WEDDING BLOG

After falling in love with the breathtaking wildlife sanctuary, landscaped terrace gardens, and the pink courtyard of Port Lympne, Lucy and Arran knew they’d found the perfect venue for their summer safari wedding. With the help of their talented vendor team, the couple created a romantic atmosphere that beautifully complemented the picturesque setting using a soft swoon-worthy color palette, dreamy florals, and adorable animal accents. It was definitely a luxurious and elegant take on a safari-themed wedding.

Even though they originally planned for a courtyard ceremony and had to move indoors because of the rain, the hand-painted animal murals in the Spencer Room were a fitting backdrop for the pair’s vow exchange. Thankfully, the rain stopped just in time for a fun confetti exit. The elegant reception that followed featured a dramatic greenery wall with delicate flowers and arched mirror windows, crystal chandeliers, and stunning arrangements of fresh blooms and feathery pampas.

Of course, their celebration wouldn’t be complete without a sunset safari tour. Talk about going beyond expectations for an unforgettable experience! From the mariachi band and surprise gorilla entrance to the animal-themed signs and giraffe toppers, their big day was filled with playful details that made their wedding memorable. Scroll through these gorgeous images by Courtney Marie Photography to see what we mean. 

The Couple:

Lucy and Arran

The Wedding:

Port Lympne, Kent, England

Why A Safari Wedding At Port Lympne

We went glamping and on a VIP safari in the Bear Lodges of Port Lympne for my mum’s 50th birthday and fell in love with the place. The pink Moroccan courtyard was absolutely stunning, and the different animal accommodations were so cool. We stayed in the treehouses on our wedding night, which was incredible.

Wedding Advice From The Newlyweds: Be Prepared For Mishaps But Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

You’ll imagine your wedding over and over again in your head but expect the unexpected and go with the flow. My wedding cake smashed in the car on the way to the venue, and it rained as I was halfway down the aisle, and we all had to move inside. None of those small things mattered on the day, and they actually made it more memorable. Not everyone will agree with your ideas. There may be disagreements but go with your gut. It’s your day. Make it yours and remember it forever.

All The Well-Thought-Out Safari-Themed Details 

We are most proud that it was unique and reflected our personal style. We wanted the wedding to be original and unforgettable. The safari theme and little details like the giraffe cake topper and animal cufflinks were so much fun to plan. I spent months narrowing down what flowers would be in the arrangements and if the color scheme of the bridesmaids’ dresses would match well, and it just turned out to be so beautiful. We ended the day with a VIP Safari with all the guests, which was pretty special. 

Safari-Themed Wedding Favors And Surprises To Entertain Their Guests

We gave out little mints in safari pots with giraffes on them to go with the theme, along with personalized fans as it was summer. My husband also dressed up in a gorilla outfit and ran into the reception, picked me up, and kissed me. He even did his speech wearing a gorilla costume. 

Congratulations to Lucy and Arran on their elegant summer safari wedding at Port Lympne. And many thanks to Courtney Marie Photography for capturing all the beautiful details and memorable moments.

Drawing inspiration from your venue and choosing a color palette or decor that beautifully blends with the surroundings can elevate your wedding aesthetic from good to great. The magic of an elegant wedding like this one is in putting together meaningful elements and creating a cohesive theme without going over the top.