Best wedding venues: KwaZulu-Natal

Say hello to part three of my hunt for SA’s best wedding venues. This week, I’m focusing on venues in KwaZulu Natal (click here for the Eastern Cape, or here for Gauteng), so I quizzed wedding pro Gaby Frescura, of SA bridal blog SouthBound Bride, about her favourite budget, mid-range and blowout wedding venues in KwaZulu-Natal. Let’s go!

Best budget venue:

Market Restaurant, Durban

Debra and Mike’s real wedding at Market Restaurant; photography: Lad & Lass Photography The lowdown: “An outdoor courtyard perched behind a 1930s colonial building in Durban’s Berea, Market Restaurant offers a jazzy, French café-style atmosphere,” says Gaby. “It’s an intimate but magical setting – picture a ring of fairy light-strung Leopard trees surrounding a central fountain where guests can chat and mingle over canapés. Foodies will love the menu, and there’s a selection of local craft beers on offer too.”

Debra and Mike’s real wedding at Market Restaurant; photography: Lad & Lass Photography

Contact: [email protected] or www.themarketrestaurant.co.za

Real wedding alert! Click here to see a full gallery of Debra and Mike’s real wedding at Market Restaurant, photographed by Lad & Lass Photography.

Best mid-range venue:

Netherwood, Natal Midlands

Tamara and Paul’s real wedding at Netherwood; photography: Fiona Clair

The lowdown:

“Spectacular panoramic views of the Midlands through huge floor-to-ceiling windows, both from the hilltop chapel and the reception venue overlooking a dam, instantly wow guests,” explains Gaby. “The reception venue is also beautifully designed, offering a blank canvas for any decor you could dream of. Plus, this venue is great for both summer and winter weddings.”

Tamara and Paul’s real wedding at Netherwood; photography: Fiona Clair

Contact: [email protected] or www.netherwood.co.za

Real wedding alert! Click here to see a full gallery of Tamara and Paul’s real wedding at Netherwood, photographed by Fiona Clair.

Best blowout venue:

The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga

Gaelene and Richard’s real wedding at The Oyster Box Hotel; photography: Jacki Bruniquel

The lowdown: “This iconic, luxury Durban hotel boasts delicious cuisine, impeccable service and lavish, colonial-style decor including the all-white Pearl Room with its mirrored walls and hand-blown Venetian glass chandeliers,” says Gaby. “The beachfront location in chic Umhlanga gives guests unparalleled views over the Indian Ocean – it’s a a venue fit for a princess, literally, since this is where Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco held their South African wedding reception.”

Gaelene and Richard’s real wedding at The Oyster Box Hotel; photography: Jacki Bruniquel

Contact: [email protected] or www.oysterboxhotel.com

Real wedding alert! Click here to see a full gallery of Gaelene and Richard’s real wedding at The Oyster Box Hotel, photographed by Jacki Bruniquel.

Do you have a venue to recommend in KwaZulu-Natal? Tweet us at @GLAMOUR_sa with #GLAMWedding to share!

Sarah Browning, 24, is the managing editor of GLAMOUR. She moved to SA from London three years ago and lives in Cape Town. In this #GLAMWedding Wedding Blog, Sarah’s sharing her wedding-planning journey with you. Join the conversation! Tweet your thoughts to Sarah via @GLAMOUR_sa using #GLAMWedding. For more of Gaby Frescura’s pro wedding advice, visit her SA bridal blog, SouthBound Bride here.

Follow Sarah on Twitter: @sarahmbrowning

Find out more about the #GLAMWedding blog here!