How to Elope in Morocco: The Ultimate Guide to Your Moroccan Elopement

Written by the wonderful Sam Tatro of Undiscovered Path Home

Hues of rich reds, yellows, and oranges. A little oasis in the desert. Camel treks to secluded glamping under the stars. If you’re looking to elope in one of the most magical places on earth, you need to consider Morocco. A Morocco elopement will blow your mind: stunning beaches, striking sand dunes, towering mountain ranges, otherworldly architecture… There’s truly no place like Morocco. You might be thinking: this is going to cost me a lot of money. Nope, think again! One of the best parts about eloping in Morocco is the range of prices. Your elopement can be as affordable or as luxe as you want it to be. Here’s my complete guide to planning an unforgettable Morocco elopement. 

Where to elope in Morocco

Picture this: starry nights in the desert with your partner, exploring local markets in the mazes of Marrakech, an intimate wedding in a private Raid with bold accent colors and local patterns along the walls. Your Morocco elopement will be an unforgettable, culturally rich elopement. The best part: your wedding can be as affordable or as luxurious as you want in Morocco. This place has it ALL. 

Whether you’re planning a laid back, casual elopement at a Riad or whether you plan to do a seven-day trek to Morocco’s highest peak, the ski is truly the limit! A Morocco elopement offers options for all types of travelers, so remember, if you’re not seeing the perfect spot here, don’t worry – we can figure it out together. 

A Moroccan Riad

A Riad are these truly unique spots in the maze that makes up Marrakech old city. These beautiful homes have been turned into hotels and B&Bs. They’re not just any hotel, though… The interiors to these buildings were first built around a central patio, open to the sky. The architecture and decorations of these patios is astounding, and makes for an unusual and colorful place to elope. Not quite seeing it? Check out this Riad and this Riad to visualize it all!

Pick a luxury hotel

Morocco’s hotels are so much more than just accommodations – they’re experiences! Some of the most lavish and luxurious hotels in Morocco integrate cultural and historical elements to build a true, authentic experience. It’s truly a unique experience to get married on some of these grounds! Consider checking out The White Camel, Beldi Country Club, Villa Dar Es Salam, The Mandarin Oriental… Your options are endless! 

Erg Chebbi

Have you always dreamed of a desert wedding? Plan a Morocco elopement…and we can make this HAPPEN! The best part? You don’t even have to rough it! In Erg Chebbi, you can plan out a glamping-style desert elopement, complete with an overnight stay in the Sahara dunes. If you base yourself in Merzouga, you can visit the sand sea of Erg Chebbi. That means camel treks (yes, I can take photos on camels!), sleeping under the stars, and more. Many of these treks include breakfast and dinner, too. 

Jebel Toubkal

Looking for a little bit of adrenaline? The highest mountain in north Africa comes with its own special adventure! With its summit at 4,167 meters (approximately 13,671 feet), Jebel Toubkal is one of the most popular places to hike in Morocco. The trek to visit the top of the mountain can take two days, or you can extend the hike to seven days for a longer adventure along the range before summiting (the Toubkal Circuit). The hike is non-technical, which means no climbing is required, though the hike requires some degree of physical fitness as the trail can get quite steep and the altitude can be overwhelming. The view from the top, though? Totally worth it. 

What to do on your elopement day in Morocco

When you’re planning your elopement day, why not build an epic adventure? Morocco offers so much to see and do for every style of traveler. From lavish spas to camel treks through the desert, here are some ideas to spark your planning process: 

• Chefchaouen: This famous village, located in Morocco’s Rif Mountains, is known for its small medina all painted in blue. It’s one of Morocco’s most photographed spots, and it’s totally worth visiting if you’re already in Morocco. The main thing to do here? Wander around, take photos, and enjoy the city’s distinct Spanish-style architecture. 

• Visit the Desert: The Moroccan desert is truly a sight to behold. If you don’t plan to elope in the Moroccan desert, make sure to visit nevertheless. 
• Visit the Medina in Fes: Fes is Morocco’s artisan capital, and absolutely worth a stop. Visit Fes’ high-walled medina (called Fes el-Bali) to find artisan workshops making all sorts of goods, from copperware to leatherware to carpentry. The tanneries of Fes are some of the most photographed sites! Make sure to head off the beaten path and down the back alleys for the best shopping. 
• Experience a hammam: If you’re visiting Morocco, you NEED to experience a hammam. This traditional bath area has separate areas for soaking and steaming before attendants scrub you down with Morocco’s local rhassoul clay. In the past, these spas were important because many families did not have their own bathrooms. Today, you can enjoy the distinctive domed ceilings as you soak in the spa experience. 
• Book a camel trek through the Dunes of Erg Chigaga: How many times in your life will you get the chance to trek through the desert on a camel? Erg Chigaga is the more adventurous desert option for visitors. The 40-kilometer-long stretch of desert dunes marks Morocco’s largest sand sea. This area is significantly less crowded than other spots, too. You can stay at an overnight desert camp, too, to soak up the stars. 
• Drive Tizi n’ Test: Do you love a good road trip? The Tizi n’ Test is Morocco’s most famous mountain pass road, and it’s an amazing drive for anyone looking to get off the beaten path. Make sure you check the weather, though – the pass goes up to 2,029 meters and winds can be quite strong on parts of the road. In addition, because of the altitude, the pass can sometimes be completely covered in clouds.  

The best time of year for a Morocco elopement

Morocco is located on the northwestern tip of the African continent. If you want to travel to Morocco, the best time to visit is during the spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (September to October). These months let you experience all the beauty of the country with fewer tourists and more mild weather. The weather is warm but still pleasant. 

If you visit during the summer months, the heat is going to feel way too overwhelming. If you plan to visit during the winter, keep in mind that Morocco is in the desert – and that means it’s going to be freezing cold. It may even snow! You can visit the coastal regions year round, of course, but the spring and summer allow for you to plan a full trip throughout Morocco and see the entire country. 

Long story short: Morocco has amazing weather year-round, but you need to think about how much heat you want to tolerate. 

Where to eat in Morocco

If you’re planning to elope in Morocco, you should know that you’re visiting a complete and total foodie heaven. Morocco – especially Marrakesh – frequently ranks among the world’s best cuisine. Huge variety, flavorful seasoning, innovative dishes…There’s just so much to love about Marrakesh! 

Before I dive into the best places to eat in Morocco, let’s talk about what you should try in Morocco. 

• Couscous: You probably won’t leave Morocco without trying couscous a few times. No one does it better! It’s often served with vegetables, but it can also be served alongside meat. 
• Chicken bastilla: This is Morocco’s version of a savory pie. Chicken is cooked with saffron, ginger, pepper, and cinnamon, then layered within crispy warqa pastry and an herb-laden omelet, all alongside fried almonds scented with orange flower water…. Oh my!
• Tagine: Another super traditional Moroccan dish. This famous slow-cooked Moroccan stew gets its name from the unique, traditional clay or ceramic dish that it is cooked in. Every place has their own special recipe!
• Harira: Morocco has their own long list of soups and stews, but Harira may be one of the most common. Typical harira is a tomato-based soup with lentils and chickpeas, and you will often find rice or fine broken noodles added as well. Every place has its own variation! 

Now, without further delay, here are some of the best places to eat in Morocco:

• Plus61
• Jemaa el-Fna stalls
• Dar Yacout
• Amal Centre
• The Pavilion
• Nomad
• Naranj
• Al Fassia
• Comptoir Darna

Where to drink in Morocco

Because Morocco is a Muslim country, it’s important to note that alcohol is not always readily available in the country. Though you can drink and enjoy an alcoholic beverage, it may be more expensive than you expect. Whether you’re craving coffee or something, well, a little stronger…These are the places to grab a drink in Morocco:

Coffee

• Bacha Coffee House
• % Arabica Casablanca
• Bondi Coffee Kitchen
• Extrablatt
• Cafe Clock

Bars

• Restaurant – Le 68 Bar à Vin Marrakech
• Baromètre Marrakech
• La pergola Jazz Bar
• Kosybar Marrakech (Bar Spa Reso)
• Pointbar Marrakech
• Tangerinn

Where to stay in Morocco

Morocco luxury hotels are among some of the most lavish in the world…and who can blame them? For many people, Moroccan accommodations are their own type of attraction! The most lavish Moroccan luxury hotels are more than just a plush mattress and cute cocktail. These hotels are a deep cultural reflection on the past, often surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Whether you’re seeking a spot in Marrakech or a luxury resort overlooking a medina, these are some of luxury resorts Morocco. Your Morocco elopement will be truly unforgettable! 

• Madada Mogador
• Riad Siwan
• Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay
• Hotel La Sultana
• Le Jardin Des Douars
• Kasbah Tamadot
• Kasbah du Toubkal (eco friendly!)
• Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
• Hotel Sahrai
• Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
• Karawan Riad
• Selman Marrakech
• Beldi Country Club
• La Mamounia
• Riad BE Marrakech

Vendors I recommend in the area

Florist

• The Bloom Room 
• Le Kiosque à Fleurs
• Yassab

Hair and Makeup Artists

• LOLA BELLEZZA Make Up Artist
• Art Make Up By Morgane Rivet
• Morocco Beauty Salon

Bakery

• J’Adore Cake Boutique
• Cake & Cookies by Rs
• Bloomy Cakes

Catering

• Maymana
• Elkhalidi traiteur
• Traiteur Ritaj Casablanca

How to get to Morocco

The easiest way to get to Morocco is to fly. A bulk of international flights fly into Casablanca Airport (CMN). However, you can fly into a number of major cities in Morocco, including Marrakesh. 

If flying isn’t enough for an adventure, you could make this a really crazy cool trip and fly to France or Spain and pick up a ferry to Morocco. There are also boat options from Britain or Ireland. 

Before booking flights, many people will ask: is Morocco safe to visit? Morocco is a safe country to visit, for the most part. Like many countries, they do have some crime, though crime rates remain low. When traveling to Morocco or any other country, remember to stay vigilant and keep your valuables safe. Morocco is a friendly Muslim country and tourists are expected to respect Islamic culture and customs.   

How to legally elope in Morocco

I’d personally recommend getting legally married in the U.S. to make it easier on you both and then have the symbolic ceremony in Morocco. 

But if you want to legally get married in Morocco, we can make it happen. Morocco does not have a residency requirement to get married in the country. You will need to provide the following documents: 

• Passport
• Original birth certificate 
• Police record
• If divorced, proof of dissolution of any previous Marriage(s)
• If former spouse is deceased, death certificate
• Completed/signed affidavit of nationality and eligibility to marry

All of the documents except your birth certificate and passport need to be translated into Arabic. In addition, your affidavit must be certified and stamped by either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Ministry of Justice.

My tips for exploring Morocco

So you’ve flown across the world to visit Morocco…Why not plan a whole trip around the occasion? There are SO many places to visit in Morocco! You may start in Marrakech, but don’t forget to visit Fes, Casablanca, and Chefchaouen, among other places, to truly get a taste for the country. You can fly around to different cities, but the country’s high speed rail also takes you around Morocco.

And don’t forget to check the vaccinations you may need for Morocco! For example, the CDC recommends Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations, among others. 

Closing Statements

With its desert sands and flavorful cuisine, Morocco can make for an adventurous and wild elopement! If you’ve always thought about getting married under the stars or spending your wedding weekend exploring the Blue City, you can’t miss a Morocco elopement!