Marrakech is one of the most photogenic cities in the world: carved cedar, zellige tiles, pink walls, palm groves and, less than an hour away, a stone desert with the Atlas Mountains behind it. The hard part is not finding beautiful places. It is choosing the right ones, at the right time of day, without a crowd in every frame.
Here are the locations we use most for couples, travellers and brands, and how to get the best from each.
The quick answer
| Location | Best for | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| A private riad | Couples, portraits, brands | Any time, especially morning |
| Le Jardin Secret | Gardens and architecture | Opening time |
| Ben Youssef Madrasa | Symmetry and carved detail | Opening time |
| Bahia Palace | Colour, tiles and ceilings | Opening time |
| Jardin Majorelle | Iconic blue walls | 8 a.m., on a weekday |
| Medina rooftops | City views, the Koutoubia | Sunset |
| The Palmeraie | Palm trees, a relaxed feel | Late afternoon |
| Agafay desert | Big landscapes, golden light | The last 2 hours before sunset |
1. A private riad
Our first recommendation, and the most underrated. A riad gives you everything Marrakech is known for (a courtyard with a fountain, arches, plants, tiled floors and a rooftop) with no crowds and no time limits. You can change outfits, take your time and feel relaxed, which always shows in the photos.
Many riads accept shoots for their guests; others rent their space for a few hours. If you are staying in one, ask the manager. If not, your photographer can suggest a riad that welcomes shoots.
2. Le Jardin Secret
In the heart of the medina, this restored riad garden combines Islamic architecture with lush planting, pavilions and water channels. It offers a great variety of backgrounds in a small space, which makes it efficient for a short session. Arrive at opening time to have the gardens almost to yourself.
3. Ben Youssef Madrasa
The former Koranic school is a masterpiece of carved stucco, cedar and zellige. Its main courtyard, with a long reflecting pool, is one of the most striking frames in the city. The symmetry is perfect for portraits, and the upstairs windows overlooking the courtyard make beautiful details.
4. Bahia Palace
Painted ceilings, tiled courtyards and orange trees: the Bahia is pure colour. It becomes very busy from mid-morning, so plan to be there when the doors open, and focus on the smaller rooms and doorways rather than the main courtyard.
5. Jardin Majorelle
The cobalt-blue villa and cactus garden are instantly recognisable. Tickets are sold online with a time slot, and the garden opens at 8 a.m. Booking the first slot on a weekday is the best way to avoid a crowd. The garden is popular, so keep the session short and simple.
6. Medina rooftops
At sunset, a rooftop terrace gives you a view over the city, with the Koutoubia minaret glowing in the last light and the Atlas on clear days. Many cafés and riads have terraces; a private riad rooftop is the calmest option.
7. The Palmeraie
A few minutes from the city, the palm grove offers a softer, greener feel: long dirt paths, thousands of palms and wide open sky. Late afternoon light through the trees is beautiful, and it combines well with a camel ride for a playful travel shoot.
8. The Agafay desert
Agafay is a rocky, golden desert around 30 to 40 km from Marrakech, so roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car (allow more: the last stretch is on rough roads). It is not a sand-dune desert, but its rolling hills, desert camps and the Atlas Mountains on the horizon make it our favourite location for golden hour.
Our tip: leave Marrakech in mid-afternoon, shoot through the last two hours of light, and finish with sunset and dinner at a desert camp.
How to plan your photoshoot
- Choose two locations, not five. Driving and walking through the medina takes time. For a 2-hour session, one location in the medina plus a riad or a rooftop is plenty.
- Shoot early or late. Mid-day sun in Marrakech is harsh and the monuments are full. Opening time and the two hours before sunset give the best light and the fewest people.
- Check the rules. Some monuments do not allow tripods or professional equipment without permission. Your photographer should know which places are easy and which need a request in advance.
- Respect people in the medina. Many locals do not want to be photographed. A good photographer frames around them, or asks first.
- Leave the drone at home. Flying a drone in Morocco requires official authorization, and drones can be held at customs.
What to wear
- Flowing fabrics and solid colours (white, cream, terracotta, emerald, cobalt) work with almost every location.
- Match the place: light, airy outfits for the gardens; richer colours for the desert at sunset.
- Comfortable shoes for the medina; carry the nicer ones for the photos.
- Respectful dress in the medina and religious sites: shoulders and knees covered is always a safe choice.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a photoshoot in Marrakech be? One to two hours is enough for one or two locations. A half-day lets you combine the medina with the Palmeraie or Agafay.
What is the best season for a photoshoot? Spring and autumn have the most comfortable temperatures. In summer, we shoot very early or at sunset only.
Can we combine a photoshoot with a proposal? Absolutely. Read our guide to planning a hot-air balloon proposal in Marrakech.
Want a photoshoot in Marrakech? We plan the locations, the timing and the light, so you can just enjoy it. See our travel photoshoot work or ask for a free quote.
