Planning your wedding outside the Free State? Then it’s time to check out these unique South African wedding venues – top properties around the country with fabulous offers that will turn your wedding dreams into a reality!
In Kwazulu Natal – the Garden Province
The 4-star Brahman Hills Hotel, Cottages & Spa situated in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is known for its spectacular views and superb venues, and as the destination of choice for idyllic country escapes, conferences and weddings. On offer for 2020 are two wonderful Brahman Hills Wedding Packages: the 100 guests at only R89 335 package includes the wedding ceremony in the unique Brahman Hills’ Valley View Chapel, the wedding reception in The Stables restaurant, a three course menu for wedding reception meal and a three-night pre-honeymoon stay at a 4-star hotel in Durban (includes breakfast for the newlyweds); while the package for 200 guests at only R178 685 includes the wedding ceremony in the Lake House with lake views, and the wedding reception in the Glass House, a Buffet menu for wedding reception meal, and a four-night pre-honeymoon stay at a 4-star hotel in Durban (includes breakfast for the newlyweds). Included in both packages are reception venue banqueting tables, white/cream table linen, crockery, cutlery, glassware and tiffany chairs, waiters and bar staff; complimentary after hour extension in venue until 02:00 with bar service; Crostini table for canapés; a Brahman Hills wedding cake; a choice between a photo booth (while having canapés) or a horse carriage for bride’s ceremony arrival and wedding photos and a wedding night stay in the honeymoon cottage for the happy couple (includes breakfast). This applies to new wedding bookings for January, February, June, and July 2020. Guests can be accommodated in 30 elegant hotel rooms and 12 self-catering cottages at Brahman Hills and in seven cottages and four stand-alone rooms (self-catering and/or bed and breakfast) at Springholm (4.5 km from Brahman Hills) at additional cost. Brahman Hills ensures that every wedding is picture perfect and a dream come true. Call Reservations: 033 266 6965 or 082 259 8939 / [email protected].
(Adam Hilton Photography)
And Thanda Safari in the northern reaches of KZN, for a wedding ceremony held in a sheltered bush location, under the spreading marula trees… ululating Zulu dancers ushering you down the aisle to take your vows…your wedding reception, done safari-style in a star-lit boma or on a deck overlooking the unspoiled African bush – whatever your personal style there is no better place than Thanda Safari for celebrating romance! Thanda Safari offers three accommodation options – each with their own style and appeal – its flagship Safari Lodge with nine bush suites, the exclusive five-suite Villa iZulu, and Thanda Tented Camp with 14 luxury tents and one deluxe honeymoon tent. Thanda (‘love’ in isiZulu) Safari’s Kanye (‘together’ in isiZulu) Wedding Package – a unique package that hones in on the qualities of ubuntu compassion, humanity and community- is priced per group: two to 10 guests – R15 000; 11 to 30 guests – R31 000; 31 to 58 guests – R42 500. Wedding parties need to book a minimum stay of two nights and to hire a property exclusively. Included are two game drives, delicious cuisine a dedicated wedding planner, an area for your bridal preparation, your choice of ceremony and reception venue, set-up of venues; canapés for guests after ceremony, white Tiffany chairs, tables, linen and all required glassware, crockery and cutlery; unlimited tea, coffee, still and sparkling water; romantic turndown for the newly married couple, a selection of four-course wedding menus to choose from; transfers around the Thanda Safari property, and a special Thanda Safari wedding gift for the bridal couple (additional services are available at an extra cost). The Kanye Wedding Package accommodation rates are inclusive of three meals per day; two game drives per day; guided bush walks (not included at Tents); selected local beverages (until midnight), in-room mini-bar, Wifi and laundry. Book now for the most romantic experience of a lifetime – your wedding at Thanda Safari! Contact detailsE: [email protected] |T: +27 (0) 32 586 0149 | Thanda Wedding Planner – [email protected] www.thandasafari.com
In the Cape – one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions
One of Cape Country Routes’ top Western Cape hotels, Cascade Country Manor & Spa in the heart of the Paarl Winelands set against a backdrop of the majestic Klein Drakenstein Mountains, is situated on 23 hectares amidst olive orchards and vineyards. This converted country manor, now an elegant, family-run guesthouse and spa, was once a royal homestead – the perfect setting for your winter wedding! The low season’s – valid from 1 April to 31 July 2020 – 1-Night Wedding Package at R42 000, and 2-Nights Wedding Package at R62 000 includes accommodation – 20 Double rooms – 40 guests, for one or two nights with breakfast for guests staying over; the Dining Room – inside dinner venue for up to 50 guests; the Terrace for pre-drinks, night caps and dancing, and exclusivity of the venue for the duration booked. It excludes wedding planner, furniture, marquee, dance floor, catering, beverages and bar, crockery, cutlery and glassware, decor, flowers, entertainment, sound and lighting. Its luxurious accommodation options, the glorious views from the waterfall, the terrace and the gardens across the olive estate (perfect photographic settings to capture those memorable moments), and its budget conscious low season rates will ensure your special day is one to remember. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected] www.capecountryroutes.com
For an intimate wedding experience in the heart of the Cape winelands this perfectly located, award-winning luxury guest house – the historic d’Olyfboom Family Estate in Paarl – with its comfortable accommodation spectacular views over the farm’s vineyards, dam, and Paarl Mountain and a tranquil old-world atmosphere provides a picture-perfect wedding venue. Its exclusive wedding venue, Oude Cellar – can accommodate 80-100 guests comfortably, and up to a maximum 126 guests with d’Olyfboom’s pre-determined seating style. There are five en suite bedrooms, including a honeymoon suite, with additional accommodation (if needed) close by. Its 2020 Winter Wedding Package (off peak season May to October) is available at R12 000 (incl. VAT). This package includes : the historic Oude Cellar venue; the Oude Cellar for indoor ceremony; outdoor ceremony on green lawns with a breathtaking view of Paarl and its surrounding mountains; white ceremony chairs, wooden tables (tablecloths excluded) and white chairs for reception; cutlery, crockery and glassware; white serviettes; setup of table and chairs and Cash bar facilities. A member of Cape Country Routes, d’Olyfboom takes pride in delivering individual attention and a tailored personalised service to ensure your wedding will be unforgettable. T’s&C’s apply. www.capecountryroutes.com / [email protected]
A member of Cape Country Routes De Hoop Collection – the first private/public partnership in the South African hospitality industry – opened in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape in 2007. A World Heritage site it offers world-class whale-watching and is a paradise for bird enthusiasts with more than 260 species of birds, including the endangered Cape Vultures, while the De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of accommodation options designed to suit all budgets. Being a short three hours drive from Cape Town it is the perfect holiday destination for families, couples, groups, honeymooners and weddings. In particular winter weddings! A 20% discount on standard accommodation rates for a minimum two night stay – a ceremony under the fig tree or overlooking the beautiful vlei or in the old sheep shearing shed, “The Cloete Room” and the wedding reception in The Shed around a lovely warm fireplace – maximum 70 guests. The minimum wedding venue fee in 2020 of R64 000 includes: Friday welcome supper, chairs and hessian runner at ceremony, winter warmers after the ceremony – roosterkoek, smores and spicy biscuits, the three course set menu Wedding Dinner and the honeymoon suite on the wedding night. This applies to weddings from mid-May to end July 2020. T’s & C’s apply. De Hoop – a nature lover’s paradise of unparalleled peace and tranquillity – what may well be one of the Cape’s last unspoiled gems! www.capecountryroutes.com [email protected]
Nestled between the Langeberg mountain ranges of the Western Cape, and within a comfortable driving distance from Cape Town is the perfect destination for brides wishing to experience a “far from the madding crowd’ country-style wedding – the charming 4-star Montagu Country Hotel in Montagu. With its claim of being the only original Art Deco hotel in the country (the original hotel was built in 1875) the re-modelled present day hotel transports you to a bygone era of elegance with its 1920s ‘Art Deco’ interior design. It offers comfortable accommodation – eclectically furnished en suite rooms, excellent facilities, warm hospitality, imposing mountain views, and two fabulous wedding packages. The One-Night Wedding Package at R45 000 and the Two-Night Wedding Package at R85 000 include 32 bedrooms on a BB basis; exclusive use of the whole hotel, gardens and public area; usual staff complement and table cloths, cutlery, crockery and glasses. It excludes any additional décor, glasses, lighting and sound equipment not part of the hotel’s usual offering; any additional flower arrangements; corkage fees; cost of additional staff. Both packages, valid from 1 May to 31 August 2020, are subject to availability of the whole hotel for exclusivity. Another attraction at the hotel is the American Dream Cars “fleet” – a 1956 Cadillac Sedan De Ville, 1964 Cadillac Sedan de Ville and a 1956 De Soto Fireflight Sportsman (the only one of its kind in South Africa) for hire. You are guaranteed a wedding with a difference at this hallmark Cape Country Routes properties. T’s & C’s apply. [email protected] www.capecountryroutes.com
The fun and funky 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, situated on Thesen Islands, Knysna, has accommodation that comprises luxury and standard rooms, two self-contained suites and a Honeymoon Suite; the Island Café Restaurant and the Gastro Pub, which offers classic pub meals with a delicious twist and lagoon sunset views, the Turbine Spa, and its own adventure centre – the Turbine Water Club – with a variety of water and land-based activities. Just the spot for a fun funky wedding! The Turbine is offering tailor-made (according to your needs) Wedding Reception breakfasts, lunches and dinners; private wedding receptions in one of its venues, or alternatively a non-exclusive reception in the Island Café Restaurant. A fabulous offer: a value added 50% discount on the bride’s honeymoon night accommodation (per person sharing rate) with amazing in-room amenities when booking the reception and a three- course wedding lunch at R395 per person from 10 – 50 guests including the venue hire but excluding drinks, OR a three- course dinner at R395 per person from 10 – 50 guests –with seating as per the restaurant lay out; basic restaurant set up; not exclusive; no live bands or DJ’s allowed; any additional décor can be arranged via the Turbine’s own preferred JoyBella Weddings and Events (for guests own account). If the entire Restaurant needs to be booked exclusively, then all the hotel rooms have to be booked. This wedding offer is valid from 10 May – 30 September 2020 subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. For bookings call reservations on 044 302 5746 or email to [email protected]
Cape Summer Villas’ Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, a world-leading luxury destination is perched on a hilltop overlooking the entire Plettenberg bay with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, Tsitsikamma Mountains, Keurbooms River and the lagoon. A wedding here becomes an experience never to be forgotten. It can host a reception of up to 120 guests within the hotel; while larger weddings can be accommodated in the garden (tent/marquee would be required). It can sleep up to 28 guests sharing (14 rooms) and its sister property The Bungalow can accommodate an additional 14 (sharing) guests. There is a shuttle that transports guests between both venues. For the period 1 April to 30 September 2020 Sky Villa’s Exclusive Wedding Package at R45 000 includes the wedding accommodation – a one-night stay for the bridal couple in the Presidential Suite, and 26 guests sharing (12 rooms and a suite), with breakfast; the reception venue (exclusive use of Sky Villa for the reception only); glassware, crockery and cutlery. Additional items (at additional cost) – catering can be arranged by Sky Villas, or outside caterers can be brought in; Sky Villa will provide bar/ bar staff. Waiters can be hired at an additional cost; any additional guests wishing to overnight can be accommodated (at additional cost) at its sister property, The Bungalow. Not included in this package are wedding co-ordination and tents/marquees (and set up) should they be required. T’s &C’s apply. For December weddings (subject to a minimum three-night/two-day stay exclusive use fee) prices, please contact [email protected] directly. Reservation contact details: 087 550 2967 l [email protected] l www.capesummervillas.co.za l Instagram and Face book: @skyvillaplett
The Bungalow Plett by Cape Summer Villas, a luxury 5-star Bed and Breakfast situated a stone’s throw from the water’s edge at Hobie Beach in Plettenberg Bay is designed for the ultimate experience in beachside living and is the perfect venue to host a memorable Beach Wedding. It can host a reception of up to 60 guests; and accommodate 14 guests in its seven luxuriously furnished rooms, while its sister property (Sky Villa) can accommodate up to an additional 28 sharing guests. There is a shuttle that easily transports guests between the two venues. For the period 1 April to 30 September 2020 The Bungalow’s Exclusive Wedding Package at R25 000 includes the wedding accommodation – a one-night stay for the bridal couple in the Bridal Suite (The Spot), and for 12 guests sharing six rooms (includes breakfast); the reception venue: exclusive use of The Bungalow for the reception only; includes glassware, crockery and cutlery for 60. Additional items for the wedding party at an additional cost: catering can be arranged by The Bungalow; The Bungalow will provide waiters, and bar/bar staff; Any additional guests wishing to overnight can be accommodated (at additional cost) at its sister property, Sky Villa Boutique Hotel. Not included in this package are Wedding co-ordination and Tents/Marquees (and set up) should they be required. T’s &C’s apply. Contact: +27 (0) 44 533 1864 l [email protected]
Just outside Oudtshoorn the 4-star Cape Country Routes’ property De Zeekoe Guest Farm lies nestled between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains on the banks of the Olifants River – an ideal setting for a romantic wedding. De Zeekoe specialises in small intimate weddings and with its various accommodation options from luxurious cottages to sophisticated stylish rooms at the colonial-style main lodge is able to accommodate a maximum of 60 wedding guests. For a unique winter wedding book the entire lodge exclusively:
- only during the winter months
- small groups of 60 guest maximum
- rooms at a special rate (includes breakfast) – all rooms need to be booked when venue is used
- venue hire includes tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery, bar setup, and staff – R5 000
- set menus available –at R 350 per person
- rooms prices separate
Discount on the honeymoon suite for the bridal couple; ready room for the bride and the use of the restaurant, reception, outside pool and fireplace area and parking. De Zeekoe always goes the extra mile to ensure that your wedding will be a treasured memory. This hidden gem of the Klein Karoo is one of the treasures of the Cape Country Routes Collection. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected] www.capecountryroutes.com
For a wedding with a difference the charming Cape Country Routes 3-star New Holme Country House, a working sheep and game farm in the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, Northern Cape, with sweeping, secluded landscapes and breathtaking vistas of the Karoo countryside ticks all the boxes! Known for its traditional Karoo dinners, underground wine cellar, sunset and night drives it is a very popular Karoo wedding venue. Considered by most to be ‘far far away’, it is actually conveniently situated halfway between Cape Town and Johannesburg, Durban and the Garden Route, making it a good place for family and friends to meet up and celebrate (and there is an air strip only 400m from the venue). Its 2020 Winter Wedding Package rates are subject to the New Holme Guest House being booked for at least one night with 26 guests. Venue hire: 180+ guests at R100 p/p; 121 – 179 guests at R120 p/p; 80 – 120 guests at R160p/p ; less than 80 guests at R170 p/p. Included in this cost (per person) is the: venue hire (indoors up to 80 guests, 80+ in the garden); professional planning and implementation of wedding; tables (cloths included and chairs (plastic) without covers; waiters and bar facilities; co-ordinator on your wedding day; bridal suite: wedding night; table setting (cutlery), crockery and cutlery etc, Sparkling wine and wine glasses and jugs for juice (1 jug / 10 guests). Meal prices (per person) range from R200 – R300. Low season rates valid from 16 May to 14 September 2020. Guests are assured of friendly personal service, an easy and relaxed atmosphere and activities like the Karoo Shy 5 night drive and sundowners at the hippo pool, to make your wedding even more unique and one of a kind. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected] www.capecountryroutes.com
In Mpumalanga – the Place of the Rising Sun
Located on 800 hectares of peaceful countryside near Dullstroom, the award-winning Walkersons Hotel & Spa, with the splendour of the surrounding unspoiled scenery, a luxurious Spa, the chance to fly-fish in Dullstroom’s famous trout dams, delicious country cuisine and its choice of 27 private hotel rooms and seven self-catering family cottages offers a perfect blend of elegance and charm for a picture-perfect wedding. A Walkersons tailor-made wedding would include: a 25% discount on all accommodation – accommodation for up to 104 guests (hotel rooms and cottages); a welcome dinner on Friday night; Saturday breakfast; ceremony set up; canapes; reception set up and dinner; Sunday breakfast plus the exclusive use of the hotel and restaurant from check in on Friday to check out on Sunday; the venue hire includes all crockery, cutlery and glassware, white table linen, chairs and tables and a full staff complement. The offer is valid from January to July 2020 (depending on availability and excluding peak periods). T’s & C’s apply. Reservations: 013 253 7000 l [email protected] l For more information please visit www.walkersons.co.za Facebook: Walkersons Hotel & Spa: Walkersons Hotel
