There's something special about getting married in the countryside. What could be better for a bridal couple and their families and friends than being surrounded by the incomparable beauty of nature? Think of your wedding set on spacious grounds with a majestic backdrop of mountains and trees, providing a private and tranquil setting for you and your guests to enjoy.

Gone are the days when the ideal wedding venue is found in the city. Couples are now looking for the perfect weekend getaway which offers them an opportunity to spend quality time in a tranquil surrounding, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Country weddings take shape and are often influenced by the nature that surrounds the area. When planning a country wedding try to find a location that speaks to what type of wedding you would like to have.

Today’s blog post aims at narrowing down the long list of breathtakingly beautiful wedding venues in the countryside that the great SA has to offer. We hope this will make the task of finding the perfect country venue a little easier.

 

MORGANSVLEI COUNTRY ESTATE | WESTERN CAPE

Discover the rural village of Tulbagh nestling in its bowl of magnificent mountains and a serene, unspoiled valley. In itself a desirable destination, the historic town provides an excellent base from which to explore the Cape Winelands and offers a few hidden gems and venues, namely Morgansvlei Country Estate. An elegant Cape Dutch venue, the function hall at Morgansvlei leads onto a stunning covered patio via folding Victoria glass doors, with unique views of the dam, vineyards and sunset over the mountains. With an on-site chapel, the estate offers couples the full package.

At Morgansvlei you and your guests are provided with an opportunity to relax in comfortable, tranquil surrounds with good food, superb local wines, great views and plenty of fresh air. And only a 90-minute scenic drive from Cape Town, getting away has never been so easy.

For more information on Morgansvlei Country Estate visit their website.

 

THE NUTCRACKER COUNTRY WEDDING VENUE | FREE STATE

The Nutcracker Country Wedding Venue is the ultimate rustic-chic venue, situated on a working pecan nut farm in the rolling hills of the Vredefort Dome.

Offering a unique weekend wedding getaway to you and your guests, you are able to experience how the true essence of a wedding celebration ought to be. A weekend getaway at The Nutcracker gives you and your guests the opportunity to spend quality time in the tranquil surroundings and away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Your wedding ceremony can either be held in the charming on-site chapel or on the lush lawns of the venue. Your reception then takes place in the elegantly designed reception hall which overlooks the Vaal River.  

The open air wedding venue provides a very relaxed, lush, calm and inviting setting. And with accommodation on-site for up to 30 people, the venue aims to provide a weekend wedding retreat for you and your guests.  

For more information on The Nutcracker Country Wedding Venue visit their website.

 

LAVENDER HILL COUNTRY ESTATE | FREE STATE

Nestled between the charming Bethlehem and tranquil Clarens you will find Lavender Hill Country Estate. 25 Hectares of perfect nature, with a spectacular view of the Maluti Mountains and the Ash River, you are surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The venue’s Hillsong Chapel boasts an exquisite glass front providing the most spectacular views - the perfect place to exchange your wedding vows! Alternatively couples can say their I-do’s in the Birdsong Open air Gazebo, surrounded by rose and lavender gardens, or in the “Boskerk” which is situated amongst beautiful oak trees.

For the reception, couples can choose from 3 reception venues hosting between 30 and 250 guests: The grand and spacious Vivaldi Hall, the smaller Garibaldi’s Venue or the more rustic Chateau Rouge Hall.

For more information on Lavender Hill Country Estate visit their website.

 

EVERWOOD COUNTRY WEDDINGS | GAUTENG

Everwood is situated in beautiful gardens at Nooitgedacht near Muldersdrift, a 20 minute drive from Sandton. With only one wedding a day, you and your guests have complete exclusivity of the venue. The surrounding green lawns, beautifully landscaped gardens and water features offer a tranquil environment - the perfect escape from the busy CBD.  The rustic ruin is also a firm favourite - especially for wedding photographers as it provides a unique backdrop for the bridal couple's photographs.

The venue includes an open-air chapel amid leafy gardens with a magnificent view over the open countryside. For receptions, the fully draped banqueting hall lends itself as an elegant venue, which can comfortably seat up to 250 guests.

For more information on Everwood Country Weddings visit their website.

 

BLUE GUM COUNTRY ESTATE | WESTERN CAPE

Blue Gum Country Estate is hidden in a valley that ascends towards the small town of Stanford, just outside Hermanus. The estate is a working wine farm and developing vineyards. The delightful Country Estate, nestled among ancient Blue Gum trees, overlooks the leafy banks of the Klein Rivier and encourages guests to relax in tranquil beauty and endless luxury.

Summer weddings under the Blue Gum tree overlooking the pond and vineyards are always a favourite, although winter weddings are proving to run a very close second for brides who prefer a wedding by the fireside along with red wine and delicious, hearty winter food.

For more information on Blue Gum Country Estate visit their website.