Want the perfect wedding venues in and around East London, South Africa, to hold your marriage ceremony? Here’s a list of the top 10 to choose from.
Marriage is a celebration of love, commitment, and starting a new chapter in life; it is more than just a ceremonial event (wedding).
In the hearts of couples, families, and communities alike, weddings are particularly precious. They represent the coming together of two people in love, surrounded by those closest to them, as they set out on a path toward a lifetime of companionship. Weddings are a time-honored custom that unites people to share in the delight and excitement of the occasion, from the vows to the joyful celebrations that follow.
Selecting the ideal location for their vows is an important choice for couples everywhere since it sets the tone for their special day and produces enduring memories. South Africa has been a well-liked wedding destination for couples looking for an exceptional and unforgettable wedding experience because of its varied landscapes, lively culture, and kind hospitality.
Just like Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, and Nelspruit, East London is one of the best wedding destinations in South Africa that is worth considering. Couples often seek venues in this location that reflect their personalities, preferences, and budget, ensuring that their special day is a true reflection of their love and commitment to one another.
Where is East London in South Africa?
East London is affectionately called the Buffalo City by the municipality or locals because it lies at the mouth of the Buffalo River along the Indian Ocean.
This location in South Africa is situated 1000km from Cape Town on the south-east coast of Port City, Eastern Cape province.
Lying in between the Nahoon River in the north and the Buffalo River to the south, it is the only river port in South Africa. The shores are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and with its sub-tropical climate, it is a sought-after tourist destination for local South Africans and international tourists alike.
What is East London best known for?
East London is all about its long, white stretches of sandy beach that appeal to surfers, swimmers, and sun worshippers alike.
It’s known for its beaches, such as Cove Rock. The beaches here are some of the finest in the world, and a few, like Nahoon Reef, are a surfer’s paradise and host to international surfing competitions.
Fossilised human and animal footprints, plus artifacts from the Xhosa-speaking people, are exhibited at the East London Museum. Elephants, lions, zebras, and other wildlife roam in several nearby game reserves.
Best wedding venues in East London, South Africa
There are numerous venues in East London, South Africa, that are suitable for events including weddings, parties, birthdays, conferences, business meetings, and other celebrations.
These venues comprise indoor (like chapels, hotel resorts, halls, etc.) and outdoor locations (beaches, mountains, botanical gardens, etc.).
These venues captivate visitors with its lush surroundings, temperate climate, and vibrant cultural scene.
The city has numerous hotels, malls, cafes, pubs, theatres, and restaurants.
The choice of a marriage ceremony venue should be based on the number of guests, budget, location, theme, and date. These top wedding venues in East London should be considered by all couples who have plans to get married in the Buffalo City Municipality.
Top 10+ wedding venues in East London, South Africa that are cheap and elegant
East London’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for couples seeking a memorable wedding celebration amidst the Eastern Cape’s breathtaking landscapes.
1. Olivewood Private Estate & Golf Club
Less than 30km from East London, nestled in the Chintsaa East Valley, lies the magnificent Olivewood Private Estate and Golf Club. This location is an oasis of tranquility and grandeur within the Eastern Cape Coastal Forest of South Africa.
Olivewood offers various serene lifestyle choices, completely in harmony with nature.
Olivewood offers a range of personalised conferencing options and a variety of event venues. Elevate your conference by choosing a stylish, beautiful, and well-set-up location.
This location offers guests world-class facilities, including a fully equipped and functional conference centre, accommodating anything from six to eighty people and separate work areas available for breakaway sessions.
Their elegant Rosewood Venue, catering to up to 200 guests, is the perfect setting for any wedding and can be adapted to suit your requirements and style. This light, airy, and spacious venue is renowned for its modern and luxurious feel, with an easily accessible bar area, panoramic windows, hanging chandeliers, and wooden flooring.
Framed by the indigenous forest, Olivewood’s par 72-course measures 6200m from the pro tees and 4900m from the lady’s tees. Carefully placed water features, trees, and magnificent greens highlight the unique layout of the course.
2. Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
This world-class Eastern Cape game reserve in South Africa is a 40-minute drive from East London National Airport, offering a malaria-free Big Five safari. Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve has a prime location with a rich diversity of landscapes and a tidal estuary. The reserve is situated within an area encompassing 5 different biomes, which offer varied game viewing.
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve near East London is home to the Big Five wildlife: Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, and the elusive Leopard as well as many other fascinating animals, both big and small including the rare White Lion. Due to its unique position adjacent to the coast, guests can also spot a Southern Right Whale along these shores in season.
Couples who prefer a forest, safari, or wildlife wedding, with the sound of animals in the background can consider choosing Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve.
On the Wild Coast, weddings at the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve are as romantic and unique as the love that brings you here.
Weddings here can be both outdoor and indoor, as this destination has well-trimmed gardens and chapels worth considering.
Contemporary and yet authentically African, their perfectly appointed venue is the ideal mix of wild beauty and modern comfort. Stroll down the red carpet to take your vows in Inkwenkwezi’s charming thatched open-air chapel, nestled among gardens and waterfalls. When the sun goes down, the chapel’s lights flicker on to capture this beauty deep into the night.
When you’ve taken your vows and are ready to celebrate, you and your guests will enjoy the feast of a lifetime, crafted of the freshest, most delightful ingredients and accompanied by the finest wines.
You’ll dance your way into a new life together as music and laughter echo into the starry Wild Coast skies.
This location has five venues, all of which are worth your wedding expectations. These include:
- Bush Camp Room Interior is situated within the Game Reserve and it offers luxury accommodation for 12 guests in six en-suite safari tents. The Bush Camp tents are approximately 20 meters apart. All tents have electricity, twin beds with Cloud 9 mattresses and slatted headboards, bedside tables and bedside lamps, fans, heaters, a chest of drawers, and a personal tea and coffee station.
- Valley Camp Room Interior: Spacious and well-appointed, the Valley Camp, which is situated within the Game Reserve, offers luxury tented accommodation at Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve in an intimate, leafy setting. Six custom-designed luxury tents can accommodate a total of 12 guests.
- The Sunset Lapa: Situated amid the accommodation tents, their Sunset Lapa is an inviting restaurant for their accommodation guests in which guests are invited to enjoy tasty meals, freshly prepared on-site, during their stay with us. Guests can enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar or catch up with family and friends utilising the free wifi on offer. The Sunset Lapa is available for small private functions (maximum 30 people), subject to availability.
- Umnenga Lodge: Situated just 6km from Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve at Glen Eden and 1km from their pristine beaches. All roads to the establishment are tarred. Umnenga Lodge is ideal for accommodating tour groups. Umnenga Lodge has 15 Twin rooms, 3 Double rooms, 1 Honeymoon Suite, and 6 single rooms.
- Chintsa Sands Lodge: Chintsa Sands Guesthouse is situated 4km from Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve at Chintsa West only 50 meters from the beach. Chintsa Sands Guests House offers en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee facilities, and a communal lounge with televisions in all rooms.
3. East London Golf Club
East London Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in South Africa.
A traditional course layout set amongst hills, dunes, and coastal indigenous bush, East London Golf Club has a combination of both links and parkland features. The course is also home to a family of impala, residents of the course, the Knysna Loerie, and other species of bird life.
The ELGC has retained – over the years – a position of high recognition as one of the best Championship courses in South Africa. The Club and course has played host to the SA Open six times and is a regular home for National and Regional Championships, Seniors, and Nomads Tournaments.
This venue is also best for events including weddings, conferences, business meetings, birthdays, and other functions. There are a number of venues reserved for such purposes, per the official website, and these include:
- Birdie 1 and Birdie 2: This large venue can seat 180 delegates cinema style and 90 delegates schoolroom style. It is divisible into two separate venues known as Birdie 1 and Birdie 2. When divided, each of these smaller venues seats 60 delegates cinema and 40 delegates schoolroom-style.
- Albatross Room: A split-level venue, it has great views over the valley, sea and golf course. It accommodates 100 people cinema- and 40 schoolroom-style. Catering is provided in the adjoining Annie’s Bar, with private balcony and outdoor smoking facilities.
- Annie’s Bar: Annie’s Bar has a comfortable capacity of 60 guests and is mostly used as a smaller cocktail party venue. However, the sliding doors can be opened onto a private balcony area, which enables the venue to accommodate up to 200 people, with an outside smoking area.
- Eagle Room: The venue is able to seat 80 delegates cinema- and 60 delegates schoolroom- style.
- Fairways Lounge: A multi-purpose, spacious venue, it is flexible enough to host most large functions of up to 150 people. The view is dazzling, sweeping over the Nahoon Valley and beach, right up along the coast. The atmosphere depends on the occasion, and is suited to anything from black tie to casual.
- Garden Conference Centre: The two adjoining venues are tucked away in a grove of trees and are separate from the main club, but still within easy walking distance. They are ideal for private functions, as well as conferences. For conferences, the larger venue can seat 28 people in schoolroom- and 50 in cinema- style, while the smaller venue seats 20. It is perfect for functions and accommodates up to 60 people for a formal dinner and 80 for a cocktail party
- The Executive Suite: A warm, wood-panelled bar, ideal for small meetings in an informal atmosphere. Sliding doors opening onto an open balcony with fantastic course views.
- Banqueting: While ELGC is justifiably proud of its venue, the catering compliments it. The offer is superb, both in its quality and value for money. There are extensive menus. However, clients are encouraged to consult the professional staff to design menus that fit their exact requirements.
4. Grazia Private Venue and Conference Facility
Grazia Fine Food and Wine was established in 2003 by Grazia Linden and head chef Eric Ngubane.
This place is located at the Aquarium Road Quigney, East London, South Africa.
The restaurant continues the tradition of good food and excellent service with the new addition of Grazia’s private venue and conference facilities. The upstairs venue with a panoramic ocean view, elegant interior, and private parking is the perfect venue for private functions and small weddings.
With a seating capacity of up to 60 people for a sit-down buffet, or up to 80 people for a cocktail-style party, you are sure to find a package to suit your needs.
The new conference venue equipped with wifi, audio, and video facilities, provides a dedicated environment for meetings and intimate conferencing, as well as rent-an-office for the day, ideal for interviews, etc with packages designed to suit your requirements.
Also, this is one of the locations most Indians choose for their nuptials and accommodation in South Africa.
5. The Vineyard Guest Lodge and wedding venue
The Vineyard Guest Lodge is one of the popular places in East London, South Africa.
It is located in a picturesque farm setting with a vineyard approximately 30 km north-east of East London.
This location is worth considering if you ever plan on having an event. They mostly specializes in boutique weddings. However, they are available for conferences, and other functions.
Toast to your love amidst rolling vineyards and panoramic views at the Vineyard Retreat, a charming venue located in the heart of East London’s wine country.
With its rustic charm, boutique accommodations, and affordable pricing, this venue offers a romantic escape for wine-loving couples.
Accommodation for the bridal party and magnificent photo opportunities complete the perfect picture.
6. Gonubie Manor
Gonubie Manor, built in the 1800’s and steeped in history, was built by a Settler’s family, the Mackenzie’s. Originally built as a hotel to accommodate guests far and wide. They would come from inland to the harbor to buy goods such as tea, sugar, and spices. Back in time, it took 6 hours from the harbor to the Manor to spend the night and rest.
Gonubie Manor, the Grand Old Lady of the Eastern Cape, is ideally situated in close proximity to the N2 highway.
This location in East London offers self-catering units as well as accommodation for weddings, conference venues, and private & corporate functions. They have a pool and braai facilities to enjoy.
Ideally situated close to the sandy white beaches, game reserves, casinos, movies, shopping centers, restaurants, health spas, quad biking, bird watching, and much more. We are the ideal stopover for the wary traveller or for those who want to break away in a country setting.
At Gonubie-Manor, they offer a variety of decor options. Draping, chair covers, a stage to elevate the bride and groom, chandeliers, table cloths, chair tie-backs, special chairs, etc.
Couples who choose Gonubie are given options for venues for both indoor and outdoor events. They have smaller hall seats up to 120 guests comfortably and the big venue with glass doors, seats up to 450 guests. Both these venues are air-conditioned. Both Venues have entrance lobbies and are decorated in white, but have extensive draping possibilities. Essentially, we have a blank canvass that we can use to create the ambiance that you require.
If you prefer an open-air celebration, you can choose their outdoor area for your wedding. This lies between the very large glass frontage to their 600-square-meter sqm Hall and a water feature on the right. Right in the middle is a beautiful lawn structure that accommodates up to 450 guests. You may want to enjoy your ceremony in the open air, or you may wish for us to erect a bedouin tent to give your guests some shelter. No request is too big or too small.
7. 2 Swans Wedding & Function Farm
2 Swans is a wedding and function venue in a picturesque setting with a beautifully designed white marquee on the banks of a huge lake. It is situated only 17km from East London on the East Coast of East London, just 3 km off the N2, and is perfectly situated between East London and the “Transkei.”
This location is worth considering for weddings, conferences, holiday accommodation, meetings, and other functions.
They host both indoor and outdoor events. They offer a specially hand-built Gazebo or country chapel for your ceremony. The marquee holds 80 to 350 people. They have a well-trimmed garden for your open-air ceremonies.
They have been in the catering business for over 20 years and have catered to from 5 to 2000 people.
8. Blue Lagoon Hotel & Conference Centre
The Blue Lagoon Hotel is a popular location in South Africa, situated on the banks of the Nahoon River and nestled in sub-tropical foliage.
The Blue Lagoon offers tranquility and seclusion just outside East London. It features an outdoor pool, a separate children’s pool, and a BBQ area.
This destination offers services including wedding, conference, and event venues, self-catering, and holiday accommodations.
They understand that your wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life and should be treated as such. Here at the Blue Lagoon, they offer you their gorgeous Sunset Function Venue with spectacular views of the Nahoon River, quality, and wonderful service, guaranteeing you a stylish, elegant, and memorable experience.
The Sunset Function venue overlooks the picturesque lagoon, where the Nahoon River meets the warm Indian Ocean. The river and beach make ideal settings for your photographs, and its conveniently and easily accessible for your wedding party with our private beach access.
At Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Center you will find stylish, garden-facing rooms or modern luxury two-bedroom lagoon-facing suites. They are air-conditioned, feature a private bathroom, and are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, a satellite TV, and a mini-bar.
A complimentary breakfast gives you a great start to your day. After having as active or relaxing a time as you wish, excellent dining and drinks while admiring the sunset await you. The “Upstairs On Blue” cocktail lounge serves various cocktails and alcoholic beverages.
Blue Lagoon Hotel and Conference Center faces Nahoon Reef, a surfer’s paradise. Many other beautiful Eastern Cape beaches are nearby. Squash and tennis courts are available at the country club, and the East London Golf Course is also very close. “Big 5” game reserves, horse trails, and forest walks are all within a couple of hours’ drive.
9. Haga Haga Hotel
Haga Haga Hotel is a family-owned hotel & self-catering accommodation celebrating the old-world charm and hospitality of the Eastern Cape Wild Coast.
Haga Haga Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate your special day. A stone’s throw from unspoilt, endless beaches set against the backdrop of rolling hills and magnificent ocean views.
The venue, both indoors and outdoors, will allow you to have the versatility of enjoying the beautiful evenings without missing out on the view.
The rocks and beach around the hotel provide a stunning backdrop for those special photographs. Friends and family can all be accommodated in the hotel and their village.
Their venue provides you with many choices of where you would like to have your ceremony. Choose from the beach, the deck overlooking the ocean, the chapel in the village, or on their tennis court with the sand between your toes.
For visitors or travelers, they can accommodate 120 under their stretch tent with plated service and drinks, or alternatively, up to 200 on their tennis court, which is a stone’s throw from the sea. Anything over 200 will be a buffet/spitbraai.
10. Santa Paloma Guest Farm & Eco Centre
Santa Paloma Guest Farm & Eco Centre is nestled in the beautiful coastal forest of the Eastern Cape.
This is a private-owned property managed by Jacques and his daughter, Nadia.
Santa Paloma offers tastefully decorated en-suite accommodations.
It is a renovated milkshed that is loved for country weddings and events in East London. Enjoy an outdoor experience with a 360-degree, unspoiled view of nature.
Santa Paloma offers a unique event and country wedding venue in a magnificently renovated Milkshed. Couples on the lookout for a perfect country wedding or a unique spot for functions with fresh, coastal forest air on the requirements list, this destination is worth considering.
Their venue is flexible and offers couples a one-stop wedding destination. Our farm offers beautiful natural vistas and quiet, secluded hideaways where photographers can record your special day forever. The Milkshed is the perfect venue to hold your reception, and the bridal couple are just steps away from their room, so there is no need to leave the reception early.
In addition to weddings and workshops, they also offer venue hire for private functions. They have packages for both evening and half-day events such as special birthdays, anniversary parties, and engagement parties. The venue accommodates a maximum of 120 people.
Conclusion
There are many different wedding venues in East London, South Africa, to choose from, including lavish beachfront resorts and quaint vineyard hideaways, to fit every taste and budget. East London’s magnificent natural beauty, warm friendliness, and affordable rates make it the perfect location for couples wishing to exchange vows amidst a breathtaking backdrop and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Whether hosting a formal celebration or a small, intimate get-together, couples are sure to find the perfect setting in this little seaside city to celebrate their love.
