Cultural immersion, mindful travel, and a personal touch are shaping today’s destination weddings. Beyond choosing breathtaking locations, couples are also asking questions such as how to plan a destination wedding, how much do destination weddings cost?, and even are you legally married if you have a destination wedding?
At Vergenoegd Löw in Stellenbosch, South Africa, one of the most tranquil spots anywhere, even chosen by the judges of the 2024 Boutique Hotel Club Awards as the world’s Best Honeymoon Hotel, highlighted as a “romantic escape steeped in South Africa’s renowned wine heritage”.
Our friendly wedding planners are ready to answer all of your questions, while highlighting how special celebrations at our farm, situated at the gateway to Stellenbosch, combine stunning landscapes with sustainability, soulful gastronomy, and heritage charm. The result is a celebration that is both memorable and meaningful.
Nature, sustainability and luxury meet
Nature-inspired weddings remain one of the most sought-after destination wedding trends, and with good reason. Scenic vineyards, rolling mountains, and lush gardens provide the perfect backdrop for intimate celebrations.
At Vergenoegd Löw, this beauty is rooted in sustainable practices. All farming follows regenerative principles that build soil health, promote biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and use as few external inputs as possible. The team calls it “farming with, as opposed to against, nature.”
Integrated pest control is supported by the estate’s iconic Indian Runner ducks, flocks of sheep, a diverse poultry population, and 106 Dexter cattle – the largest herd of its kind on a Western Cape wine farm. Together, they enrich the soil, manage pests, and nurture a living ecosystem. Cover crops and insectary plants attract pollinators, while hands-on viticulture ensures that the grapes guide the winemaking process.
This approach allows couples to ground their vows in a landscape and sprawling indigenous gardens that thrive in harmony with nature. Luxury meeting sustainability in its purest form.
Elegance meets ecology in the heart of the Cape’s most sustainable wine estate.
Slow travel in an intimate Cape heritage-inspired setting
More couples are embracing destination wedding South Africa experiences that unfold slowly, turning weddings into multi-day retreats.
At our five-star Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel, up to 42 guests can be accommodated on-site in four Deluxe Lodge rooms, four Vineyard Suites, six Luxury Cottages, and our luxurious Presidential Suite. The sumptuous Owner’s Villa is also available on special request.
Guests are encouraged to wander through vineyards and beautifully restored heritage buildings, relax in the gardens, walk the labyrinth and maze, taste world-class wines on their own or with delicious farm-style fare, dine at two fine restaurants – Geuwels and Clara’s Barn – serving fresh, seasonal Cape heritage cuisine inspired by the wines of the farm, or relax in the spa before and after the big day.
Beyond the estate, the famous Stellenbosch Wine Route and surrounding landscapes and venues provide countless opportunities for exploration, making a wedding here as much about the journey as the day itself.
Combining culture and personalisation
Today’s couples want celebrations that are authentic, personalised, and culturally resonant. Instead of a standard template, they’re blending their own style with the richness of local traditions.
With its deep history, Stellenbosch offers an ideal backdrop. At Vergenoegd Löw, dating to 1696, classic Cape Dutch architecture sets the stage for a storybook-style wedding. The estate provides an impressive chapel and reception spaces for up to 80 guests, alongside two top restaurants and a serene farm spa.
Guests can also enjoy the estate’s curated art walk, where Dylan Lewis and Manuela Holzer sculptures and installations are scattered among indigenous gardens. Or discover the panoramas of Vergenoegd made by visiting Dutch watercolourist Jan Brandes, who spent a year on the farm between 1786 and 1787.These are displayed in Clara’s Barn, the farm’s award-winning fine-dining restaurant.
For couples seeking destination wedding ideas, this blend of culture, art, and wine heritage creates unforgettable moments that extend beyond the ceremony itself.
Art and nature converge among the vines, offering couples a wedding experience that celebrates both personal story and cultural soul.
Elegant, immersive dining in one of South Africa’s oldest barns
For couples searching for all-inclusive wedding packages Stellenbosch, food and wine often play a central role. Dining at Vergenoegd Löw is full of character and enjoyment. Expect creative, wine-led tasting menus with meticulous presentation and fascinating storytelling. The ambience is sophisticated yet rooted in authenticity, creating a stage for seasonal produce to shine.
At Clara’s Barn, the estate’s flagship combined fine-dining and bistro-style restaurant, executive chef Michelle Theron and her team create exceptionally creative and modern menus inspired by the heritage of the farm and area, showcasing fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from the estate’s regenerative “ecoverse”.
Multi-course dinners are paired with sustainably-made estate and other fine wines, while interactive tastings and curated pairings turn each meal into an immersive celebration of finely authentic Cape Winelands gastronomy.
A timeless setting for modern love, where heritage architecture and fine dining turn wedding moments into memories.
FAQs about destination weddings in Stellenbosch
How much do destination weddings cost?
Costs depend on guest numbers, chosen venues and menus, entertainment and décor requirements and other package details. Vergenoegd Löw offers flexible options, from intimate gatherings to larger weddings for up to 80 guests. With accommodation, fine dining, and award-winning estate wines included, couples can tailor packages to their budget.
Are you legally married if you have a destination wedding?
Yes, if you meet the legal requirements of the country where you marry. In South Africa, couples must comply with local marriage regulations. Some couples choose to do the legal paperwork at home and enjoy a symbolic celebration in Stellenbosch.
How to plan a destination wedding in South Africa?
Choose your venue, confirm legal requirements, and work with a planner familiar with the region. At Vergenoegd Löw, on-site teams and connections with trusted local suppliers make planning seamless.
A celebration beyond the day
Destination weddings today are all about intimacy, sustainability, and creating experiences that linger long after the final toast.
In the heart of Stellenbosch, Vergenoegd Löw offers couples not just one of the most romantic destination wedding locations in South Africa, but also a place where authenticity, culture, and nature come together.
Here, weddings aren’t rushed. They’re lived, savoured, and remembered for a lifetime.
