LOCATION

Where your venue is located in proximity to your possible service providers will have a great impact on your budget – more rural areas can feel like the perfect ‘elopementʼ inspired spot, but the distance to get to the venue will greatly influence how we quote. Most service providers charge an additional fee per kilometer for venues more than 1-hour drive from their home base. If a venue is more than 100 km from where your team is based, a nightʼs accommodation (additional to the travel charges) will most likely be required for your planner, photographer, videographer, and DJ. Please be considerate when arranging accommodation for your service team and don’t assume that everyone will be comfortable sharing a room with someone you don’t know well.

LIGHTING

As a natural light photographer, this is probably one of the most important elements to consider before booking your venue – Does the venue offer a variety of lighting options as well as ample natural light?

If not, especially pertaining to your reception area, additional ambient lighting will have to be arranged (adding to your budget), but it is necessary to ensure you have enough light for us to document your celebration. If you are planning to have lots of additional lighting set up, do ensure there is an on-site generator that can handle large loads. I aim to capture a celebration with the least amount of intrusion – numerous camera flashes can get distracting for you, your guests and looks unappealing in your wedding video.

WEDDING DAY FORMALITIES

The best way to encourage a relaxed wedding day is to minimize travel between venues as much as possible. The best decision is to book a venue offering accommodation for the bridal party on the premises. Getting ready on the estate decreases the likelihood of your guests / bridal party/service providers getting stuck in traffic or lost.

Be practical about your vision. If you wish to get married in a church, select a reception venue located within 15 min driving radius. Yes, the day is about you, but clinking champagne with your friends is more sentimental than sitting in traffic.

FLEXIBILITY + VARIETY

Having your reception outdoors during the summer is magical. The evenings are balmy and it is fun to dance under the stars. That said, always have a Plan B if the weather changes.

Venues which offer a variety of setup solutions on the estate will be able to accommodate any emergency changes. If you have secured or want to secure a venue, do enquire about their plan in the case of power failure. Nothing worse than not having electricity halfway through dinner service!

LITLLE EYE SORES

When walking through your venue, keep an eye out for the little eyesores which may have an impact on your wedding photos; emergency signage, black mounted speakers, weird swinging kitchen doors, etc. Plan your reception layout to avoid these being in the way. Most venues are open to brides covering the signage / requesting white speakers socks when booking their DJ.

VENUES ACCOMMODATING ALL FORMALITIES ON-SITE

These are the places where you check in on a Friday, spend the full weekend celebrating with your friends and family, and jet off on the Sunday for your honeymoon.

La Paris – Franchhoek | Bosjes – Worcester | Tintswalo – Cape Town | De Uiljenes – Gansbaai | Natte Valleij – Stellenbosch | Langverwagt Estate – Cape Town | Old Mac Daddy – Elgin | Nooitgedacht – Stellenbosch | Hawksmoor House – Stellenbosch | Boschendal Estate – Stellenbosch | Babylonstoren – Simondium | Vrede&Lust – Simondium | Molenvliet – Stellenbosch | Zorgvliet – Stellenbosch | Elandskloof – Greyton | Langkloof Roses – Wellington

VENUES WITH ACCOMMODATION CLOSE BY

These are the places where get ready for your ceremony off-site at a Guesthouse / AirBnB, which will require some driving, yet offer flexible areas for your various formalities;

Die Woud – Caledon | The Conservatory – Franschhoek | Landtscap – Stellenbosch | De Meye – Stellenbosch | Laurent at Lourensford – Somerset West | Neo Venue – Wellington |

THEME OVER ALL ELSE

If you are planning a wedding according to a specific theme, regardless of the logistics, then the following suggestions will assist in narrowing down the search for your perfect wedding venue;

• Boho – Rustic: Beloftebos | De Uiljenes | Die Woud | Olive Rock | Rockhaven | Montpellier |
• Modern: Cavalli Estate | Modern Heirloom | Bosjes | Anura | Old Tannery | Johannesdal 1207 | DeZeven Guest Lodge | Boschendal
• Adventure Weddings: Elgin River Lodge | Pat Busch | Wolfkop Camping | Cathedral Peak | Pat Busch
• Karoo Weddings: Lord Milner Hotel, Matjiesfontein | Karoo 1 Hotel Village
• Romantic: Belair Estate | Diamant Estate | Langkloof Roses | Simondium Country Estate | Towerbosch | Liepzig Estate | Le Jardin

Have questions or need input from me? Feel free to drop me an email and let’s start planning your dream celebration!

x Marli