In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in South Africa.
Weddings in South Africa: What You Need To Know
South Africa is a romantic country for a destination wedding and offers opportunities for both romance and adventure.
From taking in the beauty of Table Mountain, rolling vineyards, or game reserves filled with wildlife, South Africa provides the perfect backdrop and setting for your special day.
Whether you opt for a beachfront ceremony or onto luxurious villas overlooking sun-kissed beaches, it provides an unforgettable experience of natural beauty.
Celebrate your union as you come together to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of this incredible country with its array of activities to take part in.
From exquisite white water rafting trips down the Orange River Gorge to a leisurely trip on one of the many safaris, provide your guests with endless options when seeking out memorable experiences in South Africa.
But first: you need to know where in the world South Africa is…
Where is South Africa?
South Africa is located on the very south of the African continent. It borders Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north, Mozambique to the northeast, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) to the east; the Kingdom of Lesotho lies within its boundaries. It has an extensive coastline along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Area: 471,359 sq mi (1,220,813 sq km). Population: (2022 est.) 60,970,000. Capitals: Pretoria/Tshwane (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein/Mangaung (judicial).
South Africa Facts To Know:
- Language: South Africa has 11 official languages, and English is one of them (also used as the primary language used in parliamentary and state discourse)
- Currency: South African rand
- Airports: O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Cape Town International Airport (CPT), King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/
- Driving side: Left
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting South Africa for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in South Africa
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in South Africa:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in South Africa or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a South Africa wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in South Africa:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in South Africa
South Africa Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in South Africa:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in South Africa?
- What are the marriage requirements for South Africa?
- What is the weather like in South Africa?
- What should you pack for a trip to South Africa?
- What things are there to do in South Africa?
- What are the best South Africa wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in South Africa Cost?
The first issue of an abridged marriage certificate is free, and a re-issue is $5.00 (R75.00).
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in South Africa
When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport with a valid visa or residency permit.
- BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment).
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- Passport sized photos of the couple.
Other legal requirements are:
- To marry in South Africa, one must be at least 18 years old.
- Two witnesses are required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in South Africa, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into English by an official translator. It is mandatory that they be authenticated with an Apostille stamp from your home country first.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in South Africa?
Because of the variety of climates, it is difficult to pinpoint a period that is ideal for visiting the whole country of South Africa.
However, to escape the winter cold in the mountains and plateaus, the summer heat in inland regions, the summer rains in the east, as well as the tropical cyclones that may hit eastern regions in summer and fall, a decent compromise between the various regions may be found in the spring (September and October).
The ocean is cold year round along the Atlantic coast, and becomes gradually warmer as you progress from the south coast towards the east.
What should you pack for your trip?
In the winter (June to August), pack spring/autumn clothing, a sweatshirt or sweater and jacket, and a raincoat or umbrella for the western and southern coasts up to Port Elizabeth.
Bring clothing suitable for spring and fall, as well as a sweater and a jacket, if you plan on visiting the north-east coast (Durban).
If you are going to the central plateau (Kimberley, Johannesburg) pack spring/fall clothes for the day, as well as a sweater and a warm jacket for the evening; for the southern portion of the plateau and at higher elevations (Sutherland, De Aar, Bethlehem, Bloemfontein), bring warm clothing, such as a down jacket, gloves, a scarf, and a hat for the evening.
Pack spring/fall clothing for the day, and a sweater, and a thick jacket for the evening for the north-east (Messina, Kruger Park), and the Kalahari. And also a windbreaker for off-road safaris.
In the summer (December to February) if you want to visit the west coast north of Cape Town, bring clothing suitable for spring and fall, as well as a sweater and a light jacket,
For the south coast, including Cape Town and East London, light clothes, a sweater and a light jacket for the evening, and a scarf for the wind are recommended; for the north-east coast, including Durban, light clothing, a light sweatshirt, and an umbrella or a light raincoat are advised.
For the central plateau (Kimberley and Johannesburg), bring light clothing for the day, a sweatshirt or sweater and a light jacket for the evening, a sun hat, and a light raincoat or umbrella; for the southern part of the plateau and for higher elevations (Sutherland, De Aar, Bethlehem, Bloemfontein), bring a sweater and a spring jacket for the evening.
When traveling to the north-east (Messina and Kruger Park), as well as the Kalahari Desert, pack light clothing made of natural fibers, a sun hat, a light raincoat, and a sweater for the evenings.
South Africa Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit South Africa:
Average Temperatures in South Africa
The table below shows the average temperatures in South Africa each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 16.5 | 28 | 22.2 | 62 | 82 | 72 |
| February | 16.4 | 28.4 | 22.4 | 62 | 83 | 72.3 |
| March | 14.9 | 27 | 21 | 59 | 81 | 69.7 |
| April | 12 | 24.7 | 18.4 | 54 | 76 | 65 |
| May | 10.1 | 21.7 | 15.9 | 50 | 71 | 60.6 |
| June | 7.8 | 19.1 | 13.5 | 46 | 66 | 56.3 |
| July | 7.2 | 18.7 | 13 | 45 | 66 | 55.3 |
| August | 7.7 | 19.1 | 13.4 | 46 | 66 | 56.1 |
| September | 9.2 | 20.5 | 14.9 | 49 | 69 | 58.8 |
| October | 11.3 | 23.3 | 17.3 | 52 | 74 | 63.1 |
| November | 13.3 | 24.6 | 19 | 56 | 76 | 66.2 |
| December | 15.4 | 26.7 | 21.1 | 60 | 80 | 70 |
| Year | 11.8 | 23.5 | 17.6 | 53.2 | 74.2 | 63.5 |
Average Rainfall in South Africa
The table below shows the average rainfall in South Africa each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 12 | 0.5 | 2 |
| February | 8 | 0.3 | 2 |
| March | 17 | 0.7 | 3 |
| April | 45 | 1.8 | 6 |
| May | 85 | 3.3 | 9 |
| June | 80 | 3.1 | 9 |
| July | 85 | 3.3 | 10 |
| August | 70 | 2.8 | 10 |
| September | 45 | 1.8 | 7 |
| October | 30 | 1.2 | 5 |
| November | 17 | 0.7 | 3 |
| December | 11 | 0.4 | 2 |
| Year | 505 | 19.9 | 68 |
Sunshine Hours in South Africa
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in South Africa each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 11 | 340 |
| February | 10.5 | 295 |
| March | 9.5 | 295 |
| April | 8 | 235 |
| May | 6.5 | 205 |
| June | 6 | 175 |
| July | 6 | 195 |
| August | 7 | 210 |
| September | 7.5 | 225 |
| October | 9 | 280 |
| November | 10.5 | 310 |
| December | 11 | 335 |
| Year | 8.5 | 3095 |
Sea Temperatures in South Africa
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in South Africa each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 19.5 | 67 |
| February | 19.5 | 67 |
| March | 18.5 | 66 |
| April | 17.5 | 63 |
| May | 16.5 | 62 |
| June | 15.5 | 60 |
| July | 15 | 59 |
| August | 15 | 59 |
| September | 15.5 | 60 |
| October | 16 | 61 |
| November | 17 | 63 |
| December | 18.5 | 65 |
| Year | 17 | 62.5 |
What To Wear in South Africa? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in South Africa so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Beachwear: Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit! South Africa has some of the best surfing beaches in the world, but even if you’re not a surfer, you can enjoy taking a dip in the ocean.
- Sunscreen: The African sun can be quite intense, especially during the summer months.
- Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the hot African sun.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors.
- Comfortable shoes: If you are planning to go hiking, don’t forget comfortable walking shoes and other essential hiking equipment.
- Camera: Don’t forget to pack your camera! South Africa is full of beautiful scenery, from the beaches to the mountains, and you’ll want to be able to capture it all.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in South Africa
There are many different things to do in South Africa, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Table Mountain
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Apartheid Museum
- Kruger National Park
- Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
- Cape of Good Hope
- Robben Island Museum
- Drakensberg Mountains
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
- Sani Pass
- Stellenbosch
- Panorama Route
- Franschhoek Pass
Best South Africa Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in South Africa?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in South Africa
- Weltevreden Manor
- The Garden Venue
- Whispering Thorns
- Houw Hoek Hotel
- Rickety Bridge
- Joubertsdal Country Estate
- The Oyster Box
- Welgelegen Cherry Estate
- Lavender Hill Country Estate
Hotels in South Africa
- Hotel on the Promenade – Cape Town
- Bliss Boutique Hotel – Cape Town
- Vida Nova Retreat – Cape Town
- Vineyard Hotel – Cape Town
- 24 On Basil – Johannesburg
- Hoeveld House -Johannesburg
- Ekhaya Boutique Hotel – Durban
- The Oyster Box – Durban
