They don’t call South Africa “the rainbow nation” for nothing. Eleven official languages. Rich cultural heritage. Eclectic culinary scene. The beach and the bush. Wine and wildlife. We’ve truly got it all.

With so much to offer and a bunch of different backdrops to choose from, it’s no wonder so many international couples see our country as the perfect destination for tying the knot and starting their happily ever after. Here, there really is no shortage of amazing wedding venues that are easy to reach by plane, car, or even boat from nearly anywhere in the world.

The icing on the cake? For travellers from abroad, visiting South Africa is incredibly affordable, thanks to the favourable exchange rates of the South African rand against major global currencies like the dollar, euro, and British pound.

Where exactly in South Africa should I get married?

This, honestly, is completely up to you and your partner and ultimately depends on whether you prefer a beachfront ceremony, a mountaintop celebration, a vineyard affair, or a safari-style wedding.

Every part of this beautiful country has something special to offer, but it’s definitely the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal that steal the spotlight as the most sought-after wedding spots in South Africa. You can’t go wrong with any of these three.

Just to give you a feel for each region:

Cape Town (in the Western Cape), also known as the Mother City, is home to the iconic Table Mountain where you’ll also find breathtaking beaches, sunny weather, and world-class wine estates. This is arguably the number place to be in SA. It was, after all, voted the most beautiful city in the world by the New York Times and, according to a study by DC Jewellery, ranked among the top 10 wedding destinations globally. There’s just such a unique vibe and atmosphere in Cape Town, and to be frank, you’d be hard-pressed to find views as stunning as the ones you’ll get here anywhere else on the globe.

Moving to Johannesburg (situated in Gauteng), you’ll experience the vibrant energy of South Africa’s City of Gold and its diverse cuisine and bustling nightlife. Jo’burg boasts many world-class venues and trendy restaurants, which makes it an ideal setting for urban weddings. It’s also the world’s second most affordable wedding destination. If you’re interested in a bushveld-style wedding or wildlife activities for your honeymoon, there are plenty of options near Gauteng to explore.

Last but certainly not least, KwaZulu-Natal offers a mix of the best features from the other two cities. Much like Cape Town, KZN enjoys a warm coastal climate and offers some pristine beaches, but you’ll also find great safari parks, green hills, and vast sugar cane and banana plantations. 

What about wedding suppliers?

No matter where couples choose to tie the knot or spend their honeymoon in South Africa, time and time again, they gush about the beautiful scenery – but the one thing they truly remember is the exceptional service and warm hospitality provided by South African wedding vendors.

Besides our bespoke luxury accommodation, we are known for our top-class event coordinators, skilled photographers and videographers, talented musicians, culinary mastery, and premium bar services.

Toast to forever with Thirst Bar Services

When it comes to bar services for your wedding and you’re looking for something a bit different, we’d recommend getting a mobile bar. A mobile bar is essentially what its name implies – a bar that can be conveniently brought directly to or set up at your wedding venue, wherever it may be. When you hire Thirst Bar Services, you have the option to select from a variety of designer bars that complement your wedding theme or concept, and we can organise a drink menu as diverse as South Africa itself.

Once we’ve gathered all the details about your wedding, including the theme, decorations, and your preferences, we’ll craft some incredible signature cocktail ideas exclusively for your big day.

The best part of hiring Thirst Bar Services is that you’ll have a team of academy-trained mixologists who truly understand the intricacies of each ingredient and how it affects the taste of a drink, and they know exactly how to charm guests and ensure everyone has a fantastic time.

Wherever you choose to say your “I do’s” in South Africa, Thirst wants to be a part of the celebration and make sure your big day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of.