5 Unique Wedding Venues - The Nutcracker

South Africa is an incredibly captivating country with endless natural beauty. Surrounded by the crisp, clear Atlantic and Indian Oceans on the Western and Eastern coastlines, the landscape is forever changing. Moving between sky-cutting mountaintops and rolling green lawns, to vast expanses of Karoo veld and dense coastal forests, interspersed by the hardy vegetation and wild spirited game reserves set among lush vineyards – there is no shortage of expansive backdrops and scenery.

5 unique wedding venues in South Africa

This breath-taking natural abundance attracts many to the country annually for truly memorable weddings, the only problem being the overwhelming wedding venue choices across the land. To provide an idea of some really great options, here are five of the most unique wedding venues in South Africa.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Western Cape

Set at the base of Table Mountain – one of the seven natural wonders of the world – the prestigious Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is rightfully an iconic venue in the Mother City. The five-star luxury hotel and spa exudes the vibrancy of such a dynamic city yet is positioned to maximise on the serenity and glory of the surrounding views.

A wedding here is truly a memorable affair, with wedding venue options allowing for a tasteful ceremony in the lush garden, a grand reception in the elegant ballroom or an intimate soiree in the charming function room. Experienced staff will assist with all the wedding co-ordination and the quality facilities are suited to an extended honeymoon stay with spa treatments. Going the extra mile, those who wed here are also entitled to a complementary candle-lit dinner for two at the Planet Restaurant to celebrate the first wedding anniversary.

The Nutcracker Country Venue, Free State

For a truly inspired and unique wedding venue experience, bridal couples should look to The Nutcracker, a stunning country wedding venue situated just outside of Parys. The picturesque natural landscape allows for a beautiful outdoor wedding while the exquisite chapel on the lawns overlooks the idyllic Vaal River below. Also taking advantage of this majestic view, the Reception Hall is a tasteful blend of Oregon-framed windows, antique wooden tables and chairs and beautiful glass chandeliers all perfectly designed to create a warm and inviting wedding atmosphere.

The Nutcracker will only book one wedding per weekend to ensure personalised service for everyone. This extended stay also allows for more quality time spent with friends and family in this really ideal location.

St Francis Links, Eastern Cape

Such a vast, sports-loving country means there are a number of pristine golf courses around, and one course has realised what a fantastically unique wedding venue this can be. In 2006, when the operations’ manager at St Francis Links was approached about hosting a wedding, the idea took hold and the course quickly became a sought-after wedding venue.

The dedicated in-house wedding team will ensure every detail of the day is professionally cared for and the overall experience is unforgettable. Access to the golf facilities adds another dimension to the wedding, with a round of golf a definite possibility before the ceremony. There are also stunning canal cruises as well as beach and nature walks if guests plan to stay the weekend.

Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve, KZN

No visit to South Africa is complete without a stop in at one of the inspiring game reserves – and they make for an incredibly unique wedding venue as well. One fantastic example is Thanda – isiZulu for ‘love’’ – a game reserve located within the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. Wedding ceremonies can be held in a sheltered bush location under Marula trees overlooking plains teeming with game as Zulu dancers usher the bridal couple down the aisle. The stunning wedding reception can then be hosted in a star-lit boma or on a deck overlooking the unspoilt African bush. Guests will also enjoy the added benefit of game drives, included in the wedding package, where any of the majestic Big Five can be spotted.

Blaauwklippen Vineyards, Western Cape

As unique as it is romantic, Blaauwklippen is one of the Western Cape wine region’s oldest and most respected wine farms, offering couples a really picturesque wedding venue. There are many exquisite wedding venues in the Western Cape, but Blaauwklippen Vineyards is accompanied by a rich history and traditional Cape country charm that makes for a really iconic location. Situated along the Stellenbosch Wine Route, Blaauwklippen caters for open-air weddings on the picturesque lawn in front of its 18^th Century manor. Stunning cuisine, quality vintages and an inspired setting make for a truly memorable wedding.

There you have some of the most unique wedding venues in the country.