Planning a Bush Wedding? A Bride (or Groom)’s Guide

They finally proposed! It was romantic and everything you’d pictured since you were young. Now it’s time to plan your dream wedding.

But where do you begin? Between finding the right venue, arranging accommodation, sorting catering, booking entertainment, and managing a hundred other details, it can feel overwhelming.

That’s why you’re here. You already know you want a bush wedding, but what exactly does that mean, and how do you make it happen?

Weddings at Tshikwalo Game Lodge: At A Glance

• Just 30 minutes from Pretoria in the Big Five Dinokeng Reserve
• Exclusive lodge use from Friday 14:00 to Sunday 10:00
• Accommodates 70-150 guests with on-site lodging for up to 90
• All-inclusive packages: chapel, reception, catering & game drives
• From R605pp catering | R715pp venue hire | R850-R935pp accommodation
• Save up to 20% on Friday, weekday & winter weddings
• Stress-free coordination with a dedicated wedding planner 
• BG&WG Top Vendor Finalist 2024-2025

What is a Bush Wedding?

A bush wedding is a marriage celebration typically held in the African Bushveld. Picture open skies, safari, vast wilderness in place of fancy halls or ballrooms. The setting is unique and will get people talking about it for years to come.

Just imagine saying your vows to your soulmate in front of a backdrop where you see  a boabab tree, next to a waterhole surrounded by Mother Nature’s beautiful sounds. You may even get lucky with some game. 

Tshikwalo Game Lodge – The Perfect Venue

Situated within Dinokeng Game Reserve, Tshikwalo Game Lodge has established itself as a premier destination for bush weddings near Pretoria, Gauteng. The venue’s comprehensive approach to wedding celebrations sets it apart from other bush wedding venues. 

From initial planning consultations through final departure breakfast services, every element is designed to create seamless wedding experiences that blend modern luxury with authentic bushveld environments.

Dr Anton Grotius and Lucia Grotius, the lodge owners, have developed a wedding service model that prioritises both magical atmosphere and efficient execution. Their experienced team, led by wedding coordinator Sharon, consistently receives recognition from couples for their professional attention to detail and genuine commitment to creating exceptional celebrations. 

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Why Tshikwalo Game Lodge?

Situated in Dinokeng Game Reserve, Tshikwalo is just 30 minutes north of Pretoria and 60 minutes from OR Tambo Airport. We offer exclusive use of the entire lodge from Friday 14:00 to Sunday 10:00, creating a complete weekend wedding experience rather than just a single day.

The Wedding Venues: Chapel to Reception

The Bush Chapel

Exchange vows where elegant architecture meets nature. The open-air chapel includes a podium, registry table, and cross-back chairs for all guests, with antelope potentially wandering past during your memorable ceremony.

Tamboti Venue

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy canapés and cocktails with harvest tables, drinks (gin bar and beer barrels available), and lawn games (Naughts & Crosses and Giant Jenga included). This is when you can join a game ranger for stunning bush photography at designated scenic spots.

Reception Venue

Accommodates up to 150 guests with long wooden tables, cross-back chairs, and your choice of white or black crockery. The venue is available from 07:00 on your wedding day and closes at 23:30. A music system is installed; all DJs must connect to it per Dinokeng Game Reserve regulations.

Sunset Boma

When the venue closes, continue celebrating around the fire with drinks from the bar. Music is strictly forbidden in bomas to protect the peaceful bush atmosphere.

Preparation Spaces

• Bridal Suite: Available from 08:00 on your big day, this spacious room features a fully equipped bathroom with a shower and bath. Breakfast, drinks, and snacks can be served while your bridal party prepares.
• Groom’s Room: The groom and groomsmen enjoy their own space with a private bar, bathroom, pool table, and dartboard. Breakfast and snacks are available upon request.
• Accommodation & Guest Requirements: Tshikwalo boasts 46 rooms accommodating up to 90 guests, ranging from standard self-catering chalets to luxury B&B rooms, as well as a separate 10-bedroom guesthouse. All your wedding party, family, and guests can stay on-site in close proximity to the venue. 

Exclusive Use Requirements:

• A minimum 70 guests must attend the wedding
• Minimum 70 guests must use the accommodation on the wedding night (up to 90 can stay)
• For Saturday weddings, a minimum of 30 guests must stay Friday night
• Single occupancy charges still apply if the total guests is under 70

Alternative accommodation nearby is available if your guest list exceeds 90 overnight guests. The venue can accommodate up to 150 total wedding guests.

Your Wedding Celebration Experience

• Friday Pre-Wedding Dinner: Choose from three bomas, the restaurant, or the guesthouse garden for your rehearsal dinner. Multiple menu options available, with table setting, waiter service, and a fully stocked bar included.
• Saturday Morning: Relax or join an included game drive through the Big Five reserve (05:00-06:00 depending on season). Game drives are also available on Friday afternoon and Sunday morning for overnight guests. The à la carte restaurant is open 08:00-21:30 daily for all guests.
• Your Wedding Day: Coordinated by the experienced Sharon and her team, your day flows seamlessly from chapel ceremony to Tamboti canapés to reception. Tshikwalo staff (maintenance, housekeeping, chefs, bartenders) are on hand throughout at no extra cost.
• Sunday Breakfast: À la carte breakfast (08:00-10:00) overlooking the bush and watering hole before check-out at 10:00.

Catering & Pricing (2026)

Catering Styles:

• Buffet: R605 per person
• Family Style: R640 per person
• Plated: R715 per person

Fresh produce from the lodge’s garden. Quarterly tasting events for couples (limited to the bride and groom).

Venue Hire: R715 per person (children under 2 free; ages 2-12: R300)

Accommodation:

• Friday: R850 per person (includes à la carte breakfast)
• Saturday: R935 per person (includes full breakfast)
• Children under 2: Free
• Children 2-12 sharing with parents: Free

Bar Options: Open bar, limited bar, or cash bar. Corkage R75 per 750ml wine bottle.

Money-Saving Discounts:

• 15% off Friday weddings
• 20% off weekday weddings (Sunday-Thursday)
• 20% off winter weddings (June-August)

What’s Included:

• Wedding coordinator (Sharon) and full staff support
• Game drives for overnight guests
• All venues (chapel, Tamboti, reception hall, boma)
• Wooden tables, cross-back chairs, basic crockery
• Bridal and groom preparation rooms
• Lawn games (2 included)
• Bush photography session with a ranger
• 10% staff gratuity automatically added

Not Included: Flowers, photographer, videographer, hair/makeup, cake, DJ, officiant. Décor catalogue available for hire.

Planning Your Bush Wedding

Book Early: Popular dates fill quickly. Schedule a site visit with coordinators, then return 2-3 months before your wedding for a tasting event (sample menus, set up mock table with décor specialist).

Check-in Times:

• Saturday weddings: Friday 14:00 or Saturday 11:00
• Friday/weekday weddings: 11:00
• Check-out: Sunday 10:00

Best Wedding Seasons:

• Summer (Oct-Mar): Warm, lush, possible afternoon storms
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cooler, clearer, better game viewing, 20% discount
• Spring (Sep-Oct): Mild weather, wildflowers, excellent wildlife

Music Compliance: DJ connects to the venue’s installed system. No music in bomas (Dinokeng Game Reserve regulations).

Is Tshikwalo Right for You?

Ideal if you want:

• African bush experience, 30 minutes from Pretoria
• 70-150 guest capacity with exclusive lodge use
• Weekend celebration in a picturesque setting
• Comprehensive services in one location
• Professional coordination and Big Five wildlife viewing
• Modern elegance meets authentic bushveld charm

The venue closes at 23:30 (boma after-party available), requires minimum guest counts for exclusive use, and all music must comply with reserve regulations.

Start Planning Your Dream Bush Wedding

Contact Tshikwalo Game Lodge to schedule your site visit and begin creating your bush wedding in Dinokeng. With inclusive packages, experienced coordination, stunning natural beauty, and accommodation for all your guests, this Top Vendor Finalist makes planning your special day as magical as the celebration itself.

Your dream bush wedding awaits in the heart of the African bushveld.