Wedding destinations

Many women cynically say that Mr. Right does not exist, while men complain that getting a model wife is near impossible. Yet, every year, about 28,000 couples vow to love each other till death does parts them, according to a recent research by Samantha’s Bridal, a wedding media services company.

The research further revealed that Kenyans are forking out a whopping Sh40 billion in costs associated with the “I DO” day. Of this figure, Sh7billion goes to wedding attire alone, which includes the bride’s gown and bridal party garments.

But where does all this action happen? We sampled a few of Nairobi’s common wedding venues. They offer varied packages; some hire grounds only and leave the hustle of setting up tents and furniture to the clients. Others offer a full-package which includes catering services as well as providing tents for the outdoor ceremony.

There are some, especially the high class hotels, that offer in-house designed menus for at least 100 guests. With this, the wedding guests have access to several services, which include the hall, entertainment and discounts on drinks.

Bomas of Kenya

Known for traditional performances over the weekend, this venue is becoming popular with those who want to inject some cultural and traditional fusion into their wedding ceremony. Located 16 kilometres from the city centre and about 300 metres off Lang’ata road, this venue offers quiet and expansive well-trimmed grounds.

There are four different grounds. The smallest can accommodate 500 people while the largest can take in upto 3,000 guests. One has the choice of holding their wedding ceremony in an open ground or a modern hall. Both venues go for Sh30,000 for 300 guests.

The package is quite flexible since several items are optional. However, when you choose to use their equipment, a tent that houses 100 guests costs Sh5,000, the public address system Sh20,000 while a photo session site together with snacks goes for Sh8,000. Décor is optional. A normal wedding setting goes for Sh50,000 while a full traditional décor goes for Sh80,000.

Here, expect spears, shields, calabashes and potted plants to grace the venue. They also offer “a small executive wedding”. This takes place at the several traditional villages which accommodate about 50 people. This costs Sh50,000.

Due to the narrow stretch of Lang’ata road as you approach the Bomas-Ongata Rongai roundabout, expect a brief traffic snarl up especially during weekends.

Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club

In recent times, this venue has attracted a couple of high profile weddings. With four grounds, the resort is located in a picturesque leafy suburb in Ridgeways off Kiambu Road, about 15 kilometres from Nairobi.

Here, clients can bring their own equipment, which include tents, chairs, tables, linen, flowers and decorations. As long as you hire the grounds the club does the catering as well. The cheapest ground is the Lake View, which hosts 300 people at a cost of Sh45,000.

The Garden pond goes for Sh50,000 and accommodates 300 guests while Kigwa view venue, set up next to a dam can take in 500 guests and goes for Sh85,000.

Synonymous with an internationally standardised golf course, the most popular venue is the 10th Tee venue that overlooks the smooth and expansive course with the resort in the background. With a capacity of 1,000 guests, one would have to cough up Sh100,000 to hire the grounds alone.

A discounted rate has been adopted on food and drinks on a “per consumption basis” for wedding guests. A five-course buffet menu is offered and is classified into five categories - bronze, Silver, gold, Emerald and Diamond.

Bronze, the cheapest, costs Sh1,375 per guest while Diamond is charged the highest at Sh2,750. Each category can be accompanied by a whole spit roast goat at Sh19,000 per goat. A cash bar can be set up if one has not budgeted for drinks. A soda goes for Sh90 while beers sell at Sh240 each. There is a selection of wines to choose from.

Couples that wed here earn a one-night accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and a late checkout of 3pm.

Rock City Gardens

Calling itself the Garden of Dreams, it is arguably one of the leading one-stop wedding venues for those on a budget. Located about eight kilometres from the city centre, along Kiambu Road in Muthaiga North. Weddings here adopt two styles—the theatre and restaurant style with a minimum of 100 guests. In the restaurant style, a well-decorated table is set up with six chairs. There are no tables in theatre style.

Both venues have a Ground and a Pool package, with each charging Sh50,000 for 100-seat tent which comes with chairs and tables.

At the grounds, there is a gazebo (a roofed and decorated makeshift structure that allows an open view) for the cake and the high table at a cost of Sh7,000. A PA system is provided together with the operating DJ at Sh15,000. If one brings their own DJ, a charge of Sh3,000 for electricity is levied.

In theatre style, the Pool package has a floating gazebo (church) and four tents for Sh45,000 for a maximum of two hours (chairs, tables, PA system and a DJ included). For a whole day, two more tents are provided. For this, you part with Sh95,000. An extra tent is charged at Sh2,500. These equipments are similar for the Restaurant-style, only that 16 tables are added and charged at Sh2,400. Here, the Pool package is charged the same amount as in theatre style.

Safari Park Hotel

Spread on a 50-acre plot of well-trimmed and rolling lawns. This hotel is off right the currently traffic-plagued Thika Road, about 12 kilometres from the city centre. It is quite generous in incentives to wedding couples.

The hotel does not charge for grounds but as long as you hold your wedding here, they do the catering.

If you plan to hold your wedding on their grounds, bring your own equipment, including tents and chairs. For a 100 guests, the hotel offers three different menus—Silver at Sh1,750, Ruby at Sh1,950 and Gold at Sh2,300 per person.

This means, for instance, if one chooses the Silver menu, you cough up about Sh175,000 if you plan to host 100 guests. The couple will be entitled to adequate wine, access to the health club, and a wedding cake.

On the material day, one earns free entry to the Cats Club discotheque for guests later in the evening. A soda costs Sh110 while a beer sells at Sh250. Guests are entitled to 10 per cent discount on drinks. The package is inclusive of a photo session on the grounds. Children attending the wedding can enjoy a private party complete with face-painting, games and clowns.

This package, however, does not end after the wedding. The couple is offered a first anniversary dinner for two in any of the hotel’s five international restaurants. A honeymoon suite is charged at Sh15,000 a night, but those who opt for the Gold menu are not charged for it.

For those who hold their big day elsewhere, but opt for the evening party at the venue, the charge is Sh20,000. It comes with a roasted goat and disco for 25 people.

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