Want the best beach wedding venue for your nuptial? Explore these affordable but luxurious destinations in South Africa.
Choosing South Africa as your wedding destination comes with a lot of options. While couples opt for an indoor destination, a lot of others prefer outdoor locations to enjoy nature. The latter includes beaches, safaris, mountains, and wildlife places, which are extra benefits to any future South African couple.
Of all the settings in SA, more brides are choosing beach weddings because they want to say “I Do” surrounded by the stunning natural views, with sand under their toes and the sound of waves breaking in the background.
Getting married on a beach is a unique, exciting, and romantic experience. The beaches of South Africa are well known for their elegance and cleanliness. In South Africa, a beach wedding provides a quiet and lovely backdrop with breathtaking views of the ocean and coastal scenery.
It is right to note that planning your wedding at the beach comes with a lot of tasks, including the search for the best venues.
In this article, JanaTribe will look at some of the best beach wedding venues in South Africa’s Cape Town, Durban, and Johannessburg, just to mention a few that any couple planning to get married should explore.
Amazing beach wedding venues in Johannessburg, South Africa
Sorry for couples who dream of having their wedding at a beach in Johanessburg. Johannesburg does not have a beach. It is an inland city located far from the coastline in South Africa.
However, there are several beaches around Joburg.
Drive for a couple of hours from Johannesburg and reach Durban, home to lovely sun-kissed beaches and known to be a surfer’s paradise, or head to Jeffreys Bay for its pristine Blue Flag beaches. For excellent surfing and other water sports, one can even consider hopping on a flight to Cape Town, not only one of South Africa’s most iconic cities but also the world’s. Munch on some delicious seafood once you’re done catching those waves, kick back with a beer in hand, and have a splendid holiday!
First opened in 1984 Wild Waters is Joburg’s original ‘beach within reach’. The popular water park in Boksburg on Joburg’s East Rand has nine different water activities that will thrill youngsters, including the super tube, raging rapids, a wave pool, the ‘speed slide’ and smaller gentle water slides for little kids. Pack plenty of sunscreen and remember that the water park is a cash-free space, so don’t forget your bank cards. There is a restaurant and bar inside the venue.
Top beach wedding venues in Cape Town, South Africa
If you want to check out the wedding venues Cape Town has to offer, then you are on the right track. The good news is that there are so many venues to consider. Here are a few examples that will come in handy in your search.
1. 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
Photo: @12apostleshotel Source: Facebook
- Contact number: +27 21 437 9000
- Email address: reservations1@12apostles.co.za
This one is a perfect site because it has a whole package, including a spa and hotel. This guarantees you and your guests a relaxed time.
This five-star hotel and spa is situated along the Atlantic seaboard in St. Tropez, Cape Town. It has the Twelve Apostles Mountains surrounding it and the Atlantic Ocean hugging its edges.
The wedding vows can be exchanged on the beach, and the party continues inside. Your guests can dance all night long on the hotel’s deck without anyone interrupting their fun. It accommodates at least 100 guests comfortably.
2. Strandkombuis
- Contact number: +27 22 481 1003
- Email address: contact@strandkombuis.com
This is one of the perfect Cape Town sunset beach wedding venues you will ever come across. With a capacity of at least 200 people, you can be sure that your wedding guests will be well accommodated.
If you plan a sizable gathering at your ceremony, this is the beach destination to look into. It is located along the beautifully rugged, untouched, and quintessential Cape Town fishing coast.
It will work for a couple that wants a beach wedding on the West Coast side of Cape Town, especially if you wish to find an ideal spot to hold the most romantic, rustic beach-styled wedding.
Apart from the excellent environment, the fresh seafood prepared on open fires and fishing nets, some old boats spread out, and the venue spilling onto the beach make it perfect. You can give your guests the privilege of enjoying the scene as they walk barefoot on the beach.
3. Blue Horizon Guest House
- Contact number: +27 21 856 5324
- Email address: info@bhorizon.co.za
Blue Horizon gives couples a luxurious experience for their wedding. The entire estate’s setting is meant to cater to fabulous weddings. It is located in an area considered a less touristy region of Simon’s Town.
It overlooks Gordons Bay beaches in their entirety. Blue Horizon offers the ultimate wedding destination for anyone seeking to experience luxury without being overboard.
Blue Horizon offers several options, including garden and beach ceremonies and any other variations you may want. You can also be assured of exclusivity since the place hosts a daily function.
4. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
- Contact number: +27 (0)28 384 8053
- Email address: bookings@grootbos.co.za
Nestled between mountain and sea, Grootbos is a Private Nature Reserve that offers a five-star eco-paradise showcasing the incredible flora and marine life of the Southern Tip of Africa.
Home of the “Marine Big”5″—whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins; and with unparalleled floral diversity, Grootbos offers you a one-of-a-kind luxury African experience.
This exotic and luxurious setting, which only accommodates 80 guests at a time and is available upon request, is perfect for an intimate event.
You can only organize a wedding here if you intend to keep the numbers small. You will enjoy being among Fynbos and the white sand and blue water. Nothing beats this romantic setup, especially for an evening wedding.
Only 2 hours from Cape Town and 30 minutes from Hermanus on the way to the world-renowned Garden Route, Grootbos is perfectly situated between the classic attractions of the Cape and is most certainly a highlight on any itinerary.
5. Sea Trader
- Contact number: +27 83 744 1133
- Email address: info@seatrader.co.za
If you truly desire a unique beach wedding, this is the perfect wedding venue Cape Town has to offer. This West Coast gem is ideally located near the sea’s edge. You can exchange your wedding vows outdoors using the wooden deck extension from the restaurant or have it right outside on the sandy beach.
Best beach wedding venues in Durban, South Africa
Kwazulu-Natal offers some of the best South African beaches, ideal for wedding ceremonies. These include:
6. Canelands Beach Club and Spa (Salt Rock)
- Contact number: +27 32 525 2300
- Email address: fo@thecanelands.co.za
Canelands often host stunning, close-knit int*mate weddings in the northern coast location of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It is excellent for mostly small-sized, modern-style beach weddings. It works perfectly for people who love their privacy.
7. Palm Dune Beach Lodge
- Contact number: +27 32 552 1588
- Email address: stay@palmdune.co.za
This is your ultimate romantic beach destination for the dream wedding you have been waiting for. It is one venue that shows how attainable a fancy wedding can be. Whether you hold the ceremony outdoors or prefer indoor affairs, you can be sure that Palm Dune will give you exactly what you need.
8. The Boathouse Luxury Guest House
Photo: @Boathouse Ballito Source: Facebook
- Contact number: +27 32 946 0300
- Email address: reservations@boathouse.co.za
There may be no other place that beats The Boathouse for a romantic evening wedding by the sea. It offers an excellent backdrop for a union based on true love. Whatever you envision for your wedding, the boathouse offers this and much more.
9. The Laughing Forest Resort
Photo: @laughing_forest_weddings Source: Instagram
- Contact number: +27 72 135 2362
- Email address: debbie@laughingforest.co.za
The Laughing Forest wedding venue is located in the beautiful Kwazulu Natal South Coast’s coastal dune forest. They offer indoor, beach, and garden wedding ceremony locations.
They have several lovely garden areas, some overlooking the sea and providing stunning views, creating a relaxed, close-to-nature atmosphere. A large outdoor gazebo is also available for garden and beach wedding ceremonies.
10. Cranford Country Lodge & Wedding Venue
Photo: @cranfordcountrylodge Source: Facebook
- Contact number: +27 82 556 6748
- Email address: info@cranfordcountrylodge.co.za
Cranford Country Lodge is a premier wedding venue in KwaZulu Natal and is ideal for an elegant country wedding in South Africa. They strive to provide a level of excellence that you, your family, and your friends will remember, from the stunning setting to the delectable cordon bleu meals.
11. Bella Vista Venue & Resort
Photo: @bellavista.venue Source: Instagram
- Contact number: +27 83 657 1901
- Email address: mail@bellavista.co.za
Bella Vista is a private venue, so each event is treated as unique and personal. They can provide you with the flexibility of a wedding venue that is exclusively yours for the day. This intimate venue has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for all events.
12. Coastal Beach Lounge
Photo: @coastallounge Source: Facebook
- Contact number: +27 84 319 8932
- Email address: info@coastalbeach.co.za
If you want to have one of the best beach wedding receptions in Durban, Coastal Beach Lounge is the place to be. Elegant bamboo chairs, stylish candle-lit lanterns, and a floral altar are available. The venue can accommodate 350 people.
With some of the most attractive beach wedding venues in South Africa, anyone can finally get their dream wedding by the beach. Take some time and visit a few suggested venues to see which one you like most.
12 things to consider for the beach wedding ceremony in any part of the world
1. Get a beach permit, if needed.
Though this isn’t always required, it is worth your time to do some research so you avoid any unnecessary problems down the line. Find out about noise regulations in both private and public settings, so you can make the proper arrangements.
2. Plan wisely, and avoid crowds.
One of the things you should seek to find out in advance is when the beach is the most crowded. You’ll want to avoid this time to ensure you have enough privacy so your wedding doesn’t turn into a circus. Usually, you’ll find beaches quieter outside of weekends and holidays. Some beaches in Hawaii, for example, don’t allow event set-ups on public beaches. In places like this, you’ll need to instead rent a beachside villa, so you’ll still be able to take photos on the beach after your wedding ceremony.
3. Arrange sturdy seating.
Aluminum chairs, oak benches, different forms of foldable seats, and even chic waterproof ottomans can improve visitor comfort. All of these are sturdy enough not to be blown away by the wind or sink and collapse in the sand. In certain circumstances, you may just need to provide seats for the elderly and children. It all depends on the type of wedding you’re planning and how long the ceremony will be.
4. Accentuate the beach’s natural features.
The beach is beautiful enough as it is, so you won’t need to go overboard with your decor ideas here. Instead, focus on accentuating the natural features in a way that will help bring your wedding to life. It doesn’t all need to be seashells and palm leaves; you can use the various hues of the ocean or sand to create a theme, adding elements like stones, dune glasses, and more.
5. Add in colors to contrast the light color of the sand.
If you’re wondering what colors are best for a beach wedding, we recommend adding some color that will contrast with the sand to make the setting more vibrant. Think green, orange, or coral tones.
6. Shop local for destination weddings.
When sourcing your décor for a destination wedding, try to purchase things from local vendors. This can help you avoid hefty importation fees or delays that can happen if your items get detained by customs for any reason.
7. Prepare for windy conditions.
If it can blow away, it might. Prepare for a windy day, even when it is not expected. Secure everything you can beforehand to avoid this. Use heavier items to weigh things down, like programs and place cards, or just get heavyweight stands. You can also tie programs neatly to chairs. If you plan on tossing dried flower petals, wait to do this once guests arrive.
8. Prepare a shoe station.
No one wants to spend the day with sand in their shoes. With a shoe rack, guests can trade their fancy shoes for flip-flops. Make provisions at the station for guests to be able to wipe or wash the sand off their feet before making the swap. You’ll want to include a seating area, towels, a place to store shoes, and a bucket of water.
9. Have refreshments on hand.
As with any beach day, staying hydrated is important, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than with cold drinks. A table set up with lemonade, ice water, or a signature cocktail will go a long way in keeping your wedding guests satisfied and refreshed.
10. Prevent bug bites.
You’ll want to keep insect repellant close at hand for any outdoor ceremony, particularly beach weddings. Try to get a good brand with ingredients that aren’t harmful and won’t stain your dress.
11. Prepare guests with a welcome package.
You’ll want to ensure everyone is informed about where the wedding will be taking place. Especially if the beach is a long, beautiful stretch, this will help your guests plan accordingly. Just in case anyone comes less than prepared, you can include items like travel-sized sunscreen, hand towels and fans, and bottled water in a fun welcome package.
12. Have a backup plan.
Beach weddings are best kept short and sweet. Just in case the weather changes, have a backup plan. It’s a good idea to have a canopy or tent on hand to keep everyone cool and dry, or ensure your plan B option is somewhere indoors.
