A national treasure
South Africa’s most cherished hotel stands majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean & the iconic lighthouse.
The Oyster Box
Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal
A timeless icon
Occupying a majestic location on the Umhlanga beachfront in KwaZulu-Natal province, The Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels, as famous for its remarkable coastal views as the understated luxury and gracious hospitality that have become the hallmarks of this cherished seaside destination.
Set just 15 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport, The Oyster Box offers an array of individually decorated rooms and suites, an award-winning spa set amid tropical gardens, and a mouth-watering menu of restaurants and bars.
With South Africa’s Covid-19 recovery well underway, we are delighted to once again welcome international travellers back to The Oyster Box.
The ceremony
You can hold your ceremony in one of our beautiful suites, in a local church, or weather permitting outside in the gardens.
The Junior Harbour Room is perfect for more intimate celebrations with up to 30 of your closest family and friends. For larger weddings, the opulent Harbour Ballroom can host 200 guests, or up to 260 guests when extended with a marquee, with views over looking the beautiful Lough Corrib.
If you would prefer a church wedding, a choice of churches are located in and around the grounds, with Saint Mary’s Church Cong just a three-minute drive from the Ashford Estate.
Memorable dining
Executive Head Chef Jonathan Keane, originally from Connemara, is the culinary mastermind behind the food offerings at The Lodge at Ashford Castle. Named best chef in Ireland 2019 by the Good Eating Guide, Jonathan focuses on the quality of the country’s produce and is a true champion of West of Ireland artisan producers.
Intimate weddings
The beautiful and serene surroundings of The Lodge at Ashford Castle are perfectly suited to intimate weddings, blessings, civil ceremonies and vow renewals. With a variety of beautiful spaces, and only one wedding to take place per day, our team will ensure your special moment together is everything you could wish for.
Spectacular settings
The Lodge at Ashford Castle provides a truly romantic and striking setting for your wedding vows, blessing or civil ceremony. With a variety of spaces, we can cater for small, personal ceremonies or larger celebrations seven days a week. We can host your wedding ceremony in our Harbour Ballroom seating up to 200 of your family and friends, or if the weather permits, marry on our front lawn overlooking the beautiful Lough Corrib. The Harbour Ballroom can be extended with a marquee, allowing you to host up to 260 guests for your celebration.
Exclusive use
The Lodge at Ashford Castle can be entirely yours for your special day, and customised in any way you wish... the ideal option for creating a completely bespoke celebration surrounded by friends and loved ones.
There is also the option to extend the wedding party by hosting a post-wedding celebration such as a BBQ or buffet for guests continuing their stay at The Lodge.
We are ready to make your dreams come true
Call +353 (0) 94 954 5400 or
Wedding gallery
Explore cherished memories from our guests.
View our wedding gallery