Adventurers Elope in Africa

Travel is like love, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.” — Pico Iyer

As one adventure ended, a new experience began. Chelsea and Nathan completed their year-end expedition through Africa with a dreamy South African elopement. Amidst African landscapes and the wildlife of the Greater Kruger it was the perfect pièce de résistance.

Participating in your special day as an elopement photographer and capturing these special moments of your shared journey was a pleasure. Chelsea and Nathan, you live your love through adventure and a free-spirited passion for life. May your future continue to overflow with laughter and great experiences. Enjoy the pictures.

In a life of bustle and chaos, it is possible to escape to a place of indulgent tranquillity to soak in those special moments truly. It means breaking the rules and getting down to the essence of what matters to you. Your wedding is about you and your partner, the love you share, and your journey together.

An African Safari Elopement is one of those breathtaking occasions where the world seems to come to a standstill, and all of nature is a witness to special love. Vast plains reflect the expanse of a journey ahead and scenic beauty complements the relationship you already share.

For Nathan and Chelsea, evening storms cooled the summer heat and filled the rivers just before their special day. Panoramic plains were the backdrop to their intimate ceremony, and they said I do’s at the dawn of a new day with monkeys as their nearby observers.

Eloping in South Africa

Many beautiful private lodges around the Sabi Sands, the Klaserie drift and the greater Kruger National Park can simplify all the drama surrounding wedding planning. Each with a unique style and flair for interpreting the African bushveld. It’s a way to remove the noise and focus on the two of you. I have not been to a lodge that hasn’t had the most fantastic staff and guides. Ever friendly and super helpful, and nearly everyone has an intimate knowledge of the bush in which they live.

The following venues fit this brief and come highly recommended:

Misava Safari Camp is a real gem. Small and intimate with a setting in the Klaserie Drift Private Game Reserve with boundless African plains spreading beside the meandering river. What better way for this adventurous couple to celebrate their life together than by embarking on a post-vow safari game drive with champagne and cake naturally part of the deal.

Chitwa Chitwa, with their uncomplicated yet spacious rooms, are divine! They house modern accommodations with decks and private plunge pools overlooking the magnificent bushveld. They cater to an array of preferences; my bride even went for a workout in their gym before the ceremony, and traditional dancing ends the exciting game drives.

Lion Sands takes pride in delivering on experience. They are situated on a private game reserve and are home to the southern hemisphere’s highest and most diverse concentration of wildlife. Accommodation includes six lodges with an assortment of stays and all-inclusive rates.

Return Africa is the ultimate African Safari at the Pafuri Tented Camp in Northern Kruger. They offer African escapes in various locations and are the ideal place to host your ceremony. Because they situate alongside the river, there are endless opportunities for fantastic animal sights, and you can hear the hippos nearby.

How would you like to spend your wedding day?

You can go on a hike, take a boat trip, watch wildlife across South African landscapes or stop at your favourite picnic spot before ending the day dancing under the moonlight. Whatever your preference, anything goes.

This day should reflect who you are. Nathan and Chelsea travelled from the north of Africa down south to end their eventful expedition in a unique celebration. With many ups and downs along their journey, their elopement in true African Safari style was all about celebrating each other and the magic they have together.

Safari elopements shine in simplicity. Chelsea’s stylishly simplistic dress was a perfect choice for an African summer’s day, accentuating her beauty in comfort and elegance.

Wedding Day Safari

Thanks to Louise from Runaway Romance, who assisted in piecing the wedding day together. She specialises in small, non-traditional weddings, elopements and destination weddings in South Africa. With her know-how on elopements, there was no better person to have on board. And her own words, “Less hype, more happy” was indeed the case.

Nathan and Chelsea’s wedding day was closed beneath crimson skies, and as the full moon appeared over the horizon. They shared sundowners and bubbly and savoured uninterrupted and breathtaking moments overlooking the entire reserve.

Be in the Moment

Do you dream of getting married in the whispers of a secluded setting? Yes?

Then eloping in South Africa is your type of wedding.

More than worrying about a venue or guests, an intimate elopement gives you the opportunity for closeness and authenticity without the fear of becoming absorbed in a myriad of details. Rather than feeling stressed about hosting the biggest party you’ve ever organised, you’re in the moment and can fully feel and comprehend that you’re getting married. You have the opportunity to pause and embrace every single moment together because, as Emily Dickinson once said, “Forever is composed of nows.”

Elopement in Africa, especially South Africa, unveils magic. And, as a photographer, I treasure part-taking in celebrations and capturing the instants of any intimate wedding. Contact me if the idea of a private ceremony enveloped in robust African beauty appeals to your view of the perfect day, and let’s make your magic happen.

Any wedding day is incomplete without the support of the vendor’s skill. A mention and big thank you to them for the following:

Venue: Misava Safari Camp, Klaserie Drift Safari Camps | Videographer: Randlehoff Media | Officiant: Johan Janse van Rensburg | Hair: Beautiful Exchange Artistry | Planner, Co-Ordinator, Decor and Flowers: Runaway Romance

Wedding day safari

The setting at Misava Safari Camp in the Klaserie Drift Private Game Reserve was one of boundless African plains spreading beside the meandering river. What better way for this adventurous couple to celebrate their life together than by embarking on a post-vow safari game drive. Of course, a little champagne and cake are naturally part of the deal.

Thanks to Louise from Runaway Romance who assisted in getting the wedding day pieces together. She specializes in small, non-traditional weddings, elopements and destination weddings to South Africa. There really was no better person to have on board, knowing exactly what it is that elopements are all about and making those very dreams come true. In her own words, “Less hype, more happy!”. And it was indeed.

Be in the moment

More than worrying about a venue or guests, an intimate elopement gives you the opportunity for closeness and authenticity without the fear of becoming absorbed in a myriad of details. Rather than feeling stressed about the particulars of hosting the biggest party you’ve ever organized, you’re in the moment and can fully feel and comprehend the fact that you’re getting married. You get the chance to pause and embrace every single moment together. As Emily Dickinson once said, “Forever is composed of now’s.”

Nathan and Chelsea’s wedding day came to a close as the skies turned crimson and the full moon appeared over the horizon. Sundowners and bubbly were shared as breath-taking moments were savoured from the hilltop gazing over the entire reserve. Now that’s what I call ‘being in the moment’.