These days, too many weddings are consigned to a compact afternoon/evening of commitment and celebration and then a flurry of Facebook photos and Instagram reels. Beautiful human moments, but all too brief. At Summerplace Game Reserve, weddings are a whole weekend celebration that are unhurried, uncomplicated and unforgettable.

A two-hour 15-minute drive from Pretoria and less than three hours from Johannesburg makes Summerplace Game Reserve close enough for a weekend escape but far enough to leave the chaos of the city behind. No traffic, no load-shedding and no fear of crime. Peace and serenity prevail. Located just north of Vaalwater in the Limpopo province, Summerplace offers the best of the Bushveld and the Waterberg.

At Summerplace, your special union of love isn’t just one of many on a long list; it’s as much a significant occasion for us as it is for you. Our remote location in the heart of the Waterberg bush allows for a connection to nature throughout the weekend, with particular emphasis on the ceremony photos and video.

Depending on time of year, we have several stunning photo locations that offer wilderness backdrops, foregrounds and skies that enhance any image; and our safari-style game-drive vehicle adds character as a mobile prop – if desired.

Weddings at Summerplace can accommodate up to 90 guests in our spacious modern functions venue (70 if only indoors), adjacent to our wooden deck which overlooks an open savanna and faces the setting sun. Our open-air chapel allows for optimising the ample space and shade of the indigenous trees. The sound of birds and sighting of wildlife is guaranteed as we have over 100 bird species and more than 40 large mammal species.

We have several lodges on the reserve that can accommodate up to 86 guests sharing – including the bridal suite. They’re all fully furnished self-catering homes with uncapped Wi-Fi, solar power and gas geysers. Some of them have swimming pools and wood-fired hot tubs; all of them have bush views. You can find details on each of our lodges here.

Outdoor activities are a primary attraction at Summerplace Game Reserve. We have a world-class trails network with marked routes for mountain biking, trail running and hiking. Self-guided bush walks and guided sundowner game drives are offered and we have a fleet of mountain bikes to rent, including eBikes and kids’ bikes. Our recently upgraded tennis court is popular with groups.

“We enjoy hosting weddings at Summerplace. As a family-owned and managed venue, we understand the importance of getting everything just right to ensure magical, memorable moments for this significant milestone. We get personally involved in the organisation of weddings because we have experience, not only with weddings, but all types of celebrations and know that timing and details matter,” says Simone Baber, Director of Summerplace Game Reserve.

“One of the benefits of hosting your wedding at Summerplace is that it’s a full weekend celebration for the bridal couple and family and friends. It’s not only the few hours of the ceremony and reception but a wonderful unrushed way to commemorate and share such a special occasion,” added Baber.

To book a viewing appointment, send a message via WhatsApp on 083 302 5123, or call on 064 732 6211. For more information on weddings at Summerplace Game Reserve, see the information brochure here.