How Much Does Wedding Transport Cost? The 2025 Average Revealed
Your wedding day is one of the biggest and most important days of your life, and a time when your loved ones all come together to celebrate the love between you and your partner. But, how will you and your spouse-to-be get around on the big day that’s in keeping with the style and theme that such an occasion deserves?
It might not seem like it at first, but wedding transport can have a surprisingly big impact on your day. Depending on your venues and schedule, you may need transport more than once — whether it’s getting to the ceremony, heading to your photo location, travelling to the reception, or making a stylish exit at the end of the night.
That means having a reliable and elegant ride is more than just a luxury — it’s part of the smooth flow of your wedding. But how much should you budget for it?
In this article, we’ll break down the cost of wedding transport, including average prices, what you can expect at different budget levels, and the key factors that influence how much you’ll spend.
What’s the average cost of wedding transport?
In South Africa, couples typically spend between R3,000 and R15,000 on wedding transportation, though this can vary depending on a few key factors — such as the type of vehicle, the distance travelled, and how long you’ll need the transport.
With the average South African wedding costing around R200,000, according to our Ultimate South African Wedding Budget Breakdown. transport can be a notable part of the overall budget. A vintage Rolls-Royce or classic car will naturally cost more than a modern limo or SUV rental, but there’s no one-size-fits-all. The best choice depends on your wedding theme, your style, and your priorities.
Whether you want something romantic, practical, or completely unique, your wedding transport should reflect what feels right for you — and fit comfortably within your budget.
What type of vehicle can you get for this amount?
So, what can a budget of R3,000 to R15,000 get you? Well, you have a variety of stylish, creative, and adventurous options to consider, whether by land, water — or even air!
VW classics
Iconic VW Beetles and Kombis are a beloved choice for South African weddings, bringing retro charm and personality to your big day. These quirky vehicles are perfect for photos and a standout entrance. Rentals typically start from around R5,000.
Vintage car
From classic Rolls-Royces to old-school Mercedes and Ford Model As, vintage cars offer timeless elegance. Depending on the car and location, prices usually start at R4,000.
Helicopter
For a grand entrance that no one will forget, consider arriving by helicopter. Ideal for remote venues or dramatic flair, charters generally start at around R15,000, depending on distance and flight time.
Stretch limousine
A stretch limo adds a touch of classic luxury and can comfortably fit the bridal party. Packages typically start from R6,000 in major cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Sports car
Whether it’s a Porsche, Ferrari, or Lamborghini, a luxury sports car is perfect for couples who want to make a bold entrance. Rentals typically start around R10,000, depending on the model and rental duration.
Horse and carriage
For a romantic fairytale touch, a horse-drawn carriage is a magical option. Prices usually begin at R6,000, depending on location and distance travelled.
Classic trolley or party bus
Great for transporting your entire wedding party, a vintage trolley or party bus is both fun and functional. Expect prices to start around R7,000, with larger or themed buses costing more.
Boat
If your wedding is near the coast, a dam, or river, arriving by boat can be a beautiful and memorable option. Private boat hires typically start from R4,000, and some even double as floating venues for smaller celebrations.
Does this cost include the cost of a driver or chauffeur?
If you’re hiring your vehicle through a vendor that specialises in wedding transport, then it’s highly likely that the cost will also include the cost of a chauffeur. However, this is something you’ll want to double check, as the last thing you want to do is drive yourself to your wedding, even if it is behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. You may find that the driver is happy to let you take some creative photos though — just don’t scratch the paintwork with your sequins.
You’ll also want to discuss with your chosen chauffeur the route they’ll take to get you from A to B on the big day. Where possible you may want to avoid congested streets and instead prefer to take scenic routes — but this can affect the cost.
What wedding transport can you get for a small budget?
What factors can affect the cost of wedding transport?
If you’re on a budget, there are several factors to be aware of that can influence how much you’ll pay for wedding transport.
Time
The price will vary depending on how long you need transportation. Traditionally, you would have the car take you to the ceremony and then for the photos with your new spouse, after which you would get driven to the reception venue and then the car would leave, which usually takes around three hours. However, some vendors will rent you the car for the entirety of your wedding day, allowing you to leave the reception in style.
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Distance
The distance and route your wedding car takes will also be taken into account. For example, some companies will give you the first 50 kilometres from their base free but will charge accordingly after that. It can also make a difference if your venue is downtown or out in the middle of the countryside.
The number of vehicles
If you and your beloved require more than one car, it will increase the overall cost. However, many car vendors will offer packages on these, factoring in a discount, so definitely discuss this with your vendor if you want multiple cars.
Guest Transport
Although by no means a necessity, many couples also choose to book transport for their guests, especially if the ceremony and reception are taking place at different venues. It helps keep everyone on time and means no one has to worry about driving and finding their way around.
Prices vary, but in South Africa, you can expect to pay between R5,000 and R15,000 for wedding transportation that accommodates around 25 guests and includes up to three stops. Naturally, the cost will adjust based on the number of guests, stops, and total distance travelled. When planning your wedding, don’t forget to mention whether or not you’ll be providing transportation for your guests on your wedding information sheet. This ensures everyone is informed and can make their travel arrangements accordingly!
Decorations
Most wedding transport providers include decorative ribbons and bows on the vehicle as part of their standard package. If you’d like to customise the look, you’re welcome to add your own decorations — with prices for ribbons typically starting at around R150. Just be sure to check with the vendor first, as some may have guidelines on what can be added to the vehicle.
If you’re considering personalised licence plates for your wedding vehicle, it’s important to first check with your transport provider to see if they allow temporary modifications.
While official personalised plates are available through the relevant provincial licensing authorities, they require a formal registration process and aren’t practical for one-day use. Instead, most couples opt for decorative or novelty plates that can be attached temporarily for photos.
Just make sure these don’t cover or obstruct the official licence plates while the vehicle is on public roads, as this is not allowed under South African road traffic laws and could result in fines. Always confirm with your provider before making any changes.
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