Morgan and Mat’s love story started at work, where they were introduced by their best friends. The sparks flew instantly, and they knew they were meant to be together. With a passion for travel and a desire to have a unique wedding experience, the couple chose to have a destination elopement in the stunning Saharan Desert in Merzouga, Morocco.

“We have always loved to travel,” Morgan says. “We wanted the location we chose to be unique and incredible, and different than any other wedding.” They chose the Sahara Desert for its warmth and sand, and because camels are Morgan’s favorite animal. They took care of most of the details for the wedding planning in their home state and brought a few vendors with them to help put it all together.

Because they wanted an open desert setting, they didn’t need a traditional venue for the wedding. Instead, they bought a gorgeous tent and had it shipped to Morocco. “It was really all we needed,” the couple says.

Although planning from afar proved challenging, their photographer Chelsey Black knew a lot about travel and elopements and helped make it all happen.

For the decor and extras, they wanted their wedding to look more like fine art than boho, which is often seen in desert weddings. “It was meant to show that elegance and grace can be found in any location,” the bride says. Morgan and Mat planned to keep things simple, with a beautiful gown, incredible florals, elegant tablescapes, and only two guests, their best friends.

Their ceremony was a gorgeous vow exchange at sunset, with the sun glowing perfectly through the tent and the warm sand at their feet. Morgan and Mat incorporated Moroccan tea into the ceremony as a tribute to the location. They sat on blue velvet cushions while they ate dinner, and the details were small but meaningful. After, the group of four danced all night to classical music.

The couple agreed that if they had held their wedding at home, it would have been a completely different experience. “It was so gorgeous and intimate,” Morgan says. “I could never imagine this incredible day spent in a crowded dance hall. It was absolutely perfect for two traveling lovers to tie the knot.”

When asked if Mat or Morgan had any special advice for readers preparing for their Morocco wedding day, the bride says, “Just do it. Don’t overthink it. Choose a location that you both connect with and put the money you would have spent on a big wedding towards an elopement and an extended honeymoon. You won’t regret it!”

Vendors: Photography & Videography: Chelsey Black Photography & Videography; Florist: Little Lady Floral; Dress Shop: Utah Bride Room; Dress Designer: Elly Haute Couture; Suit: DC Tuxedos; Shoes: Sammitop; Hair and Makeup: Yulia Wilcox; Invitation Suite: Lettering by GRG; Design and Rentals: CB Wedding Rentals; Ring: Life & Jewels; Maid-of-Honor Dress: AW Bridal; Pavillion Tent: Kirti Tents