Clifton 3rd Beach
Clifton 3rd Beach has served Cape Town's residents and visitors since the early 1900s as one of the city's most coveted coastal destinations.
Clifton 3rd Beach is a hotel destination wedding venue in 8005, South Africa, hosting 30 to 200 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Cape Town International Airport (O.R. Tambo) (CPT), 20-25 minutes. Best months: January, February, March, October.
About Clifton 3rd Beach
Clifton 3rd Beach has served Cape Town's residents and visitors since the early 1900s as one of the city's most coveted coastal destinations.
This public beach venue, managed by the City of Cape Town, offers dramatic Atlantic Ocean views framed by granite boulders and white sand.
The location has maintained its natural beauty through decades of preservation, making it an authentic seaside ceremony backdrop.
Ask about a date.
Choose a day from the calendar.
Nothing is reserved until the venue confirms. A first note comes back within two business days.
Great beach, nice and clean, good crowd.
Bradley Work side · on Google →Capacity, rooms and facilities
Getting there
- Nearest airport
- CPT, 25 min by carAisle estimate
Venue highlights
- One of only 4 Clifton beaches, ranked among Africa's top 10 beaches
- Granite boulder formations create natural ceremony backdrops and photo opportunities
- Atlantic Ocean views spanning over 180 degrees during peak daylight hours
- Managed by City of Cape Town since early 1900s with consistent maintenance standards
The wedding season
A sample wedding weekend
See the day-by-day outline+
Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your bookings and guests.
- AfternoonDécor setup, table/chair arrangement, sound system installation (permit allows setup from 6 AM onwards)
- 7:00 AMVendor arrival and final setup; catering prep begins
- 2:00 PMGuest arrival; cocktail hour begins on beach
- 3:30 PMCeremony begins (sunset timing popular: 5:00-5:45 PM during summer)
- 4:30 PMReception dinner service begins
- 8:00 PMDancing and entertainment (must conclude by 10:00 PM per City regulations)
- MorningVenue breakdown and cleanup completed
Costs and booking details
- Getting there
- CPT · about 25 min by carAisle estimate
Guests fly into Cape Town International Airport (O.R. Tambo).
- Typical total
- $8,000-35,000Aisle estimate
See the full figure+
$8,000-35,000 USD for 75-100 guests (ceremony, catering, basics only)
- Ceremony fee
- $150-300Aisle estimate
USD (City of Cape Town permit and setup)
- Reception
- $80-200 a headAisle estimate
See the full figure+
$80-200 USD (external catering required; no on-site facilities)
- Room rate
- $250-800 a nightAisle estimate
See the full figure+
$250-800 USD (nearby luxury hotels; varies by property)
- Weather window
- January – March
The months the weather is kindest, with October mild too. Weather does not indicate whether a date is available.
- Direct line
- 021 439 4332
Answered by the venue in local hours.
Venue itself is public beach with minimal infrastructure. Budget includes: City permit, external catering company, marquee rental (recommended), tables/chairs, sound system, parking coordination, and waste management services. Accommodation, photography, florals, and entertainment are additional.
Questions about the venue
Do I need a permit to host a wedding at Clifton 3rd Beach?+
Yes. Contact the City of Cape Town's Parks and Recreation Department to obtain a special events permit. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
What is the best time of year to marry here?+
September-October and April provide calmer seas. Winter months (June-August) experience strong winds and rougher conditions.
Are there accommodation options nearby?+
Several 4-5 star hotels line the Clifton coastline within 1km, including luxury properties offering wedding packages and guest accommodations.
What are weather contingencies?+
Plan an indoor backup venue. The beach experiences unpredictable Atlantic wind. Most couples arrange marquee rental or nearby hotel spaces as weather alternatives.
Can we bring catering and alcohol?+
Yes, with permit approval. Licensed caterers and beverages are permitted. The City requires waste management plans and specifies service hour restrictions.
Could this be your venue?
Ask about your plans, pricing and availability. You do not need a fixed date yet.
Still deciding? Elena is Aisle’s AI wedding planner. Give her a month and a guest count and she will forecast the budget, work out how your guests would travel, and put a first plan on paper. No account needed.
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Sources and booking notes
Confirm your dates, guest numbers, room arrangements and inclusions with the venue before booking. An enquiry does not reserve a date. Figures labelled Aisle estimate are modelled from regional rates and public sources; they are not venue quotes.