Terms & Conditions

1.1 Booking Fee (Standard Packages)

A non-refundable booking fee of 25% of the venue hire is required to secure your date. This fee confirms your booking and removes the date from availability.

1.2 Booking Fee (All-Inclusive Packages)

A non-refundable booking fee of 10% of the total invoice is required to secure your date for all-inclusive packages.

1.3 Payment Schedule — Standard Packages

• Booking: 25% of venue hire (non-refundable)
• 6 months before event: 25% of total invoice
• 3 months before event: 25% of total invoice
• 6 weeks before event: 25% of total invoice (balance)
• 1 week before event: R3,000 refundable breakage deposit

1.4 Payment Schedule — All-Inclusive Packages

• Booking: 10% of total invoice (non-refundable)
• 6 months before event: 25% of total invoice
• 3 months before event: 25% of total invoice
• 6 weeks before event: Balance of total invoice
• 1 week before event: R3,000 refundable breakage deposit

1.5 Guest Count & Invoice Adjustments

The initial invoice is based on the estimated guest count provided at the time of booking. The final guest count must be confirmed in writing no later than 6 weeks before the event. The invoice will be adjusted accordingly at that stage.

The final confirmed guest count will be charged regardless of the actual number of guests in attendance on the day. No refunds will be issued for guests who do not attend.

1.6 Cancellation Fees

In the event of a cancellation, the following fees apply based on the notice period prior to the event date:

All payments already made will be deducted from the cancellation fee amount owing. If all payments made exceed the applicable cancellation fee, the difference will be refunded.

1.7 Postponement

Requests to postpone must be submitted in writing. Postponement is subject to venue availability. The booking fee will be transferred to the new date provided a new date is confirmed within 30 days of the postponement request. Postponements with less than 3 months' notice will be treated as a cancellation for fee purposes.

1.8 Breakage Deposit

A R3,000 refundable breakage deposit is required one week before the event. This will be returned after the event, subject to no damages to the venue, equipment, furniture, or fittings. Any damage costs exceeding the deposit remain the client's responsibility.

2.1 Setup & Access

Venue setup access is available from 07:00 on the day of the event, unless a prior arrangement has been made in writing. The client is responsible for ensuring all external suppliers are informed of setup times and adhere to them.

2.2 Confetti & Décor

Only biodegradable confetti is permitted. No glitter, synthetic petals, or non-biodegradable confetti may be used anywhere on the estate. Candles are permitted only in enclosed holders — open flames are not allowed without prior written approval. No fireworks, sparklers, or pyrotechnics of any kind are permitted on the estate.

2.3 Music & Entertainment

All music must comply with local noise regulations. Music must be turned off by 01:00. The estate reserves the right to reduce the volume of any music or entertainment at its discretion if it becomes disruptive to neighbours or other guests.

2.4 Bar Closure

The bar closes at 01:30. No alcohol may be served or consumed on the premises after this time.

2.5 Smoking

Smoking is permitted only in designated outdoor smoking areas. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside any of the venue halls, chapel, or covered walkways.

2.6 Conduct

The client is responsible for the conduct of all guests and suppliers. The estate reserves the right to remove any person from the premises whose behaviour is deemed disruptive, threatening, or harmful to other guests or staff. No refund will be provided in such circumstances.

3.1 Standard Inclusions

All packages include the following standard items:

• Exclusive use of the booked venue hall for the ceremony and reception
• Dedicated wedding coordinator on the day
• Standard ceremony setup (chairs, signing table, aisle)
• Standard reception setup (tables, chairs, linen as per package)
• Use of bridal suite for preparation
• Parking for all guests
• Security on site

3.2 Package Upgrades

Clients may upgrade elements of their package at additional cost. All upgrades must be confirmed in writing and added to the final invoice no later than 6 weeks before the event.

3.3 Children's Pricing

• Children aged 10 and older are charged at full adult price.
• Children aged 4–9 are charged at half price (buffet menu only).
• Children under 3 years of age attend free of charge.

4.1 Exclusive Catering

Riverside Country Estate operates an exclusive catering policy. No external catering, food, or beverages may be brought onto the premises without prior written consent from management. Any exception (e.g., a wedding cake from an external baker) must be agreed to in writing and may attract a plating or corkage fee.

4.2 Menu Selection

Menu choices must be finalised and submitted in writing no later than 6 weeks before the event. Changes after this date may not be accommodated and may attract additional charges.

4.3 Dietary Requirements

Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halaal, gluten-free, allergies) must be communicated in writing when the final guest count is submitted. The estate will make every reasonable effort to accommodate dietary needs but cannot guarantee allergen-free preparation in all cases.

4.4 Wedding Cake

The wedding cake may be sourced externally. A cake-cutting and plating fee applies and will be quoted separately. The estate accepts no liability for the quality of an externally sourced cake.

5.1 Bed & Breakfast

All accommodation bookings are on a bed & breakfast basis unless otherwise agreed in writing. Breakfast is served between 08:00 and 10:00.

5.2 Check-In / Check-Out

• Check-in: 14:00
• Check-out: 10:00

Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and must be requested in advance. Additional charges may apply.

5.3 Honeymoon Suite

The Honeymoon Suite is included in all wedding packages. Specific suite inclusions are as described in the current package brochure. Requests for additional items are subject to availability and will be quoted separately.

5.4 Accommodation Conduct

Guests are responsible for maintaining the accommodation in good condition. Damage to rooms, furniture, or equipment will be deducted from the breakage deposit and, if exceeding the deposit, charged to the client.

6.1 No Outside Alcohol

No alcohol may be brought onto the premises from outside. Any guest found with outside alcohol will be asked to remove it from the venue. A penalty of R1,000 per incident may be levied against the client for breaches of this policy.

6.2 Bar Tab

Bar tab arrangements must be agreed in writing prior to the event. The estate reserves the right to close the bar tab at any time should the agreed limit be reached or if the behaviour of guests necessitates it.

6.3 Responsible Service of Alcohol

Riverside Country Estate operates in accordance with the South African Liquor Act. The estate reserves the right to refuse service of alcohol to any person who appears to be intoxicated or is under the legal drinking age of 18 years. The estate accepts no liability for the conduct of guests who consume alcohol.

6.4 Bar Hours

Last orders will be called at 01:15, with the bar closing at 01:30. No exceptions will be made.

7.1 External Suppliers

All external suppliers (florists, DJs, musicians, photo booths, etc.) must be approved by the estate in advance. A list of approved suppliers is available on request. The estate accepts no liability for the performance, conduct, or deliverables of any external supplier.

7.2 Supplier Access

External suppliers must adhere to the setup times as communicated by the wedding coordinator. Suppliers must have all their own equipment and materials and may not borrow or use estate property without written permission.

7.3 Décor Restrictions

No décor may be affixed to walls, ceilings, or fittings in a manner that may cause damage (e.g., tape, nails, staples). All décor must be removed by the end of the event. Any damage caused by décor installation or removal will be charged to the client.

7.4 Damage by Suppliers

The client accepts full liability for any damage caused by external suppliers or their equipment while on the estate premises.

8.1 Estate Photography Rights

By booking Riverside Country Estate, the client grants the estate a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use photographs and video footage taken at the event for marketing and promotional purposes, including on the estate's website and social media channels. If the client does not consent to this, written notice must be given before the event date.

8.2 Drone Photography

Drone flights on the estate require prior written approval from management and must comply with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations. The client's photographer/videographer is solely responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions and licences.

8.3 Access for Photographers

The estate will make reasonable efforts to facilitate photographic access to the estate grounds. Access to certain areas (e.g., wetland boardwalks) may be restricted on the day depending on weather or safety conditions.

9.1 Consumer Protection Act

These terms and conditions are subject to the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA). Nothing in these terms is intended to exclude or limit any rights the client may have under the CPA.

9.2 Limitation of Liability

The estate's liability for any loss, damage, or injury suffered by the client, guests, or their property while on the estate premises is limited to the direct amount paid by the client for venue hire. The estate is not liable for any indirect, consequential, or special damages.

9.3 Personal Belongings

The estate accepts no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings of the client, guests, or suppliers while on the premises.

9.4 Parking

Parking is provided on the estate at the owner's risk. The estate accepts no liability for theft, damage, or loss of vehicles or their contents while in the estate parking area.

9.5 Variation of Terms

No variation of these terms will be binding unless agreed to in writing and signed by an authorised representative of the estate.

9.6 Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.