South Africa Elopement Planning
South Africa is a combination of adventure, natural beauty, and culture. You can find a variety of landscapes and activities to fit your style. I’ll walk you through South Africa elopement planning so you can have an incredible wedding experience! Whether you want to get married in Cape Town, say your vows on a safari, or wine and dine your way through Stellenbosch, the possibilities are endless.
On this blog, you’ll find recommendations for the following:
- Top places to elope in South Africa
- Wedding vendors
- Things to do in South Africa
- South Africa transportation
- Where to stay in South Africa
South Africa Elopement Planning
Wedding Venues in South Africa:
South Africa is full of gorgeous places to elope. There are boutique hotels, resorts, vineyards, the beach, etc. Below is a list of top 10 wedding venues in South Africa:
- The Styling Shed
- Emily Moon River Lodge
- The Conservatory Franschhoek
- Boschendal wine estate
- Colourlab Rooftop Venue
- Lion’s Head
- Zorgvliet Wines Venue
- Tinga Legends Lodge
- Sabi Sands area of Kruger National Park
- The Fever Tree Forest, Pafuri Region, Kruger
- Louvain Guest Farm
- Grootbos Private Nature reserve
- Au d’Hex Estate
You can always skip the venue and elope somewhere outdoors. As a destination elopement photographer, I often help my couples find unique spaces to say their vows based on their vision for the day. There are plenty of incredible places to elope in South Africa, so don’t feel limited to a venue if you’d prefer somewhere a little more remote or adventurous!
South Africa Wedding Planners:
South Africa elopement planning
These wedding planners in South Africa are incredibly talented and will help you create your dream day. So if you’re looking for someone to design your ceremony set up and nail down the details, these are all fantastic options.
South African Wedding Florists
Whether you’re looking for a bouquet or flowers to decorate your wedding ceremony, these are three of the best wedding florists in South Africa
Hair & Makeup Artists:
These hair and makeup artists located in South Africa will have you feeling incredible for your elopement!
Tamaryn Pretorius (HMU- Pretoria)
Estelle Pretorius (HMU – Stellenbosch)
Flawless Makeup by Donique (Makeup -Johannesburg)
Visual Artistry (MUA – Wellington)
Thelma Smit Hairstyling (Hair Stylist)
Blush Moments by Renske (HMU)
Transportation in South Africa
Where do you Fly into South Africa?
First, there are two major international airports in South Africa. One is the O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA. The second main airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) located in Cape Town, SA. Cape Town is a more popular city to visit, but Johannesburg has it’s charm as well. Both cities have access to other beautiful surroundings.
Therefore, if you want to visit Kruger, Johannesburg is closer. However, if you want to visit the vineyards at Stellenbosch, Cape Town is the better option. You might want to consider booking domestic flights within South Africa if you want to explore the country thoroughly.
How to get around in South Africa
Once you’re in South Africa, you’ll need transportation within the city. Both Cape Town and Johannesburg are quite large, and it’s not recommended to walk around in a lot of areas for safety concerns. Uber is a great option in the big cities, and I highly recommend using the app.
Renting a Car in South Africa
You can rent a car, but it can be a challenge and I don’t recommend it. The positive side of renting a car is that you have a lot more flexibility if you want to explore outside the city. For example: the Garden Route is a famous road trip visitors can take. If you do decide to rent a car, here are few things to keep in mind: South Africa drives on the left side of the road. It can be dangerous to drive at night, and there are signs warning you not to stop on the side of the road even during the day.
Also, I highly recommend getting full insurance when you rent a car in South Africa. In general, I do not get insurance with rental cars, but I did in South Africa and I’m so glad! The road conditions aren’t great, and driving on the other side of the road caused a few mishaps. I rented through Avis in Cape Town (I’m not sponsored, just a satisfied customer), and they were great about getting us a new car.
Alternative transportation in South Africa:
The railway is an alternative transportation method in South Africa. Some trains are more reliable than others. So make sure you research the trains you need to take to your specific destination.
Best time to Elope in South Africa
The best time to get married in South Africa is November, April, or May. That is the summer season in South Africa, and the temperatures are quite mild during those months. The most popular time in South Africa is December, which means it will be much more crowded both with tourists and locals on vacation. June and July are considered South Africa’s dry season. November, April, and May have the best weather and are less busy. As a result, those months are the best times to visit South Africa. Hoewever, keep in mind that the temperature varies in different regions. Depending on where you choose to go, the weather may be slightly different.
Things to Do in South Africa
If you’re planning an elopement in South Africa, then I’m sure you’re interested in exploring this magical destination. There are a variety of activities and destinations in South Africa. Bored is the last thing you’ll experience in this African country. For example, activities in South Africa range from wine tasting to going on a safari to bungee jumping! Here’s a list of 10 things to do in South Africa:
- Book a safari at Kruger National Park
- Kayak to see penguins
- Wine taste in the Stellenbosch region
- Surf or relax at one the many gorgeous beaches
- Roadtrip the Garden Route
- Elephant safari in Ado
- Hike or Paraglide at Lion’s Head in Cape Town
- Bungee jump at the world’s highest bungee jumping bridge
- Take the famous scenic route at Chapman’s Peak Drive
- Stroll through the Woodstock Market in Cape Town
South Africa Elopement Planning
As a destination wedding photographer serving South Africa, I’m here to guide you as you plan an elopement or destination wedding that’s unique to you. Most importantly, there are no rules to planning an elopement, and I can help you figure out what that looks like for your wedding day.
Places to Stay:
There is a variety of accommodations in South Africa. First, If you’re in Kruger National park, you can check out the lodges there. On the other hand, if you’re planning to book a safari, accommodation will likely be included. Finally, if you’re in Cape Town, the top neighborhoods to stay in are the following:
- Houts Bay
- De Waterkant
- Woodstock and Observatory
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Bo-Kaap
- Sea Point.
In conclusion, each neighborhood has its charm, so it depends on what you’re looking for. You can check out hotels, or search for accommodation on Airbnb or VRBO.
South Africa Elopement Planning
South Africa is a unique blend of natural beauty, grit, and luxury. Ultimately, it’s up to you how you enjoy the country. Saying your vows in South Africa is bound to be an adventure! Contact me here, and I’ll be happy to help you with South Africa elopement planning!
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I’m Emily Kidd, and I’m an international elopement photographer. My passion is capturing the authenticity of your relationship + the essence of the experience. I help my couples create unique adventures.
I’ve traveled to 25+ countries, capturing destination weddings and elopements internationally. In addition, I’ll be spending winter in Tulum, Mexico. So I’d love to meet you there and document your incredible journey as a couple.
My couples are the daring ones who aren’t afraid to go after what they want + live in the moment. Reach out for more info, and let’s create something extraordinary!
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