3. Nooitgedacht Estate – Stellenbosch Wedding Venue
Nooitgedacht Estate is situated just 5km outside Stellenbosch on the R304 and a mere 40 minutes by car from Cape Town City Centre. The Estate offers an All-in-One facility that allows for all the preparations and proceedings to happen on-site.
The Manor House and converted slave quarters are very well suited for bridal and grooms preparations. The lush gardens and chapel offers plenty of ceremony options and the rustic converted wine cellar can host receptions of up to 260 guests.
Lovely natural gardens, huge oaks, vineyards, rustic farm buildings and fruit orchards offer a variety of wedding spaces and plenty of photo opportunities. This all is set on the backdrop of the towering Stellenbosch mountains in the distance.
Find Out More About Nooitgedacht Wedding Venue:
- Who will this venue appeal to?
- The Bride & Groom Prep Areas
- Ceremony Options & Chapel
- Pre-Dinner Drinks Area
- Reception Options
- Wedding Photography Options
- Catering & Bar Services
- Accommodation
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It will appeal to…
If you ever dreamed of getting married on a Stellenbosch Wine farm, then Nooitgedacht is probably the picture you had in your head… You walking down from the steps of the historic Manor with its Cape Dutch gables while being showered with confetti by your closest family and friends!
For the bride seeking an opulent start to the day, imagine getting ready in the stunning bridal suite, with its four-poster bed and bridesmaids dancing around your feet… Your wedding ceremony under the shade of an oak tree that is older than the oldest person you know; A stroll and a kiss in the middle of the tree-lined entrance lane; Your grand entrance as Mr & Mrs into the spacious old candle-lit wine cellar.
These are just a few of the special moments you can look forward to when you tie the knot at Nooitgedacht. It is definitely worth its spot in our list of the top 3 wedding venues in Stellenbosch.
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Bridal & Grooms Preps
The Bridal suite in the Manor House is a reminder of the class and grandeur that once bestowed this residence. High wooden ceilings, double doors that open up unto the large veranda (stoep) and a modern, refurbished bathroom are some of the other highlights of this room. It is big, big enough to comfortably fit the bride and all her bridesmaids… and yes, big enough for both moms as well! For the groom and his party, getting ready at one of the 3 converted slave quarters, with ensuite bathrooms, are just perfect! Having both groom and bridal parties do their preparations on site is a big bonus and will relieve a lot of transportation stresses.
Ceremony Options & Chapel
The faunum (chapel) attached to the Wine cellar (reception venue), is a fantastic indoor ceremony option. It is a rustic space with exposed brick walls and old wooden windows and can seat up to 120 guests.
The estate also offers a variety of outdoor ceremony options. The gardens are huge. My favourite spot would be the lawn in front of the manor house, with the bride making her entrance straight from the lovely wooden doors of the from the bridal suite.
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Pre-Dinner Drinks Areas
On a clear sky, sunny summers day, pre-drinks can be done on the lawn in front of the manor house or on the paved area in front of the cellar. Both spots are absolutely magical and will give your guests the full winelands experience while they sip their bubbly under the shade of those ancient oaks that are littered around the homestead.
For winter and grizzly cape rainy days, the foyer of the cellar can be utilised. This area is big enough to accommodate your wedding party, without them feeling squashed. With its wooden floors and ceilings and antique furniture pieces, it gives that warm farmhouse feel that will let the misery outside fade away.
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Reception Options
The old cellar (Banquet Hall) can accommodate up to 260 guests, making it one of the biggest venues in the Stellenbosch area. But do not be alarmed with the size. With clever use of indoor plants and lighting, even a wedding of 120 will not feel sparse. An oak-beamed roof, screed floors and rustically plastered walls are some of the elements that give the cellar its charm. It can be dressed in any theme – a fantastic blank canvas to work with. The main hall is flanked by modern ablution facilities and a bar.
Outdoor, you can set up a see-through marquee on the main lawn or set a long table in the lane that leads up to the homestead. An intimate open-air setting under a huge oak and dangle fairy lights from the overhanging branches is another option. For a less risky outdoor option, there is also the spacious porch of the Manor House, that can be extended with a stretch tent if needed. This would be ideal for smaller wedding parties.
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Wedding Photography Options
Nooitgedacht is one of the best-preserved examples of a Cape Dutch wine farm and it is no surprise that most couples opt to take their photos on the Estate. There is so much to work with. Take a short stroll over the railway line and you’ll arrive at a stunning dam, that mirrors the Simonsberg in the distance. Right next to it, you have lush grassland and vineyards that can be used as a canvas. In springtime, the orchard next to the cellar, with pink and white blossoms makes the perfect fairytale setting.
The homestead itself with lush manicured Gardens, authentic Cape Dutch buildings, expansive lawns with fish ponds and wisteria and boston ivy-clad buildings offer an endless array of photo opportunities.
Not to fear! If your day is rained out, you can get the owners permission to utilise certain parts of the Manor house and its historic architecture and antique furniture.
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Catering & Bar Services
The food at Nooitgedacht is divine! They boast a fully equipped kitchen and world-class chefs. Unfortunately, no outside catering is allowed. The kitchen offers a choice between buffet or plated 3-course meals and canapé’s and is charged on a per-person basis. Candy Bars and dessert tables are also done on request.
The fully stocked bar just next to the main hall is spacious and has a rustic farm feel to it. The venue will provide barmen and waiters at a cost. All wine is supplied by Nooitgedacht and sourced locally from neighbouring wine estates. Should you choose to supply your own wine, corkage is charged at R25 per bottle. The bar is stocked with beers, ciders and spirits and is operated as a cash bar.
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