Safari Photographer • Bush Wedding Guide • Niki M Photography

I have been a safari photographer for over a decade, covering safari and bush weddings throughout Southern Africa. As such, I can definitely say that choosing a safari wedding is the ultimate adventure for nature-loving couples. The feeling of getting married in the African Bushveld is unlike any other wedding day or wedding venue you can dream of.

Safari wedding photographer Niki M captures a laughing groom jumping off an anthill whilst the bride spins in her mid-length wedding dress at their destination bush wedding in South Africa

Open space, incredible scenery, and game drives. Finding the big 5, experiencing sundowners whilst watching the golden African sunset… this is your perfect opportunity to turn your wedding into an adventure AND an experience for you and your guests.

This article is divided into three parts, and I hope that it provides SO much value to you as you embark on your wedding journey! Feel free to scroll through all the info and beautiful images, or you can click one of the images below to head straight to the relevant section.

8 top tips for planning your safari wedding

CHOOSING A SAFARI WEDDING VS A SAFARI ELOPEMENT

The difference between a wedding and an elopement is simply the number of guests in attendance. And the good news is that choosing a destination wedding, specifically a safari/bush wedding, does not automatically mean that you will have to elope.

As a safari wedding photographer, I see many lodges in Southern Africa hosting sizable wedding parties. You can even book out smaller game lodges and enjoy exclusive use during your wedding. However, not all lodges are made equal, and some may be far better equipped to host sizable wedding parties. The trick is to find a suitable lodge or bush camp for *your* wedding, which fits within your budget, and that can comfortably accommodate the number of guests you choose.

However, if you’re looking for a more intimate affair like an elopement or micro-wedding, then the world is your oyster! You’ll be able to be married almost anywhere under the African sun (and can combine your wedding and honeymoon as a bonus).

Bride and Groom sit in a game vehicle whilst a giraffe runs past at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Image by safari photographer Niki M

Black-backed Jackal in the grass at Karkloof Safari Spa by safari photographer Niki M

The view at Karkloof Safari Lodge in KZN by safari photographer Niki M

8 TOP TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR SAFARI WEDDING FROM A SAFARI PHOTOGRAPHER

Start with Your Guest List

Your guest list is the ultimate factor in deciding whether you’d like a traditional wedding experience or if you’re happy with a micro bush wedding or safari elopement.

Research The Local Weather

There are so many location options for your wedding, and as a safari photographer I cannot stress the importance of researching weather patterns enough. So much coordination goes into a destination wedding. It would be disastrous to find out that you have booked a date smack bang in the middle of rainy season.

Because the area is so vast, turn to the people who know best. Asking the lodges you are enquiring with will help you get the best insight into micro-climates and prepare you for everything.

Find Out if You need Jabs and/or Medication

Two years ago, during check-in for a flight to Kenya, there was a huge ruckus in front of me. It turned out that a couple who had booked a full safari holiday in Kenya did not have their yellow fever vaccination certificates when asked to present them. They were eventually turned away and were not able to board the flight. It was dramatic, and it was SO sad because the whole situation was totally avoidable.

Please do your research, find out if the area and country you have chosen require any vaccinations for travel AND for transit (even if you are just passing through an airport). In addition, there are many malaria areas in Africa and you’ll need to start taking medication well in advance.

Create a Budget Buffer for Additional Costs

Every trip comes with it’s own little (or larger) unexpected costs. It might be the extra insurance you choose for windscreen and tyres on your rental car. That cool adventure that you didn’t know about beforehand but would LOVE to experience. Some game reserves and private lodges encourage tipping for staff and game rangers. In addition you may be asked for donations (optional) to anti-poaching causes and local charities. Then there is always the curio shop and the airport souvenirs calling your name. It helps to have an extra kitty so you are able to contribute and join in where you choose to, and to allow you make the best choices for your trip of a lifetime.

Choose Your Attire Carefully

As much as we love some good wedding fashion, we also need to be mindful that we are going to be in the African bushveld. Safari wedding photographer reporting for duty again… and this time it is my duty to remind you that comfort is key. So are layers, because whilst your ceremony might be hot hot hot, it also can get exceptionally cold sitting in a boma out under the African sky at night.

I’m not here to recommend things like wearing traditional veldskoen (flat leather shoes). I am, however, going to gently remind you that block heels and optional layers that provide warmth will 10x your experience.

I am also going to lay it down… long tulle wedding dresses will catch every last bit of dry grass. Every. single. one. Which is great because you will also have a host of grasshoppers stuck in there to feed haha!

Get Comfortable with Being in a remote location

As a safari photographer who has travelled throughout Africa, I’d say 10-15% of the overall areas have cell phone reception. Beyond that, you’re going to be dependant on wifi at the main lodge. So get comfy with the fact that you’ll be out in the wilderness, and out of range for large parts of the day.

I always give my family the phone number of the lodge I am staying at so they will be able to get hold of someone at reception if they need me. The game rangers are also in constant communication with reception using radios, and can get a message to you at any point.

Ask if you are allowed to get out of the safari vehicle for wedding photos

This is a biggie – having all your wedding photos in a vehicle is incredibly tricky. However, the lodges are usually ok with wedding couples getting out of the vehicle. This is because you will be with a game ranger who has info, skills and a weapon.

However, if you are eloping in a self-drive reserve, you will usually not be allowed to get out of the vehicle.

Hire an experienced safari photographer who understands the bush

I am an experienced safari photographer and I can absolutely, with 100% certainty, say that the personality, attitude and expertise of your wedding photographer will go a loooong way to enhancing your experience. Having a safari photographer who is undoubtedly adaptable and can make a plan in any weather, under any circumstances, and with any change of plans (or animals), is one of the best choices you can make. I am so proud that over 350 couples have trusted me with their wedding photographs, and I would absolutely LOVE to join you on your wedding day to bring all of your dreams to life. Your adventure of a lifetime deserves to be documented with care, with happiness, and by someone that you feel totally comfortable with.