Blissful gardens, magical forests and dramatic landscapes for dreamy celebrations.
The trees at Vergelegen could tell so many stories… The legendary 300-year-old camphors and oaks have stood tall through the centuries of heritage layered on this expansive estate, originally founded in 1700. The Cape Dutch manor house surrounded by a succession of formal gardens, lawns and a forest (segueing to wild mountain scenery) is the kind of place where time stands still, where you can almost touch the stories and memories of a bygone era. An inspiring place to visit, it’s even more special to have a part of Vergelegen all to yourself as the venue for a wedding or other celebration.
Let your imagination run wild, planning a truly memorable day that flows seamlessly from one idyllic setting on this beautiful estate to the next.
The conservatory
A grand glass conservatory set among trees and gardens invites all the natural beauty of its site beside the Lourens River to form the backdrop to the event both inside and out. A blank canvas that can be customised to suit the theme and occasion, the light-filled, high-ceilinged space seats up to 440 guests. In the adjacent Café Fleur there’s a dedicated groom’s room for pre-ceremony preparations, and you are invited to plan pre- and post-ceremony happenings in a series of iconic settings: such as the sweeping riverside lawn, the romantic octagonal garden, the peaceful camphor forest ,and the picturesque lake and mountain view site.
Good to know This signature package also includes parking, security during four set-up and break-down days, cleaning services, wines at celebration-friendly prices, and access to picture-perfect locations for photography.
Then there are several other indoor and open-air venues on the estate that can be booked singly or together to cater for events large and small.
The camphor forest
The camphor forest at Vergelegen has a cathedral-like aura of natural peace and tranquility, the tall trees soaring upwards and dappled light slanting through the canopy to create a fairytale atmosphere. It can be booked separately for a variety of open-air events, from a wedding reception for up to 300 guests, to a relaxed and elegant picnic celebration for 120 people.
The historic octagonal garden
First established in the 1700s, Vergelegen’s octagonal garden is in front of the manor house, set around a fountain and dotted with statues, flower-filled borders and a backdrop of ancient trees. For wedding ceremonies, pre-event drinks and gatherings of all sorts, it’s a timeless setting that resonates with heritage and style.
Dramatic scenery by the lake
If your dream day requires a backdrop of wild nature in all its glory, the lake reflects the dramatic silhouettes of the Heldeberg and Hottentots-Holland mountains in its still waters, a stunning natural setting for exchanging vows or serving canapés.
The Stables
The estate’s popular family-friendly restaurant opens onto a terrace and is surrounded by swathes of beautiful gardens and captivating mountain views. The long room alongside the main dining area adapts perfectly to hosting an intimate wedding, and you can hire the whole restaurant on an exclusive-use basis to seat up to 110 guests. Or for smaller groups, book the private dining room seating 40.
The Rose Terrace Tea Room
The cosy yet chic cottage-style tea room with its checkered tile floors is a dream for intimate gatherings for up to 24 guests. Think kitchen teas, baby showers, family birthdays, or a fabulous high tea with your bridal party in the run-up to the big day.
The enchanting setting, centuries of history and extravagantly varied garden and natural landscapes of Vergelegen give scope for your wildest dreams to come true, whatever the occasion.
Good to know A luxurious private villa can (depending on availability) be added into the wedding or event experience.
Cost From R25 000 depending on package
Contact 021 847 2111, events@vergelegen.co.za/functions@vergelegen.co.za
Where to find it Vergelegen Estate, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, Cape Town
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