & groom that much more enjoyable with a lot less stress.
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  • 80
  • Moderate ($$)
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Warm Karoo

Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
With an array of new and diverse wedding venues, we cater for both intimate wedding ceremonies and large celebrations.
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  • 250
  • Moderate ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in South Africa

Iconic Romantic Settings

  • Cape Winelands: Rolling vineyards, historic manor houses, and gourmet cuisine create a classic, elegant atmosphere perfect for a fairy-tale wedding.
  • Coastal Escapes: Pristine beaches along the Garden Route or the dramatic cliffs of the Western Cape offer stunning ocean backdrops for your vows.
  • Safari Lodges: The untamed wilderness of the Kruger or private reserves provides a uniquely adventurous and intimate setting.

Unforgettable Experiences

Many venues offer more than just a space. Think private wine tastings for your guests, sunset game drives with the 'Big Five', or intimate beach ceremonies followed by a bonfire. The natural beauty of the country, from Table Mountain to the Drakensberg, becomes an integral part of your celebration, creating incredible photo opportunities and a magical ambience.

Average Venue Costs

The cost for a romantic wedding venue in South Africa can vary widely based on location and exclusivity.

  • Exclusive-use Venues: Expect to pay from R80,000 to R300,000+ for venue hire, especially in prime locations like the Winelands or private game reserves.
  • Per-Person Packages: Many venues offer all-inclusive packages, typically ranging from R800 to R2,500 per guest.

Key Planning Tips

Book in Advance: Popular romantic venues, particularly for the peak season (September to April), get booked 12-18 months ahead of time.

Local Planners: Consider hiring a local wedding planner. They have established relationships with top suppliers and can navigate logistics, which is especially helpful for couples planning a destination wedding.

Spring & Summer (Sep - Feb)

This is the peak wedding season, offering long, sunny days and lush, vibrant landscapes. It's perfect for:

  • Outdoor ceremonies in the Winelands.
  • Warm-weather beach weddings.
  • Garden receptions that last late into the evening.

Be mindful of the 'Cape Doctor' wind in Cape Town during summer months.

Autumn & Winter (Mar - Aug)

Often overlooked, these seasons offer unique romantic possibilities.

  • Autumn: The Winelands are spectacular with golden foliage and milder weather.
  • Winter: Think cosy receptions with roaring fireplaces in the Midlands or enjoy dry, pleasant weather for a safari wedding up north. This is often a more budget-friendly time to marry.

Getting Around

South Africa is a large country. Major international airports are in Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), and Durban (DUR).

For guests travelling between regions or to remote venues, domestic flights are efficient. Car hire is highly recommended for exploring areas like the Garden Route or the Winelands. Advise guests to book transport well in advance of their travel.

Accommodation Options

Most premier wedding venues offer on-site accommodation for the wedding party and close family.

  • For larger guest lists, nearby hotels, guesthouses, and boutique B&Bs are plentiful in popular wedding areas.
  • Consider arranging a room block or providing a curated list of recommended local stays for your guests to make their planning easier.
FAQ's

What makes a South African wedding venue romantic?

The romance lies in the diversity and drama of the landscapes. You can marry on a vineyard estate with mountains as your backdrop, on a secluded beach at sunset, or in the heart of the African bush. This natural beauty, combined with world-class hospitality, creates a uniquely magical and intimate atmosphere.

What are the legal requirements to get married in South Africa?

A legal wedding ceremony in South Africa must be conducted by a registered marriage officer. Most venues can recommend trusted local officers who can officiate your ceremony and handle the legal paperwork, for both local and international couples. You will need to provide identification and complete some forms.

What are the most popular regions in South Africa for a romantic wedding?

The Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek) are incredibly popular for their classic, elegant romance. The Garden Route and Western Cape coast are sought-after for breathtaking ocean views. For a unique and adventurous romance, private game reserves near the Kruger National Park are an exceptional choice.

Is South Africa an expensive country for a wedding?

Costs vary significantly. While exclusive luxury venues can be on par with international prices, South Africa generally offers excellent value, especially for international couples due to favourable exchange rates. You can find stunning romantic venues to suit a wide range of budgets, from intimate guesthouses to grand estates.

What kind of cuisine can we expect at a South African wedding?

South African wedding cuisine is a highlight, often focusing on fresh, local, and seasonal produce. Expect world-class food and wine pairings in the Winelands, fresh seafood along the coast, and traditional 'braais' (barbecues) given a gourmet twist. Venues pride themselves on creating bespoke menus.

Can we plan a romantic South African wedding from abroad?

Absolutely. South Africa is a top destination wedding location. Many venues have dedicated coordinators experienced in working with international couples. Hiring a local wedding planner is also highly recommended to manage logistics, time zones, and suppliers, ensuring a seamless planning process from afar.