FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions Answered For You

Welcome to the Forevermore Moments FAQ page! We understand that planning your wedding can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created this guide to answer some of the most common questions couples have about our venue, services, and policies. Our goal is to make your experience as seamless, intimate, and magical as possible.

Marriage Officer & Legal Registration
Our trusted, fully licensed Marriage Officer ensures your marriage is legally recognized. While registration is part of our services, the process is handled entirely by the Marriage Officer. Couples will meet with them ahead of the wedding to review all legal documents. Please note that foreign nationals, previous divorces, or weddings out of community of property may require additional paperwork or legal consultation. We do everything in our power to submit your marriage register promptly, but delays can occur due to Home Affairs, which updates its requirements regularly.

Catering & Tastings
All meals are prepared by our in-house chef to guarantee a flawless culinary experience. Outside catering is permitted for a flat fee of R600, but we highly recommend using our chef to ensure exquisite quality. Couples may also bring their own wedding cake or desserts under the same fee and conditions. Tastings are available for a fee and must be booked well in advance.

Drinks & Bar
We do not sell any beverages. You may bring your own wine, champagne, and soft drinks, but hard liquor is not allowed, as weddings are sacred. Our barman manages all drinks, provides ice and glasses, and serves beverages for a flat service fee of R800. Self-service by guests is not permitted.

Venue Use & Guest Conduct
Your booked wedding enjoys exclusive use of the venue. We reserve the right to intervene or stop a wedding if guests become intoxicated or unruly, ensuring a safe, respectful, and joyous celebration for everyone.

These FAQs are designed to help you plan confidently and enjoy your special day with peace of mind.

Ceremony & Reception

Where do ceremonies take place?

You can choose between our open-air riverside chapel or our romantic garden ceremony area — both offering breathtaking natural backdrops.

Yes, for the ceremony we have the riverside chapel in case of rain and we offer a covered indoor reception space built around a beautiful tree, perfect for cozy celebrations no matter the weather.

You’re welcome to add personal touches, but our in-house team provides décor, styling, and coordination to ensure everything blends beautifully with the venue aesthetic.

We work with a professional wedding DJ team, DJ DAD, consisting of JP Maree and his wife, Natasha Maree. They are wedding DJs, not club DJs.

They are able to mix songs that have been arranged beforehand, but do not mix on the go or perform live remixes.

To ensure everything runs smoothly, please send your music selections to the DJ team before the wedding so they can prepare accordingly. Kindly also advise whether you will allow music requests from guests.

With 14 years of wedding DJ experience, JP and Natasha understand the flow of a wedding day, can read the crowd, coordinate seamlessly with your MC, and help keep the wedding vibe relaxed, joyful, and flowing beautifully throughout your celebration.

Yes, you may bring your own DJ.

Please note:

  • The DJ must be registered with SAMPRA.

  • They are required to adhere to all venue rules, including noise levels and setup guidelines.

  • While outside DJs are permitted, we highly recommend using our in-house DJ, who is very familiar with the venue, highly experienced, and can assist in coordinating the flow of your wedding for a seamless experience.

Yes! Our in-house DJ is also an excellent MC and can professionally handle announcements, introductions, and the overall flow of your celebration.

Additional fees apply for MC services, and we recommend scheduling a meeting with him before your wedding so he can get to know you, your story, and your preferred tone for the day.

This ensures that your wedding runs smoothly, feels personal, and keeps your guests entertained and engaged throughout the event.

All our packages include the use of our extensive décor collection. With over 14 years of wedding experience, we’ve built up a wide variety of beautiful décor items to suit different styles and themes.

We always go out of our way to bring your vision to life and make your setup as close as possible to your dream look.

If your chosen theme requires special items such as unique chairs, tables, or décor pieces that we do not currently have, we may rent or purchase them within a set décor budget. Should your requests exceed that budget, we’ll let you know, and any additional cost will be for your own account.

If you would like completely custom décor designed specifically for your wedding, we recommend our Fingerprint Package, where all décor is tailor-made to your style and theme.

Please note that our venue is naturally beautiful and does not require draping. Should you wish to include draping, you are welcome to arrange this at your own cost.

We have a very extensive décor collection built up over 14 years of weddings. You’re welcome to schedule an appointment to view what we have available. Please note that many items are safely packed away, so not everything is on display at once.

You can also browse our Facebook and Instagram pages — all the décor you see in those photos belongs to us.

If you have a specific look or theme in mind, feel free to send us inspiration photos, and we’ll gladly show you what we have that will work beautifully for your vision.

Book a viewing to discuss your wedding

Venue , Packages & Photography

Where is Forevermore Moments located?

We’re nestled along the riverside in the heart of Heidelberg, Gauteng, surrounded by lush gardens and a serene riverside setting — perfect for intimate celebrations.

We specialize in intimate weddings for up to 50 guests, including elopements and micro weddings.

Yes! Our packages include everything — venue hire, catering, décor, flowers, cake, music, photography, officiant, and coordination — so you can enjoy a stress-free celebration.

Absolutely. Each celebration is designed around your vision, theme, and budget. You can upgrade décor, add extras, or tailor your package to fit your style.

Yes, we adore intimate elopements! Our Minimony and Elopement Packages are perfect for couples who want a beautiful, meaningful ceremony with minimal fuss.

Your wedding at Forevermore Moments enjoys exclusive use of the venue for your booked time slot.

Please note:

  • 3- and 4-hour micro weddings or elopements may be scheduled on the same day in different time slots, but you will never share your ceremony or reception space with another couple.

  • For longer weddings, the venue is fully private and exclusive to you and your guests during your booked hours.

At Forevermore Moments:

  • Elopement: A short, intimate ceremony, typically 45 minutes 1 hour or 2 hours during the week, with just the couple (and optionally a few witnesses). It focuses on the personal, private celebration of your love.

  • Micro Wedding: A slightly longer celebration,  3, 4, 5 or 6 hours, for a small guest list of up to 50 people. It includes a full ceremony, photos, and reception, offering a more traditional all-inclusive wedding experience in an intimate setting.

Both options provide the charm of a private, boutique wedding experience, but the micro wedding allows for more guests, dining, and celebration time.

We collaborate with a carefully selected team of experienced, professional photographers who specialize in capturing the beauty and emotion of intimate weddings. Our preferred photographers include Deon du Plessis, Melani Photography, and Through the Lens Photography.

Each of them has been personally chosen for their exceptional quality, creativity, and professionalism, ensuring your memories are captured beautifully. You’re welcome to let us know whose style you prefer, and we’ll do our best to secure their services for your day.

Please note that photographer selection is subject to availability on your wedding date. You can view examples of their work on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Your wedding photos will be ready within 6 to 8 weeks after your wedding day. We work with professional photographers who take great care in editing and perfecting each image to ensure your gallery is absolutely beautiful.

We know how excited you’ll be to relive your special day, but please be patient — the attention to detail and artistry involved are what make your photos something you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Yes, you are welcome to use your own photographer. In that case, we will simply subtract the photography cost from your chosen package.

Please ensure that your photographer is someone you know and trust, or that they have a proven track record of wedding photography. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and we want to make sure your memories are captured beautifully without any disappointment.

You will receive a link to an online gallery where you can view and download all your wedding photos.

Please note that the gallery link will only be valid for 7 days, so be sure to download and save your photos within that time. We also recommend making multiple copies and keeping them safely stored, as photographers do not retain permanent copies of all your images.

Although your wedding photos feature you, the copyright legally belongs to the photographer. We receive direct permission from the photographer to share selected images for promotional purposes on our platforms.
If you prefer that we do not share your photos, please let us know — we will absolutely respect your wishes.

Yes, you’re welcome to book additional photography time at R1000 per hour. Please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

No, videography is not included in our standard packages. However, you can request a video of your wedding at an additional cost. Please let us know if you’d like to add this service so we can provide a quote

Yes, absolutely! Just let us know what time you’d like the photographer to arrive so they can capture your getting ready photos before the ceremony.

Book a viewing to discuss your wedding

Catering & Beverages

Do you provide catering?

Yes, all our packages include professionally prepared meals with flexible menu options, from breakfast options and harvest table-style feasts to buffet  menus.

We do not sell or provide beverages.
However, we do supply juice and water on the tables, as well as champagne and coffee by prior arrangement.

Please remember to inform your guests to bring their own beverages, as we do not offer a bar service.

We believe weddings are sacred celebrations. We do not serve hard liquor or operate a cash bar, but guests are welcome to bring their own beverages in moderation.

No, we do not charge any corkage fees at Forevermore Moments.
You’re welcome to bring your own wine, champagne, or beverages (subject to our venue’s alcohol policy and licensing rules). Our team will gladly assist with serving and setup at no additional cost.

You are welcome to bring your own wine, champagne, or other beverages in cooler bags. Our barman will mark and manage the cooler bags in the bar area, ensuring everything is neatly organized and served professionally.

We provide ice, glasses, and full bar service, and your drinks will be poured and served by our barman for a flat service fee of R800.

Yes, we do. Our catering team is happy to accommodate special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, or allergy-sensitive meals — provided these are communicated in advance.

Please ensure all dietary requests are shared at least 10 days before your wedding, so we can make the necessary arrangements and ensure every guest enjoys their meal.

Outside catering is permitted at Forevermore Moments for a flat service fee of R600.

However, we highly recommend making use of our in-house chef to provide an exquisite dining experience.

Conditions for outside catering:

  • Caterers must bring their own warmers, chafing gel, and serving equipment.

  • No cooking, heating on stoves, or food preparation is allowed on the premises.

  • Our team will assist with serving as part of the service.

Cake & desserts: Couples are welcome to bring their own wedding cake or desserts under the same conditions.

We do not recommend taking leftover food home. As a venue, we cannot control how the food is stored, handled, or reheated after your wedding. Improper storage may lead to food spoilage or illness.

Please note:

  • We do not provide containers for take-away food.

  • If you choose to take food, Forevermore Moments cannot be held responsible for any sickness or health issues that may occur afterward.

This policy ensures that all food served at your wedding is enjoyed safely and at its freshest, maintaining the quality and safety standards of our in-house catering.

Yes, tastings are available at Forevermore Moments.

Please note:

  • Tastings are subject to a fee.

  • They must be arranged well in advance to ensure our chef can prepare and accommodate your request.

No, our waiters will not serve drinks from the bar.

Waiters are responsible for dishing up meals, clearing tables, and keeping everything neat and tidy throughout your celebration.

All drinks are managed and served by our dedicated barman, ensuring the bar area remains organized and service runs smoothly.

Book a viewing

Faith & Values

What type of ceremonies do you host?

Forevermore Moments is a Christian wedding venue. We celebrate sacred unions between a man and a woman and uphold Christian values in all our ceremonies.

Forevermore Moments does not host LGBTQ+ weddings.

However, we welcome LGBTQ+ guests and friends to attend and celebrate at our venue. All guests are treated with respect and included in the celebration.

At Forevermore Moments:

  • Couples may bring their own wine, champagne, or beverages in cooler bags.

  • Hard liquor is not permitted, as we consider weddings a sacred celebration.

  • At Forevermore Moments, we reserve the right to intervene or stop a wedding if guests become drunk, disruptive, or unruly.

    Weddings are sacred and intimate celebrations at our venue, and the safety and comfort of all guests is our top priority. Our team will act to ensure that the event remains respectful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

book a viewing to see our river chapel

Planning & Details

Do you include photography in your packages?

Yes! Our all-inclusive packages include professional wedding photography to capture every magical moment.

Yes, our bridal suite is available for final touches, quiet reflection, and gorgeous pre-ceremony photos.

Yes, the guesthouse with breakfast included is part of our Comprehensive and Fingerprint wedding packages.

For all other packages, overnight accommodation can be added at R450 per person, with breakfast at R150 per person.

We don’t have a dedicated groom’s dressing room, but we do offer a small lapa with a sitting area that can be used if the groom isn’t too fussy and just needs a quick space to get ready.

Alternatively, there are several lovely guesthouses nearby, with Oak View Manor being the closest — only about 200 metres from the venue — which is ideal if the groom and groomsmen prefer more space and comfort while getting dressed.

Of course! We’d love to show you around. You can book a private tour by appointment — simply contact us via WhatsApp or email. We are available during the week or on weekends by appointment.

A package specific booking fee and signed contract confirm your wedding date. The balance is due 20 days before your event.

We don’t have formal payment plans — however, once your booking deposit (which is deducted from the total amount) has been paid, you’re welcome to make payments as and when you can.

The only requirement is that the full balance must be settled at least 20 days before your wedding day to ensure all arrangements and services run smoothly.

We always do our best to provide exactly the flowers you envision for your wedding. However, if certain blooms are out of season or unavailable, our hands are tied — but don’t worry!

Our floral team will source the closest possible alternatives that match your color palette and overall theme, ensuring your arrangements remain beautiful and cohesive.

We require your final guest numbers 10 days before your wedding date. At that point, we’ll confirm your final invoice and adjust your total accordingly.

Unfortunately, no changes or refunds can be made after the 10-day cut-off, as all catering, staffing, and setup arrangements are finalized by then.

This policy ensures that everything runs smoothly and your day is perfectly prepared according to your confirmed numbers.

Timelines are helpful for planning, but please don’t stress too much about following them to the minute — your wedding day should feel relaxed and joyful. Our team will ensure everything runs smoothly so you can focus on celebrating, not the clock.

Remember, it’s not school — it’s your special day! We always leave space for those spontaneous, magical moments that make your wedding truly unforgettable.

As a general guide:

  • Ceremony: ±45 minutes for full weddings. For minimony and elopement weddings, ceremonies are typically shorter to allow more time for photos.

  • Couple & Family Photos: 1 to 2½ hours, depending on your package.

  • Speeches: ±3 minutes each — short and sweet keeps the energy flowing.

  • Dances, Bouquet Toss, Garter & Cake Cutting: ±30 minutes in total.

Every couple and celebration is unique, and our coordinators will help create a timeline that balances structure with flexibility — so your day unfolds beautifully and stress-free.

Yes, absolutely! At Forevermore Moments, we assist with every step of your wedding planning to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.

We provide a curated list of trusted suppliers who we know are reliable, professional, and deliver exceptional work. If you need additional services not included in your chosen package, simply ask — we’re happy to recommend or coordinate them for you.

For our Full Weddings and longer Micro Weddings, you’ll have access to our online planning program, where you can easily keep track of your guest list, to-do lists, and all your wedding details. We also add notes after each meeting to make sure nothing is missed and your vision stays on track.

Please keep in mind that weddings take months of careful planning. Throughout the process, we communicate regularly via WhatsApp, email, phone calls, and voice notes. Before your wedding, we’ll send a Final Requirements Summary — a detailed document confirming every element of your day, so all suppliers and staff are perfectly aligned.

You’re welcome to have as many meetings as you need, and we encourage you to share your vision with as much detail as possible.

Rest assured — we know what needs to be done and when. All we need from you is a clear picture of your dream day so we can bring it beautifully to life.

Yes! We offer a beautiful range of wedding extras through our online store at www.forevermoremomentos.co.za.

You’ll find everything from custom invitations and signage to thank-you gifts, décor items, and wedding keepsakes — all designed to perfectly match the Forevermore Moments style.

These little details add a personal, cohesive touch to your celebration and can be ordered easily online or through our team during your planning process.

Yes, we can prepare a sample table setup for you upon request. Please note that this setup will not include your actual wedding day flowers, but it will give you a clear idea of the layout and décor style.

We work with a dynamic team that we can highly recommend from Exclusive Image.
Contact Petro on 072 999 9115 for bridal hair and makeup bookings.

book a viewing

Policies & Practicalities

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to changes in your wedding plans. To ensure fairness to both parties, the following cancellation policy applies to all bookings:

1. Booking Fee / Deposit

A non-refundable booking fee (deposit) is required to secure your date. This amount covers administrative work and loss of potential bookings and will be deducted from your total package price.

2. Cancellations

If you need to cancel your booking:

  • More than 6 months before your wedding date:
    You will receive a refund of any payments made minus the non-refundable booking fee.

  • Between 3 and 6 months before your wedding date:
    50% of the total package amount will be forfeited.

  • Less than 3 months before your wedding date:
    The full amount of the package becomes payable, and no refund will be issued, as your date is unlikely to be rebooked.

3. Postponements

You may request one date change, provided:

  • The request is made at least 3 months before the original wedding date.

  • The new date is available on our calendar.
    If your new date falls in a different season or year, package prices may be adjusted accordingly.
    Further postponements will be treated as cancellations.

4. Force Majeure (Unforeseen Events)

In the case of events beyond your control (such as severe illness, natural disasters, or government restrictions), we will make every effort to reschedule your event to a mutually suitable date. No refunds will be given, but all payments made will be credited toward your new booking date.

5. Written Notice

All cancellations or postponements must be submitted in writing to Forevermore Moments.

You may request one date change, provided:

  • The request is made at least 3 months before the original wedding date.

  • The new date is available on our calendar.
    If your new date falls in a different season or year, package prices may be adjusted accordingly.
    Further postponements will be treated as cancellations.

Yes, our team handles timeline management, setup, and flow so you can relax and enjoy your day.

We do have overnight accommodation only for the couple on the full wedding packages. We can recommend lovely guesthouses nearby for guests.

Forevermore Moments operates on solar power, so the geyser may take longer to heat in the early hours.

We recommend taking your shower before arriving at the venue to get ready, ensuring a comfortable start to your wedding day.

No, Forevermore Moments does not provide Wi-Fi on the premises.

We recommend planning accordingly for any online needs during your wedding day.

You don’t have to worry about load shedding at Forevermore Moments. Our venue operates entirely on solar power, ensuring that your wedding continues seamlessly, no matter the stage of load shedding.

In the rare event that something goes wrong, we also have a backup generator to keep essential systems running smoothly.

Your celebration will stay beautifully lit, comfortable, and uninterrupted — just as it should be.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your pet to share in your special day — we know how much they mean to you!

Please just make prior arrangements with us so we can ensure everything runs smoothly and safely for your furry friend.

Unfortunately, pets cannot stay overnight in the guesthouse, as our own resident pets would not be comfortable with it.

Your pet is, however, more than welcome to be part of the ceremony and photos — just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

For safety reasons, sky lanterns, fireworks (including daytime fireworks), and similar pyrotechnics are not allowed at Forevermore Moments.

Our venue features a thatched lapa and many beautiful trees, so we take every precaution to protect both our guests and the natural surroundings.

However, color bombs are allowed as a fun and creative alternative — please note that they can stain clothing, so we recommend using them with care and informing your guests in advance.

If you’d like to add a special touch to your send-off or photos, we’re happy to suggest other safe and eco-friendly options such as bubbles, ribbon wands, or biodegradable confetti.

Our venue closes strictly at 11:00 PM.

Forevermore Moments is located in a residential area, and we are committed to respecting our neighbours and maintaining a peaceful environment.

All music must be switched off by 11:00 PM, and guests are required to leave the premises at that time.
Please note that no visiting or socialising after 11:00 PM is permitted on the property.

This ensures we remain good neighbours and can continue to host beautiful celebrations for years to come.

The venue closes at 11PM. As we are located in a residential area, we ask that all gatherings and celebrations respect our neighbours and adhere to this closing time.

No, the guesthouse is reserved exclusively for the bridal couple. All other guests must vacate the venue by 23:00.

Yes, you can book one additional hour on your chosen package at R1200 per hour. Please note that the photographer will not stay for the extra hour, and no additional hours can be added beyond the 11:00 pm cut-off time due to our residential area regulations.

Book a viewing now

Marriage Officer Process

Who is the Marriage Officer at Forevermore Moments?

Our registered Marriage Officer is a pastor at AGS Kairos and is licensed through the Department of Home Affairs and authorized to conduct wedding ceremonies.

While the marriage registration service is included as part of Forevermore Moments’ offering, the process itself is handled by our trusted, independent Marriage Officer.

No, it is not required. A short consultation (in person or virtual) can be arranged before the wedding. We will send you the required documents.

To comply with South African marriage law, the following documents are required:

  • Both partners’ original ID documents or passports scans (not photos) back and front sent to us via email or WhatsApp.

  • Completed marriage form 

  • Divorce decree (if previously married)

  • Death certificate (if widowed)

  • Letter of no impediment (for foreign nationals), there may be an official interview required by Home Affairs to verify the validity of the relationship. 

  • Marriage contract scanned and emailed or sent via WhatsApp. If you choose to marry in community of property, no lawyer or contract is required — your marriage will automatically be registered under this marital regime.

  • Online verification of marital status from Home Affairs. Unfortunately we cannot do this for you,as the system needs your fingerprint scan to verify your status. This must be done in person at any Home Affairs branch. Without this, no marriage can be registered by Home Affairs.

  • Two witnesses’ IDs scanned in and sent to us via email or WhatsApp.

  • Both partners need to bring 3 id photos each on the day of the wedding with your name and surname written in pencil on the back. 

All documents must be submitted at least 20 days before the wedding date.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own pastor. Please ensure they are legally licensed by Home Affairs and able to file your marriage register afterward. If it is not the case, our marriage officer can take the fingerprints and register the marriage. 

Yes. The legal signing happens during or immediately after your ceremony, witnessed by your two chosen witnesses. Your Marriage Officer will then submit the register to Home Affairs for official recording.

You’ll receive a temporary handwritten certificate on the wedding day. The official Home Affairs certificate can be collected within 2 or more weeks after the marriage has been registered at ay Home Affairs branch.

Absolutely. Our Marriage Officer is happy to personalize your ceremony to reflect your love story, as long as the legal declaration and signing requirements are met.

Yes, if you use our in-house Marriage Officer. The completed register is submitted directly to Home Affairs after your wedding, ensuring your marriage is legally recognized.

Please note: We do everything in our power to ensure your marriage is registered as soon as possible. However, in some cases there may be delays from the Department of Home Affairs, especially if they require additional documentation or verification.
Home Affairs regularly updates its requirements and processes, which may cause occasional delays beyond our control.

Yes. Some couples choose to complete the legal paperwork separately at Home Affairs and enjoy a purely symbolic ceremony at the venue. Please inform us in advance if this applies to you.

A marriage contract (antenuptial agreement) is only needed if you are getting married out of community of property.
If you choose to marry in community of property, no lawyer or contract is required — your marriage will automatically be registered under this marital regime.

Couples wishing to marry out of community of property must consult a lawyer or notary public before the wedding to sign their antenuptial contract. This contract cannot be created after the marriage has taken place.

Foreign nationals can legally marry in South Africa but must provide a Letter of No Impediment from their country of origin and valid passport copies. Additional Home Affairs processing times, a formal interview with the couple and documentation may apply.

Book a viewing to discuss your ceremony