Finding your ideal wedding venue is probably one of the most important (and intimidating!) parts of your wedding planning. Which is why I’ve decided to make the venue hunt a whole lot easier for you – starting with this post. Here, in the first part of a seven-part series (yes, seven! Talk about thorough!), I sit down with the wedding guru behind SA bridal site SouthBound Bride, Gaby Frescura, to talk about her top picks of budget, mid-range and blowout wedding venues in the Eastern Cape.
Don’t know where to start? Read this first!
Best budget venue:
Die Walskipper Restaurant, Jeffrey’s Bay
Photography: Monica Dart
The lowdown: “Right on the beach, this barefoot-chic restaurant fits in perfectly with J-Bay’s chilled vibe,” says Gaby, of why she’s named Die Walskipper her top budget pick for the Eastern Cape. “The rustic, homegrown decor is a great talking point among guests – think painted plank tables and benches, bucket lampshades and tin-cup wine glasses! Plus, you can count on serving guests delicious, fresh food cooked on open fires or in a clay oven. Unique and vibey!”
Carmen and Evert’s real wedding at Die Walskipper Restaurant; photography: Monica Dart
Contact: [email protected] or www.walskipper.co.za
Real wedding alert! Click here to see a full gallery of Carmen and Evert’s real wedding at Die Walskipper Restaurant, photographed by Monica Dart.
Best mid-range venue:
Emily Moon River Lodge, Plettenberg Bay
The lowdown:“This magical gem situated on the Garden Route offers eclectic, old-world decor with beautiful views of the winding Bitou River and wetlands,” explains Gaby. “It’s easily accessible from Plett, but still retains an intimate, tucked-away feel. Have your ceremony or post-ceremony cocktails on the pool deck, while the restaurant can cater for up to 100 guests.”
Olivia and Devin’s real wedding at Emily Moon; photography: Wesley Vorster
Contact: [email protected] or www.emilymoon.co.za
Real wedding alert! Click here to see a full gallery of Olivia and Devin’s real wedding at Emily Moon River Lodge, photographed by Wesley Vorster.
Best blowout venue:
Kurland Hotel, Plettenberg Bay
Photography: Mike Rose
The lowdown:
“This exclusive, private location is situated on a 700-hectare estate along the Garden Route, and has catered to plenty of celebrity and high-society weddings,” says Gaby. “Kurland Hotel is internationally renowned, having featured on Condé Nast Traveller‘s prestigious Gold List, as well as being part of the luxury Relais & Châteaux collection. The hotel offers several choices for your reception, depending on the number of guests you’re hosting – but for a big, blowout affair, the bright white Polo Pavilion is hard to beat.”
Tembakazi and Mateli’s real wedding at Kurland Hotel; photography: Monica Dart
Contact:
[email protected] or www.kurland.co.za
Real wedding alert!
Click here to see a full gallery of Tembakazi and Mateli’s real wedding at Kurland Hotel, photographed by Monica Dart.
Do you have a venue to recommend in the Eastern Cape? Tweet us at @GLAMOUR_sa with #GLAMWedding to share!
Sarah Browning, 24, is the managing editor of GLAMOUR. She moved to SA from London three years ago and lives in Cape Town. In this #GLAMWedding Wedding Blog, Sarah’s sharing her wedding-planning journey with you. Join the conversation! Tweet your thoughts to Sarah via @GLAMOUR_sa using #GLAMWedding. For more of Gaby Frescura’s pro wedding advice, visit her SA bridal blog, SouthBound Bride here.
Follow Sarah on Twitter: @sarahmbrowning
Find out more about this #GLAMWedding blog here!
