As a wedding photographer, I’m lucky to spend my weekends in some of the most breathtaking corners of the Cape Winelands—and La Cotte in Franschhoek will always hold a special place on that list.

Nestled in the heart of Franschhoek, La Cotte is the perfect blend of history, romance, and luxury. The Cape Dutch architecture, tree-lined avenues, and endless vineyard views make it feel like a European escape, yet it’s undeniably rooted in South African charm. Every time I photograph here, I’m reminded why this valley is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in South Africa.

Bride and groom entering their wedding reception at La Cotte
Reception under festoon lights at La Cotte wedding venue, Franschhoek
Bride portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek in gardens
Reception under festoon lights at La Cotte wedding venue, Franschhoek
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek with mountain views
Brides and bridesmaids getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Bride and groom entering their outdoor wedding reception at La Cotte
Bride portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek
Bride portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek gardens
Brides and bridesmaids getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Bride and groom entering their outdoor wedding reception at La Cotte
Bride and groom champagne tower at La Cotte in Franschhoek

Why I Love Photographing Weddings at La Cotte

  • The scenery is unmatched: Golden-hour light spills across the Franschhoek mountains, creating portraits that feel both timeless and cinematic.
  • Every corner tells a story: From the Manor House’s elegant interiors to the rolling gardens, I never run out of photographic inspiration.
  • It’s intimate yet grand: Whether it’s a stylish soirée with international guests or a smaller, family-focused wedding, La Cotte adapts beautifully.

For me, it’s the combination of raw natural beauty and refined luxury that makes La Cotte so special. The setting allows me to capture weddings that feel warm, romantic, and editorial all at once.

Wedding ceremony at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Wedding ceremony at La Cotte with mountain views, Cape Winelands
Wedding guests enjoying pre-drinks in the gardens at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Golden hour wedding photos in the vineyards at La Cotte Franschhoek
Al fresco wedding reception in the gardens at La Cotte Franschhoek
Bride and groom sharing their first dance at La Cotte wedding reception, Franschhoek
Guests dancing at La Cotte indoor reception, Cape Winelands wedding
Wedding harvest table at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek
Wedding ceremony in the gardens at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Bride giving a speech during the wedding reception at La Cotte, Franschhoek
Wedding guests enjoying pre-drinks in the gardens at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Bride portraits in front of the bougainvillea at La Cotte in Franschhoek
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek with mountain views
Elegant indoor wedding reception at La Cotte Manor House, Franschhoek
Golden hour wedding photos in the vineyards at La Cotte Franschhoek
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek
Al fresco wedding reception in the gardens at La Cotte Franschhoek

The Magic of a Franschhoek Wedding

Franschhoek itself is a dream backdrop for love stories—charming streets, world-class wine, and food that rivals the best in the world. Couples who choose La Cotte Franschhoek are drawn to more than just a venue; they’re embracing the full Winelands lifestyle.

  • On a wedding day, I love documenting the quiet moments in the bridal suite, the laughter that fills the gardens during pre-drinks, and the way guests gather under festoon lights as the party begins. These are the details that make La Cotte weddings not just beautiful, but unforgettable.


Brides and bridesmaids getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Rainy ceremony at La Cotte, Franschhoek
Evening reception at La Cotte with tables, candles, and dancing guests
Wedding party celebrating on the dance floor at La Cotte Franschhoek
Bride walking down the aisle with her father at La Cotte, Franschhoek
Bridal party in the courtyard at La Cotte, Franschhoek
Bride and groom entering their outdoor wedding reception at La Cotte
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek with mountain views
Wedding guests enjoying pre-drinks in the gardens at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek in the gardens
Reception under festoon lights at La Cotte wedding venue, Franschhoek
Bride and groom entering their outdoor wedding reception at La Cotte
Pre-drinks set-up on the lawns at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Al fresco wedding reception in the courtyard at La Cotte Franschhoek
Wedding ceremony in the gardens at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Bride and groom confetti toss at La Cotte in Franschhoek with mountain views
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek with mountain views

A Venue That Inspires Creativity

Every time I walk away from La Cotte, memory cards full of images, I feel creatively recharged. As a wedding photographer in Franschhoek, it’s venues like these that remind me why I love what I do—every frame feels like art.

If you’re dreaming of a Cape Winelands wedding that’s equal parts romance, heritage, and luxury, La Cotte is a venue worth considering. And for me, it’s always an honour to capture its magic through my lens.

Bride walking down the aisle at La Cotte, Franschhoek with mountain views
Bride and groom indoor portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek filled with flowers
Bride indoor portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek filled with flowers
Groom and groomsmen getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek with mountain views
Golden hour wedding photos in the gardens at La Cotte Franschhoek
Reception under festoon lights at La Cotte wedding venue, Franschhoek
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek with mountain views
Wedding guests enjoying pre-drinks in the gardens at La Cotte, Cape Winelands
Bride and groom portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek with mountain views
Al fresco wedding reception in the courtyard at La Cotte Franschhoek
Bride and groom indoor portraits with flash at La Cotte in Franschhoek
Bride portraits at La Cotte in Franschhoek at the cottage
Golden hour wedding photos in the gardens at La Cotte Franschhoek
Al fresco wedding reception in the courtyard at La Cotte Franschhoek
Golden hour wedding photos in the gardens at La Cotte Franschhoek
pre-drinks set-up in the gardens at La Cotte Franschhoek
Golden hour wedding photos in the gardens at La Cotte Franschhoek
Al fresco wedding reception in the courtyard at La Cotte Franschhoek

Staying at La Cotte: Luxury Accommodation in Franschhoek

What makes La Cotte Franschhoek truly special is that it’s more than just a wedding venue—it’s also a place to stay, unwind, and celebrate in comfort. The estate offers a variety of beautifully appointed accommodation options, designed to give both couples and their guests a memorable Cape Winelands escape.

Why the accommodation at La Cotte is perfect for weddings:

  • Bridal party convenience – The cottages and suites are ideal for getting ready on the morning of the wedding, with plenty of space, natural light, and Franschhoek views as your backdrop.
  • Guest experience – Friends and family can stay on the property, turning a wedding day into a full weekend celebration without the need for travel between venues.
  • Romantic luxury – The Manor House and cottages combine old-world charm with modern amenities, creating a cosy yet refined atmosphere.
  • Immersive Winelands living – Waking up to vineyard vistas, enjoying breakfast in the gardens, and ending the night in comfort makes La Cotte feel like a destination wedding venue.

For couples looking to extend the celebration, La Cotte’s accommodation turns a wedding into an experience—a chance to truly soak in the beauty and romance of the Cape Winelands.

Groom and groomsmen getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Bride sharing a moment with bridesmaids before the ceremony at La Cotte
Groom and groomsmen getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Bridesmaids at La Cotte Franschhoek cottage
Bridal portrait at La Cotte Franschhoek cottage
Bridal portrait at La Cotte Franschhoek cottage
Bridal portrait at La Cotte Franschhoek cottage
Bride sharing a moment with bridesmaids before the ceremony at La Cotte
Bridal portrait at La Cotte Franschhoek cottage
Groom and groomsmen getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Bridal portrait at La Cotte Franschhoek cottage
Brides and bridesmaids getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Bride sharing a moment with bridesmaids before the ceremony at La Cotte
Bridal portrait at La Cotte Franschhoek cottage
Brides and bridesmaids getting ready at La Cotte cottage in Franschhoek
Bride sharing a moment with bridesmaids before the ceremony at La Cotte