About
Molenvliet is one of South Africa’s premier destination wedding venues and is also our personal favorite. In our opinion, there is no other estate in Cape Town that has this amount of romantic allure, magic & charm. This unreal boutique winery is tucked in between the enchanted Banhoek valley and is surrounded by the beautiful Hottentots Holland & Simonsberg mountains.
Located between Stellenbosch and the town of Pniel. Molenvliet is only 14 minutes drive from Stellenbosch central, 40 minutes from the Cape Town's International Airport & 45 minutes from Cape Town's CBD. Other well-known venues in the area include Nooitgedacht, Zorgvliet, Cavalli Wine and Stud Estate
If you’re experiencing Molenvliet for the first time then you’re in for a truly unforgettable experience. This farm venue has this unique ability to subtly reveal itself and has everything that you could need to ensure the most beautiful wedding, pre-wedding or even post-wedding celebration. As Molenvliet is the one of the venues that we've worked at the most, rest assured that this venue stays beautiful no matter which time of year.
Molenvliet is one of the most versatile and diverse venues in the Stellenbosch area. There are so many options in terms of reception, pre-drinks, getting ready, ceremony. The luxurious on-site accommodation guarantees amazing photos. The natural lighting, whether it be overcast or sunny, dances with the mountains with the tall oak trees breath life and sparkle into an already noteworthy and magical setting.
The team at Molenvliet have been working hard during the coronavirus lockdown on enhancing an already pristine estate. The interwoven roads that lace and connect the different sections of the venue each reveal an unbelievable view. One aspect that makes this venue unique, is that no matter which angle you are looking from, you as well as your guests are always treated to spectacular views.
If you would also prefer a couple-shoot with gorgeous beach scenery then we suggest to book a pre or post wedding 30 minute couple shoot.
Accommodation
The estate has plenty of luxurious suites and rooms available which are able to accommodate up to 54 guests. The entrance to the estate is found off of the R310 road from Stellenbosch. Near the entrance you will find 5 double en-suite guest cottages. These cottages have beautiful lighting, luxurious interiors and stunning views always makes these rooms a good option for the grooms getting ready photos.
Next to the cottage is one of the areas where you can have your ceremony. Next to the ceremony area is a relaxing bar area with a refreshing pool. This area can also be the perfect location for a pre or post wedding event.
The road leading from the entrance, cottages & first ceremony area splits into two. The left road leads down into the remaining 70% of the venue, while the road to the right leads to the main Manor house as well as another ceremony area.
The Cape Dutch style manor house is our personal favorite section of the estate. It is spacious, has one of the most breathtaking views in all of Cape Town, and the luxurious interior guarantees amazing photos. This manor house consists of six double en-suite rooms, with jaw-dropping vineyard and mountain views seem from the communal areas. This boutique guest house is hands down the most beautiful location in cape town for bridal preparations.
Situated below the main manor house you'll find the Mountain view suites. These thirteen en-suite Mountain View Suites overlook the Estate vineyards and Drakenstein Mountains. These suites are suitable for both the bride & grooms preparations.
A bit further along the road, towards the far end of the entrance, you'll find the River Manor which is a boutique guesthouse that overlooks the Simonsberg Mountains. These luxurious four double en-suite bedrooms are enchanted with beautiful natural lighting and the interiors are dressed and adorned with gorgeous details. The River Manor is suitable for both the bride or grooms preparations.
Personally, I find this area to be the more suitable for the grooms getting ready. The spacious and luxurious interiors and exteriors offer outstanding photo opportunities, while staying hidden from the bride which is ideal for Jewish weddings. The grooms table can be held indoors or outdoors and the picturesque garden always looks beautiful and is an excellent area for capturing portraits.
WEDDING CEREMONY OPTIONS AT MOLENVLIET
Through the odd 14 or 15 weddings that we’ve shot here, 4 main ceremony options come to mind.
1.) Lawn near the entrance fountain - Near the cottages & guest parking which is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
2.) The cellar - Which is ideal for wet conditions and can accommodate up to 150 seated guests.
3.) The lawn of the Manor House - Our favorite for a warmer day! Situated next to the main Manor house, this beautiful setting is protected by towering oak trees and adorned with gorgeous manicured gardens.
4.) The law in the middle of the Vineyards - beautiful setting in between the vineyards & surrounded by mountain views.
If you choose to have your ceremony at one of these two locations near the entrance or next to the main manor house, when your guests make their way down to the function hall or pre-drinks area they are always blown away by the beauty of the venue. MolenVliet has a tradition where the bride & groom lead their wedding guests down the hill to the pre-drinks/reception area.
CEREMONY AT MOLENVLIET’S MANOR HOUSE
Pre-Drinks options
All the spaces mentioned above can double up as outdoor pre-drinks areas.
Other options include:
1; The courtyard in front of the reception hall - which is an enclosed space with an open roof. This can be can be a good option for a rainy wedding day as you are able to cover the area with a stretch tent.
2.) The patio next to the reception venue - which is an area close to the bar, restrooms & kitchen facilities. This patio overlooks the Dwarsrivier and estate vineyards and still retains an ‘outdoor’ feeling.
Reception
In terms of wedding reception options:
1.) The versatile function hall has everything you would need. With a capacity of 250 guests, the 'Cape Dutch style hall is shaped as an elongated rectangle which means your wedding planner will have lots of space to be creative! Most often, this reception hall gets split into two, the dining area & then the party area! There is also a guest lounge, a lounge with a spacious modern bar and the floors are finished off with beautiful black & white checkered patterns.
2.) The vineyard lawns can be used. It's possible to erect a marquee so that you can enjoy a magical wedding underneath the stars
3.) The open-air Courtyard
4.) Patio which runs adjacent to the venue
Wedding Photography Options
In terms of amazing wedding photos. This is about as good as you're going to get in Cape Town. The luxurious interiors, the majestic trees, the beautiful backdrops with gorgeous ambient light all come together perfectly.
There is so much variety in terms of photo opportunities. Wherever you go, you are guaranteed jaw-dropping photos.
The towering enchanted oak trees, which are draped with majestic natural light leaves a wedding photographer spoilt in terms of choices for amazing photo opportunities.