Hate it or love it, Speke Resort Munyonyo is the ultimate wedding venue in Kampala, Uganda. For years now, Munyonyo has hosted more weddings than any other hotel or wedding venue in Uganda. If you are planning a wedding and you are considering hosting your guests at one of the various wedding venues Speke resort Munyonyo has to offer, you will find this post explaining their wedding packages pretty useful.
Obviously, this post is in no way written or sponsored by the management of Speke resort. Rather, I’m writing this post from my own experience and that of many of my colleagues who have decorated hundreds of events here.
As a wedding planner, I get to see and take time studying many wedding venues. Especially those that many clients seem to have a keen interest in. Obviously, when clients hire me, they are looking to tap into my rich experience to create for them an event that they have always envisioned. Or better yet, one that is beyond what they envisioned. To achieve that, I have to critically study these venues and advise clients accordingly.
History of Speke Resort Munyonyo
This 90-acre resort was founded by a Ugandan businessman, Sudhir Ruparelia, back in the 90s but it was officially commissioned in 2007 as the official host of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2007. Since then, Speke resort has been on the rise as a leading wedding and conference center in Uganda and all over East Africa.
Why most people choose Speke resort for their wedding venue
- Strategic location
Obviously, location is among the top reasons why many people would dump a much better venue for a much less cool one. People usually consider the distance from the church to the reception or gardens where they are to do their photoshoot from. That said, Speke resort is further from town than Sheratopn, Kampala Serena, or Mestil but what sets it apart is its scenery and location. None of those hotels mentioned seats at the shores of L. Victoria except Speke Munyonyo.
Lake Victoria aside, the landscaping and design team have done a tremendous job with Munyonyo; the place has meticulously catered to gardens that make it feel like paradise. It’s no wonder people travel to Munyonyo after their nuptials for a wedding photoshoot even when their reception is tens of kilometers away.
And talking of strategy, I have heard that unlike Serena and tens of hotels that charge couples to do a photoshoot in their gardens, Munyonyo does not. This, I feel is a strategic move to get people to notice and admire the place’s beauty. The next time, they have time on their hands, they can always come back for a weekend thus supporting the business. Better yet, they can always recommend the place to their friends or relatives who are searching for a wedding venue.
- Affordability
Unlike popular belief, Munyonyo is actually very affordable compared to other big hotels like Serena or Mestil. For example; they charge 2.5million for their gardens while their competitors like Mestil charge 5m for the same. The only upside is that Munyonyo’s ballrooms are priced at 7.5m, which I find ridiculous.
Additionally, Munyonyo’s buffet is cheap compared to Mestil, Serena, or Pearl of Africa hotel. Starting at UGX50,000 you can have a beautiful meal. Their alcoholic and soft drinks are also cheaper compared to their competitors. Check the wedding package for details.
- Organized
Wedding venues and packages at Speke Resort Munyonyo
Speke Resort Munyonyo boasts of a number of wedding venues. That is precisely because it is seated on a huge 90-acre piece of land. Additionally, the owners were very visionary: they created awesome and spacious gardens at strategic locations. Every single venue, be it indoor or outdoor is strategically located either overlooking L. Victoria or other interesting sceneries.
Speke Resort Munyonyo Garden/Outdoor wedding reception
Speke Resort Munyonyo and Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, have six outdoor wedding locations to choose from. There is almost nothing more beautiful and breath-taking than a natural landscape backdrop to the perfect wedding. Whether the scenery is a beautiful mountain range, a serene field, or even the woods, it’s hard to beat the beauty and elegance that nature offers.
Part of the beauty of a natural setting at the resort is that it can often make up for a lack of decorations. This is not to say that decorations are not necessary — or even unwanted — outdoors! Often, there are fewer places to decorate outdoors, so, if desired, less time and effort may be needed for preparing decorations.
Our outdoor venues are often more spacious than our indoor venues, which means that they can easily accommodate a supersized guest list. Of course, you would have to make sure your desired venue can accommodate a large number of guests. If they can, then the freedom and open air of the outdoors may be perfect for your special day.
Natural sunlight will provide much better lighting for your photographer than the indoors would. Depending on your photographer, having natural sunlight will add incredible vibrancy to your wedding photos.
Lakeside, Flag Mast, Mango Garden, Speke Resort Poolside & Commonwealth Poolside, Marina Garden & Peace Hub Garden at the cost of Ushs 2,500,000/= per day.
We provide the following complimentary:
Round tables, Plastic chairs, Table Linen, glasses, Cutlery/Crockery and Service Personnel.
One night for the bridal couple in our One Bedroom Suite on Bed & Breakfast basis.
You can bring in your own DJ, Music System, Wedding Cake and Decoration.
Capacity depends on venue & type of seating arrangement: 50 – 3,000 Pax
Seating Capacity for Marina: 50– 150 Pax
A Platform with a High Table can be provided at the cost of Ushs. 300,000/= per day
We have Big and Small Tents and charged at an extra cost for the outdoor venues
Speke Resort Munyonyo Indoor wedding receptions
Not all weddings feature extravagant decorations, but if yours will be one of those weddings, then you may want to consider an indoor wedding at Speke Resort and Commonwealth Centre. The walls and ceilings in our ballrooms provide ample room for beautiful décor and elegant adornments.
In addition, all our ballrooms have ample air-conditioning for you and your guests that will help you remain comfortable for the entire evening. Since the comfort of your guests is crucial to the success of the evening, consider one of our ballrooms when choosing a venue
Ballrooms: Victoria Ball Room, Speke Ball Room & Commonwealth Banqueting Hall
The Ball Rooms can be provided at the cost of Ushs. 7,500, 000/= per day.
We shall provide the following complimentary:
Lights, 2 LCD Projector, Wooden Dance Floor, A/C, Platform for High Table, Round tables (10 Seater), Banqueting Chairs,
Linen, Cutlery, Crockery and Service Personnel.
One night for the bridal couple in our One Bedroom Suite on Bed & Breakfast basis
Seating Capacity Victoria for & Speke Ball Room is approximately: 250 – 800 Pax
Seating Capacity for Commonwealth Banqueting Hall: 100 – 250 Pax
The Marina Restaurant
The Marina Restaurant shall be provided at the cost of Ushs. 2,500, 000/= per day.
We shall provide the following on a complimentary basis at the Marina Restaurant:
Round tables, Plastic armless chairs, Linen, Cutlery, Crockery, and Service Personnel.
Seating Capacity for Marina Restaurant: – 40– 70 Pax
You shall bring in your own DJ, Music System, Wedding Cake, and Decoration.