Intimate weddings deserve films that hold onto the voices, atmosphere and unplanned moments of the day. I’m Jaco van Staden, a wedding videographer based in George. I film elopements and small weddings across the Garden Route, including Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Whether you live nearby or are planning from overseas, tell me the kind of celebration you imagine. If your date and venue are confirmed, use the enquiry form. If either is still undecided, email me directly with your preferred month and location ideas.
Film and photography together
My wife Michelle is the photographer behind Michelle Photography. We have worked together at weddings throughout the Garden Route. You can enquire about a wedding film on its own, photography, or coverage by both of us. We’ll discuss the timing and how each part of the day can unfold naturally.
Planning your Garden Route elopement from abroad
You do not need every detail settled to start a conversation by email. A preferred month or season, approximate guest count, possible location and whether you want film, photography or both are enough. Let me know which moments matter most to you, whether that is the ceremony, your vows, time with family or a quiet part of the day together.
For a legally registered marriage, confirm documents, ceremony requirements and dates with a registered marriage officer. Check access, permits and weather arrangements with the venue or organiser for your chosen location.
Wedding professionals and places we know
Ecozest — wedding florals and garden design
Ecozest is a Garden Route floral and garden design studio. Its website lists floral design for weddings, corporate events and other celebrations, alongside garden design by landscape architect Hannes. Michelle’s Ashford Oval wedding credits also name Ecozest for planning and coordination, décor and florals on that celebration. Ask the Ecozest team directly about the services available for your own date and location.
Gavin Brown — Garden Route marriage officer
Gavin Brown is a registered marriage officer serving the Garden Route. He officiates intimate weddings and elopements and can advise South African and overseas couples on the documentation needed for their marriage. Contact Gavin directly to discuss your ceremony, availability and requirements.
Visit Gavin’s website · 084 550 5511 · Email Gavin
Michelle Photography — photographs alongside your film
Michelle can photograph your day while I create the film. View her work, then tell us whether you would like one service or both when you enquire.
Venues from our wedding work
We have filmed at Seeplaas, including Reinhard and Ruby’s wedding and Marschant and Juniene’s wedding. Michelle’s wedding work also includes Ashford Oval in Plettenberg Bay. These are examples of places we know, rather than a claim that they offer an elopement package. Ask each venue about intimate ceremony options and availability.
Each supplier confirms its own services, availability and booking terms directly with you.
Watch real Garden Route wedding films
See how I work with real couples in Reinhard and Ruby’s Seeplaas film, Marschant and Juniene’s Seeplaas film and Tinus and Bernice’s Barrington’s film. These are wedding examples so you can judge the storytelling; they are not presented as elopements.
Elopement questions
Can we book only a wedding film?
Yes. You can enquire about JVS film coverage alone or ask about photography with Michelle as well.
Can we enquire from overseas before choosing a venue?
Yes. Email us a month or season, approximate number of guests and a few locations you like to begin. The enquiry form is for couples with a confirmed date and venue.
Do you arrange a venue or marriage paperwork?
JVS provides wedding films and, when requested, Michelle provides photography. Confirm venue bookings and legal marriage requirements with the venue and a registered marriage officer. We can introduce local professionals whose work we know where appropriate.
Where do you film?
I’m based in George and film across the Garden Route, including Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Tell us your location so we can confirm travel and coverage details.
Tell us what you are imagining
For the enquiry form, share your names, email, wedding date and venue, guest count, and whether you want film, photography or both. If the date or venue is undecided, email us instead. We’ll reply with availability and a sensible next step.