Clifton 3rdBeach
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.
- Ceremony
- 30 seated
- Reception
- 200 seated
- Nearest airport
- CPT · 20-25 minutes
- Open season
- January – October
- Price range
- $$$
- Rating
- 4.6 /5 · 1,437
Clifton 3rd Beach is a hotel destination wedding venue in 8005, South Africa, hosting 30 to 200 guests in the $$$ price range, reached from Cape Town International Airport (O.R. Tambo) (CPT), 20-25 minutes. Best months: January, February, March, October.
Clifton 3rd Beach in 8005, open January–October.
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.
Not suitable for someone with mobility challenges, as there are a lot of steps leading down to the beach. The beach itself, however, is absolutely beautiful! There is parking across the road.
4 notes, from the desk.
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
Best held in January, February, March.
The months the weather — and the local rhythm — is kindest to a stay at Clifton 3rd Beach.
Check availability.
Choose a day from the calendar.
We hold dates in pencil. A first note comes back within two business days.
How the weekend usually runs.
Yours will be different — nothing below is required. Every planning begins with the three meals you most want to eat, and builds outward.
- 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
Things worth knowing.
CPT · 20-25 minutes
Guests fly into Cape Town International Airport (O.R. Tambo). The desk arranges every transfer.
$8,000-35,000
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.
$150-300
A one-time licence and setup fee, paid to the venue.
$80-200 / head
A seated dinner with wine and service, by headcount.
$250-800 / night
A standard room in the wedding window. Group rates on request.
January – October
4 viable months. Shoulder dates soften the light and the rates.
Asked along the way.
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?+
November through March offers warmest weather (18-25°C). 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.
Hold dates at Clifton 3rd Beach.
A note to the desk with a rough season and guest count. We hold dates in pencil for three weeks before confirmation. A reply comes within two business days, from a person by name.