Wildly in Love: Alanna & Alex’s Safari Wedding at Port Lympne

A romantic, adventure-filled celebration with heartfelt moments, stunning styling, and a real safari on the big day.

When Alanna and Alex tied the knot at Port Lympne, they blended romance, elegance, and adventure in the most magical way. From emotional moments with family to a real-life safari on their wedding day, every detail reflected their love story and unique vision.

The Venue

How did you choose your venue?

We chose our wedding venue after visiting for Alex’s mum’s 70th birthday, where we stayed one unforgettable night in Tiger Lodge and another in Rhino Lodge. It was during that visit that we completely fell in love with the reserve—the animals, the views, and the breath-taking landscapes. But most of all, it was the animals that stole our hearts.

Did you see many venues before deciding?

We visited several parks offering similar vibes, but Port Lympne stood out. It had a touch of class, was beautifully curated, and just felt right for the kind of day we wanted to create. Everything about it worked—it captured the magic, the heart, and the wild spirit we were dreaming of.

Why was it the perfect venue for your wedding day?

Port Lympne was the perfect wedding venue for us—not just because of its stunning scenery, but because it offered something truly unique. We originally chose the Moroccan Courtyard for a more intimate day, but as weddings do, our numbers grew… and so did our vision.

What made Port Lympne so special was how effortlessly it brought everyone together—family, friends, and children. It gave us the space, the atmosphere, and the magic we didn’t even know we were searching for. Where else do you get to go on a safari on your actual wedding day? It was everything I dreamed of and more—wild, wonderful, and completely unforgettable.

The Outfits

I chose my dress knowing instantly it was the one. It felt like it belonged at Port Lympne—classy, pretty, and perfectly in tune with the natural beauty of the venue. Every detail was chosen with that same vision in mind.

The suits were styled in varying shades of green to complement the surroundings, and the bridesmaid dresses followed suit—elegant greens and soft, leafy tones that echoed the foliage all around us. It was important to me that everything felt effortless, natural, and beautiful—and it truly did.

My dress was from Amelia’s Bridal in Clitheroe.

The Ceremony

My favourite moment of the ceremony was, without question, walking down the aisle with my dad. Just weeks before, he’d been diagnosed with cancer and undergone major surgery. Right up until the day before the wedding, we didn’t know if he’d be able to come. But a miracle happened—and I truly felt like the luckiest daughter on earth that day.

Seeing all of our children walk arm in arm ahead of me, and then standing beside the person I love, ready to become husband and wife… it was more emotional than words can say. There wasn’t a dry eye in the pergola. It was perfect in every way—full of meaning, love, and unforgettable moments.

The Reception

The Food

We were spoiled for choice when it came to food—and our guests haven’t stopped raving about it since! That was another big reason we chose Port Lympne. Every time we’ve eaten here, it’s been unreal—delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. From canapés to the wedding breakfast, every bite lived up to the day itself: unforgettable.

The Cake

Our cake was made by the incredibly talented Lyndsey at Cake It or Leave It—and it was absolutely beautiful. Not only did it taste amazing, but it also matched our floral theme perfectly. Every flower on the cake reflected the arrangements I had lovingly made myself for our wedding day, which made it feel even more personal and special. It was a real showstopper and the perfect finishing touch to our celebration.

The Speeches

The speeches were unforgettable—each one filled with love, laughter, and emotion.

My dad’s speech was, of course, the most emotional. After everything he had been through to be there, hearing his words meant the world to me. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Alex’s speech was just incredible. He spoke from the heart about each of our children and paid a beautiful tribute to his late dad, who sadly passed away several years ago. But the moment that truly gave everyone goosebumps was when, as Alex spoke about him, a door suddenly blew wide open—completely out of nowhere. We’re not exactly spiritual, but it was hard to ignore. It felt like someone very special had come to join us, even just for a moment.

And then, of course, there was the best man’s speech—which had everyone in stitches! He didn’t hold back, sharing hilarious stories from Alex’s younger years and some of his more questionable antics. It was the perfect balance to the emotion of the day and left the room laughing through their tears.

The Styling & Decor

Alanna and Alex chose a palette of soft pinks, elegant greens, and classic whites—taking inspiration from the stunning Spencer Roberts Room and its hand-painted animal murals.

Every detail was thought through and linked in some way—nothing was random. From the flowers to the stationery, even down to the personalised shot glasses, everything tied into our theme.

We created a custom wedding leaflet—designed just like the kind you’d receive on a day out at the park! It included the order of the day, a park map, and all the key info they’d need to explore and enjoy the venue. The feedback was amazing—our guests absolutely loved it.

The flowers included pink roses, eucalyptus, baby’s breath, and succulents—arranged by Alanna herself, alongside stunning fresh blooms from SJ Luxury Shalinee.

One of the most heartfelt details was Alex’s buttonhole:

I included a tiny picture of his dad and nan inside—a quiet tribute to two very important people who couldn’t be there with us. So many guests noticed and commented on it. It was such a small detail, but it meant the world to him.

The Entertainment

Music played a central role in setting the tone. From a pianist at the ceremony to acoustic sets in the Moroccan Courtyard, to an all-out party with The Cosmic Girls and a DJ who even mixed in a round of bingo—it was a day full of surprises.

Every moment was planned with purpose. After returning from the safari (yes, an actual safari on our wedding day!), we gathered in the Moroccan Courtyard, and it was the most perfect setting.

Later in the night, the energy built and the dance floor was packed. It was the perfect blend of heartfelt, chilled, and absolutely wild by the end!

The First Dance

Our first dance was to Always Remember Us This Way from A Star Is Born. The film, the music, the emotion behind it all… it just speaks to me. Every time I hear those songs, I cry.

It felt even more special because we danced in the Moroccan Courtyard, the very place I fell in love with Port Lympne. When I first set eyes on it four years ago, I turned to Alex and said, ‘If you ever propose—this is the only place I’ll marry you.’ And I meant it.

The Photography

Choosing photography was one of the hardest decisions—until they met Jodi Hanigan.

She didn’t just take photos—she told a story. Her ability to guide the day with such calm, confidence, and warmth was unbelievable. She captured every emotion, every moment, and all the magic in between.

One of their favourite shots?

The one of us sitting on the sun loungers. It might not be the most traditional wedding shot, but it captures us perfectly—fun, relaxed, and so true to who we are.

They also had a content creator, Reel All About It, who gave them priceless behind-the-scenes memories almost instantly.

Highlights of the Day

It’s so hard to choose just one moment—but if I had to, it would be walking down the aisle with my dad. After everything he went through, just having him by my side felt like a miracle.

But honestly, the whole day was filled with highlights… from going on safari in my wedding dress, to dancing the night away under the stars, to sneaking off for that photo on the sun loungers that felt so us.

Advice for Other Couples at Port Lympne

• Trust your instincts—if you’ve fallen in love with Port Lympne, it’s for a reason.
• Plan early and communicate with the events team.
• Make the most of the unique spaces (especially the safari!).
• Visit more than once before the big day to help visualise everything.
• Book a content creator—you won’t regret it.
• Take a moment together to pause and soak it all in.

Suppliers

Now is the perfect time to secure your spring 2026 date.

With 20% off and so many reasons to love the season, your wedding at Port Lympne could be everything you imagined—and more.

Written by:

Stephanie Betts, Event Sales Manager
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

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