Forest Wedding Venues
Is it your dream to get married in a forest setting? To exchange vows beneath a canopy of trees? Many forest wedding venues in South Africa lend themselves to an enchanted forest feel. You and your guests will be transported into a magical sphere, closed off from the outside world! Explore some of the top forest wedding venues here, recommended by real brides and wedding professionals.
The Laughing Forest
| Maximum Capacity: 150 | Accommodation: Yes (36) | Chapel: Yes |
Tucked between coastal dune forests and untouched beaches, just 45 minutes south of Amanzimtoti, lies a place where time slows and nature speaks. Whether you’re celebrating love, gathering family, or seeking soulful rest, The Laughing Forest Wedding Venue in Elysium offers you serenity, beauty, and genuine connection—both to the land and to the people who call it home. Our venue sits where forest and ocean meet — a secluded stretch of Elysium’s pristine coastline framed by ancient trees, rich birdlife, and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.
Imagine saying your vows beneath a canopy of trees with the sound of the ocean in the background. Our gardens, natural altar spaces and intimate accommodation create the perfect setting for a magical, memory-filled day. We offer personalised planning and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere to make your celebration truly yours. Click here to see more.
Having just returned home to the UK from my daughter’s wedding at this spectacular venue, it would be remiss of me not to write a positive review about The Laughing Forest. From Debbie and her husband, the owner/managers, to her amazing staff, to the venue, accommodation and lovely grounds, everything smacks perfection. Like myself, the wedding guests were blown away by the entire day. Thank you so much for making Jade and Jarrod’s day so memorable. – WayneCB
Cherry Glamping
| Maximum Capacity: 150 | Accommodation: 150 | Chapel: Yes (Forest) |
Cherry Glamping is in Elgin and is the ideal destination for a unique forest wedding weekend or any other group get-together. We offer luxury tented accommodation and various venue options in 2 different camps. This allows you to entertain your guests in different areas during your stay. Our beautiful and spacious Bell tents are permanently setup amongst the trees and can accommodate up to 80 people. More tents can be added if required. There is also a cabin, separate from the 2 camps. It overlooks the mountain and comes with a wood-fired hot tub and kitchenette, and is perfect for the wedding couple. Come and enjoy your weekend with friends and family amongst our free-roaming Zebra, Springbok, Nyala, Waterbuck, Bontebok, Duiker and Impala. Click here to see more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Every single one of our guests said it was one of the best weddings they have been to and they absolutely loved the beautifully styled tents – Johann and Nicolene
Winery Road Forest
Our forest is between Stellenbosch, Somerset West, just off the N2, 20 minutes from the airport. We are a private wedding venue with boundless scenic options, lush lawns, mountain views, a lake and best of all, a sun setting through our forest providing a romantic golden evening glow at sunset. Our venue is diverse with both indoor and outdoor options for ceremonies and receptions. We have an elegant rustic barn with crystal chandeliers for dinners, receptions and get-togethers and a cozy garden courtyard which is filled with aromas of mint, jasmine and roses. You can dance the night away indoors or outdoors under fairy lights and African Stars. Our courtyard has a warm cozy feeling with informal seating and open fire baskets.
We are proud to announce our spectacular new chapel facing the forest as a backdrop for the most romantic scenic setting. Our in-house venue coordinator is available to ensure your dream wedding becomes a hassle-free reality. Click here to see more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hi, ons is terug in die land van die lewendes and “smack bam” terug in realiteit. Baie dankie vir alles! Almal het heerlik gekuier en kon nie uitgepraat raak oor die venue, kos, musiek en die diens van die kelners en kroeg nie. Ek sal julle vir enige iemand voorstel! Die “vibe” en alles was net uit die boeke! Julle het ons altyd so gerus gestel en gehelp met wat ons ookal na julle kant toe gegooi het. Baie dankie! – Annerie Bruwer
Pat Busch
| Maximum Capacity: 300 | Accommodation: Yes (100) | Chapel: Yes |
At the end of a country road, set high in a fynbos valley surrounded by mountains on 3 sides, you will find the idyllic Pat Busch Mountain Reserve. This private nature reserve lies just beyond Robertson in the Cape Winelands, less than 2 hours scenic drive from Cape Town, and is the perfect blank canvas, a weekend destination wedding venue in the mountains.
There are numerous ceremony areas from which to choose ranging from the jetty overlooking the mountain dam, to a poplar forest with a stream, a poolside setting or a lush meadow with mountain views, or a firm favourite is beneath the ancient oak tree. Any venue or a combination can be used for the ceremony, pre-drinks and the reception. Couples have the freedom to not only arrange a pre-wedding informal ‘Meet & Greet’ the night before the wedding, (which is the perfect opportunity to catch up with family & friends), but also an informal Farewell breakfast the day after the wedding. Here the newlyweds have a chance to say final thank yous & goodbyes to their wedding guests, expressing gratefulness for making lifelong wedding memories together. Click here to see more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wow, what a venue! The surroundings are absolutely unreal with 10 stylish and comfortable Africamp Boutique glamping ‘tents’, lovely smaller cottages, and a big farmhouse all nestled in the heart of the mountains, so close it feels as if you can touch them. The Pat Busch team organised the set up/break down and accommodated all my (some unusual) requests perfectly. Other benefits of using Pat Busch as a wedding venue: No curfew (we partied into the very early hours), being able to bring in external suppliers to create exactly what you want and manage costs better, and a recommended list of tried-and-tested suppliers who are used to doing weddings there and can offer invaluable advice/guidance. We truly had the most magical weekend and were so proud to show our UK guests the best of SA. – Dianne Lesche
Top 10 Forest Wedding Venues in South Africa
- Treedom
- The Laughing Forest
- Pat Busch
- Hakunamatata
- Hog Hollow
- Winery Road Forest
- Everwood Country Weddings
- De Uijlenes
- Cherry Glamping
- Elandskloof
- Grootbos
Forest Wedding Venues in South Africa
Few wedding settings feel as magical as a forest. Towering trees, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy and the sounds of nature create a naturally romantic atmosphere that requires very little embellishment. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate woodland ceremony or a weekend celebration surrounded by nature, South Africa offers an incredible selection of forest wedding venues that combine breathtaking scenery with unforgettable experiences.
From indigenous forests along the Garden Route to secluded woodland venues in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng, couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect forest wedding venue.
Why Choose a Forest Wedding Venue?
Forest weddings offer something truly unique. The natural surroundings become part of your décor, creating an enchanting backdrop for your ceremony, wedding photographs and reception. The changing light throughout the day, the textures of the trees and the peaceful atmosphere all contribute to a wedding that feels intimate, relaxed and incredibly memorable.
Many forest venues also offer both indoor and outdoor options, giving couples the flexibility to enjoy an outdoor ceremony while having a beautiful reception venue available should the weather change.
Types of Forest Wedding Venues
Every forest wedding venue offers its own character and style. Some are tucked away within indigenous forests, while others combine woodland settings with vineyards, gardens, mountains or luxury accommodation.
Popular options include:
• Indigenous forest venues
• Woodland ceremony locations
• Forest lodges
• Eco wedding venues
• Country estates with forest settings
• Boutique guest farms
• Luxury forest retreats
• Weekend wedding destinations
Many venues also provide on-site accommodation, making them ideal for destination weddings or celebrations that extend over an entire weekend.
Planning a Forest Wedding
Planning a wedding in a natural environment requires a few additional considerations. While the scenery provides a spectacular backdrop, it’s important to discuss logistics with your venue and suppliers.
Consider the ceremony location, accessibility for guests, lighting after sunset, weather contingency plans and whether additional sound equipment may be required in wooded areas. Professional planners and experienced venue coordinators will help ensure every detail is carefully managed.
Styling a Forest Wedding
One of the greatest advantages of a forest wedding is that nature does much of the decorating for you. Couples often choose styling that complements the surroundings rather than competing with them.
Popular forest wedding themes include:
• Romantic woodland
• Modern organic
• Rustic elegance
• Botanical luxury
• Whimsical garden
• Bohemian chic
Natural materials such as timber, stone, linen, candlelight and abundant greenery work beautifully within forest settings, while seasonal florals add softness and colour without overwhelming the landscape.
Photography at Forest Wedding Venues
Forest venues provide some of the most beautiful wedding photography opportunities in South Africa. Soft filtered light, winding pathways, towering trees and lush greenery create depth and romance in every image.
Many photographers love shooting in forests because every season offers something different, from vibrant green summer foliage to warm golden tones during autumn.
Our Tips for Choosing a Forest Wedding Venue
If you’ve always imagined exchanging vows beneath the trees, start by deciding what type of forest setting best suits your vision. Some couples prefer dense indigenous forests with dramatic canopies, while others are drawn to open woodland clearings with mountain or vineyard views.
When viewing venues, ask about:
• Maximum guest capacity
• Indoor reception options
• On-site accommodation
• Exclusive venue hire
• Wet weather alternatives
• Supplier flexibility
• Accessibility for elderly guests
• Photography locations
• Noise restrictions and curfews
• Weekend wedding packages
Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your wedding planning journey. The venues featured above represent some of South Africa’s most beautiful forest wedding venues, each offering its own unique setting, atmosphere and experience. Browse our collection to discover the perfect venue where your woodland wedding dreams can become a reality.