03CEREMONY J&M PMU 158

Safari Wedding in South Africa

Photography by Picture Me&U

Imagine getting married amongst the South African bush, surrounded by amazing wildlife with the sun beating down on you...well this couple did just that making their dream a reality with this safari wedding. Now we are sharing it with you because, wow! The bride, in a Rue De Seine dress, took a short but breathtaking Jeep ride to meet her groom to tie the knot in a traditional English ceremony followed by a traditional African ceremony. There may have only been 2 official guests but there were plenty of eyes on them that day as they were surrounded by the African wildlife! Amazing!

A small, intimate safari wedding in the middle of the South African bush, with only two guests but the Safari lodge, Tanda Tula, where the couple stayed made it feel as if they were among family! 

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The relaxed vibe definitely. Martyn and I woke up on the morning of our wedding day at 5am and went for game drive, came back, had some lunch, had a nap and then got dressed together before the ceremony! My Mum and Auntie would constantly laugh saying we were the most relaxed bride and groom they’d ever seen. Then obviously the fact that we got married actually on safari and the sun set in the African Bush!

Jess & Martyn

Traditional African ceremony at Safari wedding
Bride makes her way to Safari wedding in Rue De Seine wedding dress
Groom waits for bride at Safari wedding
Red haired bride in Rue De Seine dress for Safari wedding
Bride and groom at South African wedding
Bride and groom share a hug at Safari wedding
Flower crown for bride at Safari wedding
Safari wedding in South Africa with bride in Rue De Seine dress
Bright dress for wedding guest at Safari wedding
Flower crown for bride
Lace detail V Back Rue de Seine wedding dress
Safari wedding in South Africa
Flower crown for bride
Bride with wedding guest at Elopement
Bride makes her way on jeep to Safari wedding
Elopement in South Africa
The main thing we wanted from the day was for it to be relaxed. The idea of a very regimented day was very anxiety-inducing for us, which was the main reason why we decided to elope and get married in South Africa with only two witnesses! I always liked a sort of ‘boho’ type style, and could ever see myself getting married indoors. My mum mentioned safari since Martyn and I both adore animals and the outdoors - so the South African Bush it was! Then everything else was aimed with the heat and outdoors in mind.

Jess & Martyn

Bride and groom cut the cake at Safari wedding
Bride and groom at Safari wedding
Bride wearing Rue De Seine wedding dress and flower crown
Bride and groom at South African wedding venue
Traditional South African wedding ceremony
Bride in lace dress for Safari wedding elopement
Just Married sign on Jeep car for Safari wedding
Elopement for bride and groom in South Africa
Safari wedding in South Africa
Bride hugs guests
Canapés at destination wedding
Elopement in South Africa
Lace Rue De Seine wedding dress for destination wedding
Bride hugs wedding guests
Table decor at Safari wedding

The safari guide didn't fail and he found the couple's favourite animal of all time whilst making their way to the ceremony. A tower of giraffes actually walked in front of the jeep at this safari wedding, making for the most magical moment!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

If you are thinking of having an intimate elopement like this beautiful couple then you need to look at this Lake Como elopement, it is just so romantic! Or maybe you are thinking a bit closer to home? Then we have something for you too with this gorgeous inspiration in Manchester!


Venue: Tanda Tula | Bride Dress: Rue De Seine | Grooms Suit: Paul Smith 

Real WeddingSouth AfricaCivil CeremonyDestinationOutdoorElopement