Jon and Jameela Savage, the owners of Lower Bush Alpacas, located near Rochester, UK, had never offered a wedding ceremony at their farm — that is, until someone asked them to.
Since featuring their first service for lovebirds last year, they’ve hosted nine nuptials and have more lined up this season.
“It really does make some of the pictures really magical, especially if you’re an animal lover,” Jon, 42, told South West News Service. “Everyone just loves them.”
The farm offers a range of packages that cost anywhere from nearly $500 to over $900, the most popular being the “mingling with alpacas” package, which entails two or three of the South American mammals being fed by guests and walked by the newlyweds.
“They love meeting people and having a treat — it’s just brilliant,” Jon said of the alpacas. Wild Meadow Photography / SWNS
Jon and Jameela began their farm with just one alpaca in 2019 — now, they have 15. Wild Meadow Photography / SWNSWhile guests often snap selfies with the animals, the married couple take professional photos with their new furry friends.
“I think some couples surprise their guests — we arrive and walk out our wonderful alpacas and the guests’ faces light up,” Jon said.
Even the alpacas, who are dressed for the occasion in wreaths and bow ties, enjoy the nuptials.
Jameela, left, and Jon didn’t consider hosting weddings until engaged couples began inquiring. Jon Savage / SWNS
Two or three alpacas donning bow ties and floral wreaths around their necks are the guests of honor. Jon Savage / SWNS“They love meeting people and having a treat — it’s just brilliant.”
The “inquisitive” animals are simple creatures: They just need room and nibble on grass during the ceremony.
“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,” he said.
Jon said that couples are thrilled to include the “inquisitive” creatures in their big day. Jon Savage / SWNS
“I think some couples surprise their guests — we arrive and walk out our wonderful alpacas and the guests’ faces light up,” Jon said. Wild Meadow Photography / SWNS
Jon lives down the street from the farm with his wife and two children. Jon Savage / SWNSJon and Jameela, 38, got their first alpaca in 2019, but have since amassed 15 at the farm, on which Jon grew up.
Now, he lives five minutes away with his family, including their children Freddie, 4, and Harry, 7.
“All the surrounding areas where we walk the alpacas through the fields was my play area as a child,” Jon said. “It’s even more magical that I’m now walking alpacas and running a business from here, especially with my two young kids.”
Sometimes, guests even snap photos with the alpacas. Jon Savage / SWNS
The couple’s next venture is training the alpacas to be ring bearers. Jon Savage / SWNS
Guests are given alpaca food to treat the four-legged friends. Jon Savage / SWNSNow, the Savages are trying to train the alpacas to act as couples’ ring bearers.
“Every wedding we’ve done, they’ve all been so happy with everything and say it’s the best thing they’ve done,” Jon said.
