Wedding hotels

Gorah Elephant Camp

Addo, South Africa

Wow factor   The sweeping panoramas and surrounding wildlife will add a mind-blowing backdrop to your wedding snaps.

Need to know   Gorah's a smallish safari lodge so wedding parties need to book all 11 of the camp's luxury tents, which will accommodate 22 adults (plus a number of children under 15). Summer is the low season and the best time to arrange a wedding — it can book up quite quickly otherwise — and, during the busy Christmas period, you may as well forget it.

Inspiration   The lodge can provide an intimate bush wedding as the sun sets on the savannah, with silver-service catering in a glamorous colonial setting. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy swimming under the stars and an authentic African barbecue. The following day, a game drive to see the elephants could be the perfect way to digest the wedding breakfast.

Hawksmoor House

Cape Town, South Africa

Kurland

Garden Route & Winelands, South Africa

Wow factor   Romance, seclusion and the luxury of space – all against a backdrop of beautiful Western Cape mountains and mature farmland gardens.

Need to know   Kurland’s team will provide a bespoke experience, dotting every ‘i’ and crossing every ‘t’ to make sure your big day is exactly as you want it. The hotel's wedding planner will consult with you to find out what you have in mind, and source the appropriate suppliers for everything from invitations to wedding favours.

Inspiration   You’ve 1,700 acres to play with, so there are numerous places you could hold the reception, including the Polo Pavilion. Beautiful antique roses are a hallmark of Kurland’s country-colonial style anyway, so it’s worth trying to incorporate them if possible. Kurland is also an excellent honeymoon choice, as it's very romantic, private and pampering.

Rodwell House

Cape Town, South Africa

Wow factor   Rodwell House provides a gorgeous backdrop to your nuptials, with Italianate architecture, mature terraced gardens, and views of the mountains and the Indian Ocean; the pergola is perfect for ceremonies.

Need to know   The wedding licence is pending at the time of writing, so check with the hotel for the latest news. Eighty guests can be accommodated for a champagne receptions with canapés; 40 for a sit-down dinner, which can take place inside if the weather turns grey or blustery. Owners Robin and Joanne will make sure everything is exactly as you’d want it, adding personal touches to create a totally bespoke event. They have an efficient and intuitive wedding planner who will take care of all the details and run the show like clockwork.

Inspiration   Wine, wine, wine – the cellar at Rodwell House is exceptional, so your wedding menu can be moulded around your preferences, or around a particular vintage or French champagne; Robin and Joanne can help you select something really special for the toasts.