Once you’ve been, it’s only then you’ll truly know the beauty of this land. A destination wedding in South Africa is full of so many possibilities.
Event Affairs, one of the country’s top wedding and event management companies has put together an absolutely fabulous and incredibly informative “Destination Wedding in South Africa” Guide for you.
Wedding at Gondwanagr Game Reserve
In this four part series they walk you through the diverse range of location options for a destination wedding in South Africa, including their top picks for best venues, the legal guidelines, the cost of a wedding in South Africa, service standards and weddings suppliers as well as providing excellent advice on the local sights and side trips. No matter if you’re eloping, having a larger affair or simply considering South Africa as your honeymoon destination, this “Destination Wedding in South Africa” mini guide is a must read. Thank you Event Affairs!
Why have a destination wedding in South Africa
There’s a reason that all those years ago European immigrants risked their lives to travel across the world’s roughest oceans to reach the land of milk and honey, a place now known as South Africa. With such diverse beauty, it’s sometimes difficult to believe that it’s all one country. Of course, these days, it’s far easier to reach this golden land with regular direct flights on a number of international carriers from London and other major European cities to both Johannesburg and Cape Town. But whilst travelling has completely changed since the days of the early European settlers the pure, exquisite landscapes of South Africa have remained as spectacular as ever, making it the perfect backdrop for your destination wedding.
Beach Wedding photo courtesy of Sheldon Moultrie
Advantages of a destination wedding in South Africa
- Stunning Scenery
- Huge range of locations and settings
- Unique wedding option
- Value for money with favourable exchange rates
- Combine wedding with an amazing honeymoon
- Established wedding industry with high service standards
- Culinary excellence
- No jetlag (for European visitors)
- Located halfway between Australia and London (perfect for those who want to hold a wedding on middle ground)
- Your guests will experience a trip of a lifetime
Forest Wedding photo courtesy of Aglow Photography
Locations for a destination wedding in South Africa
If you have dreamed about having your wedding in an unusual, exotic location, South Africa has you covered.
Beach Weddings
Boasting an impressive coastline of 2500kms, you will find every kind of coastal environment imaginable. Our white sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, turbulent oceans and spectacular sunsets will take your breath away. Head up our East Coast for the all- year- round warm weather and blue skies. Beautiful beach ceremonies, sea food spreads and venues located right at the water’s edge are what you can look forward to with a South African beach wedding.
Beach Wedding photos courtesy of Carla Like Photos & Life with Jimmy
Mountain Weddings
If inland is more what you have in mind, don’t worry we have plenty of options for you. Across South Africa, we have dramatic mountain ranges, which act as bold backdrops to outdoor ceremonies. The rolling hills of Natal will leave you awestruck and the Cape’s mountains with panoramic views of the ocean are an extraordinary sight that regularly brings The Rich and The Famous to our Mother City. In fact, Prince Harry has been a frequent visitor along with Leonardo DiCaprio, Jude Law, Zac Efron, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Cameron Diaz and Elton John.
Mountain Wedding photos courtesy of Kristi Agier & Susie Le Blond
Game Reserve Weddings
Perhaps a truly African experience is more what you are looking for, in which case any one of our private game reserves may be right up your ally. Why not get married in true luxury, with the African wildlife as your backdrop.
Game Reserve Wedding photos courtesy of Africa Discovery & Greg Lumley
Desert Weddings
Our Karoo region is completely unique to South Africa. Large plains with unusual flora endemic to the Karoo will leave you feeling like you have arrived on an alien planet. This dry, rocky region of South Africa will certainly leave your guests astounded and all those back home jealous of your one of a kind setting.
Desert Wedding photos courtesy of LoveMadeVisible & Justin Davis
Forest Weddings
If the desert, alien world of the Karoo doesn’t appeal to you then perhaps it’s our forests that may tickle your fancy. Found across South Africa, none is more spectacular than the indigenous forests of Knysna and the Tsitsikamma. Step back in time with this protected forest of century old yellow wood trees and allow your imagination to be set free in this magical environment. The rest of the Western Cape also offers several spectacular forest venues that will just have you swooning for a woodland destination wedding in South Africa.
Forest Wedding photos courtesy of Lilac Photography &LoveMadeVisible
Wineland Weddings
Apart from forests, mountains and beaches the Western Cape is also famous for its winelands. Spanning across much of the Cape, the winelands flaunt some of the best and most exquisite venues in the whole of South Africa. By far the most popular choice when it comes to wedding locations, many of the small towns in the area offer more than just vineyards and world class wine, and each has its own charm you are sure to fall in love with.
Winelands Wedding photos courtesy of Gavin Casey & Vivid Blue
City Weddings
Now if all this talk of nature and the outdoors is just not for you, never fear we also have fantastic city options. Our three main cities Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban boast all your usual skyscrapers and cityscapes, not to mention some beautiful historic buildings. Gorgeous studio spaces, roof tops, renovated theatres and cathedrals make up the types of venues you’ll find in our cities.
City Wedding photos courtesy of Clareece Smit , As Sweet As Images & Justin Davis
Where to Marry in South Africa – Our Tip Picks
Now just in case you haven’t already started to pack your bags and head for our sunny lands we thought we’d share with you four of our absolute favourite Western Cape wedding venues. After all it’s where we are based and therefore goes without saying the best part of South Africa.
Tintswalo Atlantic
The Olive Press – Franschhoek Winelands
When it comes to the Winelands there are just so many spectacular options to choose from. The Olive Press situated on the historic Boschendal Estate is one of the newest venues in the Western Cape’s portfolio. Set in the Franschhoek valley only a short drive from Cape Town International Airport, Boschendal is one of the oldest farms in South Africa dating back over 300 years.
What we love:
Clean, light and organic this venue with its high, wooden beam ceiling and glass doors creates a neutral space that any bride can make her own. Set on an exquisite wine farm with a gorgeous, organic veggie garden, the views of the Drakenstein Mountains and natural flora that surround this estate makes The Olive Press a dream venue for a destination wedding in South Africa. The venue offers plenty of accommodation allowing many of your wedding guests to stay on the estate. There are also loads of fun activities for your guests in this area including wine tasting, mountain biking, trail running, horse riding, fly fishing and on the estate itself, the Silvermine caves.
The Olive Press photos courtesy of Boschendal & Kristi Agier
Tintswalo Atlantic – The Coast
This stunning venue is set directly on the ocean with views to make your heart skip a beat. If you dream of a wedding by the ocean you couldn’t ask for a more spectacular spot.
What we love:
You would be hard pressed to find a more prime position than that of the Tintswalo Atlantic Hotel. It is as luxurious as it is breath taking. There’s really not much more to say, the ocean, the sunset, the views, it really is the perfect place to say “I do”
Tintswalo Atlantic
Die Woud – The Forest
There is nothing more enchanting than the permanent glass marquee that that stands in the middle of the forest just outside the small town of Caledon. Imagine walking down the aisle as the trees stretch up around you in this magical wooded location.
What we love:
This venue perfectly marries raw, organic nature with modern grandeur and elegance. The clear structure allows you to truly feel a part of the forest, but the addition of the chandeliers creates a romantic atmosphere that is far from a rustic wooden cabin. We love how the venue transforms at night to be a twinkling vestibule in the dark wood.
Die Woud photo courtesy of Hayley Takes Photos
Old Mac Daddy – The Mountains
Old Mac Daddy certainly offers something different. Set in the mountains and adding a modern, clean twist to the traditional log cabin, this venue has views of the mountain tops as far as the eye can see.
What we love:
Apart from the spectacular views and ‘lost in nature’ setting we love the quirky trailers that make up some of the accommodation at this venue. The silver airstream trailers stand out along the mountain side, hand-picked by the American owners to create 50s caravan park nostalgia, each one has been decorated in its own unique theme. The ceremony spot overlooking the lake is rather charming too.
Old MacDaddy photo courtesy of Love Made Me Do It
Final Thoughts
If you are dreaming of a destination wedding, but are not sure where you should head, South Africa is the place for you. With mountains, beaches, vineyards and forests we can offer the best of the Mediterranean, France and the Tropics all in one place. Our dedicated team of planners at Event Affairs will be able to offer you great advice and ensure you find the perfect venue for your perfect day.
Old MacDaddy photo courtesy of Love Made Me Do It
In Part 2 of our Mini Guide, Event Affairs cover the key points to consider when planning a destination wedding including the legalities, best time of year to marry, the cost of a wedding in South Africa and the best way to plan.
Further Reading:
Georgia & Mikes Stunning Cape Point Vineyards Wedding
Use our Step by Step Planning Guide.
Find Out More…
To ask a question about have a destination wedding in South Africa, please use the form below and Event Affairs will be more than happy to help you.
