Searching for a wedding venue is like trying to find a needle in a haystack… if the haystack was made of unavailable dates and unreasonable prices. The venue is the foundation of a great event — it sets the tone and the stage (sometimes literally) for an occasion that leaves a lasting impression. So, whether you’re looking for something timeless, something boho chic, or looking for somewhere a plane- or train-ride away, we’ve got you covered.

CLASSICAL VENUES: There’s no shortage of tried and true locations. These picks don’t need an introduction, but they do need a trigger warning when it comes to prices.

#1- NILE RITZ: The Nile Ritz ’s striking glamor comes with a matching budget.

THE PACKAGE: The price tag comes with a two-night complimentary accommodation for the bride and a prep room for the groom. You also get a five layer wedding cake, and an in-room special dinner for the bride and groom on the night of the wedding. If needed, they can provide you with planning services, but there is the BYOWP (Bring Your Own Wedding Planner) option too. Attending friends and family will get a special quote for their stay, and 10+ guest room bookings will unlock a group rate.

CAPACITY: The Alf Leila w Leila ballroom takes up to 600 guests. If you want a bigger wedding, the Al Qahira ballroom will accommodate up to 1.2k guests. Going smaller? The room can be divided. If you prefer an outdoor space, their Garden City venue can take up to 1k guests.

PRICE: The bottom line is based on the number of attendees, ranging from EGP 3k to 3.5k per person. Luckily, the bill can be delivered in three shallow(er) cuts: A 10% deposit upon signing of the contract, 40% three months before the event, and 25% a month before the event.

NOTE- The earlier you book the better, and not just for availability reasons — there also will be a price increase starting 2025.

#2- LE LAC DU CAIRE: Want some more room for imagination? Le Lac Du Caire offers you a beautiful location ripe for customization…

THE PACKAGE: …But that’s all they offer. The space is all you purchase with your credit card. Catering, setup, equipment, and decorations are all left to you and your wedding planner.

CAPACITY: From 300 to 700 attendees.

PRICE: You can pick between two venues, one with a price tag of EGP 320k, and the other for EGP 370k.

#3- CITADEL SALAH EL DIN: The iconic monument of Islamic Cairo has become a fast favorite in the event industry, the dreamy aesthetic making for a memorable venue to the recently hitched and coveted one for the soon-to-be-hitched.

THE PACKAGE:The venue offers you one of four venues of your choosing, as well as included transportation to and from the parking area. You’ll need it, trust us. You’ll have to BYOWP for catering, setup, equipment, and decorations.

CAPACITY: There are four venues of increasing capacity — Dar Al-Darb allows up to 300 guests, Yussuf’s Well can accommodate up to 500, the Police Museum Plaza can fit 700 people, and Al Mahka can take up to 900 attendees.

PRICE: The price depends on the venue you choose, as well as the official number of attendees. This choice will end up costing you between EGP 110k to EGP 360k — insurance and security fees included.

NOTE- Prices are subject to change, especially going into the new year.

GARDEN VENUES: Tie the knot amidst a lush garden filled with blooming flowers for a fairytale ending.

#1- AMERICAN GARDENHALL: The resort has a beautiful hall with large windows overlooking a lush garden. Many choose to have the ceremony outside, but an indoors venue is also available.

THE PACKAGE: The venue will provide the couple with two suites to get ready in for their big day — one for the bride, and one for the groom. No need to BYOWP for this one — for a fee, they will happily assist you with the wedding planning. If you’d rather do things your own way, you’ll have to provide catering, setup, equipment, and decorations.

CAPACITY: Up to 300 attendees.

PRICE: The bottom line ultimately depends on the size of your guest list, and will range from EGP 100k to 150k.

NOTE- The minimum advance notice for booking is three months, but we’d advise you to book as early as possible.

#2- BAYT AL MANSOUREYA: Influencers have flocked to this venue, scrambling to book it not only for its charm but also because it’s only available for two days a month.

THE PACKAGE: Bayt Al Mansoureya offers two suites for the couple, an external generator, sound system, and valet parking service. The rest — catering, setup, equipment and decorations — is in your hands.

CAPACITY: The space can fit up to 500 attendees.

PRICE: The range depends on the official number of guests. 100 attendees will run you EGP 120k, and 500 guests will cost you EGP 160k.

NOTE- Unfortunately, the venue is fully booked for the rest of this year. The only available dates for 2025 are during June and August, so snag a booking while you can.

#3- NŪT ORABI: In the agricultural compound of Ahmed Orabi in Obour is a farm lodge boutique hotel that will cater to your dream rustic wedding.

THE PACKAGE:The price tag encompasses the whole lodge, which includes one suite, two double bedrooms, an open air kitchen, dining and grilling areas, gendered bathrooms, an amphitheater/fire pit area, a kitchen for catering, and two parking lots with valet service. Like venues before them, it’s down to you to bring the catering, setup, equipment, and decorations.

CAPACITY: Up to 350 attendees.

PRICE: If you’re inviting 40-200 guests, the flat rate is EGP 160k. For any more up to 350, prepare to shell out EGP 180k.

DESTINATION VENUES: You don’t need to travel far to have a destination wedding.

#1- LAZIB INN, FAYOUM: If you’re looking for a venue that has a rustic charm and is a bit out-of-the-box — Fayoum is the place to go.

THE PACKAGE:The venue’s price tag comes with an accommodation of 18 suites. A beverage package is also provided, offering unlimited soft drinks. Additionally, if the newlyweds want to set up prior to the wedding or cool off after, they can extend their stay by one day before or after at a discounted rate of 20%. You might have to BYOWP to this one, especially for catering if your guestlist contains more than 100 people.

CAPACITY: The site can take up to 400 attendees if needed, but the hotel recommends 300 to avoid overcrowding.

PRICE: Ranges from EGP 470k for 100 invitees to 530K for 250 invitees.

NOTE- In what may be good news for some wedding-goers, under governmental instructions the wedding must end at 10pm.

#2- TANOAK, SOKHNA: Whether you missed the chance to book a Sahel venue or think that trend is so last year, Sokhna is a great option for a getaway wedding.

THE PACKAGE:A two-night stay at junior suite comes with the price tag, doubling up as the prep room for the bride the day of. The groom gets a day-use room to prep, and for the loved ones attending, a special rate. BYOWP, but don’t worry about catering. You just have to worry about the setup, equipment, and decorations.

CAPACITY: Up to 1k attendees.

PRICE: Their prices differ based on different menu packages, number of attendees, and which day of the week the wedding is. Expect a range of EGP 762k to EGP 1.2 mn.

#3- BENBEN, ASWAN: This small boutique hotel has the most stunning gardens along the bank of the Nile River — but every good thing must come at a price… and this venue comes with a hefty one.

THE PACKAGE: The price tag comes along with a full buffet for 2.5 hours, unlimited soft drinks, and corkage fees. No need to BYOWP, two planning options are available — The base package includes basic services — seating, decoration, flowers, photography, DJ, sound and light, and catering equipment — and an additional package includes videography, a Nubian Zaffa, bar arrangements, two dinner events, hair and makeup, and two extra nights in the bridal suite. Free shuttle boat transportation is provided.

PRICE: Prices start from EGP 2 mn for a minimum of 120 people.

NOTE- But all good things must come to an end. To book the venue, and exclusive of the price tag, all 24 rooms must be booked by attendees at a rate determined according to the date of the wedding. If you decide to BYOWP, they must be staying at the hotel for a minimum of three nights, and they will only have access to the venue after 12:00 pm.

CAPACITY: There is no limit, and with a price tag like that, we’d encourage you to invite as many people as you can.