Planning A Moroccan Wedding: Traditions, Tips, And Tricks

Planning a Moroccan wedding can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. From booking the venue to finalising the paperwork, there are many steps to take. It's important to start planning well in advance, especially if you're inviting guests from abroad. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about planning a Moroccan wedding, from finding the right wedding planner to exploring the diverse cuisine Morocco has to offer. We'll also delve into the traditional Moroccan marriage process, which begins with the bride and groom signing a marriage contract, and share tips on how to make your celebrations even more special. So, whether you're looking to hire a wedding planner or do it yourself, read on for a comprehensive guide to planning your dream Moroccan wedding.

Booking a venue

When it comes to booking a venue for your Moroccan wedding, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended that you start planning well in advance, as bookings for plane tickets, shuttles and accommodation can be difficult to find, especially if you have a large group. Some hotels and resorts offer huge discounts for groups, so this is worth looking into.

If possible, it is also a good idea to visit Morocco before your wedding to meet with vendors and check out venues in person. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you make a more informed decision.

When choosing a venue, consider the type of wedding you want and the number of guests you plan to invite. Traditional Moroccan weddings are typically smaller affairs, with only the couple, the bride's guardian (wali), and a few witnesses present. However, if you are planning a larger celebration, you will need to find a venue that can accommodate your guest list.

Morocco has a diverse range of venues to choose from, including hotels, resorts, and traditional Moroccan riads. You can also look into hiring a wedding planner from the area, who can help you coordinate all the activities and find the perfect venue for your special day.

Paperwork and marriage certificates

Planning a Moroccan wedding involves a lot of paperwork and marriage certificates. The process of obtaining these documents begins days before the wedding and looks different depending on whether both partners are Moroccan or if one is foreign. If you are a couple with mixed nationalities, it is recommended that you read up on the specific requirements for your situation.

Once all the necessary paperwork is in place, the bride, groom, the guardian (wali) of the bride, and witnesses will go in front of an imam to complete the marriage contract and sign the paperwork to finalise the wedding. This is a crucial step in the Moroccan wedding process, as it legally binds the couple in marriage.

Unlike in Western cultures, the actual wedding ceremony in Morocco is typically a small, intimate affair. Only the couple and the wali are present, which is a significant cultural difference from weddings in other parts of the world. This means that the focus of the celebration is on the couple and their union, rather than a large gathering of family and friends.

Planning a Moroccan wedding, especially if you are travelling from another country, requires a lot of organisation and advance preparation. It is important to start the planning process several months, or even years, in advance to ensure that all the necessary paperwork is in order and to allow enough time for your guests to book their plane tickets, shuttles, and accommodation.

Moroccan food and drink

Moroccan cuisine is an assault on the senses, in a good way. It's spicy, full-flavoured and often boasts a mix of contrasting textures and ingredients. The multiple layers of flavour and aroma make every meal an intoxicating affair. Morocco's Berber roots and strong Arabic influence are reflected in its cuisine. Olive, figs and dates feature heavily in lamb-based stews and couscous, a staple, is spiced with cumin (also used for its digestive benefits), paprika, coriander, mint, orange and lemons. The result? Spicy, flavourful meats and veggies, and an array of dense, rich sweets that'll leave you dreaming of Morocco long after you return home.

Moroccans make their own beer and local brands include Casablanca, Flag Special and Stork. You can also find a rich soup of broad beans, served for breakfast with a sprinkling of cumin and some olive oil with freshly-baked bread. While warm camel milk is regularly consumed, cheese made from camel's milk, a strong-tasting soft cheese, is not as easily found. If you find yourself in Essaouira, take a trip to the restaurant La Fromagerie, to sample their dilbeek, a slightly sour, low-lactose cheese or any of the other cow and goat cheeses made on-site.

The national drink is mint tea (atay deeyal naanaa in Arabic, thé à la menthe in French, “Whisky Marocain” as locals boast), Chinese gunpowder green tea flavoured with sprigs of mint (naanaa in Arabic: the gift of Allah) and sweetened with a large amount of sugar, often from a sugar loaf (you can ask for it with little or no sugar – shweeya soukar or ble soukar). In winter, Moroccans often add bitter wormwood (chiba in Arabic, absinthe in French), to their tea “to keep out the cold”. You can also get black tea (atai ahmar in Arabic, thé rouge in French, literally meaning “red tea”) – inevitably made with the ubiquitous Lipton’s tea bags, a brand fondly believed by Moroccans to be typically English.

A tagine is a slow-cooked stew that is a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine. It is traditionally prepared in a cone-shaped clay pot, also called a tagine. The dish consists of tender meat (such as lamb, chicken, or beef), poultry, or fish, along with an array of vegetables, dried fruits, and Moroccan spices like cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and saffron.

Traditional dress

Traditional Moroccan dress is called a caftan. These can be purchased in a range of colours, including white, purple, black, grey, navy blue, mint green, and wine. You can also buy custom-made caftans, which are made to your specific order.

Caftans can be purchased from a variety of online retailers, including Etsy, Maxim Creation, and KENZA.

Wedding planner

Planning a Moroccan wedding is an exciting task, but it's important to be aware of the cultural differences and the amount of organisation involved.

Firstly, it's a good idea to hire a wedding planner from the area. They will be able to coordinate and plan all the activities for you, saving you time and energy. Make sure you choose a reputable planner and share your budget with them so you can plan the wedding together. If possible, visit Morocco before the wedding to meet the planner and vendors, and check everything in person.

The next step is to book your venue. Moroccan weddings are typically small affairs, with just the couple and the guardian (wali) of the bride in attendance, so you won't need a huge space. It's also worth noting that the process of obtaining the necessary paperwork and marriage certificates can take some time, especially if one partner is foreign.

Moroccan cuisine is a delicious mix of Arab, Mediterranean, Amazigh, Spanish, and French influences, so be sure to explore the diverse range of dishes on offer and adapt them to your taste. Food is one of the most important elements of a Moroccan wedding, so choose something memorable.

Finally, don't forget to organise travel and accommodation for your guests, and consider welcoming them with a small arrival gift to get them in the Moroccan spirit. You could also suggest they rent caftans, the traditional dresses of Morocco, for the occasion.

Frequently asked questions