I always say that I am probably the luckiest photographer out there, and yes I do consider myself “lucky” but maybe not in the ways you think. For starters I am LUCKY to live in the most beautiful coastal town of Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, my backyard includes the most stunning views of Robberg Nature Reserve, mystical forests, secluded beaches and if you really are an adventurous person a little hike up a mountain or hill that will provide you with breath taking views. Lucky hey?
Part two of being lucky, I get to live the dream with beautiful people, creating their keep sakes to show generations to come and I hope that maybe, when my clients show their wedding photos to their grand children, they might take a second or two and say, “That crazy ass photographer, made us walk up a mountain for that shot”.
Part three, living in the “jewel of the Garden Route” could only mean that there are so many STUNNING wedding venues. And Plettenberg Bay Wedding Venues, do NOT disappoint.
This list is not meant to offend any venues chosen or not chosen, this is my honest review of my experience(s) and this list could change at any given moment with new venues added.
Here’s my list of favourite wedding venues in Plettenberg Bay:
EMILY MOON RIVER LODGE
Why I love it?
I won’t lie, every time I get a wedding enquiry and the location says Emily Moon, I pee a little of excitement and jump up and down and throw my hands in the air screaming EMILY MOON, YES! If I ever got married, it would be here. I guess the feeling whenever I go here is like going to my second home, from the rustic decor (which I LOVE!), the ambience, you wouldn’t believe that the N2 is about 2km away, the view over the Bitou River that rolls on as far as the eye can see and those beautiful mountains. Take a walk down by the lagoon and watch the sunset over the river and mountains, those cocktails are to DIE for, not to mention that Pizza at Simon’s bar. Another big plus for me is the staff, I am a HUGE supporter of friendly and helpful staff and these ones along with Kay and Monty are just the best!
But we are not talking about my social gatherings, we are talking weddings. Both bridal parties can get ready on the property in beautifully decorated rooms with the most magnificent natural light coming through. The rooms themselves have stunning views of the lagoon and there are plenty of photo opportunities for both bridal parties. The ceremony can take place in a few locations from the James Room, the restaurant or even outside. Depending on where you have the ceremony the reception can be chosen. The swimming pool area provides such a great area for your guests to enjoy canapés and a cocktail or two whilst you are on your couple shoot, the area is big enough for your guests but small enough that makes it feel that you are all together. Your guests can wander the property and literally dream that their houses looked like this. I FRIKKEN LOVE THIS PLACE!
What they say:
Emily Moon is the ideal venue and caters for up to 80 guests. The deck offers stunning views of the wetlands, winding river and far distant mountains and is the perfect setting for cocktails and canapés prior to dinner, whilst the pool surrounds are ideal for taking your vows.
Emily Moon River Lodge is filled with treasures collected from travels all over Africa, Asia and Polynesia – which provides stunning backgrounds for your photographs.
THE ROSE PAVILION, BOSKY DELL
Why I love it?
I have only been lucky enough to photograph one wedding here, I was blown away by the beauty of the Rose Pavilion, it is just that, ROSES everywhere and all the colours you can think of. Nestled deep down between mountains and surrounded by natural forest, it really is something else to see. You get that feeling when you drive down that you are driving to witness something special. My wedding had a bohemian feel and the Persian carpets with all mis matched chairs in the ceremony area was mind blowing (to me of course). The aisle is something else, it must be about 100m and you are surrounded by smells and pops of pinks from the roses, BEAUTIFUL!
The lady in charge of this place is Rae, and she is on the ball, along with Sue from Newstead, you are possibly in the safest hands if your wedding is at either of these places, they are constantly there looking to see if anything is needed, needs cleaning, more food, more drinks etc. Basically they run a tight ship!
With this beautiful setting you can only imagine the photo opportunities, between the flowers, the dam, the forest sections and if you have some time, get up to the vineyards for sunset and those beautiful mountain backdrops. Please can I have more weddings here!
What they say?
The Rose Pavilion is one of the Garden Route’s most unique indoor/outdoor wedding & function venues. The Pavilion is at the centre of an award winning rose garden on Bosky Dell Farm and is surrounded by fynbos and natural forest. Besides the wedding and function venue, Bosky Dell also has 12Ha of vines which offer an alternative backdrop for weddings that are hosted by The Rose Pavilion.
KAY & MONTY VINEYARDS
Why I love it?
Kay & Monty could possibly be my biggest supporters, the whole Rare Earth Collection in fact. I love these people! Probably the venue I have photographed the most and trust me when I say this, other than that bridge photo, I try and do something different every time with my clients, it is such a challenge to keep finding new places, little spots, different backgrounds, textures and so far so good! In Plettenberg Bay, I think this venue seats the most people, about 200 in the glass cage (that’s what I call it), throw some fairy lights at night and wow this place looks stunning!
Being on a wine farm, of course you sip some of Plett’s finest wines, they won’t disappoint! Kay & Monty is a fully functioning restaurant so getting an outside caterer is not necessary, their food is YUMMY!
What they say?
Set amidst rolling paddocks and with a dramatic mountain backdrop, Kay and Monty Vineyards is an award-winning working boutique wine farm and polo estate. The estate, when booked for a function, is available exclusively to those guests for the duration, and the party will have the venue as well as the accommodation all to themselves. Once the ceremony is complete and festivities can begin, you can enjoy white wine and bubbly from the estate’s own cellars.
BRAMON
Why I love it?
Bramon holds a very special place in my heart, this was my first “big wedding” and I was lucky to have two amazing people as my couple. They were so much fun and if I look back on it, if that wedding didn’t go well, I am not sure I would be here! Also apart from a wedding venue, this is the place that I come and celebrate every year Sharyn Hodges Photography birthday’s for the exact reason I mentioned above.
Have you ever thought about getting married in a wine cellar? Well then Bramon is your place! The views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the background are stunning, they have a little dam and if you brave enough time, get in a canoe. There is a small cottage on the property that the girls can get ready in. It is a small drive from here to the cellar (not even 2 minutes). Just like Kay & Monty, Bramon is a restaurant and man do they make some YUMMY foodies, do I even mention THAT BREAD! I dream about that BREAD! “How can we pay you”, in BRAMON BREAD! Putting a stretch tent over the “tables in the vineyard” provides another feel that no other venue has. As far as couple shoot opportunities maybe a little bit limited here. There is the cellar that has some awesome crates, the cellar doors, the vineyards and the dam.
What they say?
Bramon is set in the vineyards overlooking views of the gorgeous Tsitsikamma Mountains. The restaurant seats 80 people inside and 100 outside, in between the vines and under the newly added awning, which adds greatly to the ambience and expanse of the indoor/outdoor feel Bramon has become synonymous with. Ceremonies can take place in the Cellar (except during harvest time) or in the gardens surrounding the restaurant.
NEWSTEAD LUND FAMILY VINEYARDS
Why I love it?
Just like Kay & Monty, Newstead have been great supporters of me and my brand and I really love coming here. I know that the food will ALWAYS be great, the staff are so friendly and Sue at the helm of this beautiful venue, nothing goes unnoticed and her eye for detail is exquisite! Newstead has the most awesome harvest tables (food again) and those pink bubbles (my favourite of all the wine farms). I love that they are a little “darker” in decor than the other wedding venues, we all know I love the mood and this place oozes sophistication and the attention to detail is paramount! Ceremonies can be held outside with the reception inside on the grass covered by a stretch tent. Order those pink bubbles and enjoy a beautiful evening in the vineyards.
Photo opportunities is a little limited here too, with the vineyards and dam maybe your only options here. We need to find a way to the mountains for sunset, then this place will be a proper BANGER of a venue!
What they say?
Weddings at Newstead are tailor-made to ensure your ‘big day’ is truly magical. The ultra-stylish tasting room and restaurant also features a popular Bubble Bar, serving Bubbles, craft beer and delicious gin cocktails infused with herbs and spices. Attention to detail is standard, year-round. The warm, welcoming, no-airs-or-graces ambience lingers long after your visit.
HUNTER HOTELS
Why I love it?
The complete opposite to Kay & Monty in terms of guest size, this is definitely for the small intimate wedding types. The beautiful Chapel is nestled in the forest, sometimes you forget you are in South Africa when you walk around here. You have three great choices for your reception, each one is unique in it’s own ways, Tsala, Zinzi (my first choice) or the Hunter’s Country House.
As far as photo opportunities go, the gardens are well manicured and there are plenty of beautiful spots all around the grounds, don’t forget the forest either.
What they say?
The intimate Chapel in the Forest is the perfect setting: vows are proclaimed while being framed by floor to ceiling windows overlooking a valley of indigenous forest. The chapel can seat up to 50 guests to share this special moment with you. For the reception, choose from Tsala Treetop Lodge’s unique dining room, the wonderful Zinzi Restaurant or Hunter’s Country House – three bespoke venues that can be transformed into the reception venue of your dreams.
DIRT THERAPY
Why I love it?
Another great idea, great decor and something for the more “earthy couples”. You are basically getting married or having your reception in a nursery! I really love this place! It is unique, and the only venue that has real beach sand in the reception area. There are some really awesome couple photo opportunities here, there is a small forest, awesome winding roads, a couple of dams, an old barn house, getting photographs in the “reception area” amongst the greenery, tiger portrait or at the entrance of Dirt Therapy amongst plants, spades, forks, empty pots, the list is endless here and the variety is great for any photography.
The ONLY downside to this, is there is a mushroom farm right next door and if the wrong wind blows, the smells are not the best.
What they say?
Dirt Therapy is located a few kilometres outside of Plett on the Airport Road. Imagine a green-house turned wedding venue, with beach sand as the flooring, and beautiful mountain views. Closed to the public, Dirt Therapy is a gorgeous location at which to celebrate your big day. A tropical paradise in Plettenberg Bay.
NATURE’S VALLEY REST CAMP
Why I love it?
I remember the first time I did a wedding here, I thought this was not going to work, but it really did. You are basically getting married in an indigenous forest, surrounded by forest sounds of birds and insects. This place is truly magical. A great choice if you want that “getting married in a forest” feel. This is however just a wedding ceremony spot, your reception would have to be at another location. I would try and keep in and around Nature’s Valley. The views, the beach, the ocean the lagoon and of course the forest all provide such beautiful photo opportunities.
Reception ideas: Hiring a stretch tent and having your reception at the Rest Camp. The Nature’s Valley Community Church, Wild Spirit Backpackers are all reception venues that I have shot at before. Of course this would require you to outsource everything from catering, hiring of tables, chairs, lights etc.
What they say?
If you’ve decided to have a stunning forest wedding, then the Nature’s Valley Rest Camp, De Vasselot, is the perfect location. The Tsitsikamma forest is a stunning backdrop for your couple photos, and only a few minutes away is the Nature’s Valley beach – white sand and the Groot River estuary. Gorgeous scenery all around!
NATURE’S VALLEY BEACH
Why I love it?
Not exactly a wedding venue, but for the bridal couple that loves sandy toes, I would recommend Nature’s Valley beach. The peaceful valley, some 25 kilometres from Plettenberg Bay, lies virtually in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest. The gorgeous drive takes you through tall forests along a winding road, and leads you to unspoilt white beaches. Highly recommended for a gorgeous beach ceremony and informal reception.
Reception ideas: Hiring a stretch tent and having your reception at the Rest Camp. The Nature’s Valley Community Church, Wild Spirit Backpackers are all reception venues that I have shot at before. Of course this would require you to outsource everything from catering, hiring of tables, chairs, lights etc.
LOOKOUT BEACH
Why I love it?
Lookout Beach is a central beach in Plettenberg Bay. For the couple that wants a beach-themed ceremony, followed by a more traditional reception, I would recommend The Grand & The Plettenberg Hotel, only a few minutes walk away from each other. White beaches, rust coloured rocks and the greenery that surrounds the coast – a beautiful option!
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