If it’s always been your dream to recite your vows on the shoreline of a pristine beach, South Africa offers an assortment of amazing spots for your nuptials. But because your wedding backdrop forms part of the country’s natural landscape, there are a few logistical challenges to keep in mind. Here, we help you suss out the big ones.
1 Legalities
Municipal rules say that you’ll need a permit to host a wedding (or any other event) on the beachfront, which often comes with a fee. This is a crucial expense to add to your budget and should be done as early as possible to ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines.
2 Date
Consider the time of year and season of your proposed date. While the winter months (generally May to September) can be colder, the summer months do mean beaches will be more crowded as tourists and holidaymakers flock to our shores.
3 Timing
The behaviour of the tide should be your guideline for setting a time for your ceremony. Bear in mind that even if the tide is low, strong winds will necessitate moving your ceremony indoors so ensure you have a backup plan for the day too.
4 Decor
It goes without saying that summer is the most popular beach wedding season so expect to spend some time in the outdoor heat. To prevent yourself and your guests from baking in the sun, have a few umbrellas or a gazebo installed. These can be beautifully ornamented with anything from wire hearts to ribbons to strings of shells.
5 Confetti
Being sprinkled with confetti as you take your first steps as husband and wife will undoubtedly be one of the most utopian moments of the day. Remember that when you’re at the seaside, biodegradable confetti is a must. Can’t find any that’s biodegradable? Bubbles are a cute substitute that will be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
6 Bridalwear
Yes, we know that Cinderella looked ravishing in her wedding ball gown but then again, she never got married on a beach. A lightweight dress minus the layers of tulle, along with sandals or even going barefoot, will not only be more practical for oceanside weddings, but can create a whimsical and angelic look.
7 Dress code
While you can’t completely control what your guests will wear to your wedding, you can help them avoid the worst by specifying which type of attire would be fitting. Like you, the ladies would be better off foregoing full-skirted evening dresses in favour of flowing cocktail frocks while the gents should opt for shorts suits in bright colours. The gentlemen would look dashing and be more comfy in shorts suits or chinos, instead of tuxedos, to match the relaxed vibe of your ceremony.
8 Catering
Facilities for caterers may not be in abundance near the beach, so choose menu options that can be served cold. Think oysters, salmon skewers and fresh green salads. Yum! If you like to keep things hot, consider a spitbraai or a separate venue that’s close to the beach where the ceremony will be held.
9 Booze
If you’re planning on clinking a few glasses of bubbly with your feet in the water, think again as consuming alcohol on South African beaches is forbidden. Try booking a beach venue with an indoor reception area that has sea views and where your guests can still enjoy a tipple.
10 Entertainment
The sight of glowing lanterns floating away into the dazzling night sky is utterly romantic while a fireworks display above the waters is sure to wow your guests. But as these activities do include the use of fire, they may be ruled out by certain municipalities. Be sure to check with your local authority when applying for your permit and opt for more eco-friendly entertainment options such as a band or friendly games of beach volleyball for your guests.
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Feature image: Getúlio Moraes/Unsplash
There’s an easy trick to organised packing and once you know it, you’ll never need to wrestle with your luggage again. Four easy words: line, lay, roll, and…
In the midst of wedding planning, pre-wedding celebrations, or the transition into married life, taking time to pause can feel both indulgent and essential. Whether you’re planning a calming escape before the big day, a romantic honeymoon, or a restorative bachelorette getaway, spa retreats offer a meaningful way to reconnect, unwind and reset together.
South Africa is home to an exceptional collection of spa retreats that lend themselves beautifully to wedding-related travel. Blending luxury with nature and indulgence with intention, these destinations range from secluded mountain hideaways to vineyard sanctuaries and refined city escapes, making them ideal for honeymoons, bachelorettes and pre-wedding escapes alike.
1. Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa – Cape Winelands
Tucked away in the serene valleys of the Cape Winelands, Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa is a sophisticated choice for couples or bridal parties seeking a structured yet luxurious wellness experience. Known for its comprehensive spa treatments and detox programmes, Santé combines tailored health assessments with holistic therapies designed to restore both body and mind.
With world-class facilities including hydrotherapy, Pilates and yoga studios, sauna and a heated indoor pool, it is well suited to couples wanting a mindful start to married life, or brides looking to arrive at the aisle feeling balanced and radiant.
2. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat – Cederberg
For couples or groups drawn to nature-led experiences, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve offers a deeply immersive retreat. Set high in the Cederberg Mountains, this escape pairs luxurious spa therapies with wide-open landscapes, ancient rock art and outdoor exploration.
Riverside massages, open-air treatments and guided hikes make it a compelling option for adventurous honeymoons or intimate bachelorette retreats where nature, stillness and connection take centre stage.
3. Healing Earth Transformative Wellness – KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Located in the rolling countryside of the Midlands Meander, Healing Earth Transformative Wellness is ideal for slower-paced celebrations or pre-wedding wind-downs. The spa’s bespoke treatments are inspired by nature and tailored to individual needs, offering everything from restorative massages to calming facial therapies.
With an outdoor yoga deck, wellness pool and tranquil spaces for relaxation, this retreat works beautifully for small bridal groups or couples seeking quiet luxury in a countryside setting.
4. Future Found Sanctuary – Cape Town
Just outside Cape Town, Future Found Sanctuary offers a regenerative wellness experience that feels both secluded and accessible. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, the retreat is surrounded by fynbos and sweeping mountain views, creating a serene backdrop for honeymoons or pre-wedding escapes.
The spa focuses on sensory renewal, with treatments complemented by forest walks, meditation spaces and guided wellness activities. It is an excellent choice for couples wanting meaningful relaxation without straying too far from the city.
5. Babylonstoren Spa – Cape Winelands Botanical Retreat
For couples or bridal parties who appreciate refined, nature-inspired luxury, Babylonstoren is a standout destination. Set on a historic working farm, the spa draws heavily on the surrounding botanical gardens, offering herbal steam baths, botanical massages and open-air hot pools.
Between treatments, guests can explore the gardens, enjoy farm-to-table dining or simply soak in the views of vineyards and mountains, making it particularly appealing for romantic honeymoons or indulgent pre-wedding stays.
6. The Saxon Spa – Johannesburg
For those planning a city-based escape, The Saxon Spa in Johannesburg offers an elegant urban sanctuary with five-star appeal. Known for its holistic, results-driven treatments, the spa combines advanced skincare and body therapies with classic luxury.
Thermo-therapy suites, bespoke facials and tranquil gardens provide a polished yet peaceful environment, ideal for a short honeymoon stopover or a sophisticated bachelorette retreat without leaving the city.
Tips for Planning a Wedding-Focused Spa Escape
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Book well in advance: Spa retreats are popular for honeymoons and group bookings, particularly at sought-after properties.
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Consider group-friendly options: Some spas offer tailored packages for couples or bridal parties, including private facilities or shared treatments.
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Balance indulgence with experience: Pair spa time with gentle activities such as yoga, guided walks or wine tastings to create a well-rounded stay.
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Written by Zoe Erasmus for Getaway.
Feature image: Pexels
Growing up, I remember watching old wedding videos of my parents, uncles and aunts. Recorded on bulky video tapes that required patience and a steady hand to rewind.…
For many women, the wedding hairstyle is one of the first details to take shape once the engagement ring is on. It sets the tone for the overall bridal look, influencing everything from the dress silhouette to the veil or hair accessories that follow.
This image-led edit brings together wedding hairstyle inspiration for most hair types and lengths, with visuals designed to guide the mood rather than dictate the rules.
Short hair
Buzzcuts, bobs and everything in between prove that long hair isn’t the only option for wedding hairstyles. There are plenty of ways to work with shorter lengths to create chic, polished or playful looks.
Medium length and long hair
Medium and long hair naturally lends itself to more styling options, from effortless updos and loose waves to bedazzled or understated, natural looks.
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Feature image: Jonathan Boba/Pexels
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Soft neutrals will always have a place in weddings, but 2025 has welcomed a richer shade into the spotlight. Chocolate brown has emerged as a key wedding colour trend. Now, we must admit, brown wasn’t at the top of our list of favourite colours, but seeing how it has been used at weddings made us fall in love a little.
Why chocolate brown works for weddings
Chocolate brown strikes a rare balance. It feels warm without overpowering a palette and refined without feeling cold. As a wedding colour trend, it offers something different while still photographing beautifully and ageing well over time.
It also complements a wide range of skin tones and transitions effortlessly between seasons, making it a strong choice for couples wanting to move beyond predictable whites and beiges without committing to bold colour.
Bridesmaid dresses in chocolate brown
Bridesmaid dresses are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to incorporate this wedding colour trend. Chocolate brown is flattering, wearable and instantly cohesive, whether styled in matching gowns or mixed silhouettes.
Satin and silk elevate the shade for more formal celebrations, while chiffon and matte fabrics soften the look for relaxed settings. Paired with gold jewellery, natural makeup and neutral bouquets, the result feels polished but unfussy.
Using chocolate brown in wedding decor
In decor, chocolate brown works best as a grounding layer rather than the main focus. Table linens, runners or napkins in warm brown tones add depth when paired with white crockery, candlelight and natural textures.
For ceremonies, subtle brown accents through wood elements, fabric details or earthy floral arrangements help anchor the space. Keeping lighter tones like ivory or blush in the mix ensures the overall look remains fresh and inviting.
Stationery and styling details
This wedding colour trend shines in the details. Chocolate brown adds richness to stationery through textured paper, warm ink tones or wax seals, setting a refined tone from the first impression.
It also translates beautifully into styling touches such as signage, cake detailing or groom accessories like brown leather shoes or belts, creating cohesion without feeling overly styled.
Colours that pair well with chocolate brown
Part of chocolate brown’s appeal lies in its versatility. Paired with cream or stone, it creates a timeless, neutral palette. Blush and dusty rose add softness, while olive green, terracotta or black introduce a more contemporary edge.
Metallic accents like gold or bronze lift the palette further, adding warmth and subtle contrast without overpowering the look.
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Feature image: Show Me Your Mumu/Pinterest