Weddings & The Islands
South Africa Wedding Venues
PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE *****
Luxury Game Lodge – Hluhluwe – Zululand
WED/PHA
Phinda offers an abundance of exceptional wedding venues at which to enjoy a magical African wedding. It comprises of 18 000-hectares (44,478-acres) of prime conservation land, seven distinct habitats that shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
An African wedding at Phinda is a truly unforgettable experience.
WEDDING CEREMONY A choice of extraordinarily beautiful venues for the exchange of your vows:
NTHABANKOSI MOUNTAIN is a magical setting, where couples can exchange vows of life-long marriage before friends and family, or simply one another. It is so beautiful it will stay with the couple long after the ceremony concludes. Ceremonies at this location are hosted at the most beautiful time of day, just prior to sunset. This venue can accommodate 50 Guests maximum, and is a standing venue only.
BUSH SETTING - It doesn't get better than a wedding in a spectacular bush setting. Before sunset, guests and Groom await the Bride before they share their vows in an untamed African landscape.
MZINENE RIVER - SMALL RIVER BOAT
Accommodating a maximum of 8 Guests, this water-based wedding really offers couples a unique setting in which to marry. Just before sunset, guests and Groom aboard the River Boat await the Bride's arrival, before leaving the river's edge and embarking on a cruise of the Mzinene River whilst the ceremony proceeds.
WEDDING BANQUET - Phinda offers a variety of venues for the wedding reception: A choice between Classic and Pan-African Wedding Menus and a choice of two Wedding Cakes.
BOMA IN CAMP A Boma is an old African tradition. Spacious yet cosy, with an unforgettable atmosphere at night created by dozens of lanterns and huge fires, the Boma offers an alfresco dining venue, uniquely African. Delicious cuisine is served at the fireside, under African skies. The Boma can comfortably seat 40 Guests and there is a bar and space for dancing, should you wish to make use of a DJ. This option is only available for dinners.
WEDDING BUSH BANQUET Phinda is renowned for wonderful bush banqueting in surprising settings. Dinner is served illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns, in a spectacular clearing in the bush under a star-studded sky. Dining tables adorned with linen, cut glass and silverware often make one wonder how dining alfresco in such style is possible. Close to the sounds and smells of the African bushveld, this outdoor option offers a spectacular and unforgettable dining affair, as an option for a wedding reception dinner.
LODGE DINING AREAS/DECKS
Delicious Pan-African dinners can be enjoyed by the wedding party, in
any of the above Lodge’s beautiful Dining Areas, all with views
of the surrounding Zululand bush.
Please note: Wedding ceremony and banquet setting subject to weather and will be confirmed on the day.
WEDDING LUXURIES - Sundowners and hors d'oeuvres served after the ceremony, a bottle of sparkling wine on ice, a gift and romantic turndowns await the couple's arrival in their suite.
PRIVATE VEHICLE - to transport bridal couple and guests to chosen setting for the wedding ceremony, if needed.
MUSIC - A music system is available. It is recommended the bridal couple provide their preferred music selection.
THE MINISTER - A priest is available to perform a legal ceremony at the lodges. A notice period of 12-weeks is needed to reserve the minister for the day. A fee of £200 covers travel costs, the service and the documentation involved in the ceremony. This does not include priest's accommodation if required.
Documentation required to marry a couple in South Africa is as follows:
- Anti-nuptial contract - a copy of this contract or a letter from your lawyer stating that this contract has been drawn up (optional)
- Should either one of you have been married previously and are now divorced - a certified copy of the divorce papers is required
- In the event of the death of a spouse from a previous marriage - a certified copy of the death certificate is required
- A certified copy of your birth certificate and South African Identity Document (if applicable) otherwise a certified copy of your passport
We request that these documents are prepared approximately 12 weeks prior to the wedding day, allowing for ample time to co-ordinate the ceremony.
WEDDING FLOWERS - A choice of fresh roses, lilies and African bouquets are available for the ceremony - Bride's bouquet, groom's corsage, gentlemen's buttonholes and dinner table settings.
WEDDING CO-ORDINATOR - Should you wish to have the additional organisational skills of the Wedding Co-ordinator at your wedding, to handle the finer details, there will be an additional charge.
WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT - So as not to disturb other guests, a DJ is only an option to couple's reserving the sole-use of the entire Lodge. A DJ is then available to handle your ceremony's music. This fee includes travel and services but excludes accommodation, if required. The DJ's fee for the evening is approximately £400
A SINGLE MUSICIAN is also available to provide music for the occasion. Further details can be provided: S.Q.
An AFRICAN CHOIR provides an emotive element to any occasion. The Lodge Choir is available at approximately £160
The TRADITIONAL DANCERS AND DRUMMERS will entertain wedding audiences (excl Madikwe). The fee is approximately £180 - which goes directly back into the surrounding community
CHOICE OF WEDDING GUEST ACCOMMODATIN AT PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
AN INTIMATE WEDDING
2 to 6 Guests can comfortably be accommodated in 1 to 3 Suites at Phinda Mountain, Forest, Vlei or Rock Lodge.
8 Guests will be afforded superlative service and sole-use of Phinda Zuka Lodge - a secluded sole-use lodge in this newly incorporated land on the Reserve.
12 Guests will be allocated the 6 suites of the exclusive and private Phinda Vlei Lodge or Rock Lodge affording the sole-use of either Lodge and the intimacy and personal attention deserved for this special occasion.
32 Guests can be accommodated in the 16 Suites at Phinda Forest Lodge. Thus, the entire Lodge would be reserved entirely for the wedding party alone.
12 to 44 Guests party would have the luxury and privacy that the sole-use of Phinda Forest Lodge, plus additional suites from Phinda Vlei Lodge.
If the wedding party amounts to 40 Guests in total, sole-use of Phinda Mountain Lodge can be reserved for the occasion.
In addition, 6 suites at Rock Lodge can be added for a wedding party of 52 Guests at Mountain Lodge.
A larger wedding party comprising 96 Guests could be accommodated with sole-use of Phinda Mountain, Rock, Forest and Vlei Lodges.
Wedding Guests Comments…
The wedding was romantic, beautiful and absolutely dreamy - exceeding our wildest expectations. Thanks to everyone for an incredibly special and memorable day. Carey & Andre
The setting was amazing, the choir were exquisite and the dancers outstanding; the boma was enchanting and the food heavenly. Every member at Phinda Forest Lodge is delightful and are a part of that very special something we have brought home with us. If only I could pack everyone and everything into my suitcase to bring home with me forever.
A unique wedding ceremony in that it was more than a ceremony, it was a 3 day experience with some very special people; family, friends and new acquaintances who are and who have become very dear to us. A wedding day is meant to be a most memorable event and we can say with assurance that ours truly is something that will be of great significance in our memory. It goes without saying that it will be the same for all our guests. Janie & Scott
Call us now with all your requirements +44 (0)1782 619596
