When you hear "destination wedding," sandy beaches and tropical islands likely come to mind. But what about penguin tours and remote polar landscapes instead? Luxury travel company Red Savannah—which specializes in tailor-made trips around the world—recently launched a brand-new, $250,000 Antarctic experience for weddings, dubbed "Celebrate a White Wedding in a White Desert."
Yes, if you have the budget for it, it's possible to host weddings and other events in the remote grandness of the world's least-populated continent. With Red Savannah's new package, wedding parties of up to 12 can fly out of Cape Town, the capital of South Africa, and travel over the Southern Ocean to Wolf’s Fang runway in Antarctica. What's in store for them? Hint: exploring ice tunnels, biking under Antarctica's 24-hour summer daylight, ice and mountain climbing, visiting the South Pole for a special champagne picnic to celebrate saying “I do," and stopping by the 28,000-strong emperor penguin colony.
Adventure is certainly in store with a trip to Antarctica, including ice and mountain climbing.Photo: Courtesy of White Desert Antarctica
New polar camp Echo offers six, state-of-the-art pods for once-in-a-lifetime accommodations.Photo: Courtesy of White Desert Antarctica
"Trips of a lifetime have assumed a sense of urgency following the restrictions of the pandemic, and there’s a feeling of ‘if not now, then when?’ fueling a sense of adventure and desire to fulfill long-held travel ambitions," said Red Savannah's marketing director Sarah-Leigh Shenton, when asked why now was the right time to launch this arctic experience. She added, "Antarctica is one of the world’s most epic destinations, without comparison, where so few people have the privilege to travel."
Those who book the experience with Red Savannah will also get to stay at Echo, a new "polar camp" comprising six state-of-the-art, private pods. Their futuristic design features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a vast expanse of snow and ice, as well as the peaks of the nunataks (mountain summits that protrude through the glacier ice) on the horizon. Each pod has a central communal space, a roomy bed, and a dining area. Couples can also visit Whichaway Camp, a wellness space where they can enjoy a sauna pod on the shores of the freshwater lake at Schirmacher Oasis.
Along with a roomy bed and a communal area, the pods feature floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a vast expanse of snow and ice.Photo: Courtesy of White Desert Antarctica
The key to hosting something like this in style? Shenton said it's all about planning ahead. A trip like this for a group, with a multitude of complex logistics, requires months (and sometimes years) of planning.
"The continent’s remoteness means that it’s not somewhere where you can go down the road to get an extra case of champagne or vegetables—and therein lies its beauty," she explained. "So it’s imperative that any special requests [such as] dietary requirements are communicated well in advance."
One of the perks of the wedding package? Champagne chilled on millennia-old ices.Photo: Courtesy of White Desert Antarctica
But it's not impossible, of course. Cape Town to Antarctica is just a five-hour flight. Shenton recommended planning some time to explore there pre- and post-expedition too. "Antarctica is hard to reach, and even getting to Cape Town or Ushuaia [in Argentina] is a journey in itself, so it’s very much worth spending a bit of time here either before or after your time in Antarctica itself," she says. "Consider spending some time exploring either Patagonia or South Africa for a truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Red Savanah can craft bespoke itineraries in both regions."
Another important tip: "Plan clothing appropriately—it can be very cold!" Shenton quipped. "Remember that any special requirements need communicating early on to avoid disappointment, especially if they relate to a life occasion."
For group gatherings in Antarctica, months (and sometimes years) of planning are required. "The continent’s remoteness means that it’s not somewhere where you can go down the road to get an extra case of champagne or vegetables—and therein lies its beauty," said Red Savannah's marketing director Sarah-Leigh Shenton.Photo: Courtesy of White Desert Antarctica
What about the sustainability aspect of hosting events in Antarctica, where the continent's dramatic changes as a result of the climate crisis often make headlines? "Many people consider a journey to the Antarctic to be damaging to the environment—done badly, of course, it could be," Shenton noted. "We work only with Antarctic operators who show a true commitment to protecting the unique environment of the [region]."
Red Savannah works with White Desert, an Arctic tour operator that's been carbon-neutral since 2007, with all emissions generated by flights and activities offset through a fully accredited carbon offset scheme. The company now also uses its aircraft to transport scientists to their Antarctic research stations. In addition, it's working to eliminate single-use plastic, with all other waste transported back to South Africa for recycling. As for those pods—which White Desert also operates—solar air heaters are used to heat them, and all soaps, cleaning materials, and detergents are biodegradable.
"The iridescent blue of the ice takes people’s breath away," Shenton explained.Photo: Courtesy of White Desert Antarctica
Ultimately, despite the complexity of planning, Shenton said Antarctica always exceeds clients' expectations in terms of its scale, beauty, and magnitude.
"Today, it’s a true chance for modern exploration without the hardship—the journey and accommodation is incredibly comfortable," she explained. "The iridescent blue of the ice takes people’s breath away, the timeless nature of a glacier compressing and moving makes one feel very small but also strangely very connected with nature. The wildlife is always a highlight, as is the complete silence. Many people find it a very humbling experience due to the evident strength of nature here."
