For all the engaged couples searching for the ideal matrimonial location, the incredible KZN South Coast ticks all the right boxes. This idyllic coastal region, with its world-class beaches, lush coastal forests, cascading waterfalls and African savannah, truly has it all. The region is home to a fantastic selection of outdoor, nature-based wedding venues suited to a range of budgets, all boasting great views and offering top-class service for a truly memorable occasion.
“Many couples have had to put either their engagements or weddings on hold these past two years but with things opening up again, the hunt is on for great venues that meet all the bridal couple’s requirements,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT). “Outdoor offerings are now at the top of the list for adequate ventilation, but these need to be located in areas with great natural beauty that also cater to various budgets and tastes. Fortunately, the KZN South Coast’s subtropical climate and exquisite venues tick all the right boxes, and we’ve highlighted a few that are truly worth a visit.”
Blue Marlin Hotel (Scottburgh)
“Say ‘I do’ at The Blue Marlin. Our world-class venue has everything you need for your dream wedding, with a range of facilities of different sizes and a spectacular backdrop for wedding receptions and banquets. What better way to celebrate this special day than against the perfect backdrop of the South Coast?”
Website: www.bluemarlinhotel.co.za
Contact: 039 978 3361 or [email protected]
Premier Resort Cutty Sark Hotel (Scottburgh)
“When it comes to Scottburgh accommodation and hotels, Premier Resort Cutty Sark remains unrivalled and certainly a cut above the rest with magnificent views of golden beaches, beautiful sun sets and sweeping backdrops of a never-ending ocean that stretches out as far as the eye can see.”
Website: www.cuttysark.co.za
Contact: 039 976 1230 or [email protected]
Selborne Park Golf Estate, Hotel and Spa (Pennington)
“Selborne Golf Estate, Hotel and Spa offers venues in an unmatched location for any event, from sophisticated conferences to dream weddings. The championship golf course, together with the onsite wellness spa and an option between fine and casual dining, provide a full luxury experience. Relax in the piano lounge or have a nightcap in the elegant bar, where there is a vintage wine collection. The property also features a quaint chapel, premium accommodation, landscaped tropical gardens, a beach house, an outdoor sparkling pool and tennis courts.”
Website: www.firstgroup-sa.co.za/selborne-hotel
Contact: 039 688 1800 or [email protected]
Happy Wanderers Holiday Resort (Kelso)
“We offer our guests many options including beach functions, poolside functions, main braai area functions or restaurant functions. As such, we offer indoor or outdoor eventing options. Dependent on indoor or outdoor functions, we can hold everything from 10 people functions to 150 people or possibly more. We also can arrange for marquees to be erected on the beach if needed.”
Website: www.happywanderers.co.za
Contact: 039 975 1104 or [email protected]
Pumula Beach Hotel (Umzumbe)
“Charming and intimate, the highest levels of personal service and excellent cuisine are provided. In addition to this a selection of comfortable accommodation is available, which Includes both family and double/twin rooms with sea or garden views.”
Website: www.pumulabeachhotel.com
Contact: 039 684 6717 or [email protected]
Umthunzi Hotel & Conference (Umtentweni)
“Experience an out-of-this-world romantic beach wedding ceremony the tropical coastline of KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast. Exchange your vows on the picturesque and idealistic Tweni Beach while overlooking the flowing dunes and breaking waves followed by a gorgeous wedding reception at the beautiful Umthunzi Hotel.”
Website: www.umthunzi.co.za
Contact: 039 695 0852 or [email protected]
The Gorgez View (Paddock)
“For lavish garden ceremonies our Garden Pavilion is ideal to exchange your vows before your loved ones. Your backdrop can be the view of the plains or having the meadows behind you. Our restaurant is easily converted into the wedding reception venue of your dream. For couples who wish to have a more intimate setting, our Conference Centre can cater for up to 80 guests. If it’s a traditional country wedding that you dream of, with a quaint chapel We have an array of menus to choose from including buffet, braai and high tea options.”
Website: www.gorgezview.co.za
Contact: 039 679 1345 or [email protected]
ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest (Harding)
“Host your wedding in style with the help of our on-site wedding coordinators or experienced event planners. We do everything in-house, so you can relax and unwind with your bridal party while we prepare for one of the biggest days of your life. Your wedding guests can celebrate safely, knowing that they can book their accommodation with us and enjoy one of our cabins for the night.”
Website: www.anewhotels.com
Contact: 039 553 0600 or [email protected]
Lake Eland Game Reserve (Oribi Gorge)
“Once an old, rustic, stone dairy used by farmers, these ruins have been restored into a beautiful wooden and stone chapel. The chapel is situated on a hill, hence its name and is usually surrounded by a vast variety of antelope, zebra and wildebeest grazing the grassy plains. The chapel looks onto the game reserve, providing spectacular views for guests to admire before and after the service, as well as a stunning backdrop for photos.”
Website: www.lakeeland.co.za
Contact: 039 687 0395 or [email protected]
Izotsha Creek Estate/ Safforn Chefs (Izotsha)
“Izotsha Creek, a tranquil estate with fantastic sea views, beautifully manicured gardens, stunning rock pool and avenue of royal palm trees welcomes you for your special wedding day. We offer a number of different options for the bridal couple to ‘tie the knot’ in a ceremony that is to be remembered.”
Website: www.izotshacreek.co.za
Contact: 082 551 8196 or [email protected]
St Michaels Sands Hotel (St Michaels)
“Situated only 10kms from Margate and 35kms from the Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino, our resort lies on a beautiful and very popular stretch of beach. Experience the gentle sounds of water lapping against the surf and golden sands while relaxing in one of our comfortable rooms and enjoy the many entertainment facilities on the resort.”
Website: www.stmichaelssands.co.za
Contact: 039 315 1366 or [email protected]
Zuri Beach Club (Margate)
“Zuri Beach Margate offers a turnkey solution for all your function requirements throughout our picturesque facility. No occasion is too large or small as our venues range from as little as 100sqm (private room) 220sqm (main restaurant & deck) 650sqm (rooftop) to as big as 800sqm (lawn / pool area).”
Website: www.zurionline.co.za
Contact: 081 339 8802 or [email protected]
The Packshed (Margate)
“Your wedding will be an event you’ll remember for a lifetime and we have created a quintessential setting that is elegant, distinctive, relaxing and simply a wonderful retreat from everyday life. Sweetdale can offer you everything for your perfect day. Starting with our unique outdoor ceremony area, the relaxing welcome reception terrace, followed by the renowned The Packshed venue with it’s warm and special atmosphere combined with an outstanding service and superb food. Capture your personal wedding moments at one of many romantic spots on the estate, such as a stony riverbank or golden grass fields.”
Website: www.thepackshed.co.za
Contact: 078 812 7272 or [email protected]
San Lameer Resort Hotel and Spa (San Lameer)
“San Lameer Estate is South Africa’s own tropical paradise with direct access onto two magnificent Blue Flag beaches. Based on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, San Lameer was the very first golfing estate developed in South Africa. It is a 200-hectare nature conservancy, landscaped with 620 privately owned luxury villas surrounding the challenging 18-hole championship golf course, a world-class hotel and a 5-star spa. The climate of San Lameer is pleasantly sub-tropical, with cool breezes from the Indian Ocean.”
Website: www.sanlameer.co.za
Contact: 039 313 0011 or [email protected]
The Estuary Country Hotel (Port Edward)
“We offer a unique balance of a relaxed, romantic mood in an ideal setting with its elegant ambience in a Cape Dutch style, from our Silver Beach to the estuary with amazing views of the ocean accompanied by rolling lawns.
Celebrate your marriage in our lovely chapel, our manicured lawn or leave your footprints on our beach. Cocktail weddings can be enjoyed under the stars with breath-taking views.”
Website: www.estuaryhotel.co.za
Contact: 039 311 2675 or [email protected]
Wild Coast Sun (Port Edward)
“Planning a destination wedding and need a venue that ticks all the boxes? We’ve got the location, the wedding planners, a choice of reception venues and 4-star hotel accommodation for out-of-town guests. Whether you’re planning a small ceremony with 40 guests or a lavish banquet for 500 people, our banqueting team will work with your budget to ensure every detail is covered. From the décor and flowers to the catering and cake, we’ll turn your Big Day into an unforgettable occasion.”
Website: www.suninternational.com/wildcoastsun
Contact: 039 305 9111 or [email protected]
For a full list of KZN South Coast’s venues, activities and sites, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores, or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, check out ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube, @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram, or ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn. Follow the hashtags #KZNsouthcoast #summervibes #gosouth #summerishere #familyadventure #kidfriendly #adventuretravel #extendyourstay.
