Weddings
At The Secret Garden, we’ve created a wedding venue that feels both elegant and relaxed - blending the beauty of our gardens with the character of a romantic stone chapel and the charm of a private game farm. With a light-filled indoor function room and a relaxed outdoor deck area, the space offers the flexibility to shape your celebration, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand affair. Conveniently located in Pietermaritzburg yet surrounded by nature, it balances accessibility with a sense of serenity. And with a team who values every detail, The Secret Garden provides a warm, welcoming backdrop for your perfect day.
Indoor Wedding Venue
Our light-filled function room offers an elegant yet versatile space for your reception. With generous proportions, natural light, and a neutral palette, it’s a room that adapts seamlessly to your style - whether you imagine soft romance, classic sophistication, or bold contemporary décor. Designed for every season, it can be closed up to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere, while in summer it spills effortlessly onto the wide verandah and outdoor spaces, letting guests enjoy the gardens and fresh air.
Outdoor Deck Area
Our wooden deck flows between a covered verandah and plenty of space under the open sky, giving guests the choice of a cool, shaded retreat or an evening spent beneath the stars. Overlooking the gardens, it’s ideal for welcome drinks, canapés, or simply giving guests the freedom to enjoy the outdoors throughout your celebration. With its own bar facilities and a fire pit, the deck combines atmosphere and versatility, making it a favourite gathering place from afternoon through to evening.
Stone Chapel
Our stone chapel is one of the most distinctive features of The Secret Garden. With the option to open or close the windows and sides, it transforms effortlessly to suit the season — filled with fresh air and garden views in summer, or enclosed for warmth and intimacy in cooler months. The chapel seats up to 250 guests for your ceremony, yet its timeless character also makes it a beautiful choice for smaller, more intimate weddings. Unique in both design and atmosphere, it provides a truly memorable setting to say “I do.”
Honeymoon Suite
Our honeymoon suite is privately located next to the bridal salon, offering a calm retreat after the celebrations. Thoughtfully designed for comfort and romance, it features a queen-size bed, a his-and-hers shower, and a bath tub for two - the perfect way to begin your first night together as a married couple.
Accommodation
To make your wedding a full family celebration, The Secret Garden also offers six comfortable family units, each sleeping up to four guests. Every unit includes a coffee station and en-suite bathroom, and is conveniently located on the property. With accommodation just steps away from the venue, your loved ones can relax, celebrate, and turn your wedding into a memorable weekend together.
Bridal Salon
Our bridal salon is a unique space designed to make your wedding preparation relaxed and memorable. With a comfortable lounge area, dedicated hair and make-up stations with huge mirrors, a dressing room, and a private bathroom, it offers everything you and your bridal party need to get ready in comfort. The room is filled with beautiful natural light, making it ideal for hair, make-up, and those all-important “getting ready” photographs. As part of our wedding packages, full use of the bridal salon is included, giving you the perfect start to your special day.
Photography Opportunities
Every corner of The Secret Garden has been designed with beauty in mind, creating endless opportunities for unforgettable wedding photographs. The stonework, garden pond, and traditional pergola all add character and timeless charm, while intimate garden nooks create natural backdrops for more personal moments. Manicured lawns and colourful gardens provide a classic, romantic setting, while the long veld grass adds a softer, more natural feel for atmospheric shots. From wide, scenic shots to quiet, candid captures, our grounds provide a setting that feels magical.
Catering & Menu Options
Food is an important part of every celebration, and at The Secret Garden we pride ourselves on being flexible to your needs. Our in-house catering team creates menus that suit both style and budget - from elegant plated dinners to generous buffets and everything in between. Whether you’d like relaxed starters and cocktails on the deck, a full three-course meal, or even a signature gin bar, we’ll work with you to shape a menu that feels personal to your day. Casual or formal, intimate or grand, our team ensures the food and drink are as memorable as the occasion itself.
