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Mimosa Lodge
Montagu
Idyllic wedding venue and innumerable culinary delights
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- Affordable ($)
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 more
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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 ($$)
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Gondwana Game Reserve
Kleinberg
Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve offers an exclusive and spectacular natural setting for an authentic Cape Safari wedding.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Grande Roche Hotel
Paarl
From perfect proposals to dream weddings, let us help weave the magic and enchantment that will last a lifetime… be it an intimate, romantic affair or a lavish wedding celebration.
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- 140
- Moderate ($$)
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Nice To Meat You
Kempton Park, City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
We offer intimate weddings with a maximum of 100 guests and your choice of either indoor or outdoor ceremony. The lush and spacious gardens make this the perfect wedding venue and your guests will feel transported to another world.
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- 100
- Moderate ($$)
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Clementia Function & Conference Venue
Stilfontein, Fezile Dabi District Municipality
Celebrate your wedding in style at this beautiful riverside setting. In the tranquility of the Free State, peacefully situated on the banks of the Vaal River lies Clementia.
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- 300
- Moderate ($$)
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Chez Charlene Wedding Venue
Mooiplaats, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Life is a fragile beautiful thing, In the heart of passion’s embrace Dreams are woven with delicate grace. In a place called Chez Charlene 5 star wedding Venue our Love dances upon the stars above In a timeless and tasteful beautiful maze.
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- 400
- Moderate ($$)
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Mont d'Or Hotel Clarens
Clarens
Discover the perfect Wedding Venue in Clarens, nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Maluti Mountains.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Highlands Lodge
Waboomskraal George,, Garden Route District Municipality
Our Mountain Retreat becomes Your Mountain Retreat when planning any wedding - Highlands Lodge can accommodate weddings up to 50 guests and provide their accommodation.
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- 50
- Moderate ($$)
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Kapama Karula
Kapama Private Game Reserve
Mother Nature in all her glory provides the ultimate wedding venue. Whether it’s a grand affair or a small intimate gathering, Kapama’s views and location mean that extra special touch can be felt in the details.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Mount Grace Hotel & Spa
Magaliesburg
Make your wedding dreams come true at Mahogany, our quaint chapel-style wedding venue, and celebrate with up to 160 guests in the spacious Rosewood Chamber.
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- 160
- Moderate ($$)
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Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
Grahamstown
Inspired by the pristine surrounds and composed around Kwandwe’s ethos of ‘connected experiences’, weddings on the reserve are highly personalised wedding ceremonies.
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- 80
- 26 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Fusion Boutique Hotel
Polokwane, Limpopo
A venue every wedding party is ensured the type of treatment likened to that exclusively earmarked for royalty.
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- 250
- 33 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Kings Grant Country Retreat
Ixopo
This is where wedding bells ring and where a marriage begins surrounded by your closest people on an old mission farm that resonates with tranquility, love and dedication.
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- 46
- 14 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Goedehoop Wedding Venue
Johannesburg, Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Explore special curated wedding services for your dream day. With our stunning venue, find everything you need for an unforgettable wedding experience.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Vredenheim
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
A tucked away fairy-lit wedding venue on the Vredenheim farm. Gather around our seasonal harvest table for an extraordinary wedding feast at Feestafel!
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- 300
- Moderate ($$)
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Vrystaat Safari's
Kroonstad
Vrystaat Safari's is suitable for any type of wedding, the spectacular nature and wildlife gives the wedding venue a natural and rustic feel.
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- 180
- Moderate ($$)
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Jelani Guest House
White River, Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Jelani Guest House is the perfect place for friends and family to meet in a relaxed atmosphere. And we will assist you in twining your wedding into a special memory.
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- 120
- Moderate ($$)
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Jembisa Bush Home
Melk River
Combining a wedding with a safari is a dream combination. A never–to–be–forgotten memory for the bridal couple and guests who enjoy a memorable holiday as well as sharing in the celebration
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- 48
- 24 Bedrooms
- Moderate ($$)
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Bushloerie
Pretoria, Stad Tshwane Metropolitaanse Munisipaliteit
Plan your dream wedding with us for a truly memorable day. Choose from a variety of elegant table settings and décor options, including elegant rustic designs.
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- Moderate ($$)
Everything you need to know about weddings in South Africa
Embracing Romance in South AfricaWedding Costs & PlanningBest Seasons for a Romantic WeddingGuest Travel & Accommodation
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.