Silhouetted close-up of a couple embracing, with soft lighting and blurred focus, emphasizing a romantic atmosphere.

RWANDA
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Photographers AND SUPER 8 VIDEOGRAPHERS for your intimate destination wedding or elopement

For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, and Cinema Lovers

Let‘s have a Simple but Deep Connection

Woman behind sheer fabric, holding it with her hand, wearing a ring.

WHY

RWANDA?

Dream Weddings Start in RWANDA

Rwanda, the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a destination overflowing with poetic beauty, heartfelt energy, and cinematic landscapes. It’s a country where mist-draped mountains meet lush forests, serene lakes glisten beneath dramatic skies, and culture pulses with warmth and authenticity. For couples seeking an intimate wedding or elopement that transcends tradition and dives deep into meaningful connection, Rwanda offers a soul-stirring setting.

This is not a destination for the ordinary. It’s for the romantic dreamers who want their love story captured against breathtaking backdrops, where every moment feels like a scene from a film. Whether you're standing on the shores of Lake Kivu, among the rolling green hills of the countryside, or nestled within a cozy eco-lodge surrounded by volcanoes, Rwanda delivers a rare combination of intimacy, beauty, and raw emotion.

A Rwanda wedding photographer who understands the cinematic quality of the landscape and the quiet power of your connection can turn every second into timeless imagery. This article explores why Rwanda is one of Africa’s most underrated yet extraordinary destinations for weddings and elopements, and how it can offer couples an unforgettable journey rooted in love, nature, and soulful storytelling.

Couple embracing at sunset with calm water in the background.

RWANDA: A Breathtaking WEDDING AND Elopement Destination

Why RWANDA is the Perfect Place for Your Intimate Wedding

A Dreamy Landscape Made for Love Stories

Rwanda’s topography is nothing short of enchanting. Its rolling hills, misty mountains, and vibrant green valleys create a naturally romantic environment. For couples envisioning a wedding that is intimate, nature-inspired, and cinematic, Rwanda offers endless possibilities.

  • Volcanoes National Park: Known for its mountain gorillas and surreal misty landscapes, this region is ideal for elopements that feel spiritual and otherworldly. The volcano backdrops and cloud-covered peaks offer an epic yet peaceful setting.

  • Lake Kivu: Nestled between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this expansive lake offers a tranquil and romantic setting. Sunset ceremonies on its shores or boat elopements on its calm waters are perfect for nature-loving couples.

  • Nyungwe Forest: This ancient rainforest is a sanctuary of biodiversity and serenity. A small wedding deep in this forest can feel almost magical, surrounded by exotic birds, butterflies, and dense green canopy.

  • Kigali City Escapes: Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, is surprisingly sophisticated. Rooftop venues with views of the surrounding hills, stylish boutique hotels, and elegant gardens provide couples with modern yet soulful options.

A Culture of Warmth and Grace

Rwanda's culture is grounded in community, resilience, and grace. It’s a country that values togetherness and depth over extravagance, making it the perfect fit for couples who want their wedding to be more about meaning than spectacle.

Rwandan weddings often include beautiful traditions—from music and dance to ceremonial blessings—that can be thoughtfully incorporated into your day, whether you're planning a simple elopement or a micro-wedding. Working with local artisans for handmade accessories, woven décor, or traditional attire can bring heartfelt authenticity to your celebration.

Even if your wedding is more Western in style, Rwanda's emotional richness adds an underlying sense of connection and rootedness to every moment.

Cinematic Photography in an Untouched Setting

What makes Rwanda so special for wedding photography is how unfiltered and natural it feels. There’s a softness to the landscape—the way the light hits the hills, the stillness of the lakes, the whisper of clouds—that makes it perfect for couples who crave atmospheric, cinematic storytelling.

A Rwanda wedding photographer with a deep appreciation for light, emotion, and landscape can capture your love in a way that’s poetic and powerful. The natural backdrops become characters in your story—adding mood, tone, and texture to every frame.

Imagine intimate portraits at golden hour among tea plantations, aerial shots of the two of you in a canoe on Lake Kivu, or soft, emotional images under a foggy rainforest canopy. Rwanda offers endless inspiration for those who want their photos to feel like stills from a movie—organic, emotional, and timeless.

Unique Venues and Trusted Providers

Though Rwanda remains a hidden gem for destination weddings, it’s home to several luxury and eco-conscious properties that cater to couples seeking a refined, personal experience.

  • One&Only Nyungwe House: Located on a working tea plantation on the edge of Nyungwe Forest, this lodge offers five-star intimacy and immersive nature.

  • Kigali Serena Hotel: A classic for couples wanting an elegant, centrally located venue with refined services and cityscape views.

  • Lake Kivu Serena Hotel: For lakefront ceremonies, this hotel combines Rwandan hospitality with tranquil waterfront elegance.

  • Bisate Lodge (near Volcanoes National Park): Known for its dramatic architecture and panoramic views, perfect for elopements in the clouds.

Local wedding planners and stylists often work closely with venues, ensuring that every element—from flowers to food to ceremony design—reflects the couple’s vision. Rwanda’s wedding professionals understand how to blend modern luxury with local touches, allowing each wedding to feel both elevated and heartfelt.

CONCLUSION

Rwanda is a place where nature speaks softly but powerfully. Its rolling green hills, calm lakes, and mist-draped mountains offer a setting unlike anywhere else—a landscape that invites reflection, intimacy, and beauty. For couples dreaming of a wedding or elopement that’s emotional, authentic, and deeply cinematic, Rwanda is a destination that delivers on every level.

From the soulful energy of its people to the poetry of its landscapes, Rwanda encourages you to slow down, breathe deeply, and celebrate your love in a way that feels intentional and pure. It’s a place where you can focus on what really matters—each other—and leave with not just photographs, but memories etched into the rhythm of the land.

Choosing a Rwanda wedding photographer who understands how to capture mood, emotion, and the stunning atmosphere around you ensures that every image will feel like a treasured scene from your own love story.

For couples who want something different—something deeply felt, breathtakingly beautiful, and artistically told—Rwanda isn’t just an option. It’s the perfect beginning.

PHOTOGRAPHER FOR SMALL AND INTIMATE WEDDING, ELOPEMENT, ADVENTURE ESCAPADES & COUPLE STORIES

WE ARE so delighted to see you on OUR website, let’s talk about your wedding IN RWANDA and create a small but deep connection

Thank you for visiting my website! If you’re seeking a wedding photographer who combines a journalistic, fine art, and storytelling approach, you’ve come to the right place.

As a French destination wedding photographer with a passion for traveling the globe,
I am especially captivated by the beauty and spirit of RWANDA
It’s my mission to showcase the magic of your wedding day through my lens, and THIS LOCATION provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments.
I invite you to explore my full stories and see highlights from previous destination weddings.

While I am based in Europe, I always cherish opportunities to photograph in RWANDA and collaborate with creative, inspiring couples like you.
If you’re interested in working together, please feel free to send me a message.
I typically respond within 24 hours, and I’d love to discuss how I can help make your special day truly extraordinary.

Discover my portfolio, read testimonials from my couples, learn more about my vision, or simply reach out to connect.

Thank you once again, and welcome!


VISUAL STORYTELLER

EST. 2014

AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE


 FAQs

  • Eric René Penoy offers bespoke wedding photography and videography services, specializing in intimate destination weddings and elopements. They focus on cinematic storytelling, capturing raw, unposed moments that reflect the essence of each couple's love story. The services include both traditional photography and Super 8 videography, with a unique approach that emphasizes emotions and atmosphere over staged shots. They also offer vow renewals, two-day escapades, and mentoring for photographers.

  • Yes, Eric René Penoy and his team travel for weddings and elopements, offering destination wedding photography and videography services globally. They specialize in capturing intimate moments in stunning locations, ensuring each couple's love story is uniquely told, regardless of the destination, religions, cultures, or sexual preferences.

  • The booking process with Eric René Penoy involves reaching out through their website’s contact form. After receiving your inquiry, they will discuss your wedding or elopement details, availability, and packages. Once confirmed, you’ll sign a contract and pay a deposit to secure the date.

  • Destination photographers are experienced in adapting to weather conditions, often finding creative indoor locations or rescheduling shots to work around the weather.

  • Here’s a comprehensive list of wedding types to reflect openness to all kinds of unions. It emphasizes inclusivity across cultural, religious, sexual, and racial dimensions:

    Religious Weddings:

    • Christian (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, etc.)

    • Muslim

    • Jewish

    • Hindu

    • Buddhist

    • Sikh

    • Traditional African spiritual weddings

    • Indigenous and First Nations ceremonies

    • Pagan or Wiccan

    • Interfaith weddings

    Civil and Secular Weddings:

    • Civil ceremonies

    • Secular or non-religious ceremonies

    • Commitment ceremonies

    Cultural Weddings:

    • Traditional African weddings (e.g., Wolof, Zulu, Ashanti, etc.)

    • Indian weddings (e.g., Punjabi, South Indian, Bengali, etc.)

    • East Asian weddings (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Korean)

    • Middle Eastern weddings

    • Latin American weddings

    • European traditional weddings (e.g., Italian, Greek, Irish)

    • Indigenous weddings from any region

    Same-Sex and LGBTQ+ Weddings:

    • Same-sex marriages (gay and lesbian couples)

    • Non-binary or gender-diverse ceremonies

    • Queer-inclusive celebrations

    Interracial and Multicultural Weddings:

    • Interracial marriages

    • Cross-cultural weddings blending traditions

    Destination and Adventure Weddings:

    • Beach weddings

    • Elopements

    • Mountain or forest weddings

    • Urban chic ceremonies

    • Intimate micro-weddings

    Unique and Thematic Weddings:

    • Eco-friendly or sustainable weddings

    • Vintage or retro-themed weddings

    • Fantasy or cosplay weddings

    • Minimalist or modern weddings

    Other Types of Weddings:

    • Vow renewals

    • Second marriages or blended family ceremonies

    • Polyamorous union ceremonies

    • Anniversary celebrations

    Commitment to Inclusivity:

    "We warmly welcome and celebrate all forms of love, unions, and traditions. Our goal is to honor your unique love story, whatever your background, beliefs, or preferences."

  • Barn Wedding - Church Wedding - Religious Wedding - Hacienda Wedding - Finca Wedding - Lake Wedding - Rooftop Wedding - Rainy Wedding - Sunset Wedding - Winter Wedding - Backyard Wedding - Beach Wedding - Forest Wedding - Island Wedding -Outdoor Wedding - Ranch Wedding - Mexican Wedding - Vineyard Wedding - Circus Wedding - Indian Wedding - Chinese Wedding - Asian Wedding - Japanese Wedding - Punjabi Wedding - Korean Wedding - Same-Sex Wedding - Vietnamese Wedding - Greek Wedding - Lebanese Wedding - Scottish Wedding - British Wedding - Urban Wedding - Country Side Wedding - Jewish Wedding - Orthodox Wedding - New Orleans Wedding - Russian Wedding - Moroccan Wedding - Interfaith Wedding - Civil Wedding - African Wedding.

Get in touch.

ericrenepenoy@gmail.com

Based in Europe from March to October.
Based in Mexico from October to March.

ANY QUESTIONS?

 CHOOSING A SIMILAR LOCATION FOR YOUR INTIMATE WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT

Covering an elopement or intimate wedding in that location is amazing. I am keen, honored, and humbled to be able to cover your special day. I am always available for you, even on weekdays from Tuesday to Thursday if I have to travel. Just shoot me a message, an email, or even a direct message on WhatsApp using the links below.
I can't wait to read or hear from you and create a unique story in a nontraditional way and create a beautiful narrative. Keeping emotion, small gestures, epic portraiture, group shots, and dance floor photographs to create a gallery with at least 1200 pictures for you to create your own story.

When you hire me, you get the entire me, my creativity, my knowledge, my brain, my emotions,
my SOUL, my MIND, my HEART.

Black and white photo of a couple embracing in a forest setting.

THE COLLECTION
STARTS AT 1700 EUROS.

I offer 3 different wedding packages that come with variable hours, prints, or albums.
I can sometimes offer discounts for midweek weddings.
Please contact me, and you will receive a lot of information regarding the packages.

Please fill out your details, and I will get in touch with you shortly. Thanks for letting me know your wedding dates and your name, phone number, and email address. If your event concerns a wedding, engagement, honeymoon, trash the dress or portrait, I would love to read your comments if you wish. 


You can also contact me on Instagram, @ericrene.penoy

Let‘s have a Simple but Deep Connection