Wedding venues in and around East London

Planning a wedding in East London?  This is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences in life and should not be a stressful period. From the moment you get engaged, one of the first things you think about is your wedding venue and of course, as you have probably dreamed of your wedding for a very long time now, how exactly do you go about picking the perfect location?

Firstly you and your partner have to discuss and decide on a venue that you will both love. Discuss how large the reception will be because the number of people that a venue can accommodate will obviously play a key part in your selection process. Decide on a budget and how much you can spend to rent the venue, then whittle down your choices, ensuring that you find out all the other smaller but no less important details. Last but certainly not least, go to the venue and have a look around to make sure that it is what you want without a doubt.

To help you get started in your search for that perfect wedding location, we have compiled a list of venues in and around East London, with a few out of town options for those destination weddings.

Mpongo Private Game Reserve

Mpongo Private Game Reserve is the perfect venue to host your special wedding.  They offer both indoor and outdoor venues, guaranteed to make your special day, a truly memorable occasion. Situated just 35km away from East London in the malaria free, rugged and untouched bush veld of the Eastern Cape, Mpongo Private Game Reserve has a range of venues to choose from so you can custom your wedding to suit your requirements and all weather conditions.  From engagement parties to bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal lunches & dinners, indoor & outdoor wedding ceremonies, receptions and after parties and overnight accommodation, Mpongo Private Game Reserve offers the bridal couple the full package.  Contact Mpongo Private Game Reserve on 043 742 9000 for more information.

Premier Hotel Regent

Situated on East London’s main beachfront, the Premier Hotel Regent’s location with it’s jaw dropping views, makes this the perfect venue for a city wedding.  With 4 different banqueting rooms, this wedding venue can cater for  weddings ranging from 50 – 450 people.  This beautiful venue offers full onsite catering and has plenty of onsite, secure parking.  The Premier Hotel Regent and the Premier Hotel ELICC can provide all the accommodation needed for the bridal party and guests.

Santa Paloma Guest Farm

Nestled in the coastal forest of the Eastern Cape, Santa Paloma Guest Farm is a unique rustic wedding venue, renowned for its high levels of service and professionalism. Accommodating up to 100 guests, Santa Paloma offers a wedding package which not only includes a Wedding Co-ordinator to help you plan your special day and a Function Manager on duty for the duration of your wedding, but also offers free accommodation for the bride and groom on their wedding night. Catering is also offered in the way of a plated or buffet menu. For further details, please contact Nadia at Santa Paloma on 083 601 6488.

Umnenga Lodge

The crown of Glen Eden is Umnenga Lodge, which offers you the ideal opportunity to stage the wedding of your dreams. Umnenga provides many outdoor options available for a romantic chapel ceremony and the reception venue, accommodating up to 200 people, can be decorated as you wish. Catering is provided by Umnenga’s superb culinary team and the bride and groom are offered a complimentary stay in one of their beautiful rooms. Rooms are also available for guests at special rates. For further details, please contact Umnenga Lodge on 043 734 3363.

Areena Riverside Resort

At the beautiful Areena Riverside Resort in Kwelera, you have the option of using a cosy thatched conference room for your ceremony or perhaps you would prefer something completely different and say your vows outside alongside the picturesque river. Areena caters for up to 120 guests, offers a fully licensed restaurant (with flexible menu options to suit budget) and provides stunning accommodation (including a Honeymoon suite nestled away along the riverside). You can contact Areena for more information on 043 734 3055 or visit their website.

The Venue@Hemingways

The Venue@Hemingways is a multifunctional venue that can accommodate weddings and banquets for 10 – 760 people.  Included, this venue also offers a state of the art sound system and lighting system and includes a mobile stage. Affordable accommodation is available at the luxury 4-star Southern Sun Hemingways Hotel, which offers 108 beautifully appointed rooms.  For more information contact 043 707 7603 or 043 707 7581.

Blue Lagoon Hotel

Another popular wedding venue is the Blue Lagoon Hotel, situated on the banks of the picturesque Nahoon river. Ceremonies are offered at the hotel, either in the garden of the pool area or on the beach. They will even arrange a marriage officer if you don’t have a minister of choice. Catering for up to 130 guests (with a minimum of 50 guests), the Blue Lagoon offers a variety of buffet and set menu options to suit your budget and a complimentary room (bed and breakfast basis) is also offered for the Bride and Groom on the evening of their wedding. Reduced weekend rates are also offered to guests (excluding the month of December). Contact the Blue Lagoon Hotel on 043 748 4821.

Gonubie Hotel

The Gonubie Hotel has been hosting weddings for over 15 years and has three venues in separate locations – The Deck, The Nautical Room and The Galleon Restaurant. The Deck has two sections with the first seating between 60-120 people and the second between 30 and 50 people. Both have breathtaking sea views!  The well-lit Nautical Room is situated in the centre of the hotel adjacent to the reception room and can seat between 50 and 120 guests. The Galleon Restaurant is an intimate and cosy venue which can be opened up to the dining room to accommodate more guests. It seats between 30 and 80 guests.  The Gonubie Hotel also offers beautiful accommodation for wedding guests. Please call the hotel on 043 740 4010 for further details.

Gonubie Manor

The majestic Gonubie Manor offers unique, romantic weddings and is most probably the best kept secret in the East London area. Situated on the banks of the Gonubie River, this historic stone and thatch building can accommodate between 80 to 450 guests and the photographic opportunities for those memorable wedding day pictures are many. As well as having the option to hold your ceremony there, Gonubie Manor offers in-house catering and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, as well as self-catering units. Contact Gonubie Manor on 043 732 1775 for further details.

Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve

For a real African-style wedding, the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is a perfect combination of wild beauty and modern comfort. Offering a thatched open-air chapel tucked away among beautiful gardens, you can choose from various wedding themes for your special day including Fairy Tale, Rustic or Vintage. Inkwenkwezi has an experienced functions co-ordinating team to assist you with all your requirements in planning your wedding day including arrangement of your menu. Out of town guests are also welcome to stay with a choice between four different types of accommodation and Inkwenkwezi can offer special rates for the occasion. For further details, please contact Inkwenkwezi on 043 734 3234.

The Venue @ Morgan Bay Hotel

Morgan Bay Hotel is fast becoming a favourite for wedding venues in the Eastern Cape and can comfortably accommodate up to 120 guests for your special day (a minimum of 80 guests is required for a smaller reception). An option for your ceremony is St Peter’s Church located in Kei Mouth, only 11km’s from Morgan Bay, comfortably seating 100 people. Another option is a small ceremony area on the bottom terrace or outside the reception venue of the hotel. Morgan Bay Hotel offers a fully catered service including a buffet service if preferred and discounted rates for guests over the wedding period. For further information please contact the hotel on 043 841 1062 or visit their website.

The Quarry Lake Inn

The Quarry Lake Inn is situated in tranquil, natural surroundings and offers intimate wedding celebrations with a stunning backdrop, perfect for the photographs of your special day. Luxurious accommodation is also available for your guests who are travelling from out of town for your wedding. For further details, please contact the Quarry Lake Inn on 043 707 5400.

2 Swans Wedding & Function Farm

2 Swans Wedding and Function Farm is perhaps East London’s most well-known wedding venue. Located in a beautiful setting, 2 Swans provides a hand-built Gazebo as well as a country Chapel for the ceremony and for the reception, their marquee can accommodate up to 350 people. If it is required, the venue offers luxurious accommodation for your out-of-town guests and provides a catering service too. For further information on 2 Swans Wedding and Function Farm, please contact Alison or Tyron on 083 659 8899.

The Blue Barn

Situated 35km outside East London within the rolling hills of the beautiful Eastern Cape, The Blue Barn is a beautiful and charming, rustic country wedding venue.   Experience the beauty and tranquility of a unique setting for your special day in the reception hall, that was modified from a storage shed into a charming, unique venue for weddings and other functions.  The Blue Barn is full of character; most renovations were done by the use of recycled material originally found on the farm, the beautiful “rustic” chapel is a true example of this.  For more information contact them on 082 855 7688 / 072 359 1164.

Tea in the Trees

Situated in Chintsa on East London’s doorstep is Tea in the Trees, a unique rustic Wedding Venue filled with charm.  Here you can exchange your vows under the stars in their unique forest theatre, with your guests watching from their tree stump seats.  Their indoor seated venue accommodates up to 100 guests, and for larger weddings, they offer an option of a marquee tent in the field next to the venue.  for more information contact Kate on 072 611 2367.

Hotel Osner

The Hotel Osner is conveniently situated on East London’s main beachfront, close to accommodation and transport for guests.  They offer a variety of standard packages or tailor-made packages to suit the bridal couples requirements.  Their spacious and elegant wedding venue, The Azalea Room can accommodate up to 250 people.  For more information, contact 043 743 3433.

East London Golf Club

The East London Golf Club is situated on the beautiful grounds of the East London Golf Course and offers unparalleled views in every direction.  The Golf Club offers a variety of venues depending on the size of the wedding party and on your personal requirements.  This venue offers a professional ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude and is conveniently centrally situated in Bunkers Hill, East London.  For more information contact Lindy at  043 735 1356.

The Grove Wedding & Function Venue

Situated on a picturesque, peaceful private estate just 12km outside of East London, the Grove Wedding & Function Venue offers a wedding venue overlooking the dams. The venue has a vintage, yet modern finish that can be decorated as desired. It can host between 50 – 180 guests in one of our two venues, in this relaxed venue surrounded by natural beauty.  The venue offers wedding venue, caterer, wedding planner and decor hire.  For more information, contact Leila .

Prana Lodge Beach Estate & Spa

Prana Lodge Beach Estate & Spa provides a picturesque wedding venue for up to 80 guests seated – a perfect location for the more intimate wedding.  Situated in unparalleled natural surroundings, this award winning 5-star venue will make your very special day unforgettable, with their well known unique attention to detail and beautiful surroundings.  For more information contact 043 704 5100.

Cypress Dale Country Venue

Cypress Dale Country Venue is set in the African country side overlooking a tranquil dam.  Exchange your vows under the Wedding Chapel/Gazebo overlooking the water and enjoy your wedding reception inside their large venue.  The venue also offers an onsite honeymoon suit. Form more information contact Michelle on 082 578 7895.

The Vineyard Guest Lodge

Just 100m off the N2 along the East Coast, you will find The Vineyard Guest Lodge with breathtaking views that overlook rolling hectares of farmland that meet the Indian Ocean.  This French country inspired venue with it’s white open trusses, chandeliers, fair lights and white wooden tables offers stunning views of the country and the ocean from it’s wrap around deck.  Comfortably seating 120 guests, The Vineyard offers two options for the ceremony that being their outdoor chapel and their barn style chapel.  For more information, contact Ester on 083 395 5575.

The Iron Wood Barn

Situated on Derosa Farm in Kwelera, The Iron Wood Barn is a rustic country wedding venue on the East Coast with bundles of charm.  Escape to the country for your special day and record your happy day with photographs in the beautiful surrounds.  For more information contact Debbie on 083 228 2899.

L’Avion Wedding & Conference Venue

Situated in private community owned Wings Park Airfield just off the Friendly N6, L’Avion Wedding & Conference Venue.  This is one of only a few venues in East London where the bride can actually arrive at the wedding in a plane and go for a sunset game drive all in the same place.  For more information you can contact them on 060 893 2414.

Trennerys Hotel

The lagoons and beautiful, untouched beaches surrounding Trennery’s Hotel makes it a favourite venue for weddings. Ceremonies can be held inside the venue overlooking the sparkling pool and rolling lawns, or outside, either in their enclosed courtyard or under the marquee on the bowling green. A local wedding planner is available if required for assistance. A minimum of 60 guests is required to hire Trennery’s and the maximum number that can be accommodated is 110. A variety of menus is offered and a complimentary honeymoon suite for the bride and groom, as well as discounted rates for family and friends. Contact Trennery’s Hotel on 047 498 0004 for further details.

Whatever type of wedding you have always dreamed of, we are sure that you will find a venue in  or around East London that is absolutely perfect and one which will make all your dreams come true on your special day!