rustic wedding venues Archives

In Venues

Enchanting Wedding Venues in the Free State: Your Guide

September 18, 2025 No Comments

The Free State, with its vast open plains, majestic mountains, and charming small towns, offers a plethora of breathtaking wedding venues. Whether you’re envisioning a rustic barn celebration, a fairytale orchard ceremony, or a luxurious estate affair, the Free State has something to suit every couple’s dream. Here are some of the most beautiful and unique wedding venues in the province for 2025.

R’new @Vaal – Vaal Dam

Situated along the banks of the Vaal Dam, R’new @Vaal offers a unique blend of nature and luxury. Couples can exchange vows within ancient Khoisan bushmen stone circles or in the heart of a magnificent Chartres Labyrinth, beautifully lined with roses, grapevines, and botanicals. The venue boasts luxuriously appointed rooms, a botanical gin distillery, and a homestead and spa for ultimate relaxation.

Goose Hill Wedding & Guest Farm – Bethlehem

Nestled in the heart of the Free State, Goose Hill Wedding & Guest Farm offers a picturesque setting for your special day. The venue features a charming chapel, spacious reception area, and on-site accommodation, making it ideal for both intimate and grand celebrations.

The Rosendal Country Retreat – Rosendal

Located in the quaint hamlet of Rosendal, The Rosendal Country Retreat is surrounded by the stunning Witteberge mountains. The venue features the charming Sandstone Chapel, perfect for a romantic ceremony, and offers two unique reception venues: The Gallery, a modern glass and steel space with mountain views, and the Ballroom, a larger venue with a cozy lounge and a magical ambiance created by thousands of fairy lights.

Welgelegen Cherry Estate – Ficksburg

Known as the cherry capital of South Africa, Ficksburg is home to Welgelegen Cherry Estate. The estate offers a beautiful setting for weddings, with cherry blossoms in spring providing a stunning backdrop. The venue can accommodate up to 250 guests and offers on-site accommodation for a convenient and memorable experience.

Lavender Hill Country Estate – Eastern Free State

Lavender Hill Country Estate is a breathtaking wedding venue situated in the Eastern Free State. With 25 hectares of perfect nature, the estate boasts exquisite gardens filled with roses and lavender, Arabian horses, exotic geese, and breathtaking views of the Maluti Mountains and Ash River. The venue offers a tranquil and romantic setting for your special day.

Oranje Guest Farm – Between Fouriesburg and Clarens

Oranje Guest Farm is a working farm nestled among the beautiful mountains of the Eastern Free State, located between Fouriesburg and Clarens. The venue offers a rustic and charming setting for weddings, with breathtaking views of the Maluti Mountains and the Rooi Mountains. The farm provides a unique and memorable experience for couples seeking a countryside celebration.

Bella Montagna – Eastern Free State

Nestled in the heart of the scenic Eastern Free State, Bella Montagna has been creating unforgettable wedding experiences since 2016. With breathtaking views, elegant facilities, and a warm, personalized touch, Bella Montagna provides the perfect backdrop for your special day. Whether you’re envisioning a rustic celebration or a sophisticated affair, Bella Montagna is where cherished memories are made.

Sandstone Sleeper Estate – Ficksburg

Sandstone Sleeper Estate is a unique venue located in Ficksburg, offering a blend of rustic charm and elegance. The estate features a beautiful chapel, spacious reception area, and on-site accommodation, making it ideal for both intimate and large weddings.

Monte Bello Estate – Bloemfontein

Monte Bello Estate is a luxurious venue situated in Bloemfontein, offering a blend of modern amenities and rustic charm. The estate features a beautiful chapel, spacious reception area, and on-site accommodation, making it perfect for couples seeking a sophisticated celebration.

Tuscan Rose – Bloemfontein

Tuscan Rose is a charming venue located in Bloemfontein, offering a romantic and intimate setting for weddings. The venue features a beautiful chapel, elegant reception area, and on-site accommodation, ensuring a memorable experience for couples and their guests.

Tips for Choosing Your Ideal Venue in the Free State

Guest Numbers vs. Lodging: Some venues are remote or boutique and may not have many rooms – account for accommodation and how many guests need to travel.
Weather & Season: The Free State has varied climate zones. If part of your wedding is outdoors, ensure there is backup in case of rain (especially in the Free State summer).
Accessibility & Travel: For guests coming from Gauteng or abroad, proximity to major roads or airports can be important.
Photography & Views: Many venues here offer spectacular natural scenery – escarpments, valleys, forests. Planning your ceremony time around light (morning, golden hour) will make a big difference.
All-Inclusive vs. Extra Costs: Some venues include furniture, cutlery, staff, drinks. Others charge them separately. Get quotes that show everything so there are no surprises.

Featured Image: Lavender Hill Country Estate

In Venues

Mpumalanga Wedding Venues: Majestic Settings for Your Dream Day

September 16, 2025 No Comments

Mpumalanga offers a magical mix of landscapes – from dramatic escarpments and forest hideaways to elegant estates and bushveld lodges. Here are some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the province that promise unforgettable memories.

Kralinbergh Estate – Ermelo

Set in an oak-forested, rural part of Mpumalanga, Kralinbergh Estate is heritage-rich and beautifully romantic.

What makes it special:

Offers both a spacious chapel (for indoor ceremonies) and a forest chapel outdoors under century-old oak & cedar trees.
Includes a honeymoon suite and guest accommodation in the original farmhouse, blending old-world charm with modern comforts.
Most wedding packages are inclusive: tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, glasses, wait staff, bartenders, and some drinks & snacks.

This is perfect for couples wanting a romantic countryside or farm wedding with rustic elegance and heritage.

Whispering Thorns – White River / Lowveld

Situated in the lush Lowveld, Whispering Thorns offers a countryside feel with refined touches.

Highlights:

A glass‐faced venue and chapel that lets light flood in.
Guesthouse accommodation for visitors: good for staying over.
Accommodates up to ~200 guests. Beautiful views over the Lowveld’s grasslands make for dramatic photographic backdrops.

Ideal for medium‐to‐larger wedding celebrations with style, great natural lighting, and scenic surroundings.

The Umbali Wedding Venue – Nelspruit

Close to the city (but with elevated, scenic views), Umbali in Nelspruit is great for couples who want a mix of elegance and accessibility.

What it offers:

Panoramic views over the Kaapschehoop Escarpment and surroundings.
Careful landscaping, gardens, excellent service, and freedom to handle many of your wedding details through their event teams.
Ample parking, good access from the city, and in‐house infrastructure for receptions.

Good for larger weddings, especially when many guests are travelling from the city or prefer something not too remote.

Additional Venues & Natural Settings to Consider

Lowveld National Botanical Garden (near Mbombela) – lush gardens, indigenous trees, river views. Beautiful for ceremonies outdoors, especially among flora & waterfalls.
Casterbridge Hollow Hotel in White River – sophisticated, boutique, artistic vibe for couples seeking elegance mixed with charm.
Misty Mountain on Long Tom Pass – dramatic vistas of escarpments, ideal for photo shoots & nature lovers.

Tips for Choosing Your Ideal Venue in Mpumalanga

Guest numbers vs lodging: Some venues are remote or boutique and may not have many rooms – account for accommodation and how many guests need to travel.
Weather & season: Mpumalanga has varied climate zones. If part of your wedding is outdoors, ensure there is backup in case of rain (especially in the Lowveld summer).
Accessibility & travel: For guests coming from Gauteng or abroad, proximity to major roads or airports can be important.
Photography & views: Many venues here offer spectacular natural scenery – escarpments, valleys, forests. Planning your ceremony time around light (morning, golden hour) will make a big difference.
All‐included vs extra costs: Some venues include furniture, cutlery, staff, drinks. Others charge them separately. Get quotes that show everything so there are no surprises.

Featured Image: Whispering Thorns | Glass Wedding Venue

In Destination

Gauteng’s Most Stunning Wedding Venues

September 10, 2025 No Comments

Gauteng is a treasure trove of breathtaking wedding venues, offering diverse settings for every couple’s dream day—from verdant gardens and elegant estates to rustic countryside escapes. Here are some truly enchanting options to consider:

Shepstone Gardens – Johannesburg

Nestled in the heart of Jozi, this picturesque venue features lush gardens, a historic stone chapel, and a glass-roofed marquee. Ideal for sunset ceremonies that blend historic charm with nature’s beauty.

Morrells Boutique Estate – Northcliff

This elegant estate evokes Provençal romance with manicured gardens and fragrant lavender and olive groves, perfect for an intimate, luxurious wedding experience.

The Munro Boutique Hotel – Johannesburg

An urban gem offering panoramic views of Johannesburg’s green belt. Expect boutique-class sophistication, chic indoor spaces, and a lush poolside perfect for romantic receptions.

The Moon and Sixpence – Muldersdrift

A serene countryside venue featuring rustic gardens and a charming thatched-roof chapel—ideal for nature-loving couples seeking a tranquil, romantic setting.

Oakfield Farm – Muldersdrift

This award-winning venue combines rural charm with modern elegance. The glass-walled ceremony space surrounded by greenery creates a breathtaking, storybook wedding atmosphere.

Inimitable Wedding Venue – Muldersdrift

Stylishly contemporary, this venue offers riverside chapels and chic reception halls with striking glass and steel architecture, a modern luxury experience.

Memoire Wedding Venue – Muldersdrift

Surrounded by majestic willows and oaks, Memoire presents a refined and glamorous setting with delightfully designed chapels and reception spaces.

The Forest Walk Venue – Midrand

A magical woodland venue featuring a forest chapel and draped reception area—perfect for a fairytale, nature-inspired wedding.

Cradle Valley Venue – Cradle of Humankind

Rustic elegance meets heritage in this natural venue. Stone chapels and sweeping views of the surrounding reserve make this spot ideal for intimate, countryside celebrations.

Benedetto On Vaal – Vanderbijlpark

Nestled along the Vaal River, this picturesque venue combines rustic charm with contemporary comforts—complete with a chapel, garden island, and scenic garden photo corners.

Riverside Country Estate – Near Johannesburg

A waterside jewel with romantic gardens and willow trees. Choose from the intimate Willow Hall (40–120 guests) or the more grandiose Wisteria Hall for larger celebrations.

The Blades – Roodeplaat

Set against a peaceful dam, this versatile venue offers chapel, hall, and garden ceremony options. Fairy lights and waterfront views craft a magical, elegant atmosphere.

Real Couple Insights

Anecdotal recommendations from recently married couples add authenticity and a personal touch:

“Oakfield Farm in Muldersdrift has a semi-open chapel surrounded by massive trees… the reception hall has big windows looking out over a lovely garden. It was gorgeous.”

“Forest Walk Venue, honestly stunning, they have an outdoor glass chapel too.”

Gauteng’s wedding venues offer a rich tapestry of styles, from garden romance to urban luxury, rustic countryside to heritage estates. Whether your heart is set on verdant gardens, forest backdrops, architectural elegance, or water-side serenity, you’re sure to find a venue that makes your 2025 wedding unforgettable.

Featured Image: Riverside Country Estate

In Destination

6 Romantic Wedding Venues in the Free State: Where Countryside Charm Meets Mountain Views

August 27, 2025 No Comments

Source: Amb Peschke on X

Your Guide to the Best Wedding Venues in the Free State

The Free State has long been the quiet heart of South Africa. A place where sandstone mountains blush orange at sunset and farm valleys bloom with cherry blossoms in spring. It may not have the glamour of Cape wine farms or the drama of Kruger bushveld lodges, but that’s exactly the charm. Here, weddings feel rooted in the land, unhurried, and deeply personal.

With vast open plains, mountain-framed valleys, and small towns known for their hospitality, the Free State is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s most underrated wedding destinations. Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic barn celebration, a fairytale orchard ceremony, or a sandstone chapel steeped in history, the province offers it all.

We’ve put together a list of the most beautiful Free State wedding venues — with full details to help you picture your perfect day.

1. Mont d’Or Clarens – Boutique Elegance in the Jewel of the Free State

Source: Mont d’Or on Instagram

Clarens has become one of South Africa’s most loved small towns, often called the “Jewel of the Free State.” The Mont d’Or Clarens Hotel captures that charm perfectly.

What makes it unique:

Ceremony sites: You can choose between the historic Old Local Church or an intimate, specially decorated function space.
Reception: After the officiating ceremony you can dine La Vue Parfaite Restaurant which comfortably accommodates 80 guests, and offers gourmet dining paired with panoramic views of the Maluti Mountains.
Extras: Canapés and cocktails can be served on their verandah at golden hour, adding to the magic of your special day.
Spa excellence: Mont d’Or boasts a luxury spa featuring Africa’s Kalahari Skincare range, ideal for bridal pampering before your big day.

This venue blends boutique intimacy with luxury touches — perfect for smaller weddings that want elegance without losing the warmth of a mountain town.

2. The Rosendal Country Retreat: A Sandstone Gem with Exclusive Charm

Source: The Rosendal Country Retreat on Instagram

Nestled on the edge of Rosendal, a tiny town in the Eastern Free State, The Rosendal Country Retreat is ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel like a private weekend festival. Situated just 70km from Bethlehem, 106km from Clarens, 152km from Kroonstad and 214 km from Bloemfontein, The Rosendal Country estate is the perfect place for a weekend escape.

What makes it unique:

Exclusive use: The venue is yours for the entire weekend — no back-to-back weddings, no rush. You can start setting up décor and flowers the day before.
Ceremony options: The old sandstone chapel, with every block carved using century-old techniques, seats 120 guests on wooden benches. Alternatively, the manicured gardens offer outdoor ceremony options with padded white chairs.
Reception spaces: Couples can choose between a ballroom (120 guests) and a gallery (80 guests), both surrounded by landscaped gardens.
The lounge: A cosy canapés space with a fireplace, couches, and a stoep overlooking the mountains — perfect for cake-cutting and mingling.
Accommodation: 12 self-catering units are included at a 20% discount, plus more guesthouses in town. The retreat can host up to 44 people on-site.
Dining: Meals are freshly prepared using local produce, and packages include a professional DJ.
Coordination: An in-house event coordinator is included, guiding couples through every detail, which is super helpful if you’re planning your wedding from far away.

The Rosendal Country Retreat is for couples who want authenticity, exclusivity, and a chance to slow down with family and friends while surrounded by sweeping mountain views.

3. Welgelegen Cherry Estate – Weddings in Bloom

Source: Welgelegen Cherry Estate

Set on a working cherry and apple farm 40km from Clarens, Welgelegen Cherry Estate offers a wedding experience that evolves with the seasons.

What makes it unique:

Ceremony choices:
- A deck over the dam with the Maluti Mountains as your backdrop.
- Lush grass aisles near the water.
- Cherry orchards bursting with white blossoms in spring, red fruit in summer, or fiery autumn leaves, for gorgeous wedding pictures.
- A sandstone chapel overlooking the dam (very ideal as Plan B for rainy days).
Reception: A covered outdoor patio for canapés and cocktails at sunset, followed by the main reception hall where guests can dine and dance. A cash bar is included.
Bridal & groom suites: A private bridal suite overlooking the mountains, with a walkway across the dam for dramatic entrances, and a groomsmen’s house for pre-wedding bonding.
Accommodation: Space for 84 guests, with 80 rooms offering private bathrooms. Luxury on-site suites for couples are included.
Weekend extras: Friday night braais, Sunday farewell breakfasts, and full venue exclusivity for the weekend.

Guests often describe Welgelegen as “a countryside holiday wrapped around a wedding.” With photo opportunities at every turn and hospitality rooted in farm traditions, it’s an experience that feels both grand and relaxed.

4. Lavender Hill Country Estate – Elegance with a Countryside Heart

Source: Lavender Hill Country Estate on Instagram

Located in Bethlehem, Lavender Hill Country Estate stretches across 25 hectares, with views of the Maluti Mountains and Ash River. Its gardens of roses, lavender, Arabian horses, and exotic geese create a romantic backdrop.

What makes it unique:

Ceremony options:
- Hillsong Chapel (200 guests) with panoramic mountain views, air-conditioning, and a built-in sound system.
- Boskerk Chapel (120 guests), nestled among trees.
- Outdoor garden ceremonies (100 guests), weather permitting.
Reception halls: Four air-conditioned options, with seating, décor, and catering facilities included. Weddings can run until 2am without extra charges.
Décor & furniture: Included in packages (tables, chairs, crockery, underplates, glassware, linens). Lavender Hill also manages set-up and breakdown.
Extras: On-site honeymoon suite “Aphrodite” with special rates for multiple nights. Cash bar with barman, DJ, photographer, and preferred local vendors.
Eco-conscious: The entire venue runs on solar power.

Lavender Hill is perfect for couples who want the stress taken out of logistics, with every detail — from underplates to waitstaff — handled seamlessly by a dedicated team.

5. Lupela Lodge – A Rustic Mountain Hideaway

Source: Lupela Lodge on Instagram

For couples looking for something intimate and deeply connected to nature, Lupela Lodge near Lady Grey delivers rustic charm in abundance.

What makes it unique:

Ceremony sites: An enchanted riverside forest or an airy sandstone chapel with a mountain backdrop.
Reception spaces: A restored sandstone wool shed accommodating 180 guests. Chandeliers, draped fabrics, and fairy lights transform it into a romantic hall.
Multi-level venue: Canapés and drinks on the lower level, with a lawn for outdoor mingling, and the upper level reserved for dinner and dancing.
Accommodation: 18 on-site guests in cottages, plus 22 more on a neighbouring farm. Shuttle services to Lady Grey ensure easy access.
Weekend feel: Friday evening gatherings and Sunday breakfasts make it more than a one-day event.

Lupela is described by couples as a “mountain escape,” where silence, scenery, and intimacy combine for weddings that feel unplugged and soulful.

6. Oranje Guest Farm – Where Tradition Meets Grandeur

Source: Oranje Wedding Venue on Instagram

Set between Fouriesburg and Clarens, Oranje Guest Farm is a working farm with sweeping views of the Maluti and Rooi Mountains.

What makes it unique:

Setting: Sandstone cliffs coloured tan, red, and gold by the sun create a dramatic backdrop.
Venue: A sandstone barn and church with capacity for 220 guests, ideal for larger countryside weddings.
Hospitality: In-house catering ranges from traditional South African feasts to international menus, while décor teams customise flowers, colour schemes, and themes.
Full service: Venue fees include waiters, barmen, ice, and wine service.

Couples love Oranje for its ability to balance grandeur with authenticity. Guests can enjoy the sights of cattle and horses grazing, adding to the farm atmosphere that makes weddings here feel both rustic and refined.

Why the Free State Should Be on Your Wedding Radar

On Instagram and TikTok, more couples are showcasing their Free State weddings, and the reaction has been glowing. Brides rave about the slower pace, the warm hospitality, and the fact that venues often allow entire weekends of celebration. Guests, meanwhile, love the chance to turn a wedding into a countryside retreat with braais, walks, and mountain sunsets.

In a country where beach weddings and wine estates often dominate the spotlight, the Free State is proving to be South Africa’s hidden wedding gem. It’s not just about the day you say “I do” — it’s about creating a whole experience, wrapped in the quiet magic of the South African heartland.