4 Gorgeous Areas for a Destination Wedding in South Africa
South Africa is a country full of amazing landscapes – mountains, beaches, wine farms… we could spend all day mentioning them. And that’s probably why many couples around the world have chosen to get married in South Africa.
“My overseas couples fall in love with the beautiful mountain scapes, vineyards, small towns, good food, great wine and wonderful sunny weather. Each of these areas cater for different couples from adventurous, classic and elegant, rustic, to small and extremely intimate celebrations. Our high sunny season is around October to April. Best months to get married in South Africa would be February and March”, says wedding planner Margaux van den Berg, from Blank Canvas Event Design.
Below are some tips of gorgeous places in South Africa for destination weddings according to wedding planners from South Africa who are members of the Belief Wedding Planners community:
1. Winelands
Once in South Africa, visiting winelands is a must and getting married there can be an awesome experience. According to wedding planner Keelyn Crowley, from I do Box, Stellenbosch & Franschhoek winelands form part of South Africa's most celebrated wine valley. Keelyn Crowley suggests some top venues in those areas:
- Boschendal provides an idyllic and natural setting. “It is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, their modern style barn venue offers high ceilings, floor to ceiling glass doors creating stunning views of the surrounds. It is a place for big destination weddings for the classic, modern and luxury style wedding celebrations”, says Keelyn Crowley.
- Johannesdal is a piece of heaven that is opening in January 2020. “It has magnificent manicured gardens surrounding the modern open venue space that is raised and overlooks the beautiful mountain range. Downstairs the alfresco style courtyard creates a modern style setting. This venue is for bespoke luxury and modern couples”, recommends Keelyn Crowley.
- Vrede en Lust is nestled at the foothill of the Simonsberg mountain range. “They are known for their breathtaking views and top class service with the perfect setting for any celebration. It is perfect for traditional winelands’ style wedding and more intimate options”, explains Keelyn Crowley.
If you are thinking about these places then wedding planner Cara Lee McLaughlin, from The Mosaic Wedding Company, says that the winelands is such a picturesque place and offers so much. “It’s really an option for everyone. If I had to choose, I’d say classic couples would love it, there are a lot of high-end venues situated in the winelands”, she states.
Want to entertain your guests? Franschhoek & Stellenbosch are attractions on their own, filled with beautiful wine farms, restaurants, museums and luxury accommodation. “Babylonstoren gardens, Lanzerac Hotel, Delaire, Maison are a few favorites to mention”, states Keelyn Crowley.
2. Weskus
Izandi Serdyn, of IDO4U, suggests Weskus, a region in Cape Town. “It is unique to South Africa with a cultural feeling uniquely to the South African beaches”, comments Izandi Serdyn.
If you are thinking about a beach wedding, Cara Lee McLaughlin says that she mainly does elopements on this scenario. “We do it just before sunset or sunrise. There’s a lot of options for a beach wedding here, but it’s best for an elopement as you have the time to move from beach to beach and there’s no rush to get back to your guests”, says Cara Lee McLaughlin.
3. Bushveld
If you are looking for Safari, Big 5 (animal hunting), open sky and stars, Bushveld might be perfect for you. “Bushveld is in the Nothern part of South Africa. It is simply incredible, and is a big hit with overseas clients who want an uniquely African experience. Amazing for smaller more intimate groups”, says Izandi Serdyn.
Wedding Planner Cara Lee McLaughlin says that it is the best location for adventurous couples. “It’s a fantastic way to see the Big 5 up close and it’s completely different to any other venue or area if you go for the bush”, she says.
To make a wedding there, Cara Lee McLaughlin mentions that accommodation options in the Kruger Park for bush weddings are magnificent.
4. Table Mountain
If you are looking for iconic scenes in South Africa, the Table Mountain might be the right spot for your wedding, according to Izandi Serdyn. It is one of Cape Town's greatest symbols and one of the most spectacular rock formations on the planet, ranked among the 7 natural wonders of the world. From there, you can have one of the most amazing views of the city.
“It’s a wonderful destination for everyone, as it’s so unique to offer something for all your guests, adventurous or not”, claims Izandi Serdyn.
If you choose Cape Town for your destination wedding, you must know that the city can have 4 seasons in a day. “So it’s best to opt for a month when it’s more likely to be sunny”, says Cara Lee McLaughlin.
