Farm offers alpaca weddings: Animals don bow ties to mingle with guests
Lower Bush Alpacas, a farm located near Rochester, UK, has introduced a unique offering that has captured the hearts of couples looking to tie the knot. Jon and Jameela Savage, the owners of the farm, have started hosting wedding ceremonies featuring their adorable alpacas. What started as a one-time request has now turned into a popular service, with nine alpaca weddings held so far and more planned for the upcoming season.
The alpaca weddings at Lower Bush Alpacas have become a hit among animal lovers and couples seeking a touch of magic for their special day. The farm offers various packages, ranging in price from nearly $500 to over $900. The most popular package is the “mingling with alpacas” option, which allows guests to interact with two or three alpacas. During the ceremony, the alpacas are fed by the guests and accompanied by the newlyweds as they take a leisurely stroll.
Jon, 42, shared his enthusiasm for these furry wedding guests, saying, “They love meeting people and having a treat—it’s just brilliant.” What started as a small alpaca venture in 2019 with just one animal has now grown to a herd of 15. While guests often take selfies with the alpacas, the couple themselves also capture professional photos with their new, woolly friends.
The surprise factor is a major highlight of these alpaca weddings. Jon explained, “I think some couples surprise their guests—we arrive and walk out with our wonderful alpacas, and the guests’ faces light up.” The alpacas are adorned for the occasion, wearing wreaths and bow ties, adding an extra touch of charm to the celebration. Their genuine enjoyment of the festivities is evident, making the experience even more delightful for everyone involved.
Alpacas are known for their inquisitive nature and simplicity. During the ceremonies, all they require is enough room to move around and some grass to munch on. Jon mentioned, “As long as where we take them there’s enough room and there’s grass, they love nibbling the grass and saying hello to the guests.” The couples who choose to include these “inquisitive” creatures in their big day are thrilled with the unique and unforgettable memories they create.
For Jon and Jameela, the farm and alpaca weddings have become a family affair. The couple, along with their two children, Freddie (4) and Harry (7), reside just a short distance away from the farm. Jon fondly recalls how the surrounding areas, where they now walk the alpacas, were his playground as a child. He expressed his joy, saying, “It’s even more magical that I’m now walking alpacas and running a business from here, especially with my two young kids.”
Lower Bush Alpacas has successfully combined the love for alpacas with the joy of weddings, creating a truly unique and memorable experience for couples and their guests. With the adorable alpacas donning bow ties and wreaths, these weddings are filled with warmth, charm, and an undeniable touch of whimsy.
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