It is generally assumed that the wedding gown makes the “perfect wedding day”. But the wedding venue plays a huge role in what the bride will wear. A beach wedding is a light and airy affair, and everything – even the gown – revolves around the location. If you dream of being a barefoot bride with frangipanis in your hand and the salty sea breeze swirling past your dress, here are some dreamy beach wedding venues that also offer romantic honeymoon accommodation:
Umtamvuna River Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
This idyllic lodge lies on the banks of the Umtamvuna River along a lush nature reserve. With gorgeous tranquil gardens, a private river beach, pool area, and warm climate all year round, Umtamvuna River Lodge has proved to be a popular beach wedding venue on the South Coast. You will feel like you’re on honeymoon before you’ve even said “I do”.
Whether you want to walk down an aisle of tropical palm trees with sand between your toes, exchange vows on the rolling green lawns surrounded by indigenous flora, or share your first kiss on the wooden deck against a cliff face with views over the river banks, Umtamvuna River Lodge is the perfect venue to bring your dreams to life. Smaller weddings and cocktail parties can be hosted around the pool lapa with waters cascading from the rock pool, while reception dinners can be held under the starry skies or in the reception area, which opens onto an expansive, weather-proof deck. Umtamvuna offers personal service and understands that even the smallest details are important. They have plenty of knowledge and experience to share and will cater for your every need.
Spend your wedding night or honeymoon in a king-sized bed in one of the comfortably modern en-suite rooms; each with their own wooden deck. Find out more…
Oyster Bay Lodge, Eastern Cape
With a private 3,5km sandy beachfront, Oyster Bay Lodge is perfectly suited for small and intimate weddings. Set on a private coastal reserve between Knysna and Port Elizabeth, the picturesque backdrop of dunes, woods, river deltas, wetlands, lagoons, free roaming horses, and extensive birdlife will guarantee a memorable occasion.
Delectable picnic baskets are available for daytime receptions, while the Bush Boma is perfect for private braais under the starry sky (depending on the weather and number of guests). The restaurant is also ideal for toasting the newlyweds and offers a variety of appetizing meals.
Accommodation consists of Comfortable Guestrooms and freestanding Luxury Chalets, most of which have private verandas with uninterrupted sea views. All rooms are en-suite and furnished with king-sized beds. Find out more…
Blue Bay Lodge & Resort, Western Cape
Only a few paces from the stretching beaches of Saldanha Bay, a tranquil fishing village north of Cape Town, the elegant Blue Bay Lodge and Resort provides a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere for your wedding. The gabled villa has been tastefully restored to offer unique wedding venues, luxury accommodation, and a restaurant with a stunning 180° view over the bay.
A wooden deck overlooks the ocean and makes a beautiful spot for your ceremony. Alternatively, rings can be exchanged in the courtyard, surrounded by luscious gardens. Seating up to 110 people, the restaurant is the main reception venue, with a wedding package that includes accommodation for your guests in 16 double rooms. The Hall can seat 200 guests, but you are likely going to want to share a first dance, in which case only 150 guests can be seated. The resort also offers a professional wedding coordinator to assist you with all your planning details.
Blue Bay has self-catering beach cottages and en-suite lodge rooms with broad terraces where you can enjoy drinks while watching whales glide by. Find out more…
As perfect as my wedding day was, it’s places like these that make me want to get married all over again. At least now I know where to go for an anniversary getaway…and I have more reasons to renew my vows every year!
