Have you ever dreamed of a safari wedding? Imagine saying “I do” under the soft shade of a Marula Tree, overlooking a dry riverbed with just the birdsong as a background chorus, or maybe a sunset wedding is on the cards as you exchange vows as the magnificent African sun, sets in a place so deeply connected to the earth and nature. When it comes to your dream wedding you can guarantee that celebrating your holy matrimony at Thornybush, one of the Top 12 Best Wedding Venues in the country is as close to magic as you’re going to get. And not just for you, the wedding couple, but for all your guests too.

Why celebrate for just one day when, in fact, your wedding could be a whole weekend of enjoying yourself with friends and family? This is just one aspect of what makes a safari wedding at Thornybush so unique and special; long days spent with people you love in a beautiful place celebrating the start of a new life.

The Magic of saying “I do” in Africa

There’s no doubt that a safari setting is one of the most luxurious and romantic locations in which to get married if you love the African bush as much as your partner.

Glorious sunrises and sunsets, pristine wilderness and prestigious exclusivity are all a part of the package when you book your wedding with Thornybush.

Aside from the traditional singers, spa treatments, exceptional field guides, memorable game drives and lingering sunset cocktails, we outline a few other reasons you should head for the bush on your wedding day.

Types of weddings 

If you can dream it, you can count on the team at Thornybush to make it happen. Thornybush has a number of incredibly beautiful wedding ceremony sites for couples to choose from, creating an evocative venue in a wild landscape surrounded by untamed Africa. Then, when the ceremony is over, you have the joy of returning to a luxury lodge for the reception, where no detail has been overlooked and where the setting perfectly complements the occasion.

Your choice of venue sets the tone for your event. Perhaps you picture yourself saying your vows under the shadow of an acacia tree amid the vast open savannah that is Africa. Maybe you prefer a more secluded ceremony in a dry riverbed with only an audience of whatever wildlife happens to be passing by. Perhaps you’d choose the sublime luxury of your lodge surroundings – whatever your choice, Thornybush will make your day picture-perfect.

“I do” at sunrise

It may seem a little on the untraditional side, but sunrise is the most magical time of the day in the bush. Imagine waking up with the morning chorus, being whisked away in your private vehicle to a magical spot deep in the African bush – just the two of you, binding your lives in a private elopement as Africa welcomes in a new day. 

“I do” at sunset 

One of our most popular wedding setups, which is able to accommodate bigger groups and a much more lavish affair. Spend the afternoon in the camp getting ready, while your guests enjoy a game drive to your secret wedding location. We’ll set up a bush bar, adorn your altar and wait for your arrival as the African sun dips into a golden hue. We couldn’t think of a better way to usher in your “I do”, ultimately customized by you. 

“I do” at the lodge 

Perhaps a bush wedding isn’t quite what you’re after, but you still dream of the magnificent backdrop of the African bush. Choose any one of our lodges as your wedding venue and we’ll take care of the rest. With beautiful views over the Monwana river beds, and watering holes teaming with wildlife; your wedding at our lodges is the perfect African-metropolitan affair. 

**All wedding receptions will take place at our lodges, but if you are after a purely African experience we are happy to envision a reception under the stars. 

Sit back and relax, we’ll take care of the setup

Weddings usually mean huge amounts of planning and organisation, but we can help alleviate this stress from the bride. With years of experience and expertise, we can run the entire wedding for you, helping organise all the logistical concerns, and giving guidance on decor ideas.  

Florists, marriage officers, photographers, make-up artists, DJs, cakes and so much more; we have a list of reliable and reputable suppliers who will come to the lodge and create all the magic for you on your special day. 

We are in the hospitality business and making sure guests have an enjoyable experience is what we do best – creating memorable weddings, is one of them. 

Make a weekend of it

What could be better than combining a big 5 safari with a beautiful wedding and making it last for a whole weekend? With more time to share experiences you can surprise your guests with a bush dinner, or special champagne sundowner the night before the big day. 

On the morning of your wedding, you can still jump on a game drive and enjoy all of nature’s wonders, before heading back to get ready for the ceremony. There are not many wedding venues that allow for watching elephants in the morning and dancing under the stars that night.

With daily airline connections from major South African cities, Thornybush is an unsurpassed wedding destination for local and international guests alike. With four world-class lodges to choose from Thornybush can accommodate groups of up to 70 guests. We offer a variety of unique and breathtaking venues that will help create the wedding experience of a lifetime.

Included in your luxury bush wedding package

• Officiant
• Wedding planner
• Wedding cake 
• Romantic touches
• Flowers
• Venue 

So let us start the journey together, we can make one of the most special days of your life even more extraordinary. Get in touch to find out more about our wedding packages.

Email: weddings@thornybush.com

Image credit: Shara Photography