Looking for safari wedding inspiration? Whether you are jetting off to South Africa to get married at a picturesque camp or lodge, or perhaps having a safari themed wedding here in the UK, you are sure to be inspired by this incredible styled shoot at Port Lympne, Kent (please see credits / list of suppliers at the end of the blog post).
Photo Credit: 'By Emma Olivia'
Love is a wild adventure, and what better way to embark on your journey together, than with a destination wedding, allowing your guests to enjoy a unique experience, surrounded by stunning scenery, the sounds of the bush, majestic animals and endless possibilities when it comes to photo opportunities!
Safari weddings have gained popularity in recent years for their unique blend of adventure, romance, and nature. In this blog post, we'll explore the magic of getting married on safari, from colour schemes, cakes and flowers to ideas for your wedding invitations, place cards and menus. And of course, lots of inspiration for your wedding photography - all with the help of 'by Emma Olivia' Photography and a fabulous team that brought this styled shoot to life.
Credits: Dress: @coastfashion x @sophiehabboo | Shoes: @charlottemillsshoes
Can you get married on safari?
First of all, a safari wedding isn't just about the location; it's about the entire experience. Here's what you can expect…
Safari Wedding Ceremony Locations
Swap the traditional church or chapel for a one-of-a-kind spot to say I do. Port Lympne has a fabulous garden pergola tucked away in the whispering walled garden - it is 100% one of the most romantic settings to exchange your vows. Afterwards, your guests head to the beautifully-tiered terraces of the walled garden for a celebratory glass of fizz.
Safari Wedding Colours
With an abundance of beautiful wild animals and plants, there are some gorgeous shades to inspire your wedding colour scheme. Varying shades of brown look fab - think beige and Champagne paired with dusty brown and caramel, with a pop of dusty rose to balance it out.
For the wedding party, neutrals or dusty rose work well for bridesmaids dresses. While linen suits in shades of tobacco, russet, coffee or khaki work well for the groomsmen. Linen wedding suits are a great choice for destination weddings as the fabric is breathable in hot weather.
Safari weddings lend themselves well to mixing up textures. Don't be afraid to incorporate metallics such as copper and gold or natural materials such as raw wood, linen, cheese cloth or macramé decorative items.
Safari Wedding Stationery Inspiration
Destination weddings lend themselves well to bespoke wedding stationery, the location, venue and styling often provide lots of inspiration for the wedding invitations. Whether that may be incorporating a custom venue illustration, bespoke wedding crest, or just inspo for the colours, embellishments and envelopes. Commissioning a venue illustration is a great way to tie everything together, and most safari wedding venues look fab in watercolour! Below is a folded wedding invitation featuring a watercolour painting of Port Lympne and an illustrated Order of Events inside. The giraffe is also a nod to the safari wedding venue that was hosting the styled photoshoot.
Folded wedding invitations are great for destination weddings. The right hand panel is the perfect place to share timings of your ceremony, wedding breakfast, reception and any experiential events taking place.
Shop Safari Wedding Invitations >>>
Credits: Stationery: @splendidswan
Bespoke wedding stationery is all about fine details, so think about how your embellishments can help communicate your theme. Wax seals in nude, gold, copper or brown work well for safari weddings. Think about the stamp design too, you could opt for a custom stamp with monogram initials, or botanical leaves and wild animals will work well too.
The safari theme can also be incorporated into stationery for the day of your wedding. For example table names could be named after wild animals, your table plan could feature a subtle touch of leopard print, and why not commission a custom crest for your welcome sign? The wedding crest could incorporate your colour scheme, elements that are special to you as a couple and perhaps a giraffe, lion or tiger to represent your unique wedding location.
Above is a bespoke menu, I created for the Port Lympne photoshoot, featuring a copper wax seal with a botanical leaf, and a subtle watercolour splash in the background. There is also a simple silhouette outline of wild animals across the bottom. below we have wedding vows books, with deckled edges and ribbon, and gold wax seals with a custom monogram stamp of the couples' initials.
Intimate Safari Weddings
Destination weddings are often intimate affairs, with only close friends and family making the guest list! A smaller guest list, means more quality time with loved ones and time for fun activities on your wedding day. Port Lympne has intimate wedding packages for 20+ guests, in addition to packages for larger weddings.
Safari Wedding Styling
Go big on the flowers and foliage. Flower arches with dusty pink roses and lots of foliage, with decorative hurricane vases, lanterns and draped fabric look amazing with this theme.
I was also in love with the bride's bouquet with beautiful cream and earthy tones, and some subtle tropical flowers incorporated - along with cream button holes for the groomsmen, which look fab with the brown suiting.
Credits: Styling, décor and florist: @atouchofkent
Wildlife Encounters
Now here’s for the best bit… Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of a safari wedding is the chance to see exotic wildlife up close. Elephants, lions, giraffes, and more may become unexpected guests at your celebration. We love that the bride and groom got to enjoy feeding the Rhinos during this fabulous styled shoot!
Experienced Guides
If you are incorporating a Safari tour during your wedding, rest assured that you'll have expert guides who ensure your safety while navigating the wilderness. They'll also provide invaluable knowledge about the local flora and fauna.
Unique Photography Opportunities
A safari wedding offers lots of unique photo opportunities, whether that be in and around the grounds, against a backdrop of the rustic wilderness or with some four-legged friends you may have met along the way; either way, you can be sure that your wedding photos will be completely different from the usual ceremony and reception shots you usually see.
Safari Wedding Detail Shots
And, don't forget the behind the scenes, getting ready and detail shots that will make your wedding album complete!
Credits: Cake @rtcakes
Suppliers of Styled Shoot
Please find the suppliers involved in the styled photoshoot below. You can find the over on Instagram, their handles are below...
Photography/planning: @weddings.by.emma.olivia
Venue: @portlympneweddings @portlympnepark
Styling, decor and florist: @atouchofkent
Makeup: @bridalbybarbaraayisi
Hair: @prettypleasebykatie
Cake: @rtcakes
Stationery: @splendidswan
Dress: @coastfashion x @sophiehabboo
Shoes: @charlottemillsshoes
Veil: @rebeccaannedesigns
Jewellery: @sarahrobertslondon
Models: @raeclarke_ and Jamal