Plan an Elegant-Meets-Adventerous South Africa Wedding

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Imagine a place that combines the wines of Napa, the mountain vistas of Colorado, California's beaches (but with penguins) and an actual safari instead of a zoo. It sounds dreamy, but it's actually South Africa. A South Africa wedding can combine many of the above. It makes the country on Africa's southernmost tip a picture-perfect spot for US couples hoping to skip town and tie the knot against a stunning backdrop—off the Caribbean-beaten path.

The location opens the door for unique experiences—not just food and scenery. Couples can honor the locale by working South African wedding traditions into the ceremony.

Planning a wedding in South Africa is an exciting adventure. But, as with other destination wedding locations, couples will need to cut through some extra red tape. For instance, it'll be more challenging to see all the wedding venues South Africa offers like you might near your hometown. Then, there's the possibility of needing to obtain a marriage license in South Africa.

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Yet, these challenges are worth accepting if you've fallen head over heels for the idea of a destination soiree in South Africa (or are strongly considering it). Here's what you'll want to know first, including the top wedding sites in South Africa and planner-suggested tips for budgeting and choosing a dream team of vendors.

South Africa Wedding Planning Tips in This Article:

• Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love South Africa Weddings
• The Best Wedding Locations in South Africa
• Top South Africa Wedding Venues
• South Africa Wedding Legal Requirements
• South Africa Wedding Planning Tips

Why Couples and Wedding Guests Love South Africa Weddings

When it comes to diverse topography and a unique feel, a South Africa wedding arguably takes the (three-tiered buttercream) cake. Safari? Check. Resorts? Check. Waterfront? Check. Vineyard vistas? Also, check.

"We have some amazing venues, exceptional hospitality and some of the best wines in the world, and most of it is right on our doorstep," says Cara Lee Pearce of The Mosaic Wedding Company in South Africa.

Whether you get married at a Western Cape vineyard or one of the many other stunning wedding destinations in South Africa, your big day can be one with plenty of clinked glasses full of Syrah and chenin blanc. As for the food, bunny chow, springbok and crocodiles are potential adventure options for taste buds.

All the opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in South Africa make it an easy spot to go straight from your morning-after brunch to an extended honeymoon. Imagine getting married on a Western Cape vineyard and then relaxing in Cape Town or having a safari escapade.

And, we're likely not going out on a limb when we say that many people on your guestlist have never been to South Africa, so they may be eager to turn your wedding day into a launch point for an incomparable vacation.

Pro tip: Invite a destination wedding travel expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace for South Africa wedding expertise, group hotel blocks, flight arrangements and more.

The Best Wedding Locations in South Africa

By now, it's likely crystal clear that South Africa's diverse landscape gives couples all kinds of options for tying the knot. Before choosing one of the many wedding sites South Africa has, you'll want to pinpoint your dream region and backdrop. These wedding destinations in South Africa will take you through cityscapes, coastal resorts, vineyards and safaris.

Western Cape Winelands

A hub for culinary and wine excellence, the Western Cape Winelands is paradise found for couples who agree that taste is the best sense. However, the sights are also something to see. Pearce hails Stellenbosch and Franschhoek as her "firm-favorite regions" for the views, wine and "fabulous accommodation." The larger Stellenbosch has a buzzier vibe and is home to numerous bistros, ideal for welcome parties or between-event bites and sips. The charming Franschhoek is conveniently more walkable, so you can save on transportation needs.

Cape Town

Coastal elegance or mountain charm? You get the best of both worlds in this South African resort city between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean and below the 3,558-foot flat-peaked Table Mountain. A photo session on Boulders Beach may include a penguin sighting. The bustling V&A Waterfront's restaurants, shops and carousel boast plenty for guests to do. The waterfront is also perfect for planned or impromptu welcome drinks if couples want to venture off their venue's ground for a scene change.

Johannesburg

The largest city in South Africa offers convenience—couples and guests will likely fly into the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Beyond that, it's steeped in opportunities to explore the country's history, culture and modern charm. Nelson Mandela's former residence, the Nelson Mandela Museum, is in the city. As for venues, Shepstone Garden's lush greenery and sparkling chandeliers make it feel like a bygone oasis in a bustling city. Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch is set within a walkable, gated community with easy access to a spa, golf course and shopping that'll keep couples and guests in a serene state of mind.

Gqeberha

Couples hoping to choose a South African wedding site where no guest has gone before can hedge their bets on Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). Found on the less-traveled-to Eastern Cape, Gqeberha's amiable residents have earned it the nickname the "Friendly City." It's home to the aptly-named Beach Hotel, which can accommodate intimate soirees of 80 guests or fewer in its waterfront digs. La Colline's wraparound balcony, valley vistas and sparkling pond also make it a stunning spot for vows and dancing.

Kruger National Park

For an absolutely one-of-a-kind fete, consider using the safari as your backdrop. Found in northeast South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of the continent's largest game farms. Every one of the big five calls this sprawling safari home (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos). Ditto for more than 500 bird species, like bald eagles. The scenery offers many of South Africa's greatest hits—mountains, plains and tropical forests. Venues, like Leopard Sands, Kruger Park, offer views of the park from the safety of a luxury suite. Some may add transportation to the park in packages, but pairs can arrange 4x4 tours for a wild and wow-worthy wedding week itinerary item.

Pro tip: As you consider South Africa wedding locations, don't forget about your newlywed vacation. Plan an amazing South Africa honeymoon, too, with our complete guide.

Top South Africa Wedding Venues

You'll want to book the venue once you've chosen your dream location. Like the country itself, wedding sites in South Africa are anything but one-size-fits-all. Besides the scenery, some include wedding packages and on-site planning. These perks may streamline the planning process for couples planning a South African wedding from oceans away.

Leopard Sands, Kruger Park

Lions, tigers and rhinos? You bet. Couples and guests can walk on the wild side at Leopard Sands, Kruger Park. Parties can spot wildlife from behind closed windows at the 18-suite Marriott resort. Ditto for the sweeping vistas of Sabie River. Two fully inclusive packages include exclusive use of the lodge, a trip to Kruger National Park (park fees not included), catering (sans beverages) and laundry service. One accommodates up to 36 guests for three nights. The other accommodates 44 guests, with eight staying at an off-site location. Add-ons, including a planner, flowers and in-room spa services like massages, are also available.

Zorgvliet Wine Estate

Found on the doorstep of Stellenbosch and near Cape Town, Zorgvliet Wine Estate is surrounded by mountains and vines. The multi-space venue offers more scene changes than an Eras tour concert, allowing couples to use it for each wedding function. There's a lounge in the Country Lodge ideal for pre-wedding drinks, and picnic and BBQ areas are made for brunches and under-the-stars receptions. A chapel and open-air ceremony are both on the table—couple's choice (weather permitting). And guests can delight in wine-tasting events. A two-person team ties up all the loose ends so pairs can focus on tying the knot. On-site accommodations are available at the Country Lodge.

La Residence

A five-star hotel in the heart of Franschhoek, La Residence is doused in Cape Winelands charm. The private, 30-acre estate offers something stunning at every turn—from vineyards to mountains to posh accommodations with private gardens and terraces. La Residence can accommodate up to 150 guests, and couples will work with a dedicated wedding coordinator and chef. The food package includes a tasting for the couple, canapes, a three-course meal and a midnight snack. Wine stewards can pair vinos with foods upon request—an opportunity for pairs to pour into the vineyard theme. The coordinator can also assist couples with booking other vendors, including florists, officiants and musicians.

Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel

A Cape Town retreat, Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, offers proximity to Clifton's white-sand beaches and Table Mountain in a sophisticated but approachable setting. Tall trees provide ample shade, while gardens offer fairy-tale charm. Tiered packages run the gamut. Most feature three to five-course menus and accommodations for the couple. For a true kitchen-sink splurge, a Moët & Chandon package includes a bubbly breakfast for the couple and (naturally) a Moët & Chandon Jeroboam bottle as a guest book. On-site staff can assist with flowers and an ivory carpet for the ceremony.

Pro tip: Once you've decided on your South Africa wedding venue, send out destination wedding save-the-dates with important info so your guests can book the time off and start thinking about travel plans.

South Africa Wedding Legal Requirements

The flowers and bubbly are the fun bells and whistles, but weddings are a legal commitment. Couples will want to understand how to get a marriage license in South Africa if they wish to tie the knot there legally. A symbolic ceremony is another option for wedding planners. Below, we'll explain what each involves and how to navigate a legal wedding in South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs and the US Embassy and Consulates in South Africa have useful information, and an experienced wedding planner can help you through these steps.

Legal Weddings vs. Symbolic Weddings

Couples can have a legal or symbolic wedding in South Africa. As the name implies, legal weddings are binding and involve having the proper paperwork and a qualified officiant. "This can be done with a bit of red tape involved, but typically, we suggest getting the formalities done in the US and then having a 'blessing ceremony' in South Africa," says Taneall Nagel, an Elsewhere by Lonely Planet local expert in South Africa

A blessing—or a symbolic ceremony—is full of love, pomp and circumstance, but it's not legally binding. "A symbolic wedding is purely ceremonial and does not have legal standing," Pearce says. "Couples often choose this option if they've already completed the legalities in their home country, which is far easier."

Required Legal Documents

If you're proceeding with a legal wedding in South Africa, you'll want to ensure you have the appropriate documents. You will need a valid passport and to submit a notarized "Letter of No Impediment to Marry." This letter states there's no legal reason you and your partner cannot get married. If either of you have been married before, you'll need to present a valid divorce decree or the death certificate of the spouse who died.

Legal Marriage Timeline

To execute a "Letter of No Impediment to Marry," you must book an appointment with the American Citizen Services Unit of the US Consulates General in Johannesburg, Bourbon or Cape Town. On the day of the appointment, you'll want to bring a printed confirmation of the appointment, passports and $50 or a major credit card to pay the notarization fee.

Bring all of these documents on your wedding day, plus two witnesses over 18. Officiants must be authorized to your legal wedding. Ceremonies must take place in a church or other religious building, public office or private house with open doors, or a hospital or similar facility (in the case of serious injuries or illness). There isn't a residency or blood test requirement to legally wed in South Africa.

Legal Marriage Cost

You will need to pay $50 on the day the "Letter of No Impediment to Marry" is notarized using cash or a major credit card. The first issue of an abridged marriage certificate is free, but a re-issue will cost R75.00 (or more than $4,200). Local officials and wedding planners can alert you to other potential fees.

South Africa Wedding Planning Tips

You've navigated the South African legal system (or chosen to get legally married closer to home). But how about getting to and around South Africa? From transportation to ways to save money, these planner-backed insights will help you get hitched in a day that'll go off without a hitch.

How to Get to South Africa

When crafting your wedding itinerary, you will want to plan for significant travel time. The fastest way to get to South Africa is by air. People traveling from New York might be able to book a direct flight to Johannesburg that'll run around 15 hours, but pairs flying in from Los Angeles will want to plan for around a trek lasting 24 hours or more with a layover.

South Africa is five times larger than England (read: huge). If you're not getting married in Johannesburg, you may have another flight ahead. For instance, a flight to Cape Town from Johannesburg takes a little over two hours. In South Africa, renting a car or using ride-sharing (available in major cities) is the safest and most efficient option.

Best Months to Marry in South Africa

South Africa's weather patterns vary by region and season. South Africa's winter and rainy season is generally June to August, bringing the fewest travelers and the lowest prices. If you're looking to snag a deal on your dream venue, this is the timeframe—unless you're opting for a safari affair. In that case, May through September will give you the best chance of avoiding rain and piping-hot temperatures on your wedding day. Bonus: You're also more likely to spot wildlife sipping water during this time because there's less foliage blocking your view, but the prices will be higher. Want to make a splash? Whale-watching is at its best in September and October.

South Africa Wedding Venue and Vendors

Putting together a team of vendors for a South Africa destination wedding can be a challenge. There's an 8 to 10-hour time zone difference, and it's more difficult to meet in person once (if at all). Pearce says it's crucial to find reputable vendors in the area. Checking Google and other Internet reviews is a good start, but she suggests digging deeper.

"Work with a local wedding planner who has really great vendor relationships," Pearce says. "Trust is so important, and it is always a plus to work with people that the planner already knows."

Virtual meetings also help you speak with a vendor face-to-face and ask for work samples, like an entire wedding a photographer has shot. "Entire" is a keyword—some portfolios only show one or two highlights from a wedding, whereas seeing an event photographed from start to finish gives you a fuller picture (no pun intended).

"If it is possible, plan a trip to the venue and do a walk-through with the planner to make sure your vision is aligned," Pearce says.

For help finding potential South Africa wedding venues and vendors, head to The Knot Vendor Marketplace for a comprehensive list of travel specialists with expertise in destination weddings.

Budgeting Tips

A South African wedding cost will vary, but Pearce and Nagel say couples will generally pay less than they would if they said "I do" at home or other popular locales, in part because of the exchange rate. One South African rand (R) is a little over a nickel (or 1/20 of the American dollar) in the US—a draw for many international couples.

"South African weddings are often considered more affordable compared to the US or Europe, but they still come with a price tag if you want a three-day event with all the bells and whistles," Pearce says.

Pearce says the venue, number of days, headcount and desired luxury level factor into a destination wedding cost in South Africa. But she's seen price tags range from R80,000 (about $45.1K) to R3 million (about $169K). Pearce suggests paying deposits early to secure current rates. Using Wise.com to make international payments can save you the hassle of recalculating costs based on fluctuations in currency and fewer intermediary international fees.

Nagel says some venues may offer lower prices in the middle of the week or during off-peak seasons. Lowering the guest count in favor of a more intimate affair is another way to reduce costs. Pearce suggests leaning into the natural beauty of wedding sites in South Africa instead of going all in on flowers to save. "Wine farms are so pretty, so doing an outdoor wedding can help in terms of floral [arrangements]," Pearce says.

Pro tip: Set up a free destination wedding website on The Knot with all the event details including your South Africa wedding itinerary, things to do, guest travel information, RSVPs and more.