Kurland Estate has always been synonymous with creating unforgettable memories, and never more so than for the lucky couples who choose this unique location to tie the knot in. Not only does it offer a plethora of romantic spaces in impossibly beautiful natural settings, but it’s run by a family that are all about celebrating good times with friends and loved ones in luxurious but authentic and intimate ways.
This is very much in tune with current trends, as weddings stray away from elaborate, over-the-top affairs and move towards personalised ceremonies, unique displays of sincerity, and prioritising meaningful experiences over pure aesthetics.
As Christelle Rall, of Garden Route Weddings says, “If there is anything to be taken from COVID-19, it is that wedding couples are celebrating their union, their people and what is important to them. The focus is on creating memorable celebrations that hold sincere meaning for the couple and their selected guests.”
Another trend that Christelle has seen pick up post the pandemic is the notion of having a destination wedding and multi-day celebration in a location away from the noise of ‘normal’ life that offers space for quality time in an exclusive setting. This is especially valuable for couples hosting family and friends from abroad who want to maximise their time together and include fun, local experiences and stays both before and after the wedding.
As wedding caterer Sandy Wood of Sandy ‘s says about Kurland Estate’s location, “Plett is easy to get to from all over the country, and these days it has increased accessibility for hiring tents, equipment, chairs and tables, and even shuttles to transport your guests. There’s also plenty of additional accommodation in the area, all of which helps with easier wedding planning and budgeting.”
Sandy loves Kurland Estate’s location and versatility, offering access to the polo fields, the stables, Katarina’s, and pretty much anywhere scenic that you’d like to set up a marquee.
“It’s such a gorgeous setting, and couples are guaranteed to have beautiful photographs because the scenery is just breath-taking. Every background is gorgeous – from the Tsitsikamma mountains and horse paddocks, to the dam, the 80-year-old Homestead, the rose gardens and more.”
Sandy’s certainly not the only fan of Kurland Estate as a sought-after venue.
“There are so many reasons to get married at Kurland, but the ambiance, scenery and location are really at the top of the list. It’s one of the most sought-after destinations in the Garden Route and definitely my favourite,” says Marius Barnard from Weddings by Marius. “Whether you want to go traditional with your ceremony or you’re looking for more modern nuptials, there are endless options for Kurland wedding venues.”
Because she’s part of the extended family that owns Kurland Estate, we asked our very own Glenda Lederle (the beautiful Glenda behind famous Glenda’s restaurant in Johannesburg) why she thinks Kurland is such a sought-after wedding spot. Here’s what she had to say:
1. Variety of locations
“There are so many different venues to choose from, and each of them give you such a variety of vibes and experience,” she enthuses.
- THE HOMESTEAD. You could have breakfast in the courtyard, lunch in the herb garden (made using hand-picked fresh produce grown on the property), and host your wedding in the beautiful surrounding rose gardens. This could be followed by an evening dinner in The Homestead’s dining room, on the spacious veranda or around the pool, topped off with an al fresco prawn braai by the dam under the fever trees the next day.
- THE VILLA. Get married at the stables, followed by drinks in the front garden before walking up to the Villa for a meal overlooking the forest or taking a leisurely stroll to the majestic polo fields to dine in splendour.
2. Space and tranquillity
With over 700 hectares of beautiful natural surroundings to enjoy, exclusivity and privacy is guaranteed.
3. Luxury country accommodation
There are beautiful accommodation options to sleep around 60 guests, and gorgeous alternatives in the vicinity should there be an overflow.
Plus there’s the added convenience of having housekeeping staff on-hand to provide support and catering, accessing an onsite spa, and having teams on call that can help organise beautiful bespoke details throughout the course of your celebrations.
Celebrating love, nature’s splendour and country living with your nearest and dearest in a unique setting like Kurland’s promises to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience. Chat to us about how we can help you celebrate your special day.
Images by Michelle Photography, Sandy Wood and Weddings by Marius