Welcome to part two (click here for part one, focused on the Eastern Cape) of this seven-part series on the best SA wedding venues. Once again, I chatted to wedding pro Gaby Frescura, of SA bridal blog SouthBound Bride, about her top picks of budget, mid-range and blowout wedding venues in Gauteng. Ideas for every spend and style, here!
Best budget venue:
Olive Mystery, Bapsfontein
Christiaan and Gerna’s real wedding at Olive Mystery; photography: Yolande Marx The lowdown: “Olive Mystery has a wonderful rustic charm, with Tuscan-inspired decor,” says Gaby. “Situated just 20 minutes from Pretoria, it feels countrified and rural, and even includes its own on-site chapel. Plus, it offers competitive rates if you’re a bride on a budget.”
Contact: olive [email protected] or www.olivemystery.co.za
Real wedding alert! Click here to see a full gallery of Christiaan and Gerna’s real wedding at Olive Mystery, photographed by Yolandé Marx.
Best mid-range venue:
Florence Farm, Chrissiesmeer
Ester and Tobias’ real wedding at Florence Farm; photography: Leani Holmes
The lowdown
“This is the ultimate woodland wedding venue in Gauteng: ceremonies can be held in the ‘enchanted forest’, with barn doors opening up to an open-air cathedral of trees,” explains Gaby. “There are spots aplenty for beautiful photos, and your reception can take place inside a beautiful barn. Expect traditional homestead cuisine, from melkkos to mosbolletjies!”
Ester and Tobias’ real wedding at Florence Farm; photography: Leani Holmes
Contact: [email protected] or www.florence.co.za
Real wedding alert! Click here to see a full gallery of Ester and Tobias’ real wedding at Florence Farm, photographed by Leani Holmes.
Best blowout venue:
Randlords, Johannesburg
Dessi and Manuel’s real wedding at Randlords; photography: Jules Morgan
The lowdown: “This super-glam rooftop bar and lounge has a luxurious, cocktail-party atmosphere that’s guaranteed to wow guests,” says Gaby. “Think: sleek, cosmopolitan decor, designer cocktails and unbeatable 360-degree views of the City of Gold – especially impressive at night, when it comes alive with glittering lights.”
Dessi and Manuel’s real wedding at Randlords; photography: Jules Morgan
Contact: [email protected] or www.randlords.co.za
Real wedding alert! Click here to see a full gallery of Dessi and Manuel’s real wedding at Randlords, photographed by Jules Morgan.
Do you have a venue to recommend in Gauteng? 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
Not familiar with #GLAMWedding yet? Find out all about this Wedding Blog here!
