emily moon river lodge

 

Garden route wedding venue

Heading up the East Coast before our nation-wide lockdown, I was lucky to set up along the Garden Route, one of the most beautiful and world renowned tourism destinations in South Africa. During my time in this paradise, I wandered and visited a few unforgettable wedding spaces.

From indigenous forest backdrops, mountains and river valleys, to countryside, winelands and vast beaches along the Indian Ocean, the area offers a variety of beautiful venues and locations to choose from.

Sitting here, still wearing my rose-coloured glasses, I want to share with you three spaces that have stolen my heart – and that I can’t quite compare to any other wedding venue in Cape Town.

The first is Emily Moon River Lodge, an exclusive boutique hotel, wedding venue and restaurant.

Entering the reception area I felt I had entered another world. The lodge is filled with treasures and collector’s items from Asia, Africa and Polynesia, gathered by the owners during their travels. Bamboo palms, kelims, sculptures give the space an aesthetic unlike any other in this part of the world – but yet keeping that homely feel.

What I love about Emily Moon is that when hosting your wedding here, you have the luxury of getting ready, tying the knot and dining, all on one property. There are various multi-purpose venues and locations for couples to choose from, including:

 

  • An outdoor and indoor ceremony location – The James Room and River Deck.
After introductions, I eagerly began my journey of discovery by heading down to the lagoon to the River Deck and outdoor ceremony location. Situated on the river, the deck is surrounded by reeds, creating an intimate and sheltered space. The banks that lie above the deck provides a natural amphitheatre where guests can be seated, giving them the perfect vantage point for witnessing your marriage.
Having seen the outdoor ceremony option,  I then made my way to The James Room. Set in a tranquil garden, this fully equipped space can seat up to 100 people. My favourite feature thing in the space is the hanging garden that makes up the ceiling and brings life to the quirky space. Add to that the mirror-lined wall and wide-span windows; the space feels open and relaxed, while providing the comfort of being indoors. 
Just before entering Emily’s Restaurant, lies the pool area, where your guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapes, while you and your and groom head off for photographs. The lounge pocket setup, sun umbrellas and views of the Bitou River provide an area big enough for your guests but small enough to create a sense of togetherness.

It’s often difficult getting guests to leave the pre-drinks area to enter the reception, but in this case, the best really is saved for last. The wonderfully eclectic Emily’s Restaurant ticks all the boxes. From the spacious interior, large glass sliding doors open onto a wide deck, filling the space with natural light and bringing the beauty of the outdoor views inside. It has the perfect balance between antique and contemporary, shabby and chic. From their seats in this luxurious setting, your guests will have panoramic views of the wetlands, Bitou River and distant mountains.

Having stood there, in the late afternoon’s sun, looking across the river with their reeds washed gold, I can safely say that the rumours are true. There’s none quite as romantic as Emily Moon. 

Thank you to Helouise, and to your friendly team for showing me around. I will most certainly be back!

Written by:

To enquire with the venue, please contact [email protected] 
If you are planning to host your wedding along the Garden Route or elsewhere and need assistance with planning and coordination, feel free to contact me at [email protected].

I offer a range of packages including Full Planning, Partial Planning and On The Day Coordination. 

Venue: Emily Moon River Lodge

Photographer: Piet my vrou

Wedding Dress: Kelly Mae Bespoke

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+27 (0) 61 228 2244
[email protected]

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