Bridal couples from around the globe contributed around R120-million to the province's tourism industry in the past year as they flocked to the Western Cape to celebrate their special day.

According to exclusive destination wedding co-ordination specialists, the Western Cape and Cape Town in particular is now being recognised internationally as one of the most outstanding value-for-money wedding destinations offering superior services to the premium wedding market.

Not only are numerous ex-pats flying home to say "I do" but couples from the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Asia are increasingly booking Cape wine estates, beaches and boutique hotels for their weddings. In many cases South African’s living abroad are bringing international partners from other cultures to be married here and couples from major South African cities outside of the Western Cape are choosing to marry in the mother city.

Wedding Concepts estimates that during the past wedding season its clients and guests alone spent over R33-million in the Cape. The figure includes expenditure on the wedding itself plus honeymoons, accommodation for guests, wine, travel, tour companies, tourist attractions, restaurants and gifts. The peak wedding season runs from September to April.

Christina Holt, managing director of Wedding Concepts, said bridal couples are attracted by the diverse settings of the Western Cape including its scenic nature reserves, wine estates, and five-star venues as well as its culinary excellence. The Cape has a great year-round climate with Cape Town’s wedding season of good weather extending to 39 weekends compared to only 13 in the UK.

The legalities for getting married in South Africa are also simple. Couples merely need a passport that is valid for 6 months, a copy of their SA entry visa and two witnesses over the age of 18.

World-class services from photographers, caterers and other suppliers as well as South Africa's innovative design and creative décor talent are important draw cards, allowing wedding co-ordinators to create exceptional wedding experiences for international couples and local couples.

In addition to boosting local tourism, the high number of big budget destination weddings has led to more Cape venues opening their doors to bridal couples, refurbishing historic buildings and employing and training new staff.

"The Western Cape is ranked as one of the top international travel destinations. For the first time we are seeing international luxury travel companies putting Cape Town on their destination wedding itineraries and this will inevitably lead to an even greater number of couples choosing to tie the knot here."

For more information about premium weddings in the Western Cape visit www.weddingconcepts.co.za