Venues

Look no further

We’ve found the perfect wedding venue! Whether you’re looking for a view of the ocean, a forest retreat or a chance to commune with wild animals, we have it all!

1. ABELANA RIVER LODGE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK Capacity 40. What makes it special A slice of heaven on earth, this beautiful African-style reserve off ers a choice of idyllic wedding locations. It’s ideal for a smaller, more intimate wedding. There are numerous locations at the lodge and in the Abelana Game Reserve that make magnificent backdrops and you can choose your favourite. One of these is the weir overlooking the Selati River surrounded by canopies of trees and another is the deck at the lodge that also overlooks the river. The lodge accommodates up to 40 people in luxury thatched suites. Off ers Fine dining and worldclass wines in a choice of settings, including in the bush and on the lodge’s deck area. There are private service staff that take care of the couple’s every need. Our comments Wonderful for an intimate wedding in the wilderness, complete with the sounds of the wild and beautiful birdsong. The food is exceptional and is best enjoyed under the stars. Guests can also savour the full safari experience. www.abelanagamereserve.com

3. EMERALD CASINO VANDERBIJLPARK Capacity 60-1,500. What makes it special Choose from a unique selection of locations and experiences in a superb setting just 45 minutes outside Johannesburg. This luxury resort is set right on the Vaal River surrounded by lush gardens. Whatever your fairy tale wedding is, this resort will make it a reality with a choice of packages, venues and experiences to personalise your special day. Whether you’re looking for a grand affair for over 1,000 people or would prefer a small, secluded event on the riverside for just 60 guests, your wish will be granted. Offers Unsurpassed venues include the African-style Kilimanjaro for al fresco drinks and a banquet, and the River Resort Conference Centre. The Emerald Arena, the largest venue of its kind in the Vaal area, provides the setting for a huge, glamorous affair. You can also get married while cruising down the river or in the game park. Alternatively, enjoy an exceptional outdoor ceremony at The Gazebo and spend your wedding night on a houseboat. Our comments The settings are all spectacular, the choice of wedding locations hard to beat. This is the perfect destination wedding venue complete with magnificent accommodation and plenty of activities for guests and a chance to make your wedding exactly what you dreamed of. www.emeraldcasino.co.za 2. UMNGAZI HOTEL & SPA WILD COAST Capacity 20-50. What makes it special This blissful setting on the Wild Coast offers the ultimate wedding location. At Umngazi, you’re far from the madding crowd in the midst of unmatched natural beauty and you can have your wedding ceremony on the beach with friends and family at your side for an unforgettable memory that you will cherish forever. Offers Experience the ultimate beach wedding in this sensational location or tie the knot right on the riverfront with breathtaking views. This venue is perfect for a personalised wedding that includes everything: wedding coordination, venue, fabulous food, furniture and décor plus a cupcake tower. Who could ask for more? Our comments Stunning venue choice whether you’re looking for a simple beach ceremony with snacks and bubbles or prefer a gala dinner reception after your ceremony. Umngazi also spoils the bride and wedding party (maximum three) with a spa morning. And the couple stays free on their wedding night. www.umngazi.co.za

4. SIMBITHI COUNTRY CLUB KZN NORTH COAST Capacity 80-180. What makes it special Situated on the 430-hectrare Simbithi Eco Estate on KwaZulu-Natal’s tropical north coast, this luxury venue will bring your fantasy to life. With its spectacular location, this prestigious, privately owned country club offers unsurpassed personalised service and great attention to detail. Offers A selection of two gorgeous outdoor venues for the ceremony – the pool deck or overlooking the 18th green – and a versatile glass-walled location for a fabulous reception at the Pavilion Room with its lush views over the Simbithi Golf Course and ocean in the distance. The dynamic events team takes care of every detail to ensure your Big Day is a dream come true. Our comments A striking setting that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into your very own movie, complete with a photo session at Fish Eagle Dam for a lifetime of exceptional memories. This is truly the destination for an unforgettable occasion. www.simbithi.com

5. FRANSCHHOEK CELLAR FRANSCHHOEK Capacity 20-350. What makes it special With exquisite views of the Franschhoek Valley, this impressive destination is the ideal spot to enjoy a choice of wedding venue options, from The Venue, which accommodates guests for either cocktails or a sit-down reception, to the more intimate Mountain View overlooking Franschhoek’s dramatic mountains. There is also the Lapa for a more rustic space for 20 to 30 people or the Platform Bar & Bistro overlooking the vineyards, which caters for up to 80 guests. Offers World-class venues to suit every requirement and personal taste and accommodation in a choice of two luxury cottages – Rose and Protea. An attentive and professional events team takes care of every nuptial need and ensures a stress-free wedding. Here, elegant, modern facilities blend perfectly with romance and charming country living. Our comments This is a hidden gem with dazzling venue options, an idyllic setting and every possible amenity for the perfect wedding, including delicious food, artisanal cheeses, chocolates and wine. It’s also a great base from which to explore Franschhoek village and its surroundings, sample superb wines and enjoy al fresco dining. franschhoekcellar.co.za

7. LANZERAC STELLENBOSCH WESTERN CAPE Capacity 150-250 What makes it special This historic Stellenbosch landmark is known for its exceptional old-world charm, making it a special location for a wedding. Who could ask for a more spectacular setting than this – a three century-old manor house nestled in the foothills of the lovely Jonkershoek Valley? Offers A choice of wedding venues, including indoors at the famous Cellar Hall or outside on lush green lawns for a stylish, exclusive wedding ceremony and reception, an experienced banqueting team who takes care of every detail to ensure the perfect wedding and a host of facilities that make the entire experience an exceptional one. Our comments One of the leading venues in the Cape Winelands, Lanzerac offers it all… and delivers. Specialised suppliers who attend to every request, exclusive personalised service and a winning location add up to a picture-perfect wedding. Lanzerac’s motto sums it up: ‘Life is a series of moments. Make yours extraordinary’. www.lanzerac.co.za 6. SHEPSTONE GARDENS MOUNTAIN VIEW, JOHANNESBURG Capacity 90-200. What makes it special There is a choice of reception areas depending on whether you want an elaborate wedding or a more intimate affair. For a large wedding, choose the Glass Marquee with its marbled floors and chandeliers, then guests can enjoy dancing in the Grand Hall after the reception. If you’re having a smaller reception, the Grand Hall itself is ideal. The entire venue offers exceptional garden backdrops for wedding photographs. Offers Natural beauty in a timeless setting with an experienced wedding team on hand to take care of every detail – food, décor, you name it. There’s also a chapel for the ceremony. Our comments Who knew that there was such a magical setting in Joburg? Shepstone

Gardens is beautiful and a wedding here is literally a dream come true. www.shepstonegardens.co.za

8. WILD COAST SUN PORT EDWARD Capacity 40-500. What makes it special Since Survivor South Africa showcased the dramatic beauty of the Wild Coast, this extraordinary location has become a must for every type of experience, from holidays to weddings and events. Add in an exceptional hotel with all the bells and whistles for a fabulous getaway, and you have the perfect venue. The beach here is not only magnificent; it’s totally unspoilt. And the setting is unsurpassed. Offers A specialised wedding planning team to make your Big Day a breeze, a stunning selection of reception venues to suit your needs, not to mention an eye-catching setting for family and guests to stay in while they celebrate with you. Our comments Fabulous four-star accommodation for the bridal couple and their guests, everything taken care of for you from décor and flowers to catering and a wonderful wedding cake, and a honeymoon for the newlyweds that is exceptional – we’re talking horse riding on the beach, picnics at the sea and a couple’s treatment at Mangwanani Spa. www.suninternational.com

9. RIVERSIDE COUNTRY ESTATE EAST RAND Capacity 40-300. What makes it special With a breathtaking location just a 35-minute drive from Johannesburg, this opulent country estate is a best-kept secret that’s well worth finding out about. Say “I do” on the banks of the Blesbok River in the charming open-air chapel, then enjoy your choice of reception, from intimate and small to large and lavish. Offers Weddings take over the entire venue, so you can call this delightful location your home for your Big Day. There’s a choice of two fabulous wedding areas and reception halls, and the couple enjoy every extravagance on the day, including a bridal change room and honeymoon suite. Guests who choose to stay over won’t be disappointed – elegant en suite rooms with every indulgence await. Our comments The staff at this stylish country estate include specialist wedding planners who ensure your experience is hassle-free and enjoyable. They go out of their way to ensure that the reception is everything you ever imagined, with stunning décor, superb food, exceptional service and a relaxed, luxurious atmosphere. Who could ask for more? www.riversidecountryestate.co.za