Maze-Like Souks & Enchanting Landscapes: My Ultimate Destination Wedding Guide To Morocco

The majestic, wind-swept sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Mouthwatering spices and cuisine with thousands of years of tradition. The rugged beauty of the Atlas Mountains. Morocco, in northern Africa, is such a spectacular place not only to visit, but also to get married. 

Morocco is known for its diverse landscapes – from big cities to surreal shifting deserts, you’ll find it all here. It’s a welcoming country, and most Moroccans are of Berber or Arab backgrounds, proud to share their delicious cuisine (think tagine, couscous, and refreshing mint tea). It’s also a very safe place to visit with a stable government – plus, while it feels like a world away, Morocco is less than a four-hour flight from London. 

If you’re curious about an elopement or wedding here, this destination wedding guide to Morocco should help you get started. 

Why plan a destination wedding in Morocco?

As a couple, you both crave adventure. You appreciate the beauty in small details, like the intricate mosaics on Moroccan riads or the tradition of a Bedouin tea ceremony. You love the natural beauty and romance of the desert – but you also want your wedding guests to enjoy only the best. 

As a Morocco wedding photographer, I find the country attracts adventurous couples who prioritise natural beauty, authentic cultural experiences, and forging their own path in life. Of course, Morocco wedding photography is also unbelievable, with so many gorgeous places to shoot! Some of the most Instagrammable places in Morocco include the blue city of Chefchaouen, the Royal Palace in Fes, and just about any riad or luxury desert camp in the Sahara. 

Is Morocco a good place to get married?

Definitely! While you may need to step slightly out of your comfort zone, Morocco is just perfect for couples looking for somewhere aesthetically gorgeous but also safe and welcoming. 

There’s also plenty for you and your guests to do. Explore and shop at local souks, visit palaces and mosques, or even sandboard in the desert!

When is the best time to get married in Morocco?

While Morocco enjoys a warm, subtropical climate, the diversity in landscape (and altitude) means weather is dependent on where you are.

In the cities and along the coast, Morocco enjoys hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The rainy season is November through March. In the desert and mountains, the weather can be much more extreme. Hot summer days can soar above 40°C, but winter nights can be chilly and require a coat.

To benefit from the pleasant weather, most couples plan a Moroccan wedding in May–June or September–October. You can sit comfortably outside, host your reception under the stars, and not worry about your guests getting too hot. 

Try to plan some time to sneak away in the evening for golden hour. We’ll get beautiful, warm light right before sunset. Trust me, even the most beautiful photo locations in Morocco look even better with that gorgeous glowing light streaming down!

The golden hour time will vary based on your location and time of year, but is often around 6–7pm. It’s perfect for couples’ portraits, especially if you’re getting married in the mountains or the desert. Landscapes really come alive and ‘pop’ during this time. 

Morocco wedding hotels and venues to consider 

The most picturesque places in Morocco are those that are traditional, authentic, and luxurious, allowing you and your guests to completely relax and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the country. 

Here are a few Moroccan wedding venue options.

Villa Taj Marrakech

You have pictured your dream luxury Marrakesh wedding and you have thought about it since you have got engaged. Beautiful pools, palm trees and that incredible Moroccan architecture that we all know and adore. Villa Taj doesn’t fall short of any of this and is an expert in hosting destination weddings. One not to miss on your search for your luxury Marrakesh wedding search.

La Mamounia

If you have typed into Pinterest ‘Marrakesh wedding’ I am sure this beautiful venue has come up in your searches. It’s incredibly popular with travel influencers and couples looking for their perfect destination wedding venue.

Agafay Desert Luxury Camp

Less than an hour from Marrakesh, this venue is ideal for both weddings and elopements in a traditional desert setting – think dancing under the stars, bonfires, and luxury glamping tents. When it comes to the best places to elope in Morocco for stunning photos, you can’t beat Agafay or another similar desert camp. 

Pastel sunsets, a warm breeze, and the shifting sands of the Agafay desert… It just screams passion and romance! 

Riad Fes

You’ll find this charming riad in the city of Fes, with traditional but luxurious accommodation, gorgeous outdoor entertaining spaces, and world-class hospitality. Riads usually have plenty of open-air spaces, allowing for plenty of natural light – ideal for your special getting-ready photos on the morning of the wedding. 

Kasbah Bab Ourika

Set in the Atlas Mountains, this space is ideal for boho-chic weddings. The whole complex is eco-friendly, with spectacular views of the surrounding Ourika Valley. It’s ideal for couples wanting to immerse and seclude themselves in nature.

La Sultana Oualidia

Fancy a seaside wedding? This amazing hotel, on the Atlantic Coast, is set in a nature reserve and designed in a contemporary Moroccan style. La Sultana offers some of the best photo spots in Morocco near the coast.

All of these venues cater to overseas weddings and elopements, so are reliable and high-quality options for your event. However, I’m glad to help you find your ideal venue!

Amanjena

This one needs no introduction. If you are looking for luxury. This is it. Amajanjena is part of the Aman Hotel group and each and every single one of their luxury resorts speaks for Itself. This place feels like you have stepped into a paradise that was meant for only you. The level of attention given by the staff here and the details and architecture of this stunning venue is unrivalled. IT’s a tranquil paradise for the rich and famous and could be for your own Amanjena wedding too!

Beldi Country Club

Beldi is with argument one of the most popular venues for international couples to get married. It’s not hard to see why! The exclusive country club boasts a gorgeous greenhouse which is a real star of the show, in addition to lots of accommodation for your guests. Every corner of this beautiful venue is full of surprises. From a rose garden, covered in thousands of beautiful single rose bushes upon entrance to tranquil ponds, cactus gardens and gardens full of beautifully bloomed Bougainvillea. If you are looking for a Marakesh wedding venue with a European twist, look no further than Beldi country club to host your Morocco wedding.

Shemsmoon Villa

If you’re looking for something a little more intimate then Shemsmoon Villa could be for you. I had the opportunity to stay here and the service and setting were incredible. It features 18 beautifully decorated rooms and views of the Atlas mountains. The pool area makes you feel like you have stepped into a quiet spot in the South African desert.

Shemsmoon Villa has recently started to host weddings but if you already have your Marrakesh wedding venue booked then I still highly recommend Shemsmoon as a space to host your guests for a more exclusive, intimate and magical experience for them.

All of these venues cater to overseas weddings and elopements, so are reliable and high-quality options for your event. However, I’m glad to help you find your ideal venue!

How do I plan a destination wedding in Morocco?

For any overseas destination wedding, I highly recommend working with a wedding planner. They’ll be your eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring everything is perfect before you arrive.

Some riads and hotels will include a Morocco wedding planner in their wedding package, so always ask about this when booking. Or you can hire your own wedding planner, with many offering packages that include make-up, hair, catering, and flowers too. A few to consider include:

Marrakech Wedding Planner Agency

Cocoon Events

Boutique Souk Weddings

Maroc Sensations 

The right wedding planning team is the best investment you can make for your big day! They’ll honestly relieve so much stress and will help you pull off the exact wedding aesthetic you’ve been imagining. 

I hope this guide to getting married in Morocco has inspired you to start planning! From getting ready with your bridal party in the luxury of a Moroccan riad to your first dance under the desert stars, it’s hard to imagine a more exciting or beautiful place to say your vows.

I can’t wait to hear about your wedding plans in Morocco and am glad to help with the planning process. Let’s create an unbelievably romantic wedding or elopement, with photos you and your loved ones will treasure for years to come. 

Feb 17, 2022

courtney stokes

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  1. […] with the grounds and lighting. If this has inspired you and you would like more information on how to get married in Marrakesh then you can view my other super helpful post ‘Maze-Like Souks & Enchanting Landscapes: […]