MalaMala Safari Wedding Ideas - MalaMala offers a unique destination for your African Safari Wedding – one that will never be forgotten.

For the couple who seeks an intimate destination, without “frills” but with a heart of warm African hospitality, beautiful sunsets, panoramic views and beautiful accommodation – MalaMala is the place for romance.

Some points for consideration are listed below:

THE MINISTER
We are able to make arrangements for a non-denominational minister to perform your wedding ceremony. He is based in Nelspruit and is able to travel to MalaMala on any day of the week except Sunday.

A fee will be charged for the Minister’s services which covers his travelling expenses and a donation to his church. In addition, he would require the following before performing the ceremony for you:

• A meeting with you, of at least one hour, prior to the wedding

• A copy of your identity book or passport

• A copy of the Divorce Decree (if this is a second marriage) or a Death Certificate (if your previous spouse is deceased)

• A copy of your ante-nuptial Contract

THE CEREMONY
As stated in legislation, the wedding ceremony must be performed in a “house-like” structure. We would be able to arrange for the legal ceremony to take place in a suitable location at the camp.

Two witnesses are required for the marriage ceremony. MalaMala staff members will gladly attend should you not have witnesses of your own.

A wonderful touch, once nuptials are complete, is a shower of confetti in the form of bougainvillea leaves. In the spirit of conservation, no paper confetti is permitted.

A pre-located bush venue could be sourced for the second less formal ceremony/ reception if required.

The Shangaan staff from MalaMala will provide the choral background with traditional African wedding songs. Their voices and harmony are renowned.

Snacks are provided on a complimentary basis. Champagne is an additional charge. We will gladly furnish you with our extensive wine and champagne list.

On return to the camp, a special Boma dinner is served in the company of fellow guests and staff. If something a little more intimate is what you prefer, a private candle-lit meal may be set up on the deck of your suite.

FLOWERS
We are able to arrange the flowers for your wedding and would be pleased to obtain a quotation from a florist situated in Nelspruit.

We would require the following information from you before doing so:

• The colour and size of the bridal bouquet required (if you have a preference as to the type of flowers used, please let us know).

• The colour and quantity of buttonholes required

• The quantity and type of floral arrangements required for the ceremony and/ or reception.

It must be remembered that MalaMala is in a remote location. Flowers which are more sensitive should be excluded, as the lengthy transfers between florist and camp could result in damaged or wilted blooms.

Seasonality must also be taken into account. Our summer months are very hot and delicate flowers stand the risk of an untimely demise.

WEDDING CAKE
The MalaMala chef is able to bake a simple chocolate or vanilla cake provided on a complimentary basis Should you provide something more elaborate, we would be happy to arrange the this on your behalf. Before obtaining a quotation from a local supplier we would require specification as to:

• How many guests would be present at your wedding

• Whether a traditional wedding cake or a more simple chocolate cake is required

• The colour and design preferred

PHOTOGRAPHY
The rangers at MalaMala would be pleased to film your wedding and take photographs for you. The camera/ video recorder would be provided, but film/ video cassettes would be for your own account.

Should you prefer that the photographs and video are professionally done, we would be pleased to obtain a quotation from an audio-visual company based in Nelspruit. Please be advised that should the crew require overnight accommodation, the cost thereof would be for your own account.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
We strongly suggest that you arrive at least a day prior to the planned marriage ceremony. This will enable you to get to know the staff and to discuss any last minute concerns with the camp management.

• The minister will arrive in time to meet with you over lunch on the deck. This informal meeting will allow you all to get to know each other prior to the actual ceremony.

• At approximately 15h30, the “House” ceremony would be performed in the presence of 2 witnesses, or the whole wedding party. The venue would be determined based on the number of wedding guests.

• You will then be transferred to a carefully chosen area in the bush in open safari vehicles where vows would be exchanged under the guidance of the minister. The Shangaan staff will sing before and after the ceremony - whilst the surrounding birds and insects provide a bushveld melody.

• Snacks and champagne will be provided in the bush.

• You and your guests depart on an evening game drive.

• On return to the camp, a sumptuous dinner around a blazing fire would be served in the traditional African Boma,

Please note; the above is merely a guideline to assist you in the planning of your wedding. We would be pleased to consider any other suggestion you may have for your wedding.

Book your African Safari Wedding at MalaMala or contact us for information on other safari wedding destinations.

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