Deciding where to host your wedding day is no mean feat, especially in the Western Cape, where you’re spoiled for choice. If you’re looking for spectacular food, too, it can be even more difficult, so here’s our handy list of places that are already firm favourites and also just happen to host weddings.

Babylonstoren (Franschhoek)

A day out at Babylonstoren is never a bad idea. Be it for an indulgent trip to the spa or a leisurely lunch at either Babel or the Greenhouse, Babylonstoren’s chic farm-to-table life will have you wanting to stay forever. It makes sense, then, that the farm offers one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the Western Cape. Their wedding package allows you to choose from three magical spaces that can comfortably host 100 people inside and outside. The Old Cellar, the Wheat Barn and the White Studio offer varied space depending on your party size, but all allow for a generous, family-style meal and festive reception. Babylonstoren also takes all the stress out of hiring logistics, as included in your hiring fee is all the equipment, tables, chairs and fresh flowers. Additionally, you get two nights in their dreamy two-bedroomed Koornhuis cottage. Average pricing for the venues during high season starts at about R85 000 during the high season, but costs will vary. Food is excluded, especially since the menu is highly seasonal. You could expect their famous garden salads, simply roasted fish or slow-cooked pork belly. A secret dessert table is set up as an after-dinner surprise.

 

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Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel (Gardens)

The Belmond Mount Nelson is ready to serve as a dreamy backdrop for your wedding day, with a number of gorgeous spaces and rooms from which to choose. Hold the ceremony in the garden then celebrate with a feast in the Planet Room. Under the guidance of executive chef Rudi Liebenberg, the Mount Nelson team will create your dream menu, including canapés for pre-drinks. You can choose to have a seated set menu, where mussel chowder and beef Wellington might make an appearance, or go buffet-style. (Think seared tuna with Asian slaw and grilled lamb leg with chimichurri.) Regardless, you’re guaranteed a fantastic meal. The package to rent out the Planet room starts at around R25 000.

Blaauwklippen (Stellenbosch)

Blaauwklippen is yet another restaurant and winery that can do no wrong – everything from the lunches at The Bistro to their in-depth wine tastings is expertly executed and fun for everyone involved. As a wedding venue, there really is no beating their two exquisite spaces – the Cathedral and the Piazza, accommodating up to 200 and 150 guests, respectively, in striking glass structures. Ensure your wedding is seamless by hosting the whole affair here, as your fee covers everything from the cutlery and crockery (featuring beautiful bespoke pieces) to tables, chairs and staff. You’re also given a night’s accommodation in the gorgeous manor house and Jonkershuis, which can sleep around 20 people in the plush double rooms. Pricing starts at around R170 000, while the Cathedral starts at R250 000.

 

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Boschendal Wine Estate (Franschhoek)

From a jaw-dropping vegetable garden, dreamy roast lunches and some of the best picnicking around, there’s pretty much nothing Boschendal can’t do. It also doubles as an incredible wedding venue, with no less than four spaces to host your special day. The jewel in the crown, however, has to be the famed Olive Press space, which is able to host up to 250 guests. Prices vary depending on the time of year, but you’re looking at around R200 000 for a high-season wedding, where you’re able to host your entire event from start to finish. That includes the fully set up space, as well as the use of seven cottages for two nights, shuttles to and from the farm’s cottages, and bar and waitstaff. Catering is overseen by head chef Christiaan Campbell and makes full use of their on-site garden, Black Angus cattle and free-range chickens. You can opt for a sit-down, three-course meal, a festive spit braai or a family-style set up.

Bosjes (Breede River)

From the moment it opened, Bosjes captured everyone’s hearts and eyes and the restaurant has been an instant favourite lunch spot. Owing to its chapel roots, it comes as no surprise that this is a wonderful wedding spot – from the striking chapel arches, to the rolling hills and mountains, it’s dreamy start to finish. If you’re looking to get hitched here, you’re in good hands. Their all-inclusive wedding package sorts you out with accommodation, exclusive use of their chapel and reception areas as well as staff, with prices starting at R 65 000. With the large space all your own, you can welcome up to 120 guests who are cared for, whatever the weather ends up doing. On the food side of things, you can expect the same impeccable quality, with a menu that could feature slow roasted Moroccan-style chickens or squash risotto.

The beautiful chapel at Bosjes. Photo supplied.

Cape Point Vineyards (Noordhoek)

Cape Point Vineyards is the ultimate Sunday afternoon lunch spot, so it’s unsurprising that it also makes for an incredible wedding venue. Host your ceremony under the trees and enjoy canapés on the lawns before moving on to the main event in the dining room. You can opt for a set plated menu that could include beef carpaccio, pan-fried local fish with rice noodles and mini berry pavlovas. Alternatively, the seated buffet is a more family-style menu that encourages your guests to share charcuterie boards, slow-roasted baby chickens with roasted root veggies and dessert platters. For an all-inclusive wedding package, prices start at around R55 000.

 

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Chefs Warehouse at Maison (Franschhoek)

Everyone loves having lunch at Maison, so why not host your wedding there too? The team at Maison can host your whole event, including the ceremony. Simply book out the restaurant for the whole day (about R40 000 in summer and negotiable in winter) and you’ll have free reign to plan the day of your dreams. Meals will be prepared by head chef Dave Schneider (for R450 per person) and includes snacking charcuterie boards in the garden, followed by a sit-down tapas-style set of six dishes served in two or three courses. This is followed by dessert, served either on a big table or spread out on the tables to pick and share. While Maison doesn’t have formal accommodation, owner Chris Weylandt’s home – which sleeps around eight to 10 people – is on the property and available to rent. Fransvliet guesthouse is also within walking distance and can be booked out for the occasion.

The Foodbarn Restaurant (Noordhoek)

Let Franck Dangereux and his team create the wedding of your dreams by hosting your special day at The Foodbarn. The intimate restaurant can fit 100 people, which you’re able to book out entirely (with no hiring fee, but there is a cost per head). Currently, the cost per head is R495, but you’re required to book for at least 70 people in summer and 50 in winter. The menu is taken care of by chef Franck, who will work with you to plan the perfect menu. It’s inspired by the seasons and could feature dishes like wild mushroom and ricotta ravioli with fontina-and-tarragon cream, flash-fried baby squid with avo pulp and ponzu or even bouillabaisse. While you do have the option to host the ceremony there, the venue is better suited for the reception.

Grande Provence (Franschhoek)

At this iconic restaurant and wine farm, you have the choice of three venues depending on your party size. Whichever you decide to go with, there is a wedding package suited to you and can include accommodation at the on-site villa and cottage. If you know Grande Provence, you’ll know both their wines and food are exceptional, so you can look forward to a meal prepared by chef Marvin Robyn, who uses only the best local and seasonal produce to create his incredible food. The menu could feature ostrich tataki with sriracha, cucumber and onion rings or springbok rump with mielie pap, chakalaka, buchu and honey jus. For a general party size of 120, exclusive hire will start at around R104 000.

The winelands setting at Grande Provence. Photo supplied.

The Restaurant at Glen Carlou (Klapmuts)

Glen Carlou is an idyllic place to host your special day, featuring an open-plan restaurant that has panoramic views of the rolling vineyards. You’re spoiled for choice as there are a number of options for your ceremony, including an underground cellar and a garden that can accommodate up to 150 guests. Head chef Johan Stander will take care of food, using only the best seasonal ingredients to create a magical menu suited to you. This could be anything from springbok shank croquettes and sea bass with greens to pork belly with lentils. End off with honey-baked figs or a dark-chocolate tart. There’s no set fee, but start budget for around R1 100 per person.

 

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Hazendal (Stellenbosch)

The unmistakable Cape Dutch wine estate is one of the country’s most popular wedding venues – and it’s easy to see why. You have the choice of a number of spaces here, depending on the size and style of wedding. Say ‘I do’ in the exquisite pavilion that floats above water, framed by the magnificent views of the Bottelary Hills and Simonsberg. Or, host your wedding in a more informal outdoor style in Hazendal’s heritage Kraal. Couples wanting a glamorous and luxurious celebration can choose the fine-dining Avant-Garde Restaurant or the Grand Hall in the chic conference centre. When it’s time to eat, you’re in the hands of head chef Michelle Theron, who will wow you and your guests with her imaginative Russian-inspired cuisine. Look forward to dishes like octopus terrine with green melon; dehydrated tomato and salsa verde; or even a take on borscht with a quail egg, sour cream and dill mousse. Depending on the type of wedding you’re after, prices for Hazendal start at around R45 000.

The beautiful wedding setting at Hazendal. Photo supplied.

The Restaurant at Cavalli (Somerset West)

With floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that provide views of the water and the endless mountains, Cavalli is a dreamy location to host any wedding. The contemporary function venue has adequate space to seat 350 people or 300 people with a dance floor. The prices start at R60 000 during high season, which includes the exclusive use of the main function room, as well as three additional functions spaces. On the food side of things, you’re in good hand with chef Michael Deg, who will create a menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients in the refined style he’s known for. That could include pumpkin ravioli, slow-roasted pork belly or simply grilled fresh hake.

 

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The Restaurant at Waterkloof (Somerset West)

The current number 1 restaurant in the country is known for its exquisite and considered food, but it also doubles as a fantastic wedding venue. Choose from a number of different spaces to host your ceremony, including the glass conservatory and barrel room, while the glass dining room is the ideal setting to enjoy chef Gregory Czarnecki’s imaginative food. Choose between a two- or three-course menu that could feature marinated artichokes with hazelnut, coriander and anchovy; Magaliesberg duck, rhubarb and bok choy for mains; and a camembert crème brûlée to finish, all paired with exquisite estate wines. You’re looking at R50 000 for this venue, which includes all the tables, chairs and dining equipment, as well as staff.

The Stack (Gardens)

This hidden, inner city wedding venue with a gorgeous and eclectic interior is housed in the historic Leinster Hall in Gardens. Venue options at The Stack include a small intimate seated wedding for 60 guests with a three course menu or a grander cocktail-style affair for 100 to 160 guests with a selection of canapé and bowl food. Prices start at R100 000 for the full venue, food and bar. Email ask@thestack.co.za for more information.

The historic, inner city wedding venue at The Stack. Photo by Paula Zapata.

Taproom at Jack Black (Diep River)

Jack Black’s taproom would be a memorable spot for a wedding for a party of up to 120 seated guests (and no less than 80, if you’re wanting to book out the entire space). Embracing a true industrial feel, the brewery has beautiful exposed brick walls and beamed ceilings, making for some special wedding photos. All of the food is taken care of by head chef Clara Bubenzer, who will consult with you on the day’s menu. Expect to find pared back dishes that work well with their beers, such as pork tacos or slow-cooked lamb on the spit, and generous cheese and charcuterie boards.

 

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Have a favourite restaurant in the Cape that also hosts weddings? Let us know in the comments below.