The South African landscape offers a vast array of options when it comes to wedding venues. There are beaches galore and forests a plenty to choose from. Vast savannah plains in the north offer a bushveld setting and further down south semi-arid romanticism beckons in the form of the Karoo’s wide open spaces.
Our beautiful country most certainly doesn’t leave you and your fiancé wanting – but the best, most exquisite and fittingly spectacular location for arguably the biggest day in two people’s lives remains the Cape Winelands.
There’s just something about centuries-old oak trees, rolling lawns and vineyards that make a wine estate the perfect place to get hitched. And let’s not forget world-class wine produced on site and architecture that takes you back to a time when romance was celebrated and newlyweds carted off in big-wheeled horse carriages.
If a wedding from a bygone era of romance is your dream, Groot Constantia Wine Estate is most definitely the place to have it. Seemingly built for spectacular occasions – Groot Constantia’s rolling lawns, vineyards and oak trees are a given. Whether you leave in a horse carriage, or a classic Jaguar is up to you.
Two venues to choose from
South Africa’s oldest wine producing estate boasts two exquisite wedding venues each with its own unique offering: Simon’s Restaurant and Jonkershuis Restaurant.
Simon’s Restaurant celebrates the riches of the Cape Winelands with 3 or 4 select spaces for the perfect wedding reception.
If you’d like to keep things formal and intimate you can choose between the main restaurant (seats 100) and mezzanine floor (seats 70) or combine them for a safe indoor option in case it rains. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing. Rain on your wedding day actually means good luck.
If the sun is out, and you feel adventurous, make use of the terrace (seats 100-180) and picnic area (seats 80-160) for a more informal approach.
Each event at Simon’s is tailor-made to your specification with special attention to detail. They also have space for Bedouin structures with a list of tried and tested suppliers you can call on.
The other option at Groot Constantia is the Jonkershuis Restaurant – a beautiful Cape Dutch building nestled in the historic core of the Groot Constantia Wine Estate next to the historic Homestead.
With panoramic views of the peninsula and the majestic Constantia Valley, the rich cultural history of Jonkershuis lends a magical and old world charm to all functions it hosts.
Jonkershuis offers ceremonial options ranging from the Groot Constantia Vineyards & False Bay coast as a backdrop, to the Oak Tree lined Avenue backed by the 400-year-old Groot Constantia Manor House. Their reception venues can accommodate a small, intimate affair of 20 guests to larger receptions of 100 – 200 guests.
Tips for the perfect wedding
Here are some tips from Jonkershuis to make sure your wedding runs smoothly from start to finish:
- Finalize all the arrangements at least 1 month to 1 week beforehand so you can enjoy the build-up to your special day and spend time with visiting family and friends or go for a spa day!
- Let someone else take charge on the night – a friend, a family member or a wedding co-ordinator, so all you have to do is have fun and relax.
- Make use of all the props that the venue can offer e.g. linen, chairs, tables, lanterns, black boards for menus etc., so you can save money on décor and concentrate on the finer accentuating details.
- Get quotes on everything you have on your wish list, you can always scale back on what you think you could do without and to meet your budget.
A dream venue
Groot Constantia Wine Estate truly is the jewel in the Cape’s wedding venue crown. A ceremony in the shade of ancient oak trees with a majestic manor house as the backdrop is the stuff of dreams and no doubt qualifies as a fairy tale wedding.
Couples have been tying the knot at the stately estate for over 3 centuries with many more ceremonies sure to come. Book now for the perfect place to start a lifelong journey with the partner of your dreams.
For enquiries at Simon’s Restaurant contact Lauren/Dawn on 021 794 1143 or at simons@grootconstantia.co.za
For enquiries at Jonkershuis Restaurant contact Julie Keulder or Tammy Botbyl on 021 794 6255 or at info@jonkershuisconstantia.co.za
Insider’s tip: Join Groot Constantia’s wine club (for free, mahala, gratis) and enjoy Free tastings at the farm! There are often discounts featured in Groot Constantia newsletter too.