In South Africa, we have many wonderful options when it comes to weddings. We as a country are so different when it comes to weddings that we are always overwhelmed with ideas. I found that not many couples are actually thinking through about what they would like to see on their wedding photos but sometimes a change of location can be just the thing.
Today I give you some ideas for a wedding and/or engagement location for the prefect photos.
The local botanical garden/city park:
We are truly blessed with a beautiful landscape and each city and town in our country has something unique to offer. Many of the smaller, older towns has well-established parks with statues, old big trees and green lawns that can make beautiful background. Bring in a bit the culture background of our colourful past.
Botanical gardens are always in good condition not matter the season plus most botanical gardens have different types of habitats from a rain forest to semi rock gardens even natural herb section. In our botanical garden in Nelspruit, we are blessed to have a beautiful waterfall and the Nelspruit cascades which roar with thundering water falling over the rocks during our raining season.
These places are either free or a small gate fee but worth for a beautiful backdrop for your couple wedding photos.
Museums:
Not many people are thinking of a museum but in South Africa we do have a lot of cultures mixed into ours from across the world. From India, Germany, Nederlands, UK and more we have museums portraying those past days. This can work well with a wedding theme like vintage, antique or traditional “bore true” as they will call it. Remember not many photographers can pull it off so it’s important your photographer does their homework on this location.
Many museums have issues with sharp lights on their displays so keep it in mind. Outdoor museums like the first stock exchange in Barberton gives an all natural light. The Union Buildings in Pretoria has a big beautiful garden with the building as backdrop and even the Voortrekker monument on Proclamation Hill is a popular choice.
A landmark building:
This goes hand in hand with the museum idea. Many old cities and towns have beautiful churches that are over a 100 years old. Structures bring an old feeling to a town and many have well-established trees and gardens. This can also be a base for those family and wedding party photos.
Even photos taken in the empty streets of your hometown can be a fantastic new way to bring in the new with the traditional. Not many cities or towns streets are clean but if you look you will find something. Graffiti artists have the most amazing artwork and can work for a colourful back for the couple that likes the edge.
The bushveld:
Some parts of South Africa are blessed with still all natural bushveld. The plains differ from one end to the other and can be easily accessed. Or if you are getting married in the bush you can use it well to your advantage.
The same goes for a farm wedding. If you both love horses it is a great idea to incorporate them into your wedding photos. Just make sure you organised with the owners well in advantage. Remember animals and children have a mind of their own so it might not go as smooth as you would like.
A guest house:
You might not stay over at a guest house but if you love their garden or location you can call the manager and hear if it will be possible to take your wedding photographs there. Many have fantastic gardens and it can be something different for those traditional wedding photographs
Having wedding photos taken are a once in a lifetime moment thus it is a good idea to hire a professional photographer. Do your homework well and you will have a lasting memory on film about your beautiful day.
