We recently had an amazingly wild-ish experience at an elopement wedding in Kenya. The entire event was held on a lugga right within a forest in Laikipia.
Besides other equally breathtaking locations in Kenya, Laikipia is one of the best wedding destinations in Kenya with a magical vibe you’ll not forget for a lifetime. It’s one of the fourteen counties within the rift valley region and one of the country’s forty seven counties.
Laikipia’s thrill probably lies in its mysticism, the regal Samburu and Maasai communities that call it home and the expansive serene green shrubs topped landscape teeming with diverse wildlife.
We were there over two days to set up for Claudia and James’ special destination safari wedding for about 64 guests.
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A peek into an elopement wedding in Kenya
The wedding venue: A hidden lugga in the wild
The wedding venue was a lugga at the bottom of the ridge of a small escarpment nestling Tassia Lodge, a luxury eco-tourism facility.
The couple chose the lugga as their wedding venue because it gives breathtaking views of ancient rock formations and the distant silhouettes of elephant herds moving across Lengishu plains.
But it was an arduous task getting there because it’s pretty remote. With the zero road network, we had to delicately navigate the trees and vegetation to find our way. We crossed a river and about two luggas at the risk of getting stuck and on arrival discovered there was absolutely no mobile phone network. Sheesh!
Our truck used the Isiolo route which is better than the Timau-Borana conservancy one. This one is pretty steep and can’t be accessed if you don’t have a proper off roader, because nothing else will do.
As the wedding decorators, we were a bit apprehensive incase it rained suddenly and our precious setup got swept away but we were assured by the lodge manager that it was a dry season and wouldn’t rain till probably later in the month.
Apparently, they also seek indication from elephant behavior on imminent rains or a change in weather patterns.
The ceremony:
The ceremony was set against the backdrop of the dry rocky waterfall overlooking the lugga’s long stretch.
The wedding arch consisted of driftwoods collected from the river bed then adorned with some white florals, remnants from the reception florals.
We didn’t set any chairs or furniture in this section because guests were either to stand or sit on the rocks for the hour long ceremony.
Chill zone: Nature inspired elegance
Once the vows were exchanged, guests moved to a shaded chill-out area we designed using hay bales draped in soft white linens, rustic barrels, and upcycled palette crates.
Because the day was hot (Laikipia sun is no joke from 10am to 3pm), the event kicked off around 4pm. As the golden hour set in, servers from Embark Restaurant passed around artisanal appetizers and handcrafted cocktails.
This part of the day was all about connection—guests mingling, toasting to love, and soaking in the surreal surroundings.
Reception: Dining under the Kenyan sky
This was the evening’s highlight.
We built an open metal frame draped with string lights that shimmered like a galaxy. Beneath it, long farmhouse tables and bentwood chairs were arranged in an elegant layout with layered textures, florals, and custom décor.
Claudia was particular about personalization. Each place setting had:
- A handcrafted raffia boho fringe placemat
- A folded ivory napkin with a name card
- A bespoke printed menu
These details mattered because she wanted every guest to feel seen.
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Menu: A 7-Course Culinary Journey
Dining in the wild doesn’t mean compromising on luxury. Enter Chef Dennis Ang’ani and his incredible team from Embark Restaurant.
They curated a farm-to-table, East African-European fusion menu featuring:
- A delicate amuse-bouche
- Soulful soup
- A fresh garden salad
- A fish course with tilapia from Lake Naivasha
- The main dish—slow-cooked lamb with local herbs
- An artisan cheese platter
- A decadent dessert finale
Each course was thoughtfully paired with wine and beverage options. The service was seamless, the laughter infectious, and the atmosphere unforgettable.
Accommodation
The lodge had cleared two campsites near the wedding lugga, one for the guests and the other for the vendors. The guests campsite featured well made beds with quality beddings, ablution facilities and furniture.
The vendor section was also pretty comfy with well made beds, separate ablutions and a common dining area.
Each campsite had different chefs catering generous servings of breakfast, lunch and supper.
Guests enjoyed hikes, game drives and had the additional comfort of accessing the lodge’s amenities that included an infinity pool overlooking the escarpment. Although they had to be shuttled back and forth due to the wildlife around the lodge.
All in all, it was a highly memorable and adventurous experience worthy of a repeat if it was even remotely possible!
Thank you Claudia and James, we wish you the very very best on your new journey together.
Why couples choose an elopement wedding in Kenya
Not every couple wants a ballroom or beach. Some crave adventure. Others seek soul. And many want to say “I do” under a sky unpolluted by city lights.
Kenya offers:
- Diverse terrains—beaches, savannahs, forests, deserts
- Rich culture—Maasai, Samburu, Swahili influences
- Privacy & intimacy—ideal for couples eloping or inviting a small guest list
- Wildlife encounters—giraffes at breakfast, elephants in the distance
- Customizable venues—lodges, riversides, cliffs, private conservancies
If you dream of a ceremony that feels like a sacred ritual in nature, then this is it.
Valuable Tips on How to Choose the Best Venue for Your Event
Sample a Traditional Kenyan Wedding
How much is an elopement wedding in Kenya?
The cost of a safari elopement in Kenya varies greatly depending on:
- Number of guests
- Location and accessibility
- Decor complexity
- Meals and accommodation
- Transportation and permits
Here’s a rough guide:
- Intimate elopement (2–10 people): Kshs. 500,000 – 1.5M (~$3,500 – $10,000)
- Mid-size destination wedding (20–60 guests): Kshs. 2M – 5M (~$13,000 – $33,000)
- Luxe safari wedding (60+ guests, multiple days): Kshs. 5M+ (~$33,000+)
Every elopement wedding in Kenya is different. We tailor-make budgets that align with your vision, style, and comfort.
What you need to know before planning an elopement wedding in Kenya
✅ Choose the right season: Dry months like July–October and January–February are ideal.
✅ Pick the right location: Consider accessibility, wildlife presence, views, and amenities.
✅ Plan for logistics: Transport, permits, security, medics, and communication support are vital in remote areas.
✅ Work with experts: Safari elopements require meticulous planning and on-ground experience.
✅ Understand local culture: Respect and incorporate local traditions to enrich your experience.
Take a Peek Into Our Wedding Planning Process
Work with us
At Lucidity Africa Events, we:
- Scout and recommend venues across Kenya
- Coordinate reliable, vetted vendors
- Handle permits, insurance, and guest logistics
- Curate décor and dining experiences that feel personal
- Offer budget guidance and contract management
- Provide full on-site coordination and contingency planning
We’re Nairobi-based and have executed weddings across Laikipia, the Maasai Mara, Lamu, Diani, Mt. Kenya, and more.
Ready to start planning your elopement wedding in Kenya? Contact us today and we’ll revert ASAP.
