Best Wedding Venues in Plettenberg Bay

Scenic shorelines, dramatic mountains, and the charm of a small seaside town with less city bustle perhaps makes Plettenberg Bay the perfect destination for a wedding.

If you’re looking to say ‘I do’ in the Garden Route, here’s a round-up of the best wedding venues in Plettenberg Bay.

Emily Moon River Lodge

Set on the banks of the Bitou River, Emily Moon is an exclusive boutique hotel that has built a reputation as one of Plettenberg’s Bay most popular wedding venues – and for good reason.

To step beyond the dramatic carved door frame, to the high-ceilinged, plant bedecked room beyond, is to be transported to a kind of mystical world – one that bears with it all the poetic trappings that any fairytale wedding is made of.

The venue offers incredible views of the surrounding wetlands, river and distant mountains – the perfect backdrop to your vows or wedding photography.

The hotel houses 16 private suites, and a number of choice spots for the ceremony itself – all surrounded by indigenous gardens and inspiring views. Not to mention the curious and creative collection of artefacts collected from around the continent that give Emily Moon its eclectic, yet distinctly African, flair.

Details
Guest capacity: 90 in Emily’s Restaurant or 110 in the James Room
On-site catering: yes, no outside catering option available
On-site accommodation: yes – all suites need to be booked for the night before and of the wedding
Wheelchair friendly: yes
Contact details: Contact Hélouise via events@emilymoon.co.za or on 044 501 2500
Website: https://www.emilymoon.co.za

Emily Moon River Lodge. Photographed by Sharyn Hodges. 

Forest Hall

Built in 1864, and since declared a national monument, Forest Hall and its architecturally grand Manor House carries with it all of the elegance and sense of timelessness that make it one of Plett’s most popular destinations for saying ‘I do.’

From each window, vistas abound – from the uninterrupted views of the rolling lawns, and abundant forest in one direction, to the Outeniqua mountains, Tsitsikamma and Indian ocean in the other.

Surrounded by indigenous forest, wide lawns and with a private pebble beach to boot, there are ample photo-worthy spots. And with a team well adept at curating your special day, Forest Hall is a magical venue that surely tops the best of Plettenberg’s best wedding venues.

Details
Guest capacity: 120, but larger weddings can be accommodated
On-site catering: not at present, but the team is happy to help organise
On-site accommodation: up to 30 people
Wheelchair friendly: wheelchair friendly bathrooms on site
Contact details: Contact Tanye Pittaway on 073 345 9600 or via info@foresthallestate.co.za
Website: https://foresthallestate.co.za  

Forest Hall. Photographed by Sharyn Hodges. 

Kay & Monty

Kay & Monty is an award-winning working boutique wine farm and polo estate. With its green slopes, paddocks and mountain views, it’s an ideal spot to say ‘I do.’ The venue can comfortably seat 200, or can be curated to suit a more intimate gathering.

Guests will enjoy exclusive access to the state when booking for a function, inclusive of the venue and the accommodation – not to mention the white wines and bubbly that can be enjoyed directly from the estate’s own cellars.

Details
Guest capacity: 200
On-site catering: yes
On-site accommodation: up to 10
Wheelchair friendly: yes
Contact details: Contact Jennifer on 0799659779 or via hello@kayandmonty.com
Website: http://www.kayandmonty.com

Kay and Monty. Photographed by Sharyn Hodges. 

Fairview

Just a short drive from the central hub, you’ll find one of Plettenberg Bay’s best kept secrets – a historic Cape Dutch homestead that carries with it all the charm, and sophistication of modern country living.

This family-owned boutique hotel is nested amongst the fynbos at the top of a valley, and the surrounding views are in a league of their own – making for swoon-worthy photo opps.

Watching the sunset over the awe-inspiring Tsitsikamma Mountains, amidst the utter stillness of 68-acres of countryside (no sound of cars or city bustle here), is enough cause to top the list of top wedding venues in Plettenberg Bay.

Details
Guest capacity: up to 200
On-site catering: capacity for small weddings. For bigger weddings, out-sourced catering recommended.
On site accommodation: up to 26 guests
Wheelchair friendly:
Contact details: Email Anel via anel@fairviewhouse.co.za or Andrew via andrew@fairviewhouse.co.za
Website: https://www.fairviewhouse.co.za

Fairview. Photographed by Sharyn Hodges. 

The Rose Pavilion at Bosky Dell Farm

There’s nothing quite as timeless, or romantic, as roses. So it’s no doubt that the Rose Pavilion makes the list of best wedding venues in Plettenberg Bay.

Nestled between the mountains, and surrounded by indigenous forests, Bosky Dell provides abundant photo opportunities. Beyond the slopes and forest, there is also a dam, and 12 hectares of vines. And of course, roses in abundance – and in every shade imaginable.

Details
Guest capacity: 220, or up to 350 with a tent
On-site catering: will help to outsource
On-site accommodation: renovation of the old guesthouse underway – please enquire
Wheelchair friendly: partial access – please enquire
Contact details: Contact Rae Gilbert on 082 650 1974 or via info.rosepavilion@gmail.com
Website: http://www.rosepavilion.co.za

The Rose Pavilion at Bosky Dell. Photographed by Sharyn Hodges. 

Newstead

Celebrate your special day at a quintessential wedding venue – a working wine farm, set in the scenic Crags, just outside Plettenberg Bay. Whether a grand or more intimate affair, Newstead will be sure to offer a magical, tailor-made experience.

With the stylish tasting room and restaurant, ample outdoor space and paddocks, vineyards and mountain scapes, Newstead offers the ideal location to tie the knot. Their lush harvest tables, and award-winning bubbly, are sure to delight too.

Details
Guest capacity: 180 or up to 600 on the polo field
On-site catering: yes
On-site accommodation: up to 8 guests
Wheelchair friendly: yes
Contact details: Contact Sue Lund via info@newsteadwines.com 
Website: https://newsteadwines.com  

Newstead. Photographed by Sharyn Hodges. 

The Homestead at Kurland

An idyllic venue, set in 700-hectares of countryside, the Homestead offers a romantic escape from the city centre. A place where old-world charm meets modern luxury, with an atmosphere that’s both heartfelt and homely, and sophisticated.

From the polo fields, old stables, dam, pavilion, mountain backdrop and forests, there are endless spaces to tie the knot or capture the special moment.

With unparalleled views, and the tranquil setting, a wedding at the Homestead is sure to be a most memorable, and magical, experience. Plus there’s an on-site spa to ensure the wedding party is pampered and rejuvenated for the big day.

Details
Guest capacity: unlimited
On site catering: can be arranged as per guests requests
On site accommodation: up to 56 guests
Wheelchair friendly: mostly – dependent on exact venue selected
Contact details: Email dianne@kurland.co.za or contact 0824116337
Website: https://www.kurland.co.za

To document all the magical moments of your special day, hiring the best wedding photographer is high priority. And there’s one wedding photographer in Plettenberg Bay who tops the list. For snapping all those most dreamy of wedding (or engagement) moments, we recommend Sharyn Hodges – who kindly supplied us with all the images for this blog, and whose artistic eye skilfully captures every precious moment.

Wedding venue sorted? Perhaps a wedding registry is next on your list…

If you’d like to fill your home with beautiful things, why not sign up for the Mungo gift registry?