For weddings in the heart of the winelands, in the countryside, out-of-the-ordinary 5-star hotels and Safari lodges, here are some venues at distinctive properties from around the country – all offering the four ‘essentials’ considered necessary to create the perfect wedding – the right venue, the right accommodation, the right package and the right team… and so much more, besides.

Looking for a wedding destination with a difference? Samara Karoo Reserve, situated in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region near Graaff-Reinet, easily accessed by road or air, is an ideal choice – whether you’re planning a large family gathering or an intimate ceremony with only your nearest and dearest. With the hauntingly beautiful scenery of the Karoo as a backdrop your ‘Samara Wedding’ will provide memories to last a lifetime. Samara‘s wedding packages include a ‘Romantic Escape for Two’ – book the Karoo Suite at Karoo Lodge (minimum three nights) and enjoy your wedding night in an al fresco sleep-out under a canopy of stars Star Bed, ‘A Stylish, Intimate Gathering’ – book The Manor, an elegant contemporary Karoo villa with lush green gardens, perfect for hosting up to eight of your nearest and dearest, an ‘Authentic Karoo Celebration’ – book Karoo Lodge, a lovingly restored Karoo homestead with traditional decor and a large lawn, for up to 24 guests OR book the Samara complete exclusivity package – and take over The Manor, Karoo Lodge and Plains Camp for up to 40 guests. Wedding packages include the wedding ceremony (indoor or outdoor location) with standard celebration décor, the wedding feast, two game drives per day for all guests staying at Samara; pre-wedding night bush dinner and special wedding luxuries (complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and one night in the star bed) for the bridal couple).

Exclusions apply. Contact Samara’s Reservations team who will recommend the best location for your wedding size and preferences. Rates for all wedding packages on enquiry.

Ts & Cs apply. Reservations: 031 262 0324, , www.samara.co.za

Just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town, The De Hoop Collection in the De Hoop Nature Reserve – a world heritage site – offers a wedding destination like no other! With its pristine land, wide open spaces, beaches, world-class whale-watching, coastal fynbos and teeming animal and birdlife, together with its variety of cost-effective accommodation options and well… the sheer breathtaking beauty of it all… makes it a perfect place for a wedding- of- note and in particular, winter weddings! Visualise a ceremony under the magnificent fig tree… or overlooking the beautiful vlei … and your wedding reception in the iconic Fig Tree Restaurant around a lovely warm fireplace. De Hoop, a nature lover’s paradise of unparalleled peace and tranquillity, a hallmark member of Cape Country Routes and most likely one of the Cape’s last unspoiled gems has all the essentials needed to create the perfect wedding. There’s a Winter Wedding Special (20% discount on standard accommodation rates for a minimum two-night stay for wedding guests) that applies to weddings from mid-May to end July 2023/2024 and there’s a minimum venue fee of R75 500 (for up to 70 guests).

Information on these specials and Winter wedding (2023/2024) rates available on enquiry.

Ts & Cs apply. Phone 021-422 4522, , www.dehoopcollection.com

This fab Franschhoek winter wedding destination with the most romantic of settings, La Petite Ferme Boutique Hotel, offers the perfect blend of exclusive country-style elegance, luxury accommodation, heart-warming hospitality, magnificent views of the Franschhoek valley and winelands and bespoke tailormade-to-perfection wedding packages for small, intimate weddings of up to 70 guests. The hotel needs to be booked exclusively for all wedding packages – this includes the exclusive use of the hotel, the facilities and luxury accommodation in ten suites. Here, at La Petite Ferme where weddings feature as a highlight, your dream wedding will become a reality – and a memory to treasure forever. 

Rates for all wedding packages on enquiry. Ts & Cs apply. Contact details: +27 (0)21 876 3016, , www.lapetiteferme.co.za

A wedding at Walkersons is where your dreams come true! Located on 800 hectares of peaceful countryside in the softly rolling hills of Mpumalanga near Dullstroom, Walkersons Hotel & Spa is perfect for that smaller, more intimate picture-perfect wedding. With its stunning surroundings, unspoiled scenery, 27 luxurious suites, various self-catering cottage options, delicious country cuisine, high-class service, onsite spa (perfect for some pre-wedding pampering), quaint, private chapel (seating 30 or 50 standing) and to end your special day on the perfect note – the luxurious Honeymoon Suite with a romantic open fireplace, four-poster king-size bed and a spacious Jacuzzi bath for the bride and groom, you have to agree that this is an award-winning five-star establishment that ticks all the boxes.

Rates for accommodation and wedding packages on enquiry. Ts & Cs apply. Reservations: 013 253 7000, , www.walkersons.co.za

Celebrate life, love and a romantic African safari wedding at the award-winning Thanda Safari – just north of Hluhluwe, about 220km north of Durban. Exchange vows under African skies beneath ancient marula trees, enjoy the reception in a star-lit boma or on a deck overlooking the unspoiled African bush. Whatever your personal style, at Thanda – which means love in isiZulu – you’re spoilt for choice – from the three accommodation options, Thanda Tented Camp with 15 luxury safari tents (including a deluxe honeymoon tent perfect for the bridal couple), Thanda Safari Lodge with nine suites and the exclusive Villa iZulu with five rooms, to its professional hospitality team, wedding planner and guides being on hand to make sure that your wedding will be unique. Rates for the ‘Kanye’ (‘together’ in isiZulu) Wedding Package.

Rates for all wedding packages on enquiry. Ts & Cs apply. Contact details: . za, +27 (0) 32 586 0149, Thanda Wedding Planner: , www.thandasafari.com