Your Guide to the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands

Drakensberg and Natal Midlands Weddings
For a perfect South Africa wedding venue

This page specializes in weddings, wedding arrangements and wedding venues in the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands in KwaZulu Natal South Africa. We intend informing brides & grooms needing wedding receptions and general wedding information about the charms of the Drakensberg and the Natal Midlands. The Drakensberg Mountains is the country's grandest mountain range with awesome scenery and the mountains would provide a magnificent backdrop to your wedding day.

Weddings in the Drakensberg - Catherderal peak hotelRomanic country wedding, Holiday Resort weddings, Wedding receptions in game reserves, Modern weddings, Traditional Hotel weddings, Big wedding venues, Small wedding venues, Drakensberg Mountain weddings, The Drakensberg and Natal Midlands has something that is perfect for you.

Why we recommend the Drakensberg and Natal-Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal

We like to recommend Drakensberg and Natal Midlands wedding venues because of its huge range of wedding reception opportunities: majestic mountain scenery, the Midlands Meander, warm climate, golf courses, world heritage sites and excellent hotels.

There are just so many wedding venues to choose - from the vibrant and exciting to the romantic and secluded. KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg also boasts a premier cultural venue, which celebrates the rich heritage of the province.

For those who decide on a Berg Wedding there is a wide choice of wedding venue and conference centres to suit all budgets - from the lower budget wedding to the most exclusive upmarket venues. Weddings right in the mountains and wedding venues with private access to the beach. So whether your wedding is a small intimate and stylish occasion or a large formal celebration I think you will find that the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands offers the wedding opportunities to suite your expectaions perfectly

Wedding venue prices

Wedding reception venues in the Drakensberg often often offer very cheap ratesGenerally wedding venue prices are quite a lot lower than in Gauteng or the Western Cape. Some couples even travel all the way from the UK to take advantage of the great value for money that KZN offers.

Drakensberg tourism inspects all wedding venues. We feel that you should see see every venue that is available and you should select the level of service that you require and afford. We try to advise and recommend the best venues and greatest deals. 

After all your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life, and you want it to be perfect. Compare reception facilities and more with a simple click of your mouse. Search and research for a wedding and reception venue from our extensive list of fine Hotels and dedicated Function Venues.

Choice of wedding reception venues

popular Drakensberg venues include hotels, resorts and private residencesThe factors influencing your choice of venue will include the type of wedding you want, the number of guests you intend inviting, your budget, the season and the time of day. Popular venues include hotels, community and church halls, sport clubs, restaurants, country clubs and marquee weddings at private residences or farms. Theme weddings, set in a medieval environment, for example, are also becoming more popular.

Before you decide on the venue, decide what you would like served at the reception - breakfast, lunch, tea, cocktails or dinner. With this in mind, make a short-list of four to six venues and get sample menus from them. Also consider that vegetarian, halaal or kosher meals may be necessary.

Make sure the room had adequate ventilation or air conditioning if your wedding is in Summer, or that it has heating in Winter. If you are not having dancing, then make sure the venue has a pa system for speeches and background music. If they can't provide it themselves, they may be able to recommend someone who does. If the venue does not offer catering, you will need to get outside caterers, or even self-cater (which can be HARD work!).

Marquee Receptions: These are ideal for relaxed, beautiful and intimate weddings, although they can also be large without losing that special something. Ideally the garden must be flat and spacious. Make sure there are adequate toilet facilities, and that porta-loo's are discreetly placed. Always remember to have an adequate supply of toilet paper.

Provide good lighting for the caterers and parking areas. Consider hiring a security guard to keep an eye on vehicles parked in the street. Find out what power requirements the caterers require (especially if they are using urns and bain-marie's). Get a good electrician to calculate the current requirements and plan the lighting and power cables. Certain parts of the country are prone to power failures, so make sure you have access to a back-up generator, or know someone who has. Make sure pets are restrained and that the neighbors are aware of the coming party!!

Wedding receptions in the Natal MidlandsChurch and Community Halls is an ideal option for a formal reception with a large number of people, as the facilities are geared towards large numbers. Find out what rules and regulations will need to be met. For example, some halls may not allow the removal of (ugly) paintings or ornimation. Halls often require a great deal of work to make them look personal. Most have strict rules on closing times and alcohol consumption.

In terms of power and lighting, ensure the power points work and that the lighting is sufficient. Often halls only have fluorescent lighting which cannot be turned down; only on or off. Lastly, ensure the caterers are satisfied with the kitchen facilities.

Hotels , country clubs and restaurants: Get your written quotes well in advance, and keep liaising regularly with one functions coordinator if possible. Enquire about special lodging rates for guests. Consider how the colour scheme in the functions room will compliment or clash with your selected colours.

Decoration Ideas: The mood of a reception, party, or gathering is determined by the theme of decorations. Decorations create an atmosphere and add colour, beauty and festivity to the occasion! The initial reaction to the array of decorations sets the mood. Professional decorators and supply houses should be willing to listen to what you have in mind, give suggestions, and even demonstrate your theme for you.

Balloons can be used to decorate the dance floor, create arches over the head table and doorways, and can be formed into canopies, ceiling sculptures and clusters. Balloon and/or flower bouquets make wonderful centerpieces and are a fun way to complete a colour scheme.

Theme wedding receptions are more popular, especially for second marriages when the parties often take on a smaller, more festive tone. A Hawaiian Luau, Fifties Sock-Hop, or Mexican Fiesta are just a few ideas for a reception that can be carried through with decorations, food, paper products, and even costumes.

Disposable cameras placed throughout the reception hall will provide guests with loads of fun and you with a complete collection of candid guest shots and reception follies. Have your banquet and bridesmaids flowers placed on the cake table or throughout the reception area for an extra decorating touch.

Think about applying a theme to the decor - this not only ensures a unique, exciting approach but also streamlines the planning.  You could apply a theme idea by simply working with a particular colour and variants thereof. 

Drakensberg and Natal Midlands - popular venues for weddings and receptions

The Drakensberg and Natal Midlands are becoming increasing popular for modern, traditional and country wedding receptions and wedding venues. Well-priced and convenient for Johannesburg and Durban guests.

Hartford House Country Lodge - Natal Midlands

Swiss Manor House - Country Manor accommodation on the Midlands Meander

This Natal Midlands guest house offers its services as a wedding venue on the Midlands Meander

Greenfields Manor House

This gracious country home gives you the feeling of being both in the country as well as on a farm with its 1000 ha. There is a stable block that was built in 1893 and has now been preserved which can be utilized as a chapel, or your ceremony could be held in the garden in front of the Manor House. The cost to have the service at this venue is R400, 00

Hay bales are available for a different type of wedding - and they can even be used for the ceremony also.

There is a wide choice of wedding menus and the owners invite all couples to work with them on selecting a menu which both suites their taste as well as budget. An example of  menu prices are Buffet R95, 00; Plated menu R145, 00. Wedding cakes range from R300, 00 to R600, 00. The hiring charge for the hall is R2000, 00 inclusive of tables and chairs. Refreshments can be served in the garden before or after the service and the cost for this varies from R10 to R30 per person.

There is limited accommodation available at R245, 00 pp bed and breakfast and there are lots of little B & B's available in the area for the remainder of the guests.

Catering for your wedding reception is not done in-house which leaves you with more flexibility as far as the menu is concerned. Caterers can be recommended that will offer you a wide variety of menus.

There is a polo club in the area and if you wish, horses can be put into the adjoining field, which is a unique idea for your photographs.

 

Providence

Nestled 8 kms along one of Natal's beautiful valleys is this wedding venue includes its own chapel. It is situated about 1 1/4 hour's drive from Durban. It has an Olde English feel with its original paintings and fine antiques, and is situated on 275 acres of parkland.

The new wedding venue and conference center cost over 2 million to build and furbish, and is available at a cost of R4000, 00 (2003 rate), which includes use of the chapel, reception hire, tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, tablecloths, serviettes, chair covers, dance floor, room for the Bride and Bridesmaids. The menu price (2003) is R145, 00 per person. The above includes 4 nights accommodation, which can be split into 2 rooms for 2 nights over the wedding weekend. It also includes either a welcome drink of sherry or fruit punch or champagne for toasting free of charge.

If your guests are looking for something to keep them occupied whilst waiting for the big moment to arrive, there is trout fishing, croquet and some lovely walks.

Cathedral Peak Hotel

This venue is situated in the Drakensberg Mountains and has a beautiful chapel with stunning views over the Berg. The Wedding package Friday to Sunday (minimum stay of 2 nights) and with a minimum of 30 guests staying includes: Free use of the chapel; free use of the reception room and a complimentary honeymoon suite for the bridal couple on the wedding night as well as a gift of a silver plated cake knife. If the above minimum conditions are not met the following costs apply: R980, 00 chapel hire fee; R780, 00 reception room hire (one of their venues) and R615, 00 for a smaller room. Midweek charges are discounted by 50% on the above, as well as a 5% discount on the menu of your choice, and a 5% discount applies on bed & breakfast rates for your guests. Up to 200 Guests

There is a wide selection of menus priced from around R160,00 per person

Accommodation is available; in fact it is a pre-requisite that 15 of the rooms are booked by your guests in order to qualify for one of the wedding packages. The rates range from R785, 00 per person for 2 nights on weekends during off peak periods, or from R300 per person for one night for midweek weddings.

 

Golden Gate National Park

This venue faces directly onto mountains and at night one is lit up in the most extraordinary way. The service is very good and there is a choice of venue rooms for your wedding. With the magnificent scenery and the fact that it has all recently been upgraded and refurbished you would not have to worry about lots of draping and décor. The rooms are very comfortable and some have a small balcony, which looks straight onto a mountain, which is breathtaking The honeymoon suite is large and consists of two rooms - it even has its own built in bar!

 

Thorp Lodge (Country Wedding and Function Venue)

Situated 30km from Pietermaritzburg, Thorpe Lodge Shed is an enchanting wild stone venue for the perfect country wedding. It seats 120 people and has a magnificent fireplace. Thorpe Lodge has 4 elegant rooms with a rondavel diningroom for your overnight stay

 

Sandford Park Resort Wedding & Conference Venue (Northern Drakensberg)

Sandford offers every wedding couple the opportunity to enter a lifelong partnership in the romantic environment of the Drakensberg. From the quaint chapel, superb cuisine and services offered this important day will become a special memory for the rest of your lives.

 

Alpine Heath Resort

Bergville: From the cozy chapel in the Village square, to the superb cuisine & service, this first important day in your lives will become a special memory for the remainder of your lives.

 

Cayley Lodge

Winterton: Wedding receptions are catered for in our Farm House Centre which has magnificent views over the mountains & dam. Removed form the main hotel for privacy it caters for 100 guests.

 

Green Lantern Inn

Van Reenen: We cater for wedding receptions, special functions and events. Accommodation in garden chalets situated near the swimming pool. Plentiful recreational facilities.

  The Bend

The spectacular natural beauty, warm hospitality and graceful style of The Bend, makes it the ideal venue for a romantic getaway in which to celebrate your wedding, be it an intimate elopement or an elegant dinner dance for 140 guests.

The weddings hosted by The Bend all turn out to be "weekend" events as the party continues through the night, and ends with a Champagne Brunch the following day. We can provide a complete service including liaising with the minister, the photographer, the florist and the musicians. You will find that once you have made the decision to have us host your wedding, everything will run as you wish it to, leaving you free to relax and enjoy what will be one of the most exciting and unforgettable days of your lives.

The following venues also provide facilities for weddings & wedding receptions

  • Bellwood Cottages
  • Cranford Country House
  • Fern Hill Hotel & Training College
  • Granny Mouse Country House
  • Happy Hill Guest House
  • Hartford House
  • Hebron Haven Hotel
  • Hilton College
  • Hilton Hotel
  • La Lampara Restaurant
  • Lastingham
  • Lythwood Lodge
  • Rawdons Hotel
  • Sierra Ranch Family Resort
  • Swiss Manor House
  • Thatchings Guest House
  • The Bend Country House
  • The Crooked Inn at Pecanwood
  • Thistledown Country House
  • Woodridge Country Estate

Links to other wedding providers and wedding information

CELEBRATION HOUSE showcases over 160 displays of a wide variety of leading service providers. Every aspect of a successful wedding is covered: Photographers, florists, musicians, décor, dress designers

wedding dresses and other special ware: CELEBRATION HOUSE: Make-up artists, dress designers, professional menswear hire services, jewellery, hair stylists, Perfume & Beauty Treatments all the contacts available from. . .

South Africa's leading photographers and videographers as well as actual examples of photographers' work are showcased by Celebration House ...

Wedding and special function invitations and stationery, Celebration House exhibits the works of some of South Africa's finest; from professional graphic designers to complete ...

Celebration House showcases a wide range companies specialising in Vintage Bridal & Limousine Hire and chauffeur driven luxury vehicles to transport you in style to your wedding . . .

MAHARANI CAR HIRE: For your "Special Occasion" we also offer chauffeur driven white Rolls Royce. We deliver and collect cars in the greater Durban and surrounding area. We are available 24hrs a day.

TIMELESS WEDDINGS COMPANY: Our specialty is discovering enchanting locations for your special day, putting you in touch with the best suppliers and then coordinating all the activities on your behalf ...

ANNE MANN WEDDING CONSULTANT: Anne Mann Wedding Consultant specializes in coordinating weddings for couples who live abroad (or up country) and wish to be married in Cape Town & the surrounding areas.

IMPILO CONFERENCES: Impilo specialize in sourcing suitable venues for your special occasions throughout KwaZulu Natal. A highly professional service, each venue is carefully accessed & visited

 

 

 

 

Other Accommodation

Central Drakensberg

Northern Drakensberg accommodation

Southern Drakensberg accommodation

Natal Midlands accommodation

Bergville accommodation

Winterton accommodation

Estcourt accommodation

Mooi River accommodation

Kamberg accommodation

Giants Castle accommodation

Underberg accommodation

 

Featured Accommodation

Guest house in the Drakensberg Mountains South Africa
This guest house is perfectly situated to explore the Central Drakensberg region

Central Drakensberg Links

The Central Drakensberg

Giants Castle

Champagne Castle

Cathedral Peak

Request information about accommodation in the Central Drakensberg

Accommodation in the Central Drakensberg from SafariNow.Com

Central Drakensberg South Africa

Central Drakensberg tours and accommodation  - South Africa Tours

Central Drakensberg

Drakensberg Boys Choir School

The towns and places of the Drakensberg

Estcourt - South Africa

My Favorite Hiking Trails in the Drakensberg

 

Drakensberg Mountains Home
Northern Drakensberg
Central Drakensberg
Southern Drakensberg
Natal Midlands
Drakensberg Accommodation
Drakensberg Tours
Drakensberg Hiking Trails
Drakensberg Adventure
Drakensberg Battlefields
Drakensberg Birding
Drakensberg Horse trails
Drakenaberg Wildlife
Drakensberg World Heritage Site
Bushman Rock Art
Drakensberg Fly Fishing
Arts & Crafts
4x4 off-roading
Drakensberg Tourist Info
Drakensberg Towns & places
Drakensberg Museums
Drakensberg Weddings
Drakensberg Events
Drakensberg Central reservations