When we first set eyes on Elandskloof we were in awe. It really is no wonder guests find this venue so alluring. Elandskloof is the perfect place for a destination wedding. One can spend the weekend there, enjoying the beauty of Elandskloof with friends and family, with exclusive use of the whole farm as a venue and accommodation for a bridal couple and their guests.  

The landscaped, grassy areas along the weir provide a serene setting for an outdoor wedding ceremony or picnics. Should you wish to celebrate your wedding indoors, you are spoilt for choice! With high ceilings and stone walls, Elandskloof’s charming Stone Barn and adjoining indoor ceremony area are faultless.  Alternatively (and this is our personal preference), you can enjoy a more informal, outdoor summer reception. Just imagine, you and your guests being surrounded by forest while being wooed under the night sky. Magical!

Having visited and had the privilege of co-ordinating several weddings at this enchanting venue, we came to meet the owner and team. To give our readers a glimpse of what of Elandskloof wedding venue and accommodation offer, we asked the venue co-ordinator, Natasha, to give us an overview the of farm.

Featuring photographs from Dearheart Photos.

 

What makes your Elandskloof unique?

Space, elegant accommodation, and the number of guests we can sleep on site, a three-night exclusive use package, no hidden costs. All venue items are included in package and there is no “shutdown time” of the venue or reception.

When did Elandskloof function venue officially open its doors to bridal couples?

First wedding was held in March 2014 – a completely DIY outdoor wedding. At that stage we did not have the Stone Barn venue. The Stone Barn Venue was completed in December 2015, in time for our first indoor wedding reception.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?

The Stone Barn can seat 160 – 200 guests.

Give us a brief breakdown of the cottages on the farm, which act as a home-from-home for guests spending the weekend.

We have various sizes and configurations of cottages, either on the hillside or next to the river, depending on which guests prefer. All the cottages are fully equipped with the comforts of home: fridge/freezer, stove/oven, microwave and a dishwasher.

The hillside cottages are the thatched and they range from two-sleeper bachelor cottages to a couple of seven-sleeper cottages.

There are five riverside cottages and the layout of these cottages is identical. The upstairs unit is a bachelor style unit which sleeps two guests, and the downstairs cottages sleep four to six guests.

Then we also have our old Willow Cottage, which sleeps up to nine guests. Willow is very close to the Stone Barn venue and a little bit away from the forest and weir areas, which is why most brides get dressed in Willow on their big day. It has the most beautiful views, an almost wrap-around veranda and a lovely private garden with willow trees. Great for photos.

What is your favourite part of hosting weddings and functions at your venue?

I love seeing the different ideas each couple has for their décor, theme, etc. No two weddings at the farm have ever looked the same. We also offer so many varied options for outdoor ceremonies and receptions – couples can choose where they want to be. We do not restrict them to one outdoor venue. Every couple is special to us and we all enjoy playing a part in their wedding journey.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt while hosting weddings?

You have got to “go with the flow”. We try to get as much detail upfront and have everything set up the day before, but sometimes things happen which have not been accounted for − such as sudden bad weather – and our managers on site will always make a plan and do their best to accommodate sudden changes.

For more information on Elandskloof: http://www.wheresmywedding.co.za/venue/elandskloof-farm

To see the full wedding album captured by Dearheart Photos: http://dearheartphotos.com/shoot/britta-devon/

Shelley at Where’s My Wedding