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BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay
Richards Bay
BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay is an excellent wedding venue choice with the hotel located at the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront.
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- 120
- Moderate ($$)
Romantic Wedding Venues in South Africa
Discover the most romantic wedding venues South Africa has to offer. From intimate vineyard estates in the Cape Winelands to dramatic coastal settings and exclusive safari lodges, this stunning country provides a breathtaking backdrop. Explore a handpicked selection of venues that specialise in creating unforgettable, love-filled celebrations, each with its own unique charm and elegance. Read more
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Rolling Waters Country Estate
Tierpoort, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
This spectacular wedding venue where craftsmanship meets creative designs and decorative elements is situated at Tierpoort in Pretoria East.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Laborie Estate
Paarl, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Celebrate your wedding in the heart of the Winelands, where timeless elegance meets breathtaking scenery.
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- Moderate ($$)
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The Bond Shed
Durban, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
Craft this unique blank canvas into the wedding of your dreams, the only limit is your imagination!
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- 100
- Moderate ($$)
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Lalula Wedding Venue
Pretoria, City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Lalula Wedding Venue is in the heart of the Big 5 Dinokeng wildlife area. This is an upmarket wedding venue on the doorstep of Tshwane
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- Moderate ($$)
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De Oude Kraal Country Estate
Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Nestled in the picturesque embrace of De Oude Kraal, we invite you to embark on a journey of love, charm, and rustic elegance as you plan your dream country-wedding.
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- Moderate ($$)
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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 ($$)
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SeMoer Destination
Potchefstroom, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality
Nestled away in the quiet valley of Rysmierbult on the edge of Gauteng province, SeMoer’s newest wedding venue offers a scenic countryside backdrop with all the modern comforts and conveniences.
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- 350
- Moderate ($$)
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Glencairn Weddings
Himeville, Harry Gwala District Municipality
Nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains on the iconic Sani Pass road. A perfect country wedding for your special day.
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- 250
- Moderate ($$)
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Zorgvliet Wine Estate
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Zorgvliet Wines can be the perfect wedding venue for you, if you want to add a touch of magic and style to your big day.
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- Moderate ($$)
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The Sentry
Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
The Sentry is Port Elizabeth’s premier destination wedding venue, surrounded by the picturesque natural beauty of Hopewell Estate in the heart of the Eastern Cape Bushveld.
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- 160
- Moderate ($$)
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McPhersons
Cape Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
Providing the keys and secrets you need to manifest a wedding day that surpasses your wildest hopes and dreams.
We promise a flawless wedding day and give you the opportunity to write your love story.
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- 180
- Moderate ($$)
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Nooitgedacht Estate
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands District Municipality
Nooitgedacht Estate specialises in the creation of seamlessly executed, personalised weddings in the Cape Winelands.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Infinity at Enfin Estate
Nottingham Road, uMgungundlovu District Municipality
Infinity provides the ideal ‘blank canvas’ to transform your wedding vision into a reality. With its organic building materials of steel, glass and Himalayan cedar wood, any theme imaginable is possible!
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- 160
- Moderate ($$)
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Oranje Guest Farm
Fouriesburg, Fezile Dabi District Municipality
Our beautiful sandstone barn and church between the mountains are ideal for a stylish country wedding for up to 220 guests.
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- 220
- Moderate ($$)
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Durban Botanic Gardens
Durban,, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
The Durban Botanic Gardens, Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden, is an ideal green setting for weddings. All revenue generated from wedding venue hire is managed by the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust.
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- 7500
- Moderate ($$)
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The Shed and Silo
Benoni, City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
We would love to host your wedding. Please contact us and let us know.
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- Moderate ($$)
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Cavalli Estate
Cape Town, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality
The main wedding venue is characterized by its contemporary and neutral design, able to be adapted to the style of your wedding, with adequate space to seat 300 people or alternatively 600 people for a standing cocktail reception.
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- 300
- Moderate ($$)
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Mount Aqua
Naboomsruit,, Waterberg District Municipality
Our wedding venue offers two exquisite choices for your formal ceremony, each providing a unique backdrop for your vows.
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- 300
- Moderate ($$)
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Steenberg Hotel & Spa
Tokai
Say "I do" on the Cape's oldest farm.
Surrounded by traditional Cape Dutch homesteads, vineyard and mountain vistas and manicured gardens; Steenberg offers an idyllic and romantic venue to begin your next exciting chapter.
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- 100
- Moderate ($$)
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.