10 top wedding venues in the winelands

Wedding planner Pam Gray talks about her favourite spots to get hitched

Are you in love with the winelands around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Somerset West? Are you engaged, have set a time for the big day and are ready to find a wedding venue? The Cape’s winelands might be on your mind. Wedding expert and planner Pam Gray from Affinity weddings talks about her favourite spots – we hope you get some ideas!

1. Morgenhof Wine Estate
This venue has a large chapel and a small cobbled one which was once a stable. I love this little chapel, when lit with candles and filled with flowers. There are two reception rooms, one larger one and a small one that looks into the cellar, which is lit by small spotlights. A truly romantic venue all in all.
Klapmuts Road, R44 | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 889 5510

2. Backsberg Estate
This is one of the prettiest venues, boasting a magnificent lawn with views to die for. The function room Neville's Place, can accommodate between 50-200 guests. Backsberg is situated between Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Simondium Road | Paarl | +27 (0)21 875 5141

3. Cultivar Guest House
This attractive venue is definitely very well priced and has the capacity for 120 guests with a dance floor. There is ample accommodation for guests.
Bonniemile Road, off M12 | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 881 3081

4. In the Vineyard
Set at the foot of the Helderberg mountains you will find this most unusual boutique venue with a thatched roof and glass windows around half of the room. There is a lovely green garden to hold the ceremony and the reception venue leads out to a stunning patio. I like this venue as it is so different and elegant.
Corner R44 & Klein Helderberg Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 855 1984

5. Clouds Estate
You couldn't ask for a more magnificent setting – over looking the Franschhoek Valley. A stunning venue for a small to medium size wedding. There is accommodation in the form of suites and self catering units.
Helshoogte Road | Stellenbosch | + 27 (0)21 885 1819

6. Le Jardin
I love this intimate venue situated just outside Stellenbosch. The weddings are held on the  beautifully manicured lawn. A bedouin tent may be erected on the lawn from the reception. Pre-drinks are served on the floating jetty amongst the lilies on a small lake. The manor house is available for the bridal couple and a few guests.
Devon Valley Road | Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 914 9407

7. Val d'Or
This four star venue is situated in the Franschhoek valley. A super venue which is a working wine farm. Accommodation is offered as either self catering or guest house. This venue has the most wonderful views and a warm, relaxed feel.
Main Road, R45 | Franschhoek | +27 (0)21 876 3902

8. Zeevenwacht
A historic venue over looking a beautiful lake. At this working wine estate there is more than one venue to choose from and a lovely lapa next to the lake.
Langverwacht Road | Kuils River | +27 (0)21 903 5123

9. Bakenhof
Although this is a relatively small venue accommodating maximum 100 guests, it is different to any other. Situated near Wellington, this newly renovated wedding venue has the most amazing lighting on the ceilings, like stars in the night sky. The function rooms are both very unusual and out of the ordinary. This sets this venue apart from others. And, the views over the vineyards go on forever.
R45 Road to Malmesbury | Wellington | + 27 (0)21 864 3774

10. Hathersage Farm
Situated in Somerset West at the foothills of the Helderberg mountains, Hathersage offers a magnificent garden with lots of little hidden romantic spots and boasts age old Camphor trees. The reception venue is part indoors and leads to a massive veranda, this is very beautiful especially when lit at night and looks out onto the  moonlit garden.
Gordon Road | Somerset West | +27 (0)21 851 1644

Get inspired for your nuptials with our wedding section. 

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