Top 10 Wedding Photographers in Marrakech: The 2026 Visual Edit
Marrakech light is unforgiving. You need a master to tame it. 📸
The “Red City” is famous for its stunning architecture and golden sunsets, but the midday sun is incredibly harsh. A novice photographer will give you blown-out highlights and pitch-black shadows.
I have curated the Top 10 Wedding Photographers who understand this specific light. I have also included their approximate daily rates (in MAD) so you can budget transparently.
The best photographer in the world cannot save your photos if your ceremony is at 1:00 PM in direct sunlight. The secret to those “Vogue” shots is the timeline.
You need a planner to build your schedule around the “Golden Hour.” Don’t guess with the sun. Check my list of the Top 10 Wedding Planners in Marrakech to guarantee your lighting is perfect.
✨ Quick Snapshot: Top 5 by Style
| Photographer | Style | Approx. Day Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 📸 Lahcen Mellal | Editorial / Vogue | ~41,000 MAD |
| 🖼️ Mehdi Mounir | Fine Art / Luminous | ~32,500 MAD |
| 🌍 Ileenja Marina | International Chic | ~31,400 MAD |
| 🎥 Marc Bourrel | Modern Documentary | ~30,300 MAD |
| ✨ Céline Cartallas | Glamour / Bazaar | ~29,200 MAD |
📸 1. Lahcen Mellal
The most premium name on the list. Lahcen positions himself as a luxury brand, not just a photographer. His style is high-fashion and editorial. If you want your wedding album to look like a spread in Vogue Arabia, he is the investment to make.
Best For: High-fashion brides and luxury editorials.
🖼️ 2. Mehdi Mounir
Mehdi is the master of “Luminous” photography. He creates that soft, pastel, film-like look that is incredibly romantic. He handles the harsh Marrakech light by softening it, making everyone look ethereal and dreamy.
Best For: Soft, romantic weddings and the “Fine Art” look.
🌍 3. Ileenja Marina
With pricing that targets the international market, Ileenja brings a very chic, Western aesthetic to Morocco. She is a specialist in Destination Weddings, understanding exactly what US and UK couples are looking for in their gallery.
Best For: Destination weddings (US/UK clients).
🎥 4. Marc Bourrel
Marc is a storyteller. His “Modern Documentary” style means he focuses on candid moments rather than stiff poses. His 10-hour packages are robust, and his work meets the highest European standards of storytelling.
Best For: Couples who want a narrative story, not just poses.
✨ 5. Céline Cartallas
Céline brings “Harper’s Bazaar” vibes to weddings. She is published and knows how to make a bride feel like a model. Her work is polished, glamorous, and perfect for those who want to look their absolute best.
Best For: Brides who want that “Published Model” feeling.
🇮🇹 6. Gabriele Palmato
Stylish, sharp, and impeccably composed. Gabriele brings an Italian fashion sensibility to Marrakech. His high hourly rate suggests a premium, concentrated approach where every shot is magazine-worthy.
Best For: Stylish couples wanting a sharp, fashion-forward look.
🏛️ 7. Abla Jorio
Abla represents the top tier of local luxury. Her style is modern but elegant, perfectly capturing the grandeur of Moroccan weddings while maintaining a contemporary feel. She is deeply embedded in the local luxury scene.
Best For: Local luxury and grand elegant weddings.
🕶️ 8. Giandomenico Cosentino
A true “Reportage” specialist. Giandomenico captures the raw energy of the event. His high hourly rate implies he delivers high-impact coverage, focusing on the action and the emotion rather than the decor.
Best For: Italian/Euro clients who value candid action.
📐 9. Adam Merzoug
An “Ingénieur de formation” (Engineer by training), Adam brings a meticulous, technical eye to photography. He is incredibly organized and reliable. His shots are technically perfect, framed with precision.
Best For: Detail-oriented couples who value precision.
💎 10. Crystal Youness
Based in Rabat but frequently in Marrakech, Crystal offers a sharp, vibrant style that modern couples love. She is an excellent option if the local Marrakech heavyweights are fully booked, bringing a fresh perspective.
Best For: Modern couples wanting vibrant, sharp images.
🔹 Honorable Mentions & Best Value
Depending on your budget and specific vibe, these photographers are excellent alternatives:
- Fred Leloup (~16,200 MAD): 🏆 Best Value. A poetic, natural style (“Plume”) at a very accessible price point.
- Maïa Royez (~20,500 MAD): The “Color Queen.” Perfect if your wedding has vibrant zellige or bright flowers.
- Imane Tirich (~15,000 MAD): Award-winning female photographer with 10+ years experience. Excellent pedigree for the price.
- Kamal Ait (~17,300 MAD): The Marathon Man. Great value for long 12-hour wedding days.
- Ahmed Belghiti (~19,500 MAD): Focuses on “Souls.” Great for emotional, intimate ceremonies.
⚖️ Simone’s Final Verdict
Photography is the only investment that lasts after the wedding is over. But remember: Lighting is everything.
You can hire the most expensive photographer on this list, but if your planner schedules the ceremony during the harsh midday sun, the photos will suffer.
Protect your investment with a perfect timeline. Hire a planner who understands light as well as logistics. Start here:
See the Top 10 Wedding Planners to Hire
