Every couple wants their wedding day to be an unforgettable experience and thanks to the warm weather, affordability, and LGBTQ+ friendliness it’s no surprise that South Africa is one of the world’s most desired wedding destinations. Whether it’s an intimate elopement, or a large celebration, you’ll find that it’s also the perfect place for a honeymoon - because surely you deserve both! With a myriad of exquisite settings, saying “I do” in this part of the world means you’ll have the perfect backdrop to create the kind of memories you and your loved ones will cherish forever.
If your Safari wedding fantasy includes romance, untold excitement and adventure for you and your guests then South Africa's luxurious private game reserves are happy to oblige.
Image Credit: Shamwari
Safari-style weddings are among the most unique in the world. Located in the iconic Kruger National Park Sabi Sabi will treat you to the most sensational bushveld wedding and wildlife safari honeymoon. If you can picture saying your nuptials overlooking a waterhole at sunset, in the heart of the bush as curious wildlife join the wedding party, or within the opulence of a luxurious African lodge then Sabi Sabi, is guaranteed to delight. Entertainment options for your special day include a performance by a local choir or local Shangaan dancers with drummers. Additional luxurious touches include a personal welcome for you and your guests at the Sabi Sabi Airstrip with lemon scented hand towels and refreshments as well as complimentary fruit baskets in all guest rooms. The Kruger also happens to be a hop, skip and a jump away from Mozambique, one of the hottest and most exotic honeymoon destinations worldwide. The idyllic islands of the Quirimbas and Bazaruto archipelagos offer a lush haven of private island retreats, luxurious beachside villas, and miles of swaying palms on pristine white and deserted beaches. The tropical Azura Benguerra Island is one of the most popular resorts where you can enjoy romantic beach dinners, moonlit strolls on the beach or spectacular African sunsets in a dhow on the glittering Indian Ocean.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge within one of Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserves, the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Specialising in dream bush weddings and honeymoons in Big 5 territory, intimate weddings here offer spectacular scenery and ceremonies surrounded by the African bush as your guests and a menagerie of wildlife bear witness to the beginning of your life together. Rhino Ridge’s private, secluded Honeymoon Villas have private plunge pools overlooking the reserve, a scenic spot for you to relax and unwind from the excitement of your wedding in the romantic and remote bushveld. You can also choose one of the ‘Safari to Sea’ honeymoon packages, combining your blissful bush time with some barefoot luxury at the premiere beach honeymoon destination - Thonga Beach Lodge.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one of the most exclusive safari destinations in the Eastern Cape and can offer a wedding celebration in a variety of distinct and gorgeous venues for up to 70 guests. One of these splendid settings is the Old Elephant Boma, which is situated in heart of the bush where you can say your vows under the African sky and celebrate with loved ones in style. There’s also plenty of accommodation so after the ceremony, you and your guests can retire to one of several luxurious safari lodges. One of many special touches include game drive sundowner drinks and snacks for your wedding party. If you fancy a bush wedding and a beach honeymoon, then Plettenberg Bay along the famous Garden Route is the ultimate in starry-eyed seaside luxury. This rugged peninsula boasts golden beaches, dense green forests, and unrivalled scenery. With panoramic ocean views the five-star Plettenberg Hotel is a romantic choice for newly-weds where you can enjoy indulgent spa treatments, alfresco picnics on the beach and sunset cocktails by the pool.
The Cape Winelands offer stunning scenery, gourmet food and world-class wine which makes it easy to see why so many couples want to tie the knot here.
Image Credit: Vrede en Lust
With breath taking views of the lush Devon Valley and its sun-soaked vineyards, weddings at Clos Malverne can best be described as a golden occasion. Overlooking dramatic mountain peaks, the opulent pool area with its rolling green lawns is the perfect setting for your picturesque wedding ceremony followed by an elegant reception in the estate’s open plan restaurant. With wraparound balconies and 360° views overlooking the exquisite valley of vines, The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne is a popular culinary hotspot in this region which means that your guests will be treated to a world-class four course food and wine pairing menu.
Nestled in the idyllic Constantia Valley winelands, the Cape’s oldest wine farm, Steenberg Estate is perfectly positioned for your joyful celebration. Surrounded by traditional Cape Dutch homesteads, vineyard, and mountain vistas; this charming and romantic venue offers pretty, manicured gardens for an outdoor ceremony that can seat up to 100 guests. The wedding festivities will ensue at the estate’s outstanding restaurant Tryn where your guests can indulge in refined dining in a serene setting with stunning vineyard and garden views. Set the tone for your special day with a pre or post wedding soirée at Steenberg’s poolside area with snacks and bubbly and as its located just 30 minutes from the city centre of Cape Town; it means ease of travel for all your guests who can also book a luxurious stay in one of the sumptuous rooms at the Steenberg Hotel & Spa.
Vrede en Lust Estate is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Cape Winelands. This picturesque venue with historical Cape Dutch architecture and undulating vineyards boasts beautiful ceremony and pre-drinks gardens where you can celebrate your nuptials before dancing the night away on an outside dance floor set right up against the vineyards. One of the estate’s biggest selling points is its wedding reception venue with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. With accommodation for up to 40 guests on the estate and exclusive use of the wedding venue and accommodation section of the farm you can all relax at the pool with a cocktail on the morning after.
If your dream wedding includes sand between your toes and spectacular sunsets over the ocean, South Africa is famous for its breath-taking coastline and blue flag beaches.
Image Credit: Strandkombuis
If you are looking for a dream location for the perfect beach wedding, Strandkombuis is perfectly nestled in the dunes between a nature reserve and the longest stretch of beach in the country. A romantic open-sided Bedouin tent perched high up on the sand dune, with 360° views of the ocean, the beach, the salt pan, and the nature reserve, serves as a chapel for your “I do’s” and a few steps away from the beach, the Main Tent will host your celebration. A fully licensed bar, a dance floor, and a stage for live music takes care of the festivities and guests will be treated to a seafood banquet prepared on open fires. If you’re planning a sizable gathering, this enchanting location can cater up to 14o guests and accommodates 65 people in 27 rooms and cottages.
The warm Indian Ocean gently kissing the golden shore and a canopy of swaying palms serves as your backdrop for a timeless and elegant wedding at the Oyster Box hotel. Standing majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront with its iconic red and white lighthouse, this five-star venue is a national treasure that can accommodate up to 150 guests. Lush sub-tropical gardens offer a memorable location for your nuptial ceremony while The Pearl Room with its mirrored walls, expansive terrace and delicate chandeliers of hand-blown Venetian crystal set the scene for an opulent wedding reception. The Oyster Box is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and their award-winning chef will help you create a fully bespoke wedding menu. Just steps from the Indian Ocean and the golden sands of Umhlanga beach, the Spa at The Oyster Box offers a serene space to indulge in some signature treatments before or after your special day.
When it comes to picturesque settings, it doesn’t get more romantic than Knysna on South Africa’s gorgeous Garden Route. The Featherbed Nature Reserve is one of the most idyllic beach wedding destinations with several unique offerings. Here you can say your vows on Featherbed’s exclusive beach as Knysna’s glittering “blue lagoon” laps at your feet or you can declare your undying love while cruising to the infamous Knysna Heads on the Knysna Paddle Cruiser. For an unforgettable reception under starry skies and a canopy of ancient Milkwood trees, you and your guests will be ferried across the lagoon to the idyllic Forest Restaurant situated on the unspoilt Western Head of Knysna. The food at Featherbed is also legendary, with buffet menus fit for kings and queens, this spectacular destination can cater for up to 100 guests.
Every year, South Africa welcomes wedding parties from all around the world and is renowned for providing a truly memorable occasion. Whether you prefer the idea of eloping with just a handful of your nearest and dearest or a large, lavish affair you’ll be dazzled by what this country has to offer. If wedded bliss is on your agenda - Choose South Africa for the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. For more information give us a call today on UK 01233 80 27 27 or visit our website www.bestofsouthafricatravel.co.uk.
