The fairytale landscape and the glass backed Chapel was the perfect setting in which the bride and groom exchanged their wedding vows. This was no ordinary affair, how could it be?

It was based in the Drakensberg, the theme was black & white and it spanned an entire weekend.

Going to the wedding of old family friends has got to be one of the most fulfilling outings around especially when the location is the Cathedral Peak hotel in the central part of the Drakensberg, fondly called the “Berg”!

We arrived at our hotel on the Friday afternoon slightly weary but were soon perked up by our surroundings. We had scenery so spectacular, dramatic, and engaging that I found myself constantly clicking away on my camera. The terrace, with magnificent mountain views, seemed to be the gathering spot of choice.

As beverages were served and we caught up with family and friends the bride and groom flitted in and out as they attended to the final arrangements for the big day! Click here for the gallery.

Our accommodation, a pretty thatched cottage, with more great views, was totally peaceful with the only sound being an occasional bird call. We all met in the evening for a scrumptious dinner at the hotel restaurant (and I’m talking real home cooking here), a night cap or two and then it was early to bed in preparation for the festivities of the following day.

Wedding Venue?

If you’re looking for a wedding venue then this has to be your one stop, um, wedding shop! Everything is within easy walking distance, from the Chapel to reception venue - not a car in sight! It just doesn’t get more convenient than this for both wedding party and guests.

Finally the time had arrived…

After a leisurely breakfast and mid morning tea, the guests having had sufficient preparation time arrived with much excitement at the Chapel all toffed up to the nines.

Having got everybody seated we waited with baited breath as the wedding march began and finally, she arrived. The bride looked absolutely gorgeous in a black and white dress, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room especially within the female contingent.

After the wedding vows had been exchanged, and photographs taken, the guests made their way to the reception which was a five minute amble away. The venue had been laid out beautifully in the colours of the wedding theme including a black wedding cake with white Orchids, everything looked exceptionally elegant.

The evening progressed without a hitch while we ate and danced until finally, when people became weary, they just wandered back down to their rooms (no designated drivers necessary)!

Fun for everyone

In between the wedding festivities I managed to fit in a horse ride which included a fair bit of trotting up and down dales, across streams (we even saw some buck) I loved every minute!

The flora and fauna (especially bird life) are prolific! While there are a multitude of hikes starting from here which are graded at different levels even a short walk in the grounds is thrilling!

So if you’re a couple of love birds on a break or a singleton looking for adventure there is something for everyone.

Other activities in the area:

San rock paintings, Guided hikes, walks to bushmen paintings, mountain bike trails, tennis, squash, bowls, 9 hole gold golf course to mention but a few.

For the less outdoor type, there is a gym, beauty therapist, a couple of pubs with pool and darts.

The day after the night before

It was really special to be able to spend time with the bride, groom and guests after the evening’s festivities. We all had a hearty breakfast together and of course all the tales of the previous evening emerged, new friendships had formed and everybody had experienced a little “peace” of heaven on earth.

Sadly after breakfast people started their journeys home but a great time was had by all with memories lasting a lifetime!!

How to get here: I flew from Cape Town (flights from Cape Town to Durban these days are really not expensive) and hired a car (which again was well priced) in Durban. From the airport it’s about a 2hr drive down the highway and another half hour wending your way into the Berg which is a lovely drive.
Getting there from JHB is simply a four hour drive down the N3.

Check out this ideal wedding venue and many others with these deals.

• Add new comment

Bookmark/Search this post with:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•