By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
MMpumalanga means ‘place where the sun rises’, a lucky portent for a couple getting married in this dramatically beautiful province.
And there are dozens of wedding venues in Mpumalanga to choose from, which combine modern amenities with the wildest of settings – none more so than the province’s luxury private game reserves that border the Kruger National Park.
Weddings in Mpumalanga include venues in private reserves like the Sabi Sands that are well-equipped to host your wedding. You can choose a sunset ceremony next to a waterhole or a spot with endless views of the Lowveld. The combination of exceptional service, luxury accommodation and the African bushveld in all its glory at places like Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Singita’s Ebony and Boulders lodges, will make an unforgettable impression on you and your guests.
If you are looking for a country-style wedding venue in Mpumalanga, you can choose between the hills of the Highveld and beautiful garden settings in the tranquil farmlands that cover much of the province. Mpumalanga’s picturesque towns of Barberton, Dullstroom, Graskop, Hazyview, Pilgrim's Rest and White River (all just a short drive from the Kruger National Park) are popular wedding destinations.
The Casterbridge Hollow Hotel in the arty town of White River is a sophisticated venue for a wedding, while Misty Mountain, situated on the Long Tom Pass, has remarkable views of the Mpumalanga escarpment. Other venues, like the Bergwaters Eco Lodge and Spa (in the valley between Waterval Boven and Waterval Onder), also offer comprehensive wedding packages.
Weddings in Mpumalanga can also be held at venues close to the country’s economic hub of Johannesburg, such as at Welgelegen Manor in Balfour, which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1913. Another accessible option for your wedding is Dullstroom – known for its pretty surrounds, trout fishing and small-town charm. Consider Walkerson’s Hotel and Spa, or the quaint Cowshed, a specialist wedding venue between Dullstroom and Mashishing.
Towns like Wakkerstroom and Piet Retief, although somewhat off the beaten track and better suited to small weddings, will surprise you and your guests with their scenery, historic churches and the warm hospitality of their lodges.
Did You Know?
Travel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Mpumalanga Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)13 759 5300/01
Email: info@mtpa.co.za
SA Weddings
Tel: +27 (0)21 763 4360
Email: hello@saweddings.co.za
Weddings Abroad
Tel: +27 (0)82 893 4359
Email: sallyhaines@mweb.co.za
How to get here
Mpumalanga is largely accessible and you can either drive there by road (about a 3- to 5-hour drive from Johannesburg, depending where you're headed) or take a flight to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which is situated close to Nelspruit.
Best time to visit
Mpumalanga experiences rainfall (mostly in the form of short thunderstorms) in summer and the province is known for its generous quota of sunny days. Winters are mild in this part of the world (a good time to enjoy game-viewing).
Things to do
Mpumalanga has many excellent attractions including the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest, God's Window, Blyde River Canyon, Long Tom Pass and the Bourke's Luck Potholes.
Of course, a game drive in the Kruger National Park is a must.
As well as hiking, Mpumalanga offer white river rafting on the Sabie River, quad biking in the Sabie River Valley, abseiling, horse trails, ziplining, mountain biking, paintball or even an introduction to archery. Geckoing is also available in small rafts steered with webbed gloves!
You could always try your hand at panning for gold in the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest.
Aside from hiking, Mpumalanga offer white river rafting on the Sabie River, quad biking in the Sabie River Valley, abseiling, horse trails, ziplining, mountain biking, paintball or even an introduction to archery. Geckoing is also available in small rafts steered with webbed gloves!
What to pack
Be sure to check the weather for the region you’re travelling to as temperatures can vary.
No matter what the season, always remember to bring plenty of sunblock and a hat. Good walking shoes or hiking boots are a must for those who enjoy exploring on foot.
Don’t forget your wedding dress!
Where to stay
Most wedding venues have accommodation on offer, so it's a good idea to examine your options. The high-end lodges in the Sabi Sand are definitely worth a visit if your budget will allow. Staying a night or two in the Kruger National Park before or after the wedding is an absolute must (but you'll probably need to book your accommodation long in advance).
What to eat
You could always design your wedding menu around local produce available in the area. Have local Shangaan chefs cook up a local feast or find your inspiration from across the border and splash out on peri peri prawns, Maputo-style.
Related links
- SA Weddings
- Weddings Abroad
- Wedding Concepts
- Department of Home Affairs
- Mpumalanga Tourism Authority
- South African National Parks (SANParks)
- Casterbridge Hollow Hotel
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
- Lion Sands Ivory Lodge
- Singita Game Reserves
- Misty Mountain
- Bergwaters Eco Lodge and Spa
- Welgelegen Manor
- Walkerson’s Hotel and Spa
- Cowshed
South Africa on social media
Useful links
Explore
