by AdminSoa
November 18, 2013

In the search of unique wedding destinations, it’s difficult to do better than the Serengeti. Or Zanzibar. Or a Maasai village. But surprisingly, it’s also hard to beat these locations in cost.

CNN Money reported that the average U.S. wedding in 2012 was $28,400, not including the honeymoon. However, for just a quarter of that cost, leading safari companies like Shadows of Africa, based in Arusha, Tanzania, can offer Serengeti weddings with a honeymoon safari and beach trip to Zanzibar and surrounding islands. Throw in international flight tickets, and couples still find themselves at less than half of the U.S. average, plus they’ve incorporated a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience.

Of course, a wedding with a Serengeti backdrop is just one option Shadows of Africa offers. In addition to a wide variety of safari destinations, you could also get married on Kilimanjaro, or have a Maasai chief perform a traditional tribal ceremony, or maybe say your vows in a hot air balloon ride or on a semi-private island near Zanzibar.

Destination weddings in Africa are particularly popular for second marriages, which are typically smaller and more private, or when a couple’s family and friends are far-flung and the event can act as a reunion. Because the safari company or hotel takes care of most of the details, from pre-wedding planning straight through to the honeymoon, the occasions require less stress in planning, whether you’re creating a luxury experience or just camping out.

Take a look at our  wedding / honeymoon safari itineraries:

Safari honeymoon or weddings in Serengeti and other Tanzanian national parks are specially prepared for newly weds:

  •  locations in secluded,
  • private yet secure luxury tents or lodges,
  • with bush candlelit dinners in the evening where couples can enjoy wilderness and romantic moments.

Most popular safari wedding/ honeymoon choice is 5 day honeymoon/ wedding integrated safari itinerary aimed to provide the best of safari adventure in 5 full days and 4 nights in rustic African luxury lodges or tented camps.

Experienced safari driver takes couple to safari with private safari roof top vehicle, which is also their guide during the exciting safari tour.

On first day depending on the season, they visit Lake Manyara or Tarangire national park to warm up for more exciting and amazing Serengeti, which is highlight of safari and a wedding venue on the next couple of days.

We recommend Serena Serengeti Lodge where you can choose to have arranged authentic Maasai ceremony accompanied by Maasai warriors and dancers as well as local chief to bless the ceremony, and a traditional wedding dance or singing display.

Other alternatives of safari wedding include a classic ‘Out of Africa' wedding under canvas in the bush - complete with campfires, hurricane lamps and a traditional safari supper. Of course lodge will take care of all wishes and additional requests, see below which services are usually included in typical safari wedding. ++

·      Professional wedding planner, who will arrange all the details of the service.

·      Meet and greet at the lodge, or at the airstrip with chilled ‘bubbly' ready to serve.

·       Beautiful luxury tent, with fruit, flowers and wine welcome.

·        Manicure, pedicure and hair-styling for her, hair-care for him.

·       Wedding bouquet, button-hole, and flowers for her hair.

·       A magical ceremony in the bush, by the pool or in the grounds.

·        Bubbly toast and cutting of your tailor-made cake.

·        Wedding photographs (72 presented in a special album)

·        Candle-lit dinner for two.

·        Honeymoon breakfast for two - served to five-star standard with ‘bubbly'.

 

Additional services not included in the wedding cost ++

  • The wedding banque
  • Pre-wedding cocktails
  • A themed wedding cake of  choice
  • Champagnes, wines and soft drinks
  • Themed menus
  • Table decorations to match the bridal theme
  • Floral displays
  • Pre-wedding beauty for the bride
  • Pre-wedding massage for bride and groom
  • Accommodation for the bridal party
  • Honeymoon suite
  • Honeymoon choices
  • Authentic Swahili wedding
  • Registrar and all official paperwork

Documentation required ++

  • Full name, address, occupation and religion/belief
  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificates
  • A letter from legal organization (church, lawyer, doctor or civil registrar from their country) confirming that both parties are not married or if divorced, original proof of the degree of absolute
  • Original death certificate in the case of a widow/widower
  • Original proof if name changed by deed poll
  • Under 18 years, evidence of consent of parents is required in the form of affidavit by a notary public.

++ Please note inclusion of services depends on the selected lodge, this list is only informational

 On day three wedding in Serengeti, accompanied with game drives and activities chosen by couple.

Day four – couple still enjoying vast plains of romantic Serengeti,  on this day it is Possible to include early morning hot air balloon ride, which starts before breakfast at dawn and ends with champagne breakfast.

On last, fifth day newly weds are taken from Serengeti to the eight wonder of the world Ngorongoro crater for amazing game drive and last chance to spot big 5!

After the end of safari couple can choose to continue   and celebrate their honeymoon on Zanzibar beaches or those seeking more privacy end exclusivity islands in the surrounding islands like Pemba, Mafia for perfect honeymoon retreat.

Wedding Venues - Ideal romantic places for the couples looking for something both unique and special unforgettable location!

  • Safari Wedding with Hot Air Balloon ride over Serengeti
  • Maasai Style Wedding with traditional Maasai ceremony
  • Beach & Coastal Wedding (Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia Island)
  • Private Beach Wedding
  • Historic Ruins in Zanzibar
  • On board a Traditional Sailing Dhow

Are you interested in an African safari?

Contact one of our safari experts and we will tailor-make a safari for you!

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