Ben & Silje - Spitzkoppe -

NAMIBIAN Elopement

Ben contacted me early in September 2023 to enquire about a Spitzkoppe elopement photoshoot. We started chatting, and the emails turned into calls, then WhatsApps until we finally met on the 31^st of October at Spitzkoppen Lodge where they stayed.

It was a rushed meeting as the lifts organized for the other participants did not go as planned. But it gave Silje and me plenty of time to get to know each other and then to start taking photos as we drove to the meeting point.

Ben & Silje's Spitzkoppe Elopement at the Spitzkoppe In Namibia

Ben left early without having a peak at Silje. Being Scottish, Ben was dressed in his family kilt, proudly wearing his kilt on a very hot, but windy afternoon. After Ben left, Silje and I got chatting. Silje is from Norway, also an incredibly scenic country. But Namibia has stolen her heart with its often barren, wide-open landscapes. Taking a shortcut through the reserve, we had ample time for photos. We even found a few zebras eager to pose for us. I was getting nervous as I saw the sun sliding behind the Matterhorn. I firmly believe that Namibia does not have a golden hour – we have a golden 5-minutes and my five minutes of golden light was quickly sliding through my fingers.

We arrived at the designated spot. The arch wasn’t quite ready yet, so Silje and I walked a bit to take a few more photos… and then Ben gave the sign…

Spitzkoppe is one of the most beautiful settings imaginable to get married in. The sermon was beautifully curated and as the musician’s song voiced their love, I quietly got rid of my own tears… getting married this way, just the two of them at the foot of the Spitzkoppe in the late afternoon sun, perfection.

I looked up at the sky and realised a mad dash for light was in order. Ben navigated us on the single tracks towards The Arch as quickly as he could. As were a tad late, we made a serious run for it until we had only a steep climb between us and the arch. Every run and scary climb was worth it… the scenes that played out were more than I ever could have hoped for.

The next morning

As time wasn’t really on our side, we decided to return to the scene the next morning for a few more photos. The location where we had the ceremony was dashed in bright light but looking up I saw the full moon sliding out of sight – and I knew – this was another great opportunity.

We then departed to another part of the reserve where we took a few more photos.

Ben and Silje dropped me off at our campsite and we said our goodbyes.

Spitzkoppe Community Campsite

Situated between Swakopmund and Usakos on the D3716, the Spitzkoppe is more than an overnight spot. With an option to lodge or camp, the area offers something for everyone.

For more information and our experience at this underrated campsite, please see my blog post here: Spitzkoppe Namibia

Chat To Me | Namibian Elopement Photographer

My name is Mariëtte du Toit and when I’m not out and about on a photoshoot, I like to call myself a travel architect planning the best Namibian journeys. I absolutely love getting to know my couples, chatting to them about life, dreams and of course, their Namibian elopement.

If you plan on eloping in Namibia or southern Africa, I can help you plan and book your journey through this stunning country. Not only do I work for an internationally recognized travel agency, but I also absolutely love what I do. Check us out – ATI Holidays You won’t regret it.

If you would like me to document your elopement, and maybe even plan your journey to Namibia, click here!

Mariëtte is a Namibian photographer and Photography Guide. Available to Travel.