• South Africa has an abundance of extraordinary wedding venues to choose from. From hotels to vineyards, the country is anything but lacking.

    Vineyards are some of the best venues as they can add an extra fairy-tale feel to your special day. Most have amazing indoor and outdoor facilities and come with special wedding packages. If you’re looking to go the vineyard route for your venue, you’re spoilt for choice.

    Here are some of our favourite vineyard wedding venues in South Africa:

    – The Conservatory, Franschhoek 

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    The Conservatory is surrounded by vineyards and ancient oaks. The venue is largely made of glass, which means you’ll get some great lighting if you opt for an indoor ceremony or reception. You have the option to have your festivities outside in the vineyards too.

    On their website, The Conservatory says “Our philosophy is simple yet stylish, inspiring but versatile, catering to all who require a blank canvas to create a unique event that transforms a space into a true reflection of themselves.”

    – Zorgvliet Wine Estate, Stellenbosch 

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    In the Banghoek Valley near Stellenbosch, at Zorgvliet wines, you’ll have the stunning Simonsberg Mountains as the backdrop for your wedding. The estate offers several different facilities for your special day. The Oak room is the venue for receptions, but they also have a chapel and a room for pre-reception drinks.

    – Highberry Farm, Somerset West 

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    This relatively new venue was completed in 2018. If you’re looking for a venue that hasn’t been seen hundreds of times, then this is the one for you. Views of vineyards, dams, the surrounding mountain range and horse paddocks will be the backdrop of your special day.

    The venue sits 120 people, includes a dance floor and comes with facilities including a fully equipped kitchen, a licensed bar, as well as a spacious lawn on which a marquee could be erected or canapés and live music can be held. It also contains a more intimate utility area upstairs that may be used as a chapel.

    – Leipzig Country House, Worcester 

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    At the Leipzig Country House you’ll be sure to have your fairytale dreams come true. For your ceremony’s venue you can choose from the century-old brandy cellar overlooking the vineyards or a tranquil garden with towering oaks. The wedding reception will be held in the wine cellar which seats 130 guests.

    “The endless vistas, surrounding vineyards, rolling lawns of the amphitheater and rural charm of the historic buildings provide a stunning canvas to capture lasting memories,” says the Leipzig Country House.

    – Marlenique Estate, Simondium area of the Winelands district

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    The venue is central to Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. It can hold 350 guests with dancing and 400 without a dance floor. With mountains and orchards as your backdrop, you’re sure to have a dreamy day.

    Open air weddings on the lawns beside the fruit orchards or on their private stretch of the Berg River are an option.

    – Bakenhof Winelands Venue, Wellington 

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    About an hour away from Cape Town, the venue is situated on a hill of a private grape farm. The incredible views are out of this world and are sure to make you day even more special than it already is.

    Bakenhof says, “We focus on a unique, personalised and unhurried experience. Our philosophy is that your day is as important to us as it is to you, with our mission to exceed your expectations – be it day or night, formal or informal, summer or winter, sunshine or rain.”

    Image: Instagram /Bakenhof Winelands Venue

    Every bride deserves to have her dream wedding. Oakfield Farm Wedding Venue is renowned for slick co-ordination, and the two Bridal Expos hosted at Oakfield Farm in January and June each year continue to celebrate their uniqueness, upholding both an easy-going vibe enhanced by the exceptional quality of exhibitors; the elegant grandeur of its existence and of course the proficiency of Oakfield’s friendly staff members. Couples get to meet SA’s leading wedding specialists in the beautiful and romantic gardens of this sought after wedding venue.

    Add to that, no expo is complete without great food and entertainment. Various food trucks and vendors and live entertainment will be available in the sought after gardens at the venue.

    Wedding Album will be there at stall BB B54 with indulgent products and amazing competitions. Four visitors could stand a chance to win top of the range scents from Women’Secret Seduction Hampers (Rose Seduction and Gold Seduction 100ml) as well as Women’Secret EAU Hampers (3x Eau 100ml). Be sure to come pop in, as there will also be loads of free samples to try.

    Seduction range:

    EAU Range:

    Meet over 180 Top SA Wedding Specialists, and attend a spectacular free Fashion Show at 3 pm with fun prizes to be won. This bridal event is guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and ready to plan your perfect day!

    The Oakfield Bridal Expo will be held January 25 and 26, 2020 at the Oakfield Farm. Tickets are available from Computicket beforehand or at the gate on the day. 

    Feature image: Supplied

    Every year, the Department of Home Affairs and Robben Island Museum work together to offer a yearly opportunity for couples to say ‘I do’ on Valentines Day on the island. Here’s how you can get in on the action.

    On Valentines Day, the island is transformed into a stunning venue where couples can participate in a mass wedding. 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of this tradition, making this year very special. This Valentines Day, 20 couples will tie knot to honour the anniversary.

    Couples chosen will take the ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to the Robben Island Museum, and their ceremony will be held at the Robben Island Chapel. Following the exchanging of their vows, couples will head off to a wedding reception for lunch and thereafter go on a tour of the Museum. The area will also be an opportunity for the couples to take their wedding photos on the beach and to capture the iconic and other scenic areas on the island.  The couples will return to Cape Town in the afternoon.

    Couples wishing to participate may contact Wilhelmina Booysen on 021 468 4510 or [email protected] and Yolanda Mdutywana on 021 413 4226 or [email protected]. The last day to apply is February 5, 2020.

    Feature image: Pexels

     

    If you’re an LGBTQIA+ couple, there are certain destinations in the world that are beautiful and would make dreamy honeymoon destinations, but are not safe to express your queer love in, as homosexuality is still illegal.

    Dreamy destinations such as Zanzibar and Jamaica are among the places where same-sex couples are barred from entering unless their love is kept under wraps, but fret not – here is a list of perfect honeymoon destinations where same-sex couples can enjoy their time together and express their love publically.

    Parts of the Caribbean

     

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    Island getaways are one of the most popular honeymoon types, and the Caribbean Islands fit this perfectly with their crystal-blue waters, pure white sand and endless cocktails. While the Caribbean is a tempting destination, queer and same-sex couples should be aware that not all islands are LGBTQIA+ friendly, and these include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Vincent, Dominica, the Grenadines, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Cayman Islands.

    The islands of Puerto Rico, Saint Barts, Sint Maarten, the US Virgin Islands and Saint-Martin are suitable destinations for LGBTQIA+ couples to enjoy in peace and fresh matrimony.

    Las Vegas, The United States

    Sin City is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples who are fun-loving, and love a bit of wilder time than a simple island getaway. There are countless activities to choose from, including gambling, clubbing and spending the daytime by the pool. There is a particular area of Vegas that has been called the ‘Fruit Loop’, where there are a number of venues and clubs aimed towards the queer community, and this can be found on Paradise Road near the Hard Rock Hotel.

    Napa and Sonoma, the United States

    A winelands honeymoon is the perfect way for some couples to bask in the wonders of being newly married. This part of northern California is known for its stunning views, and is also a wildly popular wedding venue. Stunning wineries are sprinkled throughout the valley, and the Mediterranean climate makes every day the perfect day for visiting wine farms and tasting award-winning wines.

    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

    Mexican cities that stand out to LGBTQIA+ honeymooners are Puerto Vallarta and Cancún. Puerto Vallarta is known for its old Spanish feel and lively gay scene. There are also countless hotels geared towards those of the community exclusively, so couples have the comfort of knowing they are in a safe space even away from home.

    Costa Rica, Central America

    Known for its rain forests, volcanos, and wildlife, this beautiful gem makes for the perfect honeymoon destination. From tree houses to coastal casas, gay and lesbian travelers flock to Costa Rica to experience the simple and laid-back lifestyle. There are tons of LGBTQIA+ properties to choose from across the country. Eco tours, nature hikes, the flora and fauna, and activities will keep you busy for days.

    Vancouver, Canada

     

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    Canada is a huge hit with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Its friendly citizens and an overall clean atmosphere is a big attraction for those wanting to reset before going into married life properly. Two cities that are most popular include Toronto and Vancouver. Canadian liberal laws protect queer couples, and is hailed as one of the most progressive, gay-friendly tourist bureaus on the planet.

    Image: Unsplash