The Midlands is a popular wedding destination for couples from all corners of the country and has some of the most beautiful wedding venues around. We got to chat with two of the newest wedding venues in the Midlands to find out what they love about weddings and what sets their venue apart from the rest.
Dargle Forest Lodge
This gorgeous venue is in Upper Dargle, about 45 kilometres from Howick town. Owners Bridgette and Sean bought the farm four years ago and have transformed it into the beautiful space it is today.
What made you decide to create a wedding venue on your property?
After we bought the farm, we spent two years clearing the land and putting all of the basic infrastructure in place, including comfortable, but rustic, wooden cabins so that we could share the space with others. After guests started visiting the farm, we had so many requests to create a wedding venue, and it had always been a dream of ours. So, in February 2019 we decided to take the plunge.
What sets your venue apart from other venues in the area?
Being perched on the edge of a cliff, our venue’s floor to ceiling glass frontage provides breath-taking panoramic views of the valley, the forest surrounding the farm and the iNhlosane Mountain. It’s the most romantic setting for the special day!
What is the inspiration behind your venue?
We wanted the venue to have the same character andrustic charm as the lodge, but with a more stylish, chic feel for a beautiful wedding venue. To keep with the barn-inspired look of the venue, Sean made handcrafted large barn doors and a wooden bar and serving area countertops. The colours in the venue are neutral, with textures of wood, making it a perfect blank canvas for brides.
What size wedding can you accommodate?
Our venue can be set up for smaller intimate weddings; we can also seat up to 150 people. The chapel that is currently under construction will be able to seat 150 people too.
Is there a type of bride or wedding that your venue is best suited for?
Our venue offers views of forests,rolling hills and beautiful scenery, so any bride who enjoys the outdoors or natural surrounds would love it here. We have created a venue that is adaptable to any vision our couples have for their big day.
What is your favourite thing about weddings?
The bride’s expression as she walks down the aisle. That look on her face as all the build-up, months of planning, excitement and all the drama in between,hassled to this incredibly special moment of walking down the aisle.
Dargle Forest Lodge also provides accommodation for the bridal party and some guests, with self-catering cabins for up to 20 people as well as additional camping options.
Website: www.dargleforestlodge.co.za
Facebook: @dargleforestlodge
Infinity on Enfin Estate
Infinity is an up-and-coming venue situated on the gorgeous Enfin Estate outside Nottingham Road. The panoramic views are part of what inspired owner Michelle to create this special space for couples to enjoy their wedding day.
What made you decide to create a wedding venue on your property?
One too many sundowners up on the mountain possibly (lol)!
Enfin Estate is situated on the west-facing side of Mount West, and after hiking up the mountain, Michelle and partner Brendon would marvel at the beauty of this slice of heaven. That’s where our vision of sharing it with others was born. The potential to host various types of events is endless, so the name Infinity seemed apt.
What sets your venue apart from other venues in the area?
The incredible views and the peaceful country location. Being the second highest point in KZN outside of the Drakensberg, our venue is high up on Mount West, which makes for a truly extraordinary destination experience. The venue is accessed by collectable Land Rovers, which we have lovingly restored. Infinity also offers the most amazing and unique sunsets and photographic opportunities.
What are some key things you wanted to include in your wedding venue when designing it?
We really wanted to optimise the beautiful views while creating an uncluttered, contemporary blank canvas for the bride to bring her vision of herwedding to life.
What is the inspiration behind your venue?
Both being artists, we appreciate aesthetics and special places. There is something spiritual about being high up on the mountain, looking down on the clouds.
Is there a type of bride or wedding that your venue is best suited for?
Our venue can cater for up to 200 people. A bride who appreciates mountains, views and the beauty of nature will be suited for Infinity. Because of its neutral pallet, which blends with the organic surrounds, Infinity can be transformed into any genre.
What is your favourite thing about weddings?
Weddings are a celebration of love, life and family – there is no happier event to have on your calendar. Its an honour to host these joyful occasions!
Website: https://www.enfinestate.com/
Facebook: @enfinestate
We are excited to watch these unique, gorgeous venues grow and we look forward to seeing the heavenly weddings that take place in these picturesque spaces!