Nooitgedacht Wedding Venue Review
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Nooitgedacht Wedding Venue Review
The Nooitgedacht Wedding Venue has been a ZaraZoo favourite since we covered our first event there in 2009. Situated 5km outside Stellenbosch on the R304, it is just 40 minutes by car from Cape Town City Centre. It is a true All-in-One venue that allows for all the preparations and proceedings to happen on site, which saves a lot of traveling time!
The Manor House and converted slave quarters are perfect preparation venues for both bride and groom. The Estate boasts with plenty of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options, with a chapel that can seat up to 170 and a very spacious banquet hall (old cellar) that can take up to 260 guests. It is also a photographers dream with lovely gardens, huge oaks and the fantastic winelands scenery, littered with vineyards and fruit orchards that is set on the backdrop of the Stellenbosch mountains.
History
Nooitgedacht is a classic example of a Winelands Estate. It is set on 270 Hectares of farmland and currently produces a limited number of premium Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot wines.
The Manor House, once the private residence of Cecil John Rhodes, was built in 1774. Together with Groot Constantia, it is regarded as one of the most authentic examples of traditional Cape Dutch architecture in South Africa.
Leading up to the beautiful H-shaped manor is an Oak tree lined road which makes a very classic backdrop for wedding photos. The expansive lawns and gardens littered with grand old Oaks offer a variety options outdoor ceremonies and marquee receptions. Photo settings are plentiful, with rolling vineyards, orchards and dams set in a valley adjacent to the spectacular Kanonkop.
It will appeal to…
If you ever imagined getting married on a Stellenbosch Wine farm, then Nooitgedacht is probably the picture you had in your head! Just imagine walking down from the steps of the historic Manor with its Cape Dutch gables while being showered with confetti by your closest family and friends.
If you love nature and the splendour of the green vineyards in summer or yellow and red faling autumn leaves then you will fall in love with Nooitgedacht. Getting ready in the stunning bridal suite with its four posted bed, you’ll experience that sense of opulence and grandeur that every girl dreams of.
A ceremony under the shade of an oak tree that is older than the oldest person you know; A stroll and a kiss in the middle of the vineyards while taking your couple photos; Your grand entrance as Mr & Mrs into the spacious old candle lit barn. These are just a few of the special moments you can look forward to when getting married at Nooitgedacht.
The reception hall has a very distinct farm feel to it, yet it can be transformed to most themes. It is big! So if you plan to invite 120+ guests, then it will be perfect. Anything smaller than that and the space might feel a little empty.
As mentioned above, this is an all-in-one venue, with a chapel on site as well. Couples that do not have a church ceremony as requirement will love the charismatic and inspirational faunum (chapel) attached to the main cellar (banquet hall).
Limited accommodation is available on site, but there are plenty of hotels, guests houses and B&B’s within close proximity.
Wedding Accommodation – Bridal & Grooms Preps
The Bridal suite in the Manor House is a reminder of the class and grandeur that once bestowed this residence. It is decorated in original furniture, each piece an antique dating back to the late eighteen hundreds. High wooden ceilings, double doors that open up unto the large porch and a modern, refurbished bathroom are some of the other highlights of this room. It is big! Big enough to comfortably fit the bride and all her bridesmaids… and yes, big enough for both moms as well!
The original slave quarters on the estate adds to the accommodation options on site. The three units have been lovingly and luxuriously redeveloped into fully-equipped suites that is perfect for the groom and his entourage to do their preps. In total, 4 couples including the bride and groom can be accommodated on site.
Here are a few other guests houses to consider, should more accommodation be needed:
- Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel – Stellenbosch
- Rivierbos Guest House – Stellenbosch
- Summerwood Guest House – Stellenbosch
- Oak Village B&B – Stellenbosch
- More Accommodation Options – Nooitgedacht Estate Website
All suites boasts with unique period furniture, super-comfy beds, Egyptian cotton linen, Satellite TV, classy modern bathrooms, a nifty kitchenette, air conditioners and underfloor heating.
The faunum (chapel) attached to the main cellar (banquest hall), is a fantastic indoor ceremony option. It is less that 50m from the bridal suite – so no need to arrange a bridal car when you get married on the estate. It is a rustic space with exposed brick wall and old wooden windows. The faunum can seat up to 120 guests. And if you want a church ceremony, then there’s a variety of options. Stellenbosch, just 5km away has a multitude of churches of all denominations. Here’s a list of some of them: For an outdoor ceremony, there are plenty of options to exchange your vows. The gardens are huge. My favourite spot would be the lawn in front of the manor house, with the bride appearing from the bridal suite. On a clear sky, sunny summers day, pre-drinks can be done on the lawn in front of the manor house or on the paved area in front of the cellar. The venue can provide wine barrels to be used as tables or you can dress it up by hiring in tables and bar stools to fit in with your theme. Both spots are absolutely magical and will give your guests the full winelands experience when they sip their bubbly under the shade of those ancient oaks that is littered around the homestead.
For winter and grizzly cape rainy days, the foyer of the cellar can be utilized. This area is big enough to accommodate your wedding party, without them feeling squashed. With its wooden floors and ceilings and antique furniture pieces, it gives that warm farmhouse feel that will let the misery outside fade away.
Wedding Photography Options
Stellenbosch and its surrounding areas must be some of the most picturesque locations in South Africa. The town itself was one of the first to be established in SA and is rich with history and pride. Most streets are flanked by giant oaks, planted by dutch pioneers. It is surrounded by farmland and vineyards and magnificent estates with gabled Cape-Dutch manor houses. And how can you miss the towering Simonsberg, Kanonkop and Jonkershoek mountains that stand tall around this Boland town.
Even though the town is less than 5 minutes away, most couples opt to take their photos on the Estate. There is so much to work with here. Take a short stroll over the railway line and you’ll arrive at a stunning dam, that refelcts the mountains on the horizon. Right next to it, you have lush grassland and vineyards that can be used as canvas. In springtime the orchard next to the cellar, with pink and white blossoms makes the perfect fairytale setting. Then, the gardens – wow – expansive lawns with little ponds and a more formal garden at the back of the house dressed in creeping vines and Boston Ivy.
Not to fear! If your day is rained out, you can get the owners permission to utilize certain parts of the Manor house and its historic architecture and antique furniture.
Nooitgedacht is any photographers dream venue as it has plenty of indoor and outdoor options to accommodate all weather conditions.
Like with the ceremony, there are also a multitude of indoor and outdoor reception options. Outdoor, you can set up a see-through marquee on the main lawn or set a long table in the lane that leads up to the homestead. Why not do an intimate open air setting under a huge oak and dangle fairy lights from the overhanging branches. For a less risky outdoor option, there is also the spacious porch of the Manor House, that can be extended with a stretch tent if needed. This would be ideal for smaller wedding parties. The old cellar (Banquet Hall) can accommodate up to 260 guests, making it one of the biggest venues in the Western Cape. But do not be alarmed with the size. With clever use of indoor plants and lighting, even a wedding of 120 will not feel sparse. An oak beamed roof, screte floors and rustically plastered walls are some of the elements that give the cellar its charm. It can be dressed in any theme – a fantastic blank canvas to work with. The main hall is flanked by modern ablution facilities and a bar. Venue Hire Fee includes the following and more: The facilities are available up to 1am but can be extended to 2am at an overtime charge. Catering & Bar service The food at Nooitgedacht is divine! They boast with a fully equipped kitchen and world class chefs. Unfortunately no outside catering is allowed. The kitchen offers a choice between buffet or plated 3-course meals and canapé’s and is charged on a per person basis. Candy Bars and dessert tables are also done on request. The fully stocked bar, just next to the main hall is spacious and has a rustic farm feel to it. The venue will provide barmen and waiters at a cost. All wine is supplied by Nooitgedacht and sourced locally from neighboring wine estates. Should you choose to supply your own wine, corkage is charged at R25 per bottle. The bar is stocked with beers, ciders and spirits and is operated as a cash bar.
Have a look at the Nooitgedacht Estate Weddings we have covered up to now:
- Ayah & Louay – Outdoor Dance Floor
- Shireen & Fransico’s – Outdoor Wedding
- Monique & Nathan – Cellar
- Annabelle & Andre – Cellar
- Emile & Letitia – Cellar
Contact Details
Contact us for prices on your wedding photos & video
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