As avid world travelers, Claudia and Mitch wanted their Boschendal wedding to be more than a celebration. It was an invitation to an unforgettable international adventure for 60 of their closest family and friends. Many of their guests had never traveled beyond their home countries, making this journey all the more meaningful. Their wedding took place over three days and included a welcome braai, a full day wedding, and a farewell picnic.

This was the farthest I have ever traveled to photograph a wedding and I learned a lot. I wanted to write this blog to not only share these stunning photos and give you a tour of the venue, but to help anyone else out who may be thinking of shipping their guests from the US to South Africa for a wedding.

I'll share Boschendal wedding costs, how to take an Uber there, etc. below. But first, some blurbs to make the Google machine happy.

How to Plan a Boschendal Wedding in the Heart of South Africa’s Wine Country

A Boschendal wedding is the kind of international celebration people dream about. Rolling vineyards, iconic Cape Dutch architecture, and golden-hour light spilling over towering mountains in the Franschhoek Valley. Add in a glass of the estate’s world-class wine, and you’ve got a venue that feels equal parts timeless elegance and natural drama. Not to mention while it's winter here in the US, it's summer there.

It all feels like the set of a period romance. Boschendal weddings don’t need a ton of extra décor because the venue already delivers on beauty. You can layer in your own style, but honestly, the estate itself does most of the work for you.

What to expect when traveling for a Boschendal wedding from the US

• When is the best time for a Boschendal wedding? The South African summer and early autumn (November–March) are the most popular, offering warm weather, long days, and vineyards at their greenest.
• How much are flights from Seattle to Cape Town? Round-trip fares typically range $1,000–$1,400 per person depending on airline and routing. When I went, I connected in Instanbul and the travel took 28 hours total from Seattle.
• Where do we fly into? Guests should book flights to Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
• How far is Boschendal from the airport? About 60–80 km, or a 1–1.5 hour drive.
• How will we get to the venue? A private coach or minibus transfer can be arranged from the airport to Boschendal for the group. For an UberX (standard car): ~ R 459 – R 612 (~US$25-$35) one-way.
• Do U.S. citizens need a visa for South Africa? No visa is required for stays under 90 days, just a valid passport.
• Do we need any special vaccinations? As of March 2025, no vaccinations are required to visit South Africa from the US. However, here are some recommendations.
• What is the weather in South Africa like during November-March? High in the mid-20s°C to low 30s°C (mid-70s°F to high 80s°F)

How much does a Boschendal wedding cost?

Boschendal Wedding Cost Breakdown (November–March High Season)

• Venue Hire (large weddings up to ~200 guests):
  About R190,000 (~US$10,500) for a weekend rental of The Olive Press during peak season.
• Smaller Venue Options (40–100 guests):
  • Rhone Homestead (≈40 guests): R40,000 (~US$2,200)
  • Mountain Villa (≈100 guests): R225,000 (~US$12,500)
    Prices vary depending on exclusivity, guest count, and specific venue.
• Guest Accommodation (on-site cottages):
  Luxury cottages range R3,900 – R8,300 per night (~US$220–US$460) depending on size and occupancy.
• Food & Drink (farm-to-table catering):
  Catering is included in most venue packages, but menu upgrades, bar service, and premium wine selections can add R500–R1,500 per guest (~US$28–US$85).
• Extras & Vendors:
  Décor, flowers, photographers, entertainment, lighting, transportation, and marquee rentals vary widely. Expect anything from R50,000 – R150,000 (~US$2,800–US$8,300) depending on preferences.

👉 Things to keep in mind:

• Exchange rates fluctuate, so confirm costs in USD close to booking.
• Advance booking (9–12 months out) is recommended for peak season.
• Hidden costs like setup fees, overtime, or bar surcharges may apply.
• Guest count significantly affects catering, seating, and accommodation expenses.

Claudia and Mitch's wedding vendor list

With the exception of the photographer (yours truly), all vendors were local to South Africa.

Venue/Catering: Boschendal
Wedding Planner: Mosaic Weddings – Cara Lee Pearce
Photographer: Jacquelyn Portolese
Videographer: Popped Red Balloon – Brad
Flowers: Botanica – Rowenna Rood
Rental Furniture: Palm Events
Decor: The Hire Haus
Barber: McIntyres Barber – Wesley
Make-Up: Lisa Brown – Lisa Brown
String Quartet: Simply Strings
Ice Cream Cart: Tuist Foods
DJ: Shout
Music: Kirya Kuti Project – Kirya (Jackson)
Stationery: Secret Diary

But Is Boschendal the Right Venue for You?

The estate is family-friendly, versatile, and rooted in history, but it also feels deeply personal. You’re not just another booking. You’re stepping into a space that has hosted centuries of love, celebration, and connection.

Boschendal is a luxury wedding venue. While the South African Rand may seem favorable compared to the US dollar, costs for international visitors can still be high. Expect pricing in line with premium destination weddings rather than local rates.

And if you're still undecided, maybe Claudia and Mitch's wedding photos from March 2025 will set you in the right direction.