It is located in one of the most beautiful valleys in the world, the Banhoek Valley that lies between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Molenvliet is what we call an all-in-one venue. There are separate houses for the Bridal and Grooms preparations, countless ceremony options and an amazing main wedding hall for the reception. Having everything in one place, with so many options means you do not have to waste any time in travelling from or between your preps venue or ceremony location.
The Residence, set high up on the hill, overlooking the vineyards below and Franschhoek mountains in the distance is the most amazing bridal preparations spot. But there is also the River Manor and 3 luxury cottages that can be used to get ready in and to accommodate a total of 18 people on the wedding night. All the accommodation is within 250 meters of the reception hall.
There are 3 ceremony options on site:
The lawn of the Residence – This beautiful outdoor setting is surrounded by huge established oak trees and perfectly manicured gardens.
The lawn next to the Pool Deck – similarly surrounded by beautiful gardens and close to the cottages and guest parking.
The Ageing Cellar that can accommodate up to 150 guests seated cinema room style. This venue is perfect for less favourable weather conditions and is located right next to the reception venue – perfect for those rainy days.
One of my favourite traditions at Molenvliet is for the bride and groom to lead their wedding guests down the hill to the reception venue. The short, magical walk takes you through through the estate on an oak tree lined road that opens up into “The Street”, a road that runs through the scenic main block of vineyards. “The Street” is often used as a cocktail reception area. Just imagine sipping your bubbly while surrounded by vineyards and mountains while listening to some fine live entertainment. The deck surrounding the reception venue is another perfect pre-reception drinks spot.
The Venue with its “all white” Colonial meets Cape Dutch appeal is designed to adapt to any wedding or event, without it ever looking the same. One enters the main entrance leading into an open-air Courtyard, that overlooks the veranda and deck facing the Vineyards, this is perfect for smaller functions or cocktail reception.
The main reception hall can accommodate 250 guests. The rectangular shape means you can apply a multitude of floor plans so that no one wedding will look the same as the other. The hall also boasts with a very spacious modern bar area and guest lounge with permanent furniture. Both areas are finished off with stylish checkered flooring.
Molenvliet has it all when it comes to photos opportunities. The Estate is manicured to perfection to give a real feeling of opulence and style. Apart from the rolling vineyards, impressive old oaks and winding paths it also boasts with one of the most amazing backdrops in the mountains surrounding it. For indoor photo settings, The Residence with its classically decorated rooms and pool deck overlooking the estate will be hard to beat.
Other facilities include a fully equipped kitchen, but no resident caterer, so you have to hire in your own. The bar at the main reception venue is fully licenced and fully stocked. No third party bar services are allowed and only Molenvliet wines can be served at weddings. Corkage fees apply only to Cap Classique and Champagnes.
