10. Rockhaven – Rustic Farm Venue in Elgin

Rockhaven Wedding Venue is our number 10 in our list of Top 10 Wedding Venues in the Western Cape.  This part of the world is truly magical. The mountains, valleys, orchards and farm-style buildings give a tranquility and peace – a perfect setting for a romantic wedding! Rockhaven is only a 75 km drive from Cape Town, but once you go over the Hottentots Holland Mountains, you will feel like you are in a different world!

It will appeal to…

The Rockhaven Farm will appeal to those couples looking to create an earthy and rustic theme for their wedding. Best time of the year to host your wedding at Rockhaven is Summer when the landscape is covered with lush green orchards and vineyards.  A bit more risky in terms of rain, but the jackpot in terms of colour and warmth is Autumn with hues for brown, yellow and red. This is my favourite time of the year at this venue!

Bridal and Grooms Preparations at Rockhaven

The Farm House comprises of Rockhaven’s three luxury suites, sleeping 6. Add this to the the other cottages on the farm and you have a place to rest for 14 of your closest friends and family.  There are plenty of neighbouring farmhouse accommodation and good quality guest houses in the area as well.

The farmhouse and cottages are ideal bridal and grooms preparation venues.  Having such fantastic facilities onsite will save you a lot of time in travelling and you’ll also have a lot less stress when it comes to timing.

 

 

Wedding Ceremony Options at Rockhaven

The Boathouse, set on the edge of a dam is a fantastic indoor ceremony venue.  It can seat up to 150 guests and can also double up as a smaller reception venue.  Characterised by its cement floor, rough brick walls, exposed roof trusses and candy stripe side sun shutters, this venue perfectly embodies the rustic farm-wedding feel.

Weather permitting (summer and autumn), outdoor ceremonies can be conducted on the lovely lawn that flows down from the main house and meets the edge of the dam that overlooks the estate.  This space is big enough to also host pre-dinner drinks and lawn games while guests wait for the wedding photos to be taken.

 

Pre-dinner Drinks Options – Rockhaven Wedding Venue Elgin

There are two areas that are perfect to host your pre-dinner drinks.  My favourite is the lawn in front of the the main farm house, on the edge of the lake.  Here guests can soak in all of the breathtaking views of the farm and en enjoy canapés, champagne and lawn games while the weddings photos are being taken.

The other spot, right outside the main venue lends a more formal and intimate setting.  It is close to bathroom facilities, bar and kitchen and a more sheltered option.  Flanked by rustic stone walls and the wooden facade of the venue, this area can easily be covered by stretch tent if wet weather looms.

 

 

The Reception Options – Rockhaven Farm, Elgin

For a rustic wedding, there are but a few better options in the greater Cape Town area.  This is one of the main reasons why Rockhaven made our list of Top 10 Wedding venues in the Western Cape.

“The Barn”, an old converted apple shed, is the bigger reception venue of the two, seating up to 150 guests with a dance floor.  This space, like the Boathouse, also has a rustic feel, with lots of wooden elements brought in.  Even the bar area is made from recycled apple crates.  When you combine this unrefined feel with sophisticated elements like crystal chandeliers and fairy lights, the venue is transformed into a fairytale setting.

Some couples opt to have an outdoor dance floor in the courtyard that can form part of the venue when the side doors are opened. An added bonus is that there are no real sound restrictions as the venue is set on a farm with neighbours far enough away to be bothered by your party.

Secondly, The Boathouse, a smaller intimate space with a lovely deck on the waters edge, is another option.  The clever design, with one side totally opening up, allows for a “close-to-nature” experience, with fantastic views over the dam and estate while enjoying dinner.  It is more intimate than the barn and can accommodate 70 guests with dance floor.

 

Catering and Bar Services at Rockhaven

Rockhaven is known for their exquisite cuisine and that is one of the reasons they prefer to make use of their in-house catering team. The menu usually consists of pre-drinks and canapes, a main course and then a dessert/cheese plate option. The chefs of Rockhaven make use of only fresh, local produce, with most of the greenery and veggies cultivated in their organic vegetable garden less than 50m from the Barn.

Unfortunately Rockhaven doesn’t have a liquor licence, but a bar service can be organised upon request. For your wedding reception you also have the option to bring your own drinks without having to pay corkage. The venue hiring doesn’t include staff, so an additional 10% is added to the food bill which then covers the staff.

 

 

Wedding Photography Options at Rockhaven

Rockhaven is a real playground for photographers.  The deck of the Boathouse; jeep track on the lake wall with natural fynbos; the vineyards, orchards  and olive groves; the lawn on the waters edge; the lovely rustic courtyard with stone walls.  These are just some of the many settings for wedding photos on the farm.

 

 

 Full Weddings at Rockhaven

• Summer Wedding – Louise and Johan
• Summer Wedding – Rob and Sarah

 

9. Grande Provence – Wine Estate in Franschhoek

If your vision is to combine the essence of the Cape winelands with luxury, then this venue is perfect for your wedding.  The 325 year old Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate  is set in the lovely village of Franschhoek that is just 90km from Cape Town by car.  The town with rich history and wine culture is a tourist favourite. If yours is a destination wedding, then you will find Franschhoek to be the perfect base for you to enjoy fine restaurants, wine and beautiful natural surroundings this picturesque town has to offer.

Grande Provence is an all-in-one venue with several accommodation, ceremony and reception options. The award winning restaurant also handles the catering for weddings.  Other notable mentions are the landscaped design, sculptures and gallery, lavender flanked entrance lane, lovely old oaks and Cape Dutch buildings.

 

 

Bridal and Grooms Preparations at Grande Provence

The suites and villa at Grande Provence can accommodate 14 guests in total.  These self contained units have all the luxuries you can expect, including swimming pool and spacious lounge and entertainment areas.

The honeymoon suite is the perfect bridal preparations space.  It’s situated right next to the outdoor ceremony space one the one side and Jonkershuis, one of the smaller function spaces, just 20m away other other side.

The groom and his entourage can make use of one of the other guests suites for their preparations.  Having the main bridal party get ready onsite is a big plus for any wedding as it save a lot of traveling time and gives more time to spend with your family and friends on the wedding day.

 

Wedding Ceremony Options at Grande Provence

For an outdoor ceremony, the lawn next to the villas is the perfect setting.  It is very well sheltered of wind and has the most beautiful vistas over the vineyards and mountains in the distance.  It is right next to the bridal preparations venue, which makes for seamless transfer.  And if the bride opted for a arrival by car, there is a road that leads to within 40m of this space.

For wet weather and indoor ceremonies, The beautiful Cape Dutch building dubbed Jonkershuis is just perfect.  It can accommodate 70 guess cinema-style.

 

Pre-dinner Drinks at Grande Provence

The Garden with lovely old oaks, water features, lawns and art sculptures in the perfect setting for your pre-dinner drinks.  Here, your guests can enjoy champagne in style while you are getting your wedding photos taken.   is a beautiful space with stunning mountain backdrops and vineyard views.

The Garden can also be used as an outdoor reception venue.   The warm summer nights in Franschhoek allows for outdoor receptions to be held in this space.

 

 

Reception Options at Grande Provence

One of the reasons why Grande Provence features in our list of Top 10 Wedding Venues in Cape Town, is because of the many reception venue options it has.  In total there are 4 options, each lending its own special look and feel, catering for intimate and larger weddings.

The Jonkershuis is a superbly decorated private room in a typical Cape Dutch Style building. The thatch roof and exposed beams, together with this classically decorated interior give a very stately feel and this space is perfect for a small destination wedding of up to 30 guests.

The Restaurant with superb cuisine is a modern space with a lot of ambience.  The white high back chairs and touches of gold and dark interior lends a sophisticated feel.  This space is perfect for the refined couple that wants to treat their guests in style.  It can seat up to 60 guests.

The Gallery at Grande Provence is considered to be one of the most highly regarded galleries in the Cape, with a reputation for showcasing some of South Africa’s finest established and emerging artists. For bigger weddings of up to 120 guest, the atrium of the gallery is used as a rectangular shaped venue that can be transformed into just about any theme.

This blank canvas space has french doors leading onto the sculpture garden.  An outdoor dance floor just outside these doors can be the perfect romantic end to the evening.

 

Wedding Photography Options at Grande Provence

This Estate offers everything you would expect of a Cape Winelands estate, rich in heritage and contemporary by design. The endless photographic opportunities, both indoors and outdoors start at the entry road with lavender hedges and extends into the rows of vineyards set on the mountain backdrop. The 18th century Manor house offers Cape Dutch architecture and expansive lush gardens with 300 year old oaks that will supply ample shade for hot summers days.  There are so many photo worthy locations on this 47 acre estate.  It is a photographers dream.

 

 

Bridal and Grooms Preparations at Old Mac Daddy

The accommodation is probably the most enticing feature that Old Mac Daddy has to offer. These vintage trailers were sourced from the USA and commissioned to artists to transform in a creative way.

There are two celebration packages on offer.  One for a weekend stay and one for an overnight stay for up to 30 adults divided between the trailers and the Daddy’s Villa. Arrangements could be made for an additional 18 beds if needed.

The Old Mac Daddy is one of the best Elgin Valley’s best kept secrets but is becoming increasingly popular among those looking for a creatively driven platform, unique accommodation options and the perfect combination of art and nature.

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Dinner Drinks Area – Old Mac Daddy

The lawn area at Old Mac Daddy can also double up as a mingling area for guests after the ceremony.  They can chill out here while playing lawn games like French Boule, Giant Jenga.  At one of our featured weddings the couple even had table tennis set up here!

The deck next to the lake, mentioned above, can also be used as pre-drinks area.

 

 

Wedding Reception at Old Mac Daddy

The Barn can accommodate intimate weddings of up to 65 guests, or even a bigger party if you choose the communal feast options such as a buffet or braai-style dinner.

Even in this main reception area, the earthy / arty theme is followed through.   The venue comes with unique, long rectangular wooden tables and modern, custom wooden chairs, so no need to hire in any dining  furniture for the wedding reception.  And for those brisk winter weddings, there is a lovely fireplace to warm up the place.  Unfortunately no outdoor dance floors are allowed in respect of the neighbours.

 

Catering and Bar Services at Old Mac Daddy

The venue does have a liquor license but the mini-bars located in the trailers are not stocked for wedding celebrations.   Beverage packages and prices can be arranged with the management.  Old Mac Daddy does all their own catering and you can choose from a variety of packages that include canapé’s, three course meals as well as braai-style wedding feasts.

 

 

Wedding Photos at Old Mac Daddy

OMW!!!!  So much to work with here!  Photographers have access to all the Airstream trailers, the house and the Daddy’s Villa, not to mention the spectacular natural surroundings!

Alana and Jan’s Wedding at Old Mac Daddy is an ideal example of the scenery, surroundings and Airstream trailers used to its full.   Also see Rochelle and Glen’s wedding, a carnival themed wedding that tied in the trailers perfectly.

 

 

7. La Residence – Wine Estate in Franschhoek

Is This Wedding Venue for You – La Residence?

If you’ve dreamed of a classic, black tie wedding, then this is the one for you.  The Hotel itself is a mix between modern rural French and middle eastern architecture with fountains and lush creepers decorating the entrance. The interior speaks of extravagance, with a classic chequered floor filled with beautiful antiques, Persian rugs, crystal chandeliers and luxurious fabrics to create an atmosphere of unequalled opulence. The main dining hall opens up to a marble tiled, U-shaped courtyard that ends in a rim flow pool with vistas over the mountain and orchards.

Then there is the Persian Alley, an open-air section that overlooks the dam with black swans and the whole of the Franschhoek valley.  I have seen the most amazing sunsets here in summer, with the skies painted in beautiful colours. The max pax is 150 but I would say that La Residence is ideally suited for smaller, intimate weddings of between 40 and 60, Imagine your closest family and friends dressed in style and seated on the classic long table in the main dining hall.

Do note that if you want to use the Hotel as a wedding venue, then you are required to book out all the accommodation.  In essence, for the duration of the wedding, you will have exclusive use of this fantastic hotel, ensuring an uninterrupted celebration!

 

Bridal & Grooms Preps at La Residence

The accommodation is on another level, with suites individually decorated, each with its own theme.  Most of the rooms open up onto spacious balconies that overlook the valley below.  The hotel can sleep 42 in total; ample space for the main bridal party and more. Be warned that these luxury rooms come at a price though.

In total, the hotel consists of 11 luxury suites (double rooms) and then the 5 Vineyard Suites that can accommodate 4 guests each. Both bride and groom is spoiled for choice when it comes to preparation rooms. The luxury Suites are out of this world!  Hands down the best bridal preparations location in the whole of the Western Cape!

 

Spa Treatments

By the time you get to the venue the day before the wedding, your stress levels might be running high. This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in the fantastic Spa Facilities at La Residence.  Unwind, de-stress and get into a calm frame of mind for your big day.

The La Residence Franschhoek Hotel has two in-house therapists.  Allow yourself to be pampered in the tranquil, air-conditioned double treatment room or in the privacy of your own balcony.  Treatments include Body Therapy, Facial Treatments and Beauty Treatments.

 

Wedding Ceremony Options at La Residence

La Residence does not have a purpose-built chapel, but there are a host of outdoor ceremony settings to choose from.  For a very intimate wedding of 10 or fewer people, the Tea Room next to the dam can be used and for bigger weddings the lawn in front of the main dining hall is perfect.  This spot has amazing views, the perfect romantic setting to exchange vows.

Another, more formal setting for a ceremony is the courtyard next to the rooms.  This area is sheltered agains the wind and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

 

 

Pre-Dinner Drinks areas at La Residence

The Persian Alley with a fantastic view over the dam is a stunning spot for your guests to chill and relax while you are having your professional couple photos taken.  The La Residence kitchen will dish up fantastic alfresco platters with a variety of cheeses, fruits, preserves and cold meats that can be enjoyed with some champers while you watch the sun setting.

If not used for the ceremony, the palm tree-lined lawn next to the infinity pool is another great location for the pre-drinks. Here you can set up lawn games like giant Jenga, french boule and croquet.

 

Wedding Photos at La Residence

No need to drive to a separate location for your wedding photos.  This venue has it all.  The antique furniture, classic decor and art, together with the chequered flooring and crystal chandeliers is a setting fit for kings.  There is so much to choose from!  Photos can also be taken in the suites that are out of this world when it comes to decor and furnishings.

The entrance of La Residence with its fountains reminds me of a sophisticated chateau in rural France.  The beautiful fountains and entrance walls covered with greenery makes a stunning backdrop.  The manicured gardens, the plum orchards, the lavender fields, the dam with black swans, the Franschhoek mountains. There are a plethora of options when it comes to your all-important wedding photos!

 

Wedding Reception Venue at La Residence

Catering and Bar at La Residence

The wedding package has 3 menu options comprising of a variety of 3-course meals.  The Venue does have a liquor lisence and all beverages are charged on consumption.  The Bar closes at midnight and all other operations at 2am.

 

 

To see more of La Residence that comes in at number 7 in our list of Top 10 Wedding Venues in Cape town, click on the links below.

• Imogen & Savva – December (Summer)
• Jennifer & David – February (Summer)
• Zithe & Alex – January (Summer)

6. Boschendal  – Wine Estate in Franschhoek

Boschendal, one of the oldest and biggest Wine Estates in the Cape Winelands is our number 6 on our list of the Top 10 wedding venues in the Western Cape. It is located in the centre of Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch. The wine estate is 45 minutes drive from Cape Town City Centre and 40 minutes drive from Cape Town International Airport. They have many function venues to choose from for up to 250 wedding guests.  Up to 150 guests can be accommodated across the farm in luxury self-catering cottages

The farm offers restaurants, hiking trails, wine tasting, mountain biking and so much more.  It is the perfect solution for those coming from foreign shores, wanting to get married in the Cape Winelands and also have all the fun activities the farm and surrounds have to offer.

 

 

Bridal and Grooms Preparation Options

The Werf cottages that surround the meadow next to the Olive Press venue is the ideal solution for those wanting to get ready on the farm.  The suite range from 2 to 4-sleepers.  A word of caution, the are not very spacious, so if you have a sizable bridal party, then you might want to consider some of the other accommodation options on the farm.

In total, Boschendal can sleep a whopping 150 people!!!  You can literally have all the guests at your wedding stay over for the night to ensure an unforgettable night of celebrations.

 

 

 

Wedding Ceremony Options at Boschendal

The meadow next to the Olive Press is my favourite outdoor ceremony setting on the estate, but besides this option, there is a plethora of other options.

Olive Press Meadow – vast rolling lawns next to the koi pond and poplar forest, overlooking the majestic Drakenstein mountains in the distance.

The Werf lawns with its pavilion and fountain provides an idyllic and picturesque setting for a wedding ceremony. Guests can relax under the trees on bean bags, hammocks, backrest chairs or blankets.

The veranda (stoep) of the Olive Press is a great alternative is adverse weather looms.  The canvas walls can easily be dropped if the dreaded shower comes down, effectively converting it to an indoor wedding ceremony setting.

Apart from the mentions above, there are also the tree-lined lanes leading up to the manors that will lend a more formal setting with the beautiful Cape Dutch Gables in the background.  It is best to visit the venue for a tour to see all the other options.

 

 

Pre-dinner drinks options at Boschendal

Again, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to serving champagne and canapés after your ceremony.  Each of the function venues has its own outdoor and indoor space for the pre-drinks.  The lawns next to the olive press are ideal for an outdoor lounge setup.  At the Olive Press, the veranda can be used for wet conditions as well and the lounge with fireplace at the bar.

For intimate wedding receptions at The Werf restaurant, there is another spacious veranda that overlooks the perfectly manicured vegetable garden and mountains.

The lawns of the Werf that with pavilion and fountain is yet another option.

 

 

Wedding Photos at Boschendal

As a photographer, I can honestly say that one is spoiled for choice at this magnificent Cape Winelands Estate.  I might sound like a record that got stuck, but those mountain never seize to stop giving me goosebumps!  But there is so much more! Dams, rivers, poplar forests, tree-lined lanes, Cape Dutch Architecture, modern architecture, gardens to die for and historical indoor settings!

If the wedding photos are one of the most important elements of your wedding, then you might as well stop looking. This is the one venues in the whole of the Western Cape with the most possibilities! It is also one of the biggest factors why Boschendal is rated to high in our list of Top 10 Wedding Venues in Cape Town

 

 

Wedding Reception Options at Boschendal

This vast Wine estate has a variety of options to host your wedding reception.  More images to come as the number of weddings we shoot here increases.  I predict that very soon this venue will jump ahead to the top 3 in our list of Top 10 wedding venues in Cape Town. Here are all the reception options Boschendal has to offer:

The Olive press is the largest venue on the estate. It can seat up to 200 guests with dance floor and 250 without.  The high ceiling with raw poplar beams and wooden tiled floor lends and unique and old School feel to this venue.  The glass doors extending from floor to ceiling ensures the lovely view of the Drakenstein mountains in the distance is in clear view.  The veranda, that extends from the venue towards the mountains is a lovely outdoor space that can be used as a semi-outdoor reception setting with one long table extending from end to end.  This space can also be closed with stylish canvas walls should in case of adverse weather conditions.  The expansive lawned meadow and gardens that hug the Olive press building is the perfect setting for an outdoor ceremony.

The Rhone Homestead is a lovely old Cape Dutch Style manor house for smaller and intimate weddings of up to 50 guests.  The perfectly manicured gardens and surrounds lends many an opportunity for wedding photos.

The Manor House lawns and garden is ideal for an outdoor setting for a smaller group of up to 80 guests. Seat your guests in the tree-lined lane that reveals the beautiful Cape Dutch gables of this National monument.

The Werf Restaurant that is under the top 30 restaurants in South Africa is a contrasting space with a darker and moody setting in the original barn and flanked by a modern conservatory with beautiful patterned tiled floor and big windows that give beautiful vistas over the manicured vegetable garden and mountains.  This space can seat 50 guests with dance floor.

Exclusive Picnics – The Werf Picnic and Rhone rose Garden Picnic lawns are the ideal setting for a more relaxed picnic style reception that is hosted during daytime.  Picnic bastkets for up to 250 guests can be ordered in advance and you can enjoy a fun filled afternoon on the lawns around the fountain in these natural settings.  with its pavilion and fountain provides an idyllic and picturesque setting for a wedding ceremony. Guests can relax under the trees on bean bags, hammocks, backrest chairs or blankets.

 

 

Catering at Boschendal

All of their functions are catered in-house by Executive Chef, Christiaan Campbell and his team.  Their farm-to-table menus use only the best quality seasonal ingredients sourced from the fields, gardens and other local suppliers.  They raise their own award-winning Black Angus cattle, acorn-fed pigs, free-range chickens and harvest most of their vegetables from the organic Werf Food Garden run by Megan McCarthy.

If this does not make your mouth water then you need to get yourself checked!

 

 

 

Top 10 Wedding Venues in Cape Town (5 to 1)

5.  Nooitgedacht – Wine Estate in Stellenbosch

4.  Lourensford Estate – Wine and Fruit Estate in Somerset West

3.  Vrede en Lust – Wine Estate in Franschhoek

2.  Cavalli – Wine and Stud Estate in Stellenbosch

1.  Molenvliet – Boutique Wine Estate in Stellenbosch

 

Top 4 Wedding Venues in Stellenbosch

4.  Brenaissance Guest Estate

3. Nooitgedacht Wine Estate

2.  Cavalli Wine and Stud Estate

1. Molenvliet Estate

 

Top 5 Wedding Venues in Franschhoek

5.  La Paris – Wine Estate

4.  Grande Provence – Wine Estate

3.  La Residence – Boutique hotel

2.  Boschendal – Wine Estate

1. Vrede en Lust – Wine Estate

 

Top 2 Beach Venues in Cape Town

2.  12 Apostles – Camps Bay

1.  The Grand Beach & Cafe – Cape Town

 

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