Ugab Terrace Namibia Elopement Photos

Niklas & Jessica booked their elopement through the hunting outfit where they stayed in Namibia. This meant that I had never met them until the elopement day. Until then I only had snippets to work from. Snippets that sounded like: “They are very relaxed”, “They are easy-going” and They love Namibia!”

And so, feeling whole unprepared I arrived at Münsterland Guest Farm and Venue where they were staying for the elopement. Given a choice between the quaint chapel at Münsterland and the rocky edges of the Ugab River, Niklas and Jessica did not think twice – they wanted to be out in nature and enjoy the sunset from this incredible viewpoint while getting married! The probability of wind did not scare them, and at around 5 pm we started heading out to the viewpoint.

Niklas & Jessica’s Ugab Terrace Namibia Elopement Session

Niklas and Jessica chose to spend the day apart, each getting dressed on his own. From about 4 pm, the excitement was tangible. Jessica was so excited. Niklas, on the other hand, was incredibly nervous. AW, his host, did his best to calm Niklas’s nerves with a good shot of whiskey and a few on the jokes side. When I got back to Jessica, she was looking more beautiful than ever – glowing with excitement.

The viewpoint is on one of the edges of the Ugab Terrace and as the sun started finding its path down, the wind picked up. It rattled and howled around the stone pillars, but the two doves paid little attention. The sermon was heartfelt and beautiful. Tears rolled down both faces as they listened.

Vows were said, rings were exchanged and a first kiss as Mr. & Mrs. We got ready to shower them with leaves and love with the Ugab Terrace as a silent witness as the wind carried the leaves over them. They opened the beers and a big cheer went out to the newlyweds.

Niklas has a fear of heights, and as we edged closer to the ledge, Jessica held out a hand of support. I felt touched… the hunter is only the hunter if he has support and strength to back him up. And Niklas has found his strength in Jessica.

Sharing this intimate little ceremony with Niklas & Jessica on the edge of the Ugab Terrace is not something I’ll forget any time soon. As we drove back to the guest farm, the two lovers had little to say to anyone on the game drive vehicle – they had lots of catching up to do, dreams to share and plans to make.

Looking Back

Looking back at this elopement I know that there are things that I would have done differently had I known them that little bit better before their special day. I may have been able to ease Niklas’s nerves if we had met before or even just connected over a call. I know I would have felt more prepared if I had met Jessica and known what she expected or hoped to receive from the photos.

But we all learn as we embrace life. And this session was all about embracing life, and finding our own rhythm and creating our own paths.

Münterland Guest Farm & Venue at Ugab Terrace, Namibia

Situated about 30km from Outjo on the Khorixas Road, Münsterland is located on the edge of the Ugab Terrace. Münsterland is a working farm offering guests a unique Namibian experience.

Guests stay in one of four self-catering chalets built on the edge of the valley or on the campsites a little further away. The venue offers a beautiful chapel and stunning hall for weddings, but, if you are a wild child and prefer the open outdoors with stunning views, then the viewpoint is your elopement location.

For more information on Münsterland read my blog post here.

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