There are SO many amazing wedding venues in Cape Town, it’s actually a little crazy. I spend about a month researching wedding venues in Cape Town before booking appointments at our Top 5 venues. We headed off to Cape Town for a weekend of wedding venue viewing, and the crazy things is that the Top 3 that were on our list at the end of the weekend , weren’t even in our original Top 5 that we booked to see! When we were looking through the venues, the most important thing for us was to be able to picture our wedding there. We viewed a total of 11 venues, and we have settled on 3 that we like. Now, it’s all about securing the date!
The number 1 thing that I recommend doing, is to actually go and see the venue! I love wedding photographers, but they can make a venue look like something completely different, and of course Instagram does the same. I’m so glad that we took the time to go and look at the venues, because then we also realized what exactly we were NOT looking for, and it made it easier to figure out what we do want. I’ve compiled a list of wedding venues with different looks to them all, so if you are planning a wedding in Cape Town here are some venues that you should consider.
If You Are Into Wine Farms
Rickety Bridge
This is a beautiful venue in the gorgeous little town called Franschhoek with a Cape Dutch feel to it. Nestled against the slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains overlooking the majestic Wemmershoek Mountain range, the 50 hectare wine estate has 27 hectares of vines, accommodation at Basse Provence Guest House and the Rickety Bridge Manor House, and a beautiful tasting room where guests can sample the Rickety Bridge Winery wines. There is a restaurant on site called Paulina’s that opens up right onto the view of the vineyards. The wedding can be held on the lawns overlooking the vineyards and the reception can be in the garden, or in the restaurant. You can contact Rickety Bridge on their website and here is the full price of their wedding packages.
Cape Point Vineyards
One of our favorites, Cape Point Vineyards hits the wedding photo trifecta for me- Ocean view, Mountain View, Vineyard view! These beautiful surroundings make Cape Point Vineyards an amazing and well-loved wedding venue. The beautiful banquet hall seats up to 160, and the event venue includes the entire property, which is huge. There is a lot of space on this property, as you get to book out the entire place! You can read their wedding package over here, and I do recommend that you visit Cape Point for wine tasting or a delicious lunch.
Blaauwklippen
This is a stunning venue (especially because there is a glass house for the reception on the property!) and it would have easily been one of my favorites, but Stevens’s aunt got married here, so we decided not to consider it for that reason. Renowned for the magnificent scenery, historic setting and romantic atmosphere, Blaauwklippen is the perfect venue for a truly unforgettable wedding. With a wealth of facilities and experienced staff able to organize everything from the decor right through to the menu, you and your guests can simply relax and enjoy this special day. This is an absolutely gorgeous gem in the middle of Stellenbosch. You can see their wedding packages over here.
La Residence
If budget is not an issue, then I have your dream venue right here! This venue is situated in Franschhoek, and it is simply BEAUTIFUL! We went to look at it (just for fun, and to imagine what it would be like if money was unlimited). La Residence is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards, with a spectacular mountain backdrop and breath-taking views of the undulating countryside. Glittering Indian chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling, original artwork and huge mirrors grace the walls, while the furnishings of Liz Biden are colorful, stylish and comfortable. The pool area (which is where your wedding would take place) overlooks the mountains, and it’s pretty jaw-dropping, I must say. We are definitely coming back to Le Residence to have some lunch and a glass of wine, and dream about our wedding here (in our next life ;)). You can visit their website for more information.
Nooitgedacht Estate
Nooitgedacht Estate is a family owned and managed historical Cape Dutch wine estate in Stellenbosch with a homestead and outbuildings that date back to 1774. It is perfect venue for those looking to host a wedding in Stellenbosch. It boasts beautiful lawns shaded by centuries old oak trees, rolling vineyards and exhibiting a truly old world atmosphere balanced by contemporary design features. The original cellar venue with its rustic atmosphere is used for indoor functions and can accommodate 120 – 260 guests with a dance floor and 300 guests without, while the gardens offer ample outdoor opportunities to entertain in grand style. Read more here.
If You Are Looking For A Forest Feel
Die Woud
This was my favorite venue on the list, and it is just a magic forest! You get heart eyes the moment you walk into Die Woud and you see the amazing forest that opens up in front of you. I could already imagine myself walking down this aisle to walk through the beautiful white door into the forest. The ceremony is held in the forest, and afterwards the guests are led to the venue which includes lawns, an outside area and this gorgeous glass house. This would have been our first choice, if it wasn’t for the fact that it is located in Caledon- a 1:30 hours out of Cape Town. As we are already making our family travel so far (as in from Russia, Canada and Ukraine), we didn’t want to create an even bigger mission for the guests to Caledon. Otherwise, this is such a gorgeous place that I would say yes, yes, yes to!
If You Are Seeking An Ocean View
12 Apostles Hotel And Spa
I’ve visited this gorgeous hotel before for a high tea, so it was a no-brainer that we wanted to look at it as our wedding venue. The wedding happens in a little secluded garden which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean at the front, the Twelve Apostles Mountains on the one side, and Table Mountain on the other side- isn’t it amazing? The reception happens in the Atlantic Terrace Marque overlooking the ocean and it so gorgeous, gorgeous, and gorgeous. We are considering this as our final choice, and you can see their full wedding offer over here.
If You Are Looking For Beautiful Venues With Pretty Views
Cavalli Estate
We weren’t originally planning to go to Cavallii, but something inside me kept urging for us to check it out, and this was actually the last place that we visited, and I’m so glad that we did! Cavalli Estate is quickly becoming recognized for its exquisite views within its modern and luxurious context, and it located in Stellenbosch (so just 20 minutes from the airport). I loved this venue and it made it into our Top 3, because of its gorgeous mountain views, modern reception hall and the amazing sunken garden where you have the ceremony! A definite winner in my books. You can view the full wedding package here.
Ex Nihilio
This is a recently new opened wedding venue, and we wanted to check it out from a “black canvas” point of view. Ex Nihilio is a new and contemporary wedding, event and conference venue in the heart of the Western Cape Wine lands. The venue is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with incredible views of the Simonsberg Mountain. The venue effortlessly transforms to accommodate up to 160 guests with a dance floor for a wedding and 180 people cinema style for conferences. What is nice about it, is that it is very clean and modern, so you can use it as an empty “shell” to add anything you want. The industrial feel inside the reception hall is lovely, and you can play around here with your own taste and feel as you wish. You can view their wedding packages here.
The Forum Embassy Hill
This is a beautiful venue in the heart of Constantia, and I’ve seen it used for a beauty event before so I knew that it was gorgeous. Originally built in 1952, this beautiful property has since been renovated into a five-star graded conference and event venue. Due to the wonderful heritage of the building, great sensitivity was given to preserving the history of the area during the refurbishment, resulting in a beautiful marriage of old and new. Set within lush, park-like surroundings and featuring interiors bathed in natural light, embassy hill caters for a variety of occasions with space for up to 160 guests. You can check out their wedding packages here.
Le Franshhoek Hotel and Spa
We actually stayed in this beautiful Hotel and Spa in Franschhoek, so you will see a lot more photos and a review from here next week. This place has such a romantic feel to it, that I could easily see myself getting married here. This is a Franschhoek wedding venue like no other – with its sophisticated French flair, fairy-tale chapel and the spectacular backdrop of the Franschhoek Mountains, it’s a beautiful place to start your life together. What I also really like is that it has 61 en-suite rooms and suites, and 18 villas to choose from, so your guests can stay on the property with you which is very handy! Here is the full list of their packages.
The Roundhouse Restaurant
If you want something a bit less formal, but still have the amazing Cape Town views, the recently renovated Roundhouse Restaurant and The Lawns are a great choice! I first came here for a drink last year, and while watching the sunset I thought “Hey, imagine getting married here!”. Well turns out, you can! Its a very relaxed feel, but you can hire out the entire place for your wedding. Its located in Camps Bay(perfect location) and you can give them a call if you are interested.
If You Are Into The Farm Feel
Babylonstoren
A favorite among the Insta world, this beautiful farm is in a league of its own. Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and wine, and the most gorgeous gardens around the property! The nice thing about their wedding packages, is that the bride and the groom get to stay from Friday to Sunday, so you really do have a whole weekend celebration! Typically, the wedding ceremonies take place outdoors, weather permitting, and then there are three rustic, chic and stylish venues for the actual wedding. In the Old Cellar you can enjoy a family-style feast, with a surprise dessert station in the White Studio. The Wheat Barn is just the place to dance the night away. Check out the wedding packages here.
Nadia Matlala says
Have you found a venue or still on top 3 vibes? Balance me ???