Most Expensive Wedding Venues

As a hugely popular wedding destination, both with locals and international visitors, South Africa boasts some of the most exclusive wedding venues worldwide. Luxurious interiors, 5-star service and unmatched natural beauty set the scene for some truly memorable nuptials, but these do often come with quite a price tag. Here are some of South Africa’s most expensive wedding venues (in no particular order).

5 of the Most Expensive Wedding Venues

  1. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel (www.belmond.com/mountnelson)

 

With Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, crisp blue skies and the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, it’s understandable why this is one of the most expensive wedding venues in the country. Dripping in historical legend, the hotel has had the likes of John Lennon, Winston Churchull and Nelson Mandela gracing the establishment over the years. Added to this the flower-filled gardens, grand ballroom, excellent cuisine and elegant accommodation, it’s no wonder couples book early to say ‘I do’ at the Mount Nelson.

Cost: The Grand Wedding Package venue cost goes up to R70 000 for the Ballroom.

 

  1. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa (www.12apostleshotel.com)

Another gem within the Mother City, The Twelve Apostles is flanked by Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. This award-winning hotel guarantees bridal couples a memorable wedding with a dedicated wedding co-ordinator catering to every individual request. Everything from the flowers through to entertainment will be arranged, so there is little administrative hassle for the bride and groom.

Cost: Peak season venue hire is R 41 500. They do have many specials and packages to consider as well.

 

  1. The Oyster Box (www.oysterboxhotel.com)

For an idyllic seaside location with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, uMhlanga’s Oyster Box Hotel is tough to beat. The hotel – a firm favourite with international royalty and celebrities – has five-star facilities and service, and caters to both private ceremonies and bigger reception functions of 120 people. The Pearl Room is the most popular wedding venue, complete with hand-blown Venetian crystal chandeliers that echo the opulence of a bygone era.

Cost: For the Pearl Room is R35 000.

 

  1. Vrede en Lust (www.vnl.co.za/weddings)

 

For a classic, vintage wedding setting, Franschhoek’s Vrede en Lust is the perfect location. Surrounded by age-old mountain ranges with a breath-taking vineyard backdrop, this 300-year-old wine estate, with its Cape Dutch architectural style, provides a truly picturesque image of old country life. To maximise on the scenery, the wedding venue is enclosed with glass walls, and there is seating for 120 guests.

Cost: For venue and accommodation of 40 guests, the price peaks at R127 000 in high season.

 

  1. Avianto Estate, Muldersdrift (www.avianto.co.za/weddings)

 

With a dedicated on-site wedding co-ordinator, Avianto ensures a professional wedding experience with one of the most beautiful venues on offer. Located in Muldersdrift, Gauteng, this wedding venue has a number of reception sites available, including the luxurious Banquet Hall and Ballroom.

Cost: The Ballroom venue rates peak at R42 000.

Fortunately, the sheer number of beautiful locations means there is an extensive range of quality wedding venues, all of which are suited to a variety of budgetary limitations. In addition, factors such as low season rates and mid-week specials can result in huge savings overall.  You just have to ask around!