Description
Welcome to The Laughing Forest: Your Dream Wedding Venue on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
Imagine saying “I do” where the peaceful coastal dune forest meets the sparkling Indian Ocean. The Laughing Forest, a family-owned estate in Elysium just 55 minutes from Durban, offers a stunning and intimate setting for your wedding. Spread across six acres of beautifully maintained gardens, this venue blends warm, farm-style hospitality with expert attention to detail, backed by nine years of experience hosting unforgettable weddings. Surrounded by gentle wildlife like impala and the calming sounds of the ocean, it’s a true sanctuary for your special day.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces Tailored to Your Style
Whether you envision a beachside vow exchange or a cozy indoor celebration, The Laughing Forest has the perfect spot for your ceremony and reception. The venue is fully equipped with backup water and generators, so your day flows smoothly no matter the weather.
- Ceremony Options: Choose from three beautiful locations:
- A quiet, pristine beach for a romantic oceanfront ceremony
- An open-air chapel terrace surrounded by grass and breathtaking sea views
- An indoor chapel that offers shelter and intimacy, perfect for any weather
- Reception Hall: Host up to 150-200 guests in a versatile space that can be draped with fairy lights for a magical ambiance or left rustic and natural. Your venue hire includes tables, white tablecloths, chairs, cutlery, crockery, and glassware—everything you need for a seamless celebration.
- Photographic Opportunities: Capture your memories across diverse backdrops—from the beach and lush gardens to a putting green and charming photo booths—ensuring stunning photos that tell your unique story.
Delicious Catering and Personalized Bar Service
Enjoy a mouthwatering buffet crafted by The Laughing Forest’s experienced in-house catering team, tailored to your tastes and dietary needs. The fully licensed bar is stocked and ready, with professional barmen and waitstaff included in your package to keep your guests refreshed and the service flawless.
Comfortable On-Site Accommodation for a Weekend Celebration
Make your wedding weekend truly special by staying on-site with your loved ones. The Laughing Forest offers accommodation for up to 39 guests, so no one has to worry about traveling after the festivities. Plus, the wedding package includes a complimentary honeymoon suite for the newlyweds, complete with breakfast the morning after your big day.
- Family Cabins: Four self-catering cabins, each comfortably sleeping up to five people—perfect for families or close friends.
- Double Rooms: Seven cozy double or twin rooms, each accommodating two guests for a restful stay.
Experience
Overview of The Laughing Forest
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Pricing for The Laughing Forest
Reviews (3)
- AAnneline Naidoo14/08/2025WeddingWeddingHeld my wedding here a few weeks ago, and all I can say is wow. The venue,views and cabins were all lovely, but the service from Debbie and her team is simply outstanding! Everything was absolutely perfect! Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5 Held my wedding here a few weeks ago, and all I can say is wow. The venue,views and cabins were all lovely, but the service from Debbie and her team is simply outstanding! Everything was absolutely perfect! Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5
- JJaco Bronkhorst14/08/2025WeddingWeddingMy wife and I were looking for an all-inclusive wedding venue, but for a small group of people, 30 in total. The Laughing Forest ticked all the boxes. It has a beautiful ocean view with all the decorations and a three (3) course menu was included. Best of all, it was affordable! The owner, Debbie, with her husband Phil, runs a tidy ship. The venue is very neat, well maintained and felt classy. The guests couldn't stop talking about that gorgeous view. The meals that were served were top-class.My wife and I were looking for an all-inclusive wedding venue, but for a small group of people, 30 in total. The Laughing Forest ticked all the boxes. It has a beautiful ocean view with all the decorations and a three (3) course menu was included. Best of all, it was affordable! The owner, Debbie, with her husband Phil, runs a tidy ship. The venue is very neat, well maintained and felt classy. The guests couldn't stop talking about that gorgeous view. The meals that were served were top-class.
- Mariaan du Toit14/08/2025Holiday · FamilyHoliday · FamilyHad a pleasant stay there with my family. We were there attending a wedding. We encountered a welcoming hostess, Debbie, and friendly and helpful staff. The venue was clean and neat with direct access to the beach. To top it off, the food was fantastic! Lots of gratitude, thank you. Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5 Hotel highlights Great view, Quiet, Child-friendly Had a pleasant stay there with my family. We were there attending a wedding. We encountered a welcoming hostess, Debbie, and friendly and helpful staff. The venue was clean and neat with direct access to the beach. To top it off, the food was fantastic! Lots of gratitude, thank you. Rooms: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Location: 5/5 Hotel highlights Great view, Quiet, Child-friendly
