Pakistani wedding Marrakech – a two-day celebration at Palais Hassoun in Marrakech

Pakistani Wedding Marrakech – two days, two completely different celebrations, a lot of dancing and one rather unusual wedding venue in Marrakech.

When the couple first told me about Palais Hassoun, one of the things they loved most was that it already looked like a museum. And having photographed their wedding there, I can see exactly what they meant. Every room is filled with interesting furniture, artwork and objects collected from different places. Even the corridors are worth exploring. It’s one of those venues where you could spend hours walking around and still find something you hadn’t noticed before.

Located just outside Marrakech, Palais Hassoun was the setting for their two-day Pakistani wedding celebration. Although, technically, there wasn’t a wedding ceremony. Due to an unexpected family situation, the couple had to move their ceremony to Norway at the last minute. But the celebrations in Morocco went ahead as planned, with two evenings dedicated to family, friends, food, music and, as it turned out, an enormous amount of dancing.

Why Palais Hassoun is such an interesting wedding venue in Marrakech

I’ve photographed several weddings in Marrakech, and one of the things I love about the city is how different the venues can be. Palais Hassoun is particularly interesting because it doesn’t feel like a conventional wedding venue.

The architecture is a mixture of Moroccan and Indian influences, with beautiful archways, terracotta walls, antique furniture, artwork and objects throughout the property. There’s also a large garden and swimming pool, with plenty of space for outdoor dinners and celebrations.

For me, as a photographer, it’s a wonderful place to work. There are so many interesting corners, beautiful textures and different sources of light. And because the interiors already have so much character, you really don’t need to add much to make them interesting.

I can understand why the couple fell in love with it.

A Pakistani wedding Marrakech, without the ceremony

What I found particularly interesting about these two days was that, despite the last-minute change of plans, the celebrations still felt very much like a wedding.

There was no ceremony in Marrakech, no exchange of vows or rings, but there were two evenings spent celebrating with the people closest to them.

And sometimes that’s what I enjoy most about photographing weddings. Not necessarily the formal parts of the day, but everything that happens around them. The conversations, the food, the dancing, the way people interact when they’re simply enjoying themselves.

Looking back through these photographs, that’s what stands out to me most. Two very different evenings, a beautiful venue and a group of people who really knew how to celebrate.

Planning a wedding in Marrakech during a heatwave

One thing I haven’t mentioned yet is the weather. Marrakech was experiencing a heatwave during these two days, and it was HOT.

If you’re planning a wedding in Marrakech during the summer, the temperature is definitely something worth thinking about. July and August are usually the hottest months, with temperatures regularly reaching the high 30s and sometimes exceeding 40°C.

The good thing about this particular wedding was that both celebrations started in the evening. Guests arrived at around 7 pm, rather than spending hours outside during the hottest part of the afternoon.

And having photographed weddings in Marrakech, there are a few things I’d suggest considering when planning yours.

Plan your wedding around the temperature

If you’re getting married during the summer months, I’d seriously consider having your ceremony and reception later in the day. Nobody wants to sit outside in direct sunlight when it’s over 40°C, especially in formal wedding clothes.

An evening celebration also means you can enjoy the gardens and outdoor spaces without expecting your guests to spend the entire afternoon in the heat.

Think about your guests

Cold drinks, plenty of water, shaded areas and somewhere air-conditioned to escape the heat can make a huge difference.

I’d also recommend letting guests know what temperatures to expect, particularly if they’re travelling from countries where summers are considerably cooler.

Be flexible with your wedding photography

As a wedding photographer, I always recommend leaving some flexibility in the timeline, especially for couple portraits.

The middle of the day isn’t necessarily the best time for photographs in Marrakech. Apart from the heat, the sunlight can be incredibly harsh. Early mornings and the time closer to sunset generally offer much softer light.

And if it’s still too hot? We can always find some shade, use the beautiful interiors or wait until later. There’s no reason to spend an hour taking portraits when you’d rather be enjoying your wedding.

Consider the time of year

If you love Marrakech but aren’t particularly keen on extreme temperatures, spring and autumn are worth considering. March, April, October and November generally offer more comfortable weather for outdoor celebrations.

But if you’ve already chosen a summer date, don’t worry. This two-day Pakistani wedding at Palais Hassoun is a good example of how an evening-focused celebration can work, even during a heatwave.

If you’re planning a Pakistani wedding in Marrakech, or a multi-day celebration at Palais Hassoun, I’d love to hear what you have in mind.

Bernadeta Kupiec – Destination Wedding Photographer in Marrakech // 35mm film & digital