In the past year one thing that I have noticed from our brides is a desire to get out of the city and get married in a small Town. It is easy to understand why this has become so popular in this gorgeous country of ours. We have some amazing small towns to choose from not too far from the city. I also think that by having your Wedding out of town you make an event out of it. Everyone has to travel to the wedding destination and most probably end up staying in town for a couple of nights. It really creates a celebratory atmosphere. So what are some of the best towns to have your small town wedding at? I have made a list of my favourite five:
1. Clarens, Free State – This is a very popular little town at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Its quaint village atmosphere, breathtaking scenery and mild climate make it a popular choice for brides to have their small town wedding from Joburg, Bloemfontein and even Durban. There is a lot to see and do in the area making great day activities for your guests. Our featured venue in Clarens is Oranje Guest Farm. I absolutely love this venue because it has an authentic Free State feel to it and its beautiful sandstone buildings bring real character to the venue. The venue can accommodate up to 170 guests and there is even an old chapel located on the farm. There is an organised team of ladies who are ready to help you with any of your needs, which is great if you planning your wedding from Joburg! For more information have a look at their profile: http://saweddingvenues.com/oranje-guest-farm.aspx
2. Brits, North West – May sound like an unusual choice to most people, but I really love the area and find that it is far less hectic than its neighbour Hartebeesport Dam and so close to Joburg and Pretoria. One of our most popular venues is located here, Zakopane Country Village. With its idyllic setting and impeccable food and service, it’s easy to understand why Zakopane has fast become one of the sought after wedding venues in South Africa. Zakopane Country Village boasts an on site chapel and can host wedding for up to 160 guests. Have a look at their profile: http://saweddingvenues.com/zakopane-country-village.aspx
3. Riebeek Kasteel, Western Cape – I love this little quaint village just 1 hour away from Cape Town so much. It is so unpretentious compared to its other wine route counterparts and oh so beautiful. The town is culture rich and pays host to two festivals every year, the olive festival in March and a Shiraz and art Festival in October. My favourite venue in Reebiek Kasteel is Delsma Farm and is situated on the banks of the Berg River. This farm is gorgeous and has so many ‘wow factors’ it is hard to name them all. Just have a look for yourself : http://saweddingvenues.com/delsma-farm.aspx
4. Knysna, Garden Route – Ok it is a stretch to call Knysna a small town, but it has SO much to offer I just had to include it. Plan the wedding off season and you won’t even notice how developed Knysna has become. The setting is perfect and the natural beauty of the place means that there are infinite lovely places to take pictures. My wedding venue of choice in Knysna is Portland Manor. It is a historical country manor with enough space to accommodate most of your wedding guests. Portland Manor really is country comfort at its very best! http://www.saweddingvenues.com/portland-manor.aspx
5. The Natal Midlands – Everyone loves this part of the country and with good reason. There is an enchanting air to the Midlands making it an extremely popular area to get married in. With the Drakensberg mountains as your backdrop what could be better than getting married in the Natal Midlands? Our venue in the Midlands is Lastingham, offering the finest in KwaZulu Natal hospitality and class. The setting is perfect and the owners Mike and Lynne like to concentrate on the details, ensuring your wedding runs perfectly. Check them out: http://saweddingvenues.com/lastingham.aspx
So start looking into having your wedding in a small town and discover that there is so much that these little gems have to offer.
Kathy
