The 10 Most Beautiful Photoshoot Locations in Marrakech

Marrakech gives a photographer a lot to work with: ochre walls, carved doors, riad courtyards, palm trees, and the desert less than an hour away.

Here are ten places for a couple, proposal or travel photoshoot, with the best time of day for each and practical tips from a photographer who lives in the city.

The 10 locations

1. The alleys and doors of the medina

Carved wooden doors, painted walls and narrow alleys give every photo a sense of place. Best time: early morning, before the shops open and the crowds arrive. Tip: walk a few streets away from the main souks for quieter corners.

Man in black standing in front of an ochre wall and a wrought-iron lamp post, medina of Marrakech — Adnane, in the medina

2. A rooftop terrace at sunset

From the rooftops, the medina turns gold at the end of the day, with the Koutoubia minaret and, on clear days, the snowy peaks of the Atlas. Best time: the hour before sunset. Tip: a private riad terrace is calmer than a café rooftop.

Woman holding a bouquet on a terrace with the Koutoubia minaret and palm trees in the background, Marrakech — facing the Koutoubia, from a terrace

3. A riad courtyard

Zellige tiles, a fountain, orange trees and arches: a riad courtyard gives soft, even light throughout the day, which suits close portraits. Best time: any time of day. Tip: if you are staying in a riad, ask whether the courtyard can be kept for you for an hour.

Woman in an off-the-shoulder white tulle dress smiling on the wrought-iron balcony of a riad in Marrakech — Aisha, on the balcony of a riad

4. The palm grove

North of the city, the palm grove has open spaces, rows of palm trees and dirt paths that glow at sunset. Best time: golden hour. Tip: a vintage car, a horse or simply a long walk brings movement into the photos.

Couple dancing on a lawn under tall palm trees as he spins her by the hand, Marrakech — a dance under the palm trees

5. The Agafay desert

About 45 minutes from Marrakech, the stone desert of Agafay has rolling hills, wide horizons and the Atlas in the distance. Best time: sunset, then the blue hour. Tip: bring a warm layer: evenings are cool, even in spring.

Man with long hair riding a camel in the desert, Morocco — in the desert, Morocco

6. The gardens of a palace hotel

The big hotels of Marrakech, the Royal Mansour and La Mamounia among them, have some of the most beautiful gardens and private riads in the city. Best time: late afternoon. Tip: sessions are usually for hotel guests or need the hotel’s agreement, so ask the concierge in advance. I have photographed couple sessions and an elopement at the Royal Mansour.

Couple holding hands in front of a white house with a green door, couple photoshoot in Marrakech — Sarah & David, couple session

7. Le Jardin Secret

In the heart of the medina, this restored garden brings together an Islamic garden, an exotic garden, fountains and a tower with views over the rooftops. Best time: at opening time, when it is calmest. Tip: check the current rules for professional photography before planning a session.

8. The Jardin Majorelle

Its cobalt blue is famous, and it is one of the most visited places in Morocco, so it is often crowded. Best time: as early as possible. Tip: professional photoshoots may be restricted; check the current rules on the Jardin Majorelle website, or look for the same colours in a private riad.

Woman in a blue and white patterned dress, seen from behind, twirling among cactus and palms in the Majorelle Garden, Marrakech — a couple session in the Jardin Majorelle

9. The Menara gardens

A large olive grove, a basin and a pavilion with the Atlas behind it, snow-capped in winter and spring. Best time: late afternoon in clear weather. Tip: on clear days, the mountains make the photo.

10. The Atlas mountains and the Ourika valley

About an hour from Marrakech, the mountains have Berber villages, terraced fields, rivers and a fresher light. Best time: morning. Tip: perfect for adventurous couples; plan a full half day.

Couple holding hands under a pink arch between tall green studded doors, couple photoshoot in Marrakech — Rajvi & Vipul, couple session

How to choose your locations

Pick two or three places close to each other rather than five scattered ones: more time in front of the camera, less time in the car.
Plan the length: a private session lasts one hour as standard, which is enough for one or two nearby places. Plan longer to combine, say, the medina and the palm grove.
Think about your story: a proposal, an anniversary, a honeymoon, a family trip.
Pair a busy place early in the morning with a private place at golden hour.

Red-haired woman in white linen seen from behind, between tall white curtains in a Moorish courtyard, Marrakech — Amanda, white linen in a Moorish courtyard

What to wear for a photoshoot in Marrakech

Colours that answer the city work well: white, cream, sand, terracotta, olive or deep green. Flowing fabrics bring movement, especially in the desert and the palm grove. Avoid large logos and neon colours, and bring comfortable shoes for the medina.

Good to know

Respect people’s privacy: never photograph residents without their agreement.
Drones require prior authorisation in Morocco.
In summer, plan your session very early or late in the day to avoid the heat.
Not used to being photographed? I guide you throughout: where to stand, how to move, where to look.

Planning a proposal during your stay? Read how to plan a surprise proposal in Marrakech. Ready to book? Check availability, or see how a private photoshoot in Marrakech works. Real sessions are in the stories.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of day for a photoshoot in Marrakech?

Early in the morning, when the light is soft and the streets are quiet, and in the hour before sunset, the golden hour.

Do we need an authorisation to take photos in Marrakech?

For personal photos in the street, no, but always respect people’s privacy. Some monuments, gardens and hotels require an authorisation for professional photoshoots, and drones need prior authorisation.

Can we combine several locations in one session?

Yes, as long as they are close to each other: for example the medina and a riad terrace, or the palm grove and the desert at sunset.

Do you come to our hotel or riad?

Yes. Private sessions can take place at your hotel, riad or villa, or anywhere you choose in Marrakech. Details on the private photoshoot page.

Is the Agafay desert far from Marrakech?

No: it is about 45 minutes by car, which makes it ideal for a sunset session.