destination wedding Archives

In Venues

Enchanting Wedding Venues Across South Africa: From Vineyards to Safari

November 21, 2025 No Comments

South Africa is a land of breathtaking beauty and diversity, making it a truly magical place to say “I do.” Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard sunset, a forest ceremony, an elegant ballroom, or a wild safari, South Africa has a wedding venue to match your vision. Here are some of the most enchanting wedding venues around the country, each offering its own unique charm and character.

Vineyard Romance in the Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands is synonymous with romance, and its wine estates are among the most sought-after wedding venues in South Africa.

Boschendal Estate

Steeped in history, Boschendal combines pastoral elegance with grand architecture. Their event spaces allow for both intimate gatherings and large celebrations, while guests can stay in on-site cottages surrounded by mountain views.

Webersburg Wine Estate

With its restored Cape Dutch homestead, rolling lawns, vineyards, and a peaceful dam, Webersburg provides a classic Winelands backdrop for your ceremony.

Klein Welmoed Estate

A more intimate option, Klein Welmoed offers a beautifully restored “barn” space in landscaped gardens, framed by the Helderberg Mountains and olive groves.

Johannesdal 1207

For a modern yet serene venue, Johannesdal 1207 blends architectural finesse with sweeping mountain vistas, ideal for a refined, design-forward celebration.

Domaine Brahms (Paarl)

A fairy-tale venue in Paarl with charming gardens and elegant spaces, perfect for couples wanting a quintessential country-chic celebration.

Luxurious Cape Town Settings

If you’d like a wedding close to or within Cape Town, the city and its outskirts offer an array of glamorous venues.

Babylonstoren

A working wine farm that feels like stepping into a garden dream, with its beautifully designed gardens, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and farm-to-table dining.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Known for its old-world glamour, lush gardens, and classic ballrooms, this iconic pink hotel is a Cape Town institution and a favorite for timeless, elegant weddings.

Tintswalo Atlantic

Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Chapman’s Peak, Tintswalo Atlantic offers seaside intimacy, spectacular ocean views, and an exclusive lodge feel, ideal for a small, unforgettable destination wedding.

Laurent at Lourensford Wine Estate

This glass and marble venue set at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains offers a modern, sophisticated setting with a panoramic natural backdrop.

Bosjes Chapel

For couples drawn to bold architecture, Bosjes offers a glass-and-steel chapel framed by vineyards and mountains, a ceremony space that feels like a work of art.

Charming City & Heritage Venues

Urban settings and heritage buildings bring elegance and character for couples who want city sophistication.

Morrells Boutique Estate (Johannesburg)
With manicured gardens and French Provencal-inspired architecture, this estate is a romantic gem in Johannesburg.

Shepstone Gardens (Johannesburg)

Known as the “Secret Garden,” it offers historic stone architecture and lush green spaces, perfect for an intimate, enchanted wedding.

Villa d’Este (Johannesburg)
A heritage villa styled like an Italian villa, complete with formal gardens, statues, and fountains. Its old-world charm makes it a luxurious choice for a city wedding.

Safari & Wild Settings

If your heart is set on adventure and nature, Africa’s wilderness offers breathtaking wedding backdrops.

Private Game Lodges
Many luxury safari lodges across South Africa (especially in the Kruger or private reserves) provide all-inclusive wedding packages, combining the beauty of the bush with high-end comforts.

While not always publicly advertised, safari weddings can create deeply personal, memorable experiences under the African sky, exchanging vows surrounded by wildlife and natural landscapes.

Garden & Public Spaces

Arderne Gardens, Cape Town
For couples who want a lush, botanical setting without the farm or estate feel, Arderne Gardens in Claremont is a hidden gem. Its giant Norfolk Pine, koi ponds, and expansive lawns make for serene photo moments.

Why South Africa Is a Dream Wedding Destination

Stunning Variety: From vineyards and mountains to ocean cliffs and safari plains, South Africa offers an extraordinary range of landscapes in one country.
World-Class Hospitality: Whether you’re in a boutique wine estate or a luxury lodge, service tends to be top-notch , deeply personal and warm.
Accessibility: Major wedding hubs like Cape Town and Johannesburg have international airports, making it easy for destination guests to attend.
Value for Luxury: Compared to some global wedding destinations, South Africa can offer more affordable luxury, especially at boutique estates and lodges.

Tips for Choosing the Right Venue

Visit In Person: Nothing replaces seeing the venue yourself (or via virtual tours) — this way you can feel the space, light, and layout.
Book Early: Popular wine estates and safari lodges can be booked more than a year in advance, especially for peak wedding seasons.
Consider Guest Accommodation: Venues like Boschendal or Tintswalo Atlantic offer on-site stays, which is great for destination weddings.
Work With a Planner: Especially for remote or high-end venues, a local wedding planner can make all the difference in navigating logistics.

With such a wealth of breathtaking venues, planning your South African wedding can feel like curating your own love story across landscapes. Whether you envision rustic elegance, modern luxury, or wild romance, there’s a venue in this beautiful country that’s sure to match your dream.

Featured Image: Discover Paarl

In Venues

A destination wedding of icy proportions and for only R4 million!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

After nearly two years of staying indoors and not enjoying the wonders of travel, heading to your favourite destination to get married is back on the table!

While many brides and grooms are grabbing their passports and jetting off to tropical destinations such as Mauritius and Bali, there are a few out there that prefer a different climate.

Luxury travel company Red Savannah recently launched an incredible package for winter-loving bridal couples looking to say “I do” in the remote destination of Antarctica.

The price tag? A cool R4 million!

Yup, we’re living in a post-pandemic world and weddings appear to be that expensive.

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The hefty price tag includes return flights from South Africa to Antarctica, accommodations for the soon-to-be newlyweds and the wedding party, beverages, food and activities. The big day will start with a breakfast on ice, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony and champagne in the snow lounge.

While you may think that R4 million may be more than enough to accommodate a whole host of guests, a maximum of 12 wedding guests are allowed to watch you step into newlywed bliss.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a white dessert party – yum!

Additional costs are the “wedding gift registry” which will be a pledge of $1000 (R16 600) per person. This will be used for conservation efforts in Antarctica.

If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to know that there is one flight that leaves Cape Town and will take five hours to arrive at the icy destination.

Feature Image: Brides Without Borders

In Destination

2022’s Top Trending Wedding Destinations According To Google

May 24, 2022 No Comments

After two years of travel bans and lockdown restrictions, it feels as though we have a new lease on life! Travel is back on the cards and wedding couples are taking full advantage. Bridal couples worldwide have spoken and they’re dishing the dirt on the best destinations to tie the knot in 2022.

From the historical ruins of Europe to the rugged landscapes of Africa, here’s where bridal couples are saying “I do”:

1. Zimbabwe

There are multiple venue options for planning a wedding in Zimbabwe. If it’s a safari wedding that you’re after, you cannot beat Chengeta Safari Lodge located just outside of Harare. This stunning venue gives you the chance to say ‘I do’ surrounded by the raw beauty Zimbabwe offers, all while zebra graze nearby on the 13,000-hectare private game reserve, allowing you endless photogenic landscapes to choose from.

If it’s a waterside you’re imagining, try Lake Kariba Houseboats which delivers unforgettable scenery thanks to the vast man-made lake that will feature in every photo.

Wedding destinations around the world — Picture: Pinterest

2. Italy

The European nation has been in pop culture news recently after the oldest Kardashian said ‘I do.’ It’s not difficult to see why this nation, bursting with culture and good food is the perfect destination for wedding couples. A stunning villa with views of the rolling hills of Tuscany to the breathtaking architecture of Rome, Italy oozes romance from every angle.

For those with a luxury wedding in mind, Palazzo Gori Pannilini is the perfect place to get married. It is a five-star hotel just outside of Florence that is full of Italian charm and history which will be perfect for the big day.

3. South Africa

South Africa offers a huge range of locations and settings where couples can tie the knot. Cape Town is the perfect location for the cosmopolitan types with The Bay Hotel being one of the most highly commended wedding venues in the city. The luxury venue has a rotunda for those who want a lavish, classy and whimsical day or couples can opt for their exclusive private beach club with views of Camps Bay for a more relaxed setting.

4. Portugal

Thanks to warm weather and being surrounded by the clear blue seas of the Meditteranean, Portugal has become a popular wedding destination offering a whole host of luxury venues. For smaller ceremonies, there are multiple world-class golf clubhouses in Algarve that are sure to be an idyllic setting.

But for those who want more room for a bigger wedding, you cannot beat Gremio Palace in the heart of Lisbon; it’s a small secret garden hidden behind the doors of a beautiful pink palace in the historic district that offers all the charm and romance of the city.

5. Kenya

Kenya’s tranquil setting surrounded by the sounds of the bush is so romantic that even Prince Williams chose it as the location to propose to the now Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. If it’s a safari wedding that you’re after, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is the venue for you! It is et on a private concession to ensure your big day is still intimate and it boasts abundant iconic wildlife and panoramic Masai Mara views, for a sophisticated and contemporary safari feel.

6. Thailand

It is hard to imagine a more beautiful setting than the many gorgeous beaches in Thailand. In Koh Samui, couples can book out the 5-star The Tongsai Bay Hotel which has been dubbed the ultimate romantic hideaway, as it gives access to the large freeform pool overlooking ocean views, you can marry on the beach beneath a floral canopy, including a traditional Thai water blessing to create everlasting memories.

Or if you want a truly unforgettable venue, how about the limestone caves surrounding Rayavadee in Krabi? They overlook the turquoise waters of Phranang beach meaning your wedding photos will be exceptionally beautiful.

7. Jamaica

To be on an island surrounded by the irresistible Caribbean spirit is such an iconic way to start married life with your partner. It’s not just stunning beaches with Insta-worthy sunsets though, you can also opt for ceremonies in the verdant mountains or around the glittering waterfalls. Couples can get married at Ocho Rios waterfalls to embrace being amidst the tropical rainforest with a perfect waterfall as the backdrop. To continue to celebrations, you can host the reception at the Sandals Ochi Luxury Resort.

8. Morocco

Fete in the foothills of the Atlas mountains at the Marrakech retreat, The Capaldi, which has a rooftop terrace with expansive views of the surrounding olive groves – perfect for a spectacular wedding day! Despite being contemporary and stylish, it still has traditional Moroccan touches with rich textiles and opulent antiques that create an atmosphere of understated luxury.

9. Brazil

Fancy a private peninsula for your special day? The Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort is the place for you. You and your guests will be surrounded by Brazilian bungalows on the edge of a sparkling emerald sea and you can host your wedding reception in the gazebo at the end of the wooden bridge where you can have the most romantic wedding breakfast ever.

But if you want a setting more inland, take a look at Botanique Hotel and Spa in São Paulo. It is surrounded by a unique natural environment that is authentic Brazilian culture making for a more peaceful setting.

10. Mexico

If you want to get married in a place where many A-listers have tied the knot, then Mexico is a good place to start. Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson chose to get wed in Cabo (formally known as Los Cabos) because it beautifully captures both the panoramic desert landscapes and turquoise waters.

The Cape is a truly magical hotel option if you want to recreate a similar wedding day, it is immersed in the natural beauty of the Los Cabos and will work for a romantic sunset wedding or even a formal celebration, The Cape can be transformed into the vision you have for your big day.

Feature Image: Martijn Roos