Armed with torpedoes and fitted with warheads capable of sinking a ship with a single strike, the SAS Manthatisi is one mean machine.

But the German-built attack submarine, bought as part of South Africa's controversial multibillion- rand arms deal, became a vessel more associated with love recently when it became a wedding venue.

In what is believed to be a first for the South African Navy, Commander David Wolfaardt married Anita Poalses with about 40 guests descending into the sub, which is named after Manthatisi, a warrior queen of the Batlokwa clan.

Ex-submariner Wolfaardt is a member of the SA Navy Reserve, while Poalses is a caterer based at the Seven Seas Club, a private naval officers' club.

The couple, both from Simon's Town, say they have a passion for the navy, which was why they requested permission to be married on a submarine.

Best man was commanding officer Gary Kretschmer, who sailed the submarine to Simon's Town last April after a 49-day, 6 600-nautical mile voyage from the shipyard at Kiel on the Baltic Sea.

The bridal party and guests had to climb through a hatch and descend into the sub down a steep ladder, which took a fair amount of co-ordination and time.

Poalses told the Saturday Star she went down in "Crocs and jeans" rather than teetering down in her long dress and high heels.

Female guests were asked to wear trousers and "sensible" shoes.

"I changed in the captain's cabin, which we converted into a dressing room," Poalses said.