Nov 28
by

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.

A perfect chapel for your wedding

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.

Klein Tambotie restaurant at Tshikwalo Game Lodge

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.

Reception Hall

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.

sunset boma

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.
  • Groom’s Room: The groom and groomsmen enjoy their own space with a private bar, bathroom, pool table, and dartboard.
  • Accommodation & Guest Requirements: Tshikwalo boasts 46 rooms accommodating up to 90 guests.

Exclusive Use Requirements:

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

Your Wedding Celebration Experience

  • Friday Pre-Wedding Dinner: Choose from three bomas, the restaurant, or the guesthouse garden.
  • Saturday Morning: Relax or join an included game drive through the Big Five reserve.
  • Your Wedding Day: Coordinated by Sharon and her team, flowing from chapel to reception.
  • Sunday Breakfast: À la carte breakfast (08:00-10:00) before check-out at 10:00.

Catering & Pricing (2026)

Catering Styles:

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

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

Money-Saving Discounts:

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

Start Planning Your Dream Bush Wedding

Contact Tshikwalo Game Lodge to schedule your site visit and begin creating your bush wedding in Dinokeng.

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