This Dar Zennou Marrakech Elopement was such a privilege to photograph. We love the intimacy of elopements and Marrakech is the perfect destination.
Marrakech is such a perfect location for a destination elopement. Chris and Cassie thought so too and held their elopement at a private riad in the Marrakech medina.
A few years ago Chris and Cassie met online, and soon discovered they were actually living in the same town in Florida and in fact, even shared mutual friends! As we met online ourselves, we always love hearing these stories! After getting engaged they decided to forego doing a big wedding and to have a private, intimate ceremony instead.
They wanted to go to an exotic place and Cassie thought, why not Marrakech, Morocco! After some research they decided to hold their own private ceremony in a private riad. They choose dar zennou as it had the perfect atmosphere and ascetics for their day. Riads are seriously so much fun to take photos in as each one is so unique and there are always a myriad of creative possibilities. So if you tell us you’re getting married (or even just getting ready) in a riad, we will be excited! Ok, we’re going to be excited regardless, but riads are a special treat.
Chris and Cassie both got ready in separate rooms of the riad. This meant we could do a buildup to their first look as they didn’t see each other until then. As Chris got ready he Facetimed with his dad and his best man, getting some last minute advice and well wishes. Technology is awesome!
When possible, we think first looks are incredibly special. It’s wonderful to have that quiet moment together before the wedding begins and to just take in that you’re getting married to this amazing person. I (Marisa) am always so grateful that we did a first look for our wedding and those photos are some of my favorite from our wedding day.
As they were eloping, Chris and Cassie hired a local expatriate officiant, Peter, to perform their ceremony. If you’re looking for an officiant, we would highly recommend Peter! It was a very meaningful ceremony and included the lighting of the unity candle to symbolize two becoming one.
After their ceremony we did a few photos in their riad and on the rooftop of their medina; which even had a view of the famous Jmaa Ifna mosque in the background. It had rained off and on a bit during the day, but held off when we went out into the medina to take some more photos. We love all the unique side streets, alleys, and doors in the Marrakech medina – so many fun photo possibilities! Also, locals and tourists always love seeing a bride and groom on their wedding day!
If you want that exotic feel in your photos, getting photos within the Marrakech medina will definitely give that quintessential Moroccan feel.
We had such a fun time with Chris and Cassie and wish them all happiness in their life together!
Riad: Dar Zennou
Chris & Cassie’s Dar Zennou Marrakech Elopement
