Same words or new ones, in a place that is yours for the evening.
A dune ridge at dusk, Erg Chebbi Photo: Mike Prince, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized)
A vow renewal in Morocco is a private, symbolic ceremony: it carries no legal weight, so there is nothing to register. Couples usually choose a dune crest in the Sahara at sunset, a riad courtyard in Marrakech or the coast at Essaouira, and fold the moment into a private trip. We arrange the trip, the setting and the dinner after. A photographer, a musician, a cake or champagne can be added; anything else your planner books and quotes in writing.
Think back to the first time you said it.
How young you both were. How sure.
The Menara pavilion, Marrakech Photo: Mustang Joe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized)
Everything after: the homes, the hard years, the good ones.
All the ordinary days that turned out to be the point.
The great courtyard of the Bahia Palace, Marrakech Photo: Val Traveler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized)
Now you travel together again, slowly.
Nobody waiting for you. Nothing to hurry for.
The High Atlas from the Agdal basin, Marrakech Photo: Belbaraka, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized)
A courtyard as the lanterns come on.
The words you wrote, folded in a pocket.
On a dune as the light goes, you face each other.
I still do.
Sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes Photo: Thomas Fuhrmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (resized)
A camel line on a dune ridge in late light
The Sahara
On our desert journeys a private sunset is set up on the dune crest with mint tea, for two. It is the simplest setting for a renewal: the two of you, the words you have written and the light going. Your driver-guide gets you there and back, and dinner at camp follows.
Marrakech
Quieter, and easier for family who want to join. A riad courtyard in the early morning, or by candlelight after dark. We book the riad; if you would like flowers or music there, we book them and quote in writing.
Essaouira
The coast is milder in summer and has its own pace: the ramparts in the evening wind, the harbour in the morning, fish for dinner. A good place to end a longer trip with the renewal on the last night.
After dark
Whichever setting you choose, the evening after matters as much. Candlelit dinners are booked ahead at every stay, and at camp you eat under a very dark sky.
No paperwork. No officiant needed. Your words.
A renewal is yours to shape. Some couples write new vows, some read the old ones, some ask a friend or one of their children to speak. If you would like a celebrant, tell us and we will ask who is available.
A seating arch set out on the sand at a Sahara camp, after dark
In writing, before you book
From first message to the day
Send a few lines from the enquiry form: a vow renewal, roughly when, how many of you, and the kind of setting you picture. A rough idea is enough.
A real person writes back with questions and a first outline: route, stays and where the moment could happen. No obligation and no deposit to get a quote.
We adjust the route, the stays and the timing until it fits. For the event itself, such as flowers, music or a celebrant, your planner books local specialists and sets each one out in your written quote.
Every stay, transfer and arrangement is confirmed in writing, with the price, before any deposit.
Your driver-guide is with you on the day, and our concierge answers WhatsApp Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18:00 GMT.
Starting points
Each is private and changes freely; tell us which is closest and we build the occasion into it.
Straight answers
No. A vow renewal is a symbolic ceremony with no legal effect, in Morocco or anywhere else. Your marriage stands as it is; the renewal is a private occasion you shape yourselves, so there is nothing to register.
Three settings work best: a dune crest in the Sahara at sunset, a riad courtyard in Marrakech, or the coast at Essaouira. The Sahara needs at least four days in your trip because of the drive; Marrakech and Essaouira fit a shorter stay.
Yes. Our private journeys are planned for small parties, with the vehicle and rooms sized to you. Tell us how many are coming and we plan the transport and stays to fit.
Yes. As on our honeymoon journeys, we can arrange a photographer for a portrait session in the dunes or the medina. Tell us what you want covered and we confirm what is possible, and the cost, in writing before you book.
Our Anniversary Grand Tour is fourteen private days across Morocco and can carry a renewal en route, in the dunes or a riad courtyard. Shorter routes work as well: four days for the desert, three for Marrakech. Tell us how long you have.
Read before you plan
Questions couples ask
Morocco Honeymoons, private trips for two
Tell us the anniversary, your dates and the setting you picture. A real person on our team writes back by email.
Other occasions
HoneymoonPalace riads, the Rose Valley, a desert camp and the Atlantic.
Destination weddingA riad courtyard, a desert camp, a mountain terrace or the Atlantic.
ProposalOr a dune as the sun goes down. Your partner only needs to know they are on holiday.ElopementSmall enough to move to the evening if the wind gets up.Anniversary tripTwo nights almost everywhere, and the date itself marked properly.Photographs: our own trip photos, except A dune ridge at dusk, Erg Chebbi by Mike Prince (CC BY 2.0); The Menara pavilion, Marrakech by Mustang Joe (CC0); The great courtyard of the Bahia Palace, Marrakech by Val Traveler (CC BY-SA 4.0); The High Atlas from the Agdal basin, Marrakech by Belbaraka (CC BY-SA 3.0); Sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes by Thomas Fuhrmann (CC BY-SA 4.0); Le Jardin Secret, Marrakech by muffinn (CC BY 2.0); Blue fishing boats in Essaouira harbour by Goldfinchshuffle (CC BY-SA 4.0); The front courtyard of the Bahia Palace, Marrakech by Lionel Leo (CC BY-SA 3.0); Sunset from a rooftop over Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech by Herokk (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons, resized.