In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Morocco.
Weddings in Morocco: What You Need To Know
For couples looking to add a touch of adventure to their wedding day, a destination wedding in Morocco might be the perfect choice.
With its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful landscapes, Morocco has something to offer every type of bride and groom.
From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the sweeping sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, Morocco is a land of rich culture and stunning natural beauty.
And with its artsy bohemian vibes, Morocco is sure to inspire your wedding decor and style.
So if you’re dreaming of a fairytale wedding in an enchanted land, look no further than Morocco.
But first: you need to know where in the world Morocco is…
Where is Morocco?
Morocco is located in north-west Africa. It borders Algeria to the east and south, and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south. It has extensive coastlines on the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea lies to the north.
Area: 158,300 sq mi (410,000 sq km). Population: (2020 est.) 36,093,000. Capital: Rabat.
Morocco Facts To Know:
- Language: Standard Arabic, Moroccan Arabic, Berber and French
- Currency: Moroccan dirham
- Airports: Casablanca Airport (CMN), Marrakech Airport (RAK), Agadir Airport (AGA)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.visitmorocco.com/en
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Morocco for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Morocco
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Morocco:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Morocco or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Morocco wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Morocco:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Morocco
Morocco Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Morocco:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Morocco?
- What are the marriage requirements for Morocco?
- What is the weather like in Morocco?
- What should you pack for a trip to Morocco?
- What things are there to do in Morocco?
- What are the best Morocco wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Morocco Cost?
Affidavit of Nationality and the certificate for legal capacity to marry cost around $50 USD.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Morocco
You must first obtain a document proving your legal capacity to marry. Regardless of your nationality, this document is necessary. In order to receive it, you are need to submit a number of papers to your consulate in Morocco, including the following:
- A written application addressed to the family judge containing your identity information and request’s subject.
- Your criminal record.
- Proof of residence such as bills.
- A complete copy of your birth certificate.
- Proof of citizenship.
- Copies of your passport.
- 4 passport size photos.
- Proof of address or proof of accommodation may be requested.
- Signed doctor’s statement of good health (costs about a 100 Dh or $10).
When applying for a marriage license, you will also need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport and a passport size photo.
- A Certificate of No Impediment (CNI).
- Birth certificate.
- Residence certificate.
- If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
- Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
- Medical check (certificat prenuptial).
Often the procedure for the marriage license takes as long as 2 months.
Other legal requirements are:
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- 2 witnesses are required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Morocco, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All international paperwork has to be translated into Arabic by an official translator.
- Take note that women do not have to be Muslim to marry a Moroccan man, but men do have to be Muslim to marry a Moroccan woman, thus men have to convert or marry outside of the country. Muslim men can marry Christians and Jewish women.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
It is advised that you seek more information from your consulate or embassy as well as with the Moroccan authorities as the procedures vary greatly depending on your nationality.
Perhaps a good idea prior to starting the process would be to contact an adoul – the person who reviews, approves, and submits all of your documentation to the judge.
What Is The Weather Like in Morocco?
If you want to visit the imperial towns of Morocco but want to avoid visiting during the hottest parts of the year, the best times to go are in the spring and fall, namely in March and April, and from the beginning of October to the middle of November. There is a possibility of cool nights and warm days, but on the whole, the climate is agreeable, and the sun shines on the majority of the days, despite the occasional rain.
Between the months of July and September, you may enjoy a beach vacation on the Atlantic coast, and in July and August, you can do the same on the Mediterranean coast. As was previously noted, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean remain cold even throughout the summer, particularly in the southern part. In addition, fogs and mists may occur in the morning along the shore.
What should you pack for your trip?
Bring clothing appropriate for spring and fall, a jacket and sweater, as well as a raincoat or umbrella if you want to visit the Mediterranean or Atlantic coasts during the winter. Bring light clothing but also a sweater, a warm jacket for the evening, and a scarf for the wind-borne sand and dust if you’re going to the desert. For the imperial cities, add a warm hat for the evening as well. For the mountain areas, bring warm clothes such as a down jacket and gloves. For the desert, bring light clothing but also a warm hat for the evening.
In the summer, bring light clothes to the Mediterranean coast and a light sweatshirt for the evening; on the Atlantic coast, particularly in Agadir and Essaouira, it’s advisable to add a pair of jeans, a sweatshirt, a light jacket, and a scarf to your packing list. For inland and desert areas, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, light and long shirts and pants, a sun hat and a desert turban, sunglasses (even graduated instead of contact lenses), and a sweatshirt for the evening; a sleeping bag for overnight stays outside; hiking shoes or sandals; and a flashlight. A sweater and a jacket are necessary for spending the night outside in the mountains.
It is recommended that women stay away from wearing shorts and miniskirts, particularly in non-touristy and rural locations.
Morocco Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Morocco:
Average Temperatures in Morocco
The table below shows the average temperatures in Morocco each month:
Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
January | 5.9 | 19.2 | 12.5 | 43 | 66 | 54.6 |
February | 7.7 | 20.8 | 14.3 | 46 | 70 | 57.7 |
March | 10.4 | 23.7 | 17 | 51 | 75 | 62.7 |
April | 12.4 | 25.8 | 19.1 | 54 | 78 | 66.4 |
May | 15.1 | 29.5 | 22.3 | 59 | 85 | 72.2 |
June | 18 | 33.7 | 25.8 | 64 | 93 | 78.5 |
July | 20.6 | 37.7 | 29.2 | 69 | 100 | 84.5 |
August | 21 | 37.4 | 29.2 | 70 | 99 | 84.5 |
September | 18.1 | 32.4 | 25.2 | 65 | 90 | 77.4 |
October | 15.3 | 28.4 | 21.8 | 59 | 83 | 71.3 |
November | 10.5 | 23.3 | 16.9 | 51 | 74 | 62.4 |
December | 7.4 | 20.2 | 13.8 | 45 | 68 | 56.8 |
Year | 13.6 | 27.7 | 20.6 | 56.4 | 81.9 | 69 |
Average Rainfall in Morocco
The table below shows the average rainfall in Morocco each month:
Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
January | 50 | 2 | 5 |
February | 30 | 1.2 | 4 |
March | 25 | 1 | 5 |
April | 16 | 0.6 | 3 |
May | 5 | 0.2 | 2 |
June | 1 | 0 | 1 |
July | 0 | 0 | 0 |
August | 1 | 0 | 1 |
September | 6 | 0.2 | 1 |
October | 20 | 0.8 | 3 |
November | 30 | 1.2 | 4 |
December | 40 | 1.6 | 6 |
Year | 225 | 8.8 | 35 |
Sunshine Hours in Morocco
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Morocco each month:
Month | Average | Total |
January | 7 | 220 |
February | 7.5 | 210 |
March | 8 | 250 |
April | 8.5 | 255 |
May | 9.5 | 285 |
June | 10.5 | 315 |
July | 11 | 335 |
August | 10 | 315 |
September | 9 | 265 |
October | 8 | 245 |
November | 7 | 215 |
December | 7 | 220 |
Year | 8.6 | 3130 |
Sea Temperatures in Morocco
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Morocco each month:
Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
January | 18 | 64 |
February | 17 | 63 |
March | 17 | 63 |
April | 18 | 64 |
May | 19 | 66 |
June | 21 | 70 |
July | 23 | 73 |
August | 23 | 74 |
September | 23 | 74 |
October | 22 | 71 |
November | 20 | 68 |
December | 19 | 66 |
Year | 20 | 68 |
What To Wear in Morocco? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Morocco so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Due to the hot climate, loose, comfortable clothing is a must. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen will help keep you cool and protect your skin from the strong sun.
- Morocco is a Muslim country so it is important to dress modestly. This means avoiding shorts, tank tops, and other revealing clothing. Instead, opt for longer skirts or pants and tops that cover your shoulders.
- Sunscreen: Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen as the strong sun can be harsh.
- Comfortable shoes: You should also pack comfortable walking shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Camera: Don’t forget to pack your camera! Portugal is full of beautiful scenery, from the beaches to the mountains, and you’ll want to be able to capture it all.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Morocco
There are many different things to do in Morocco, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Jardin Majorelle
- Hassan II Mosque
- Medina of Fez
- Medina of Marrakesh
- Plage d’Agadir
- Medina of Essaouira
- Palácio da Bahia
- Kasbah des Oudaias
- Anima André Heller Garden
- Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Crocoparc
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Cascades d’Ouzoud
Best Morocco Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Morocco?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Morocco
- Four Seasons, Casablanca
- Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
- Villa Al Assala Palmeraie
- Palais Namaskar
- Four Seasons, Marrakech
- Hotel Tigmiza
- The Palais Rhoul
- Villa Taj Marrakech
- Scarabeo Camp
- La Pause
Hotels in Morocco
- Jaal Riad Resort – Marrakech
- Maison La Vallée Des Figues
- Kasbah Agounsane – Ourika
- Riad Rihana Dades – Boumalne
- Camp Erg Znaigui Merzouga – Taouz
- Kasbah Mohayut – Merzouga
- Suite Azur Hotel – Essaouira
- Sillage Palace – Marrakech