We got married in the South African bush, in a private game reserve called Mongena in Dinokeng. At the time we were living in South Africa, so for us it felt like an extension of our everyday life. But for most of our family and friends, flying in from the UK (some just for the weekend), it was so much more.

Because people were travelling so far, we wanted them to get a real, snapshot of South Africa: the wildlife, the big skies, the warmth, and that immediate sense of calm you only really feel once you’re out in the bush.

Choosing Mongena in Dinokeng

We chose Mongena in Dinokeng, a malaria‑free private game reserve about a 60‑minute transfer from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. The short transfer was ideal: easy enough after a long-haul flight, but far enough into the bush that you genuinely feel “away”.

Our main bridal party and some family and friends stayed with us at Mongena, and there were plenty of surrounding accommodation options within the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Guests could choose something that suited their style and budget and still feel part of the wedding festivities.

We arranged shuttles using game viewers to take guests to and from the venue. Watching people arrive for a wedding in dresses and suits on the back of a safari vehicle is quite something.

Turning It Into a Wedding Weekend

If people were coming all the way from the UK, we didn’t want everything to start and finish in a single evening.

On the Friday night, guests were driven by game viewer to the open‑air Imvubu Boma beside the 28‑hectare Mongena Dam. Under a clear African sky, we had a relaxed buffet dinner and drinks around the fire. The crackle of the flames, the sounds of the hippos in the distance and a bit of travel‑induced giddiness made it a great ice‑breaker.

Later, African dancer entertainment set the tone for the rest of the weekend: relaxed, fun and very much rooted in where we were.

The Ceremony in the Bush

The ceremony took place at the unfenced Acacia bush site on the banks of the Pienaars River, with a tree‑top canopy as the backdrop. No elaborate décor, just the bush doing most of the work.The site is completely open, which added a little thrill for some guests. For others, it was reassuring to see rangers standing guard in the background, quietly making sure we were all safe so we could focus on the important bit.

Being surrounded by bushveld and birdsong instead of walls and ceilings made it feel like the landscape was part of the wedding.

Game Drive Photos (With Zebra Gate‑Crashers)

While our guests enjoyed their canapés in the bush, we headed out by game viewer with our photographer to get some couple shots.

We made our way to Mongena Dam for sunset. The light there that evening really delivered: soft oranges and golds reflected in the water, with free‑roaming animals in the distance. A small group of zebras wandered through at exactly the right time and now feature in some of our favourite wedding photos.

Fairy Lights, Fire and Dancing Under the Stars

When we got back to the main lodge, the sun had set and we were greeted by hundreds of fairy lights. Mongena has a trademark fire lighting ceremony, symbolising the beginning of a new life as husband and wife and signalling the start of the wedding celebrations. We moved into the Tshukudu Lapa for speeches and dinner, surrounded by friends, family and the sounds of the bush outside, then headed back out to dance the night away under the stars.

Ending the Day in the Honeymoon Suite

When we finally made it back to the honeymoon suite, we were met with a full romantic turndown: a candlelit bath already run, and red rose petals scattered around the room. After all the talking, photos and dancing, stepping into a quiet space with the sounds of the bush still just outside was exactly what we needed. For the first time all day it was just the two of us, and probably the first moment it really started to sink in that we were actually married.

If the idea of a destination‑style wedding is calling to you, whether in a game reserve, on a beach, or somewhere else that feels completely “you”, I’d love to help you explore what that could look like for you and your guests. When you’re ready to start imagining your own day, I am here to talk it through with you.