Destination weddings continue to gain popularity with couples who are looking for a unique experience and a more relaxed and intimate event. You don’t have to travel overseas or to a different province to have a destination wedding. Your venue may be located just a few hours from your home.

Here are six reasons why we love a destination wedding:

  1. If you opt for a destination wedding, you are not limited to the venue options that are in your hometown. You can truly pick the venue of your dreams!
  2. A destination wedding feels like a mini vacay with all your favourite people. Since you arrive at your wedding venue ahead of the actual wedding day, there is less rush and stress and the atmosphere is typically more relaxed and fun!
  3. You have the opportunity to enjoy extended quality time with your special guests.
  4. Being away together for a few days with the people you love most gives friends and family from both sides an opportunity to get to know one another. The union becomes greater than just that of two individuals.
  5. Depending on where the wedding is, the smaller size can result in lower costs for the couple. You can also keep it simple as many venues at beautiful destinations require minimal décor.
  6. A destination wedding venue is a meaningful place to go back to when you celebrate a milestone like a 5, 10 or 15-year anniversary.

Once you’ve decided to leave your hometown for your celebration, select a venue that works with your vision and also makes sense from a logistical perspective. Organising a destination wedding comes with its own set of challenges but many of these can be overcome by hiring a wedding planner who knows the area and has contacts with local suppliers.

You will need to start planning your destination wedding early and let guests know well ahead of time so they can make the necessary arrangements to be there. Maintain a flexible approach as you will not be able to anticipate everything ahead of you.

Although more careful planning may be required, once you are there, you will be enveloped in happy holiday vibes augmented by the feelings of joy and love that only a wedding can create.

Here are a few of the spectacular destination wedding venues in our Marriage Meander portfolio.

Umngazi Hotel and Spa

The magical Umngazi Hotel & Spa is a hidden gem on The Wild Coast – South Africa’s most spectacular & yet least touristy region.  Out of season, Umngazi are able to create intimate and memorable weddings for up to 50 people. The bride and groom can either exchange vows on the riverfront with panoramic views of the surrounding maintains, Xhosa huts and setting sun or choose to say “I do” on a stretch of unspoiled eye-catching coastline unique to South Africa.

Ghost Mountain Inn

Celebrate the start of your journey together at Ghost Mountain Inn – the quintessential romantic setting for a beautiful and memorable destination wedding. The relaxed Zululand ambiance combined with the personalised service of Ghost Mountain Inn’s highly skilled and professional team will leave you to enjoy the wedding of your dreams.

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

Bonamanzi Game Reserve near Hluhluwe, is bordered by the spectacular Lake St Lucia Isimangaliso Wetlands, a World Heritage Site, offering bridal couples a spectacular safari setting for their wedding. Up to 184 guests can be accommodated onsite, which makes it a fabulous choice for a destination wedding.

Swallow Cliff Hall

Step into a world of pure extravagance at Swallow Cliff Hall – one of South Africa’s newest and trendiest upmarket wedding venue and luxury villa in the magnificent Southern Drakensberg. What makes Swallw Cliff Hall an even more desirable option for a destination wedding is the proximity of Bushman’s Neck just a few kilometres down the round, which means all your wedding guests can be accommodated in the berg for a fun week-end.

Cathedral Peak Hotel

Set in the majestic mountains of the Drakensberg, the stunning 4-star Cathedral Peak Hotel has hosted many beautiful destination weddings and offers couples the opportunity to return to the hotel for romantic anniversary visits to relive their special day.

The most difficult choice that faces you now – is which of our gorgeous destination wedding venues will you choose?

Bon voyage and happy planning!