He exchanged vows with Sabrina Dhowre last week – but if you didn't score an exclusive invite to Idris Elba's opulent wedding, the good news is that you can still follow in his footsteps (just a few weeks later).
The Thor actor and his model bride tied the knot in Morocco on April 26, celebrating their nuptials with three days of festivities in the western city of Marrakech.
The trio of bashes were all held in luxurious hotels, meaning there's nothing stopping you from booking a stay at the same place that Elba, Dhowre and celebrity guests such as Diana Ross and Christian Louboutin set the dance floor alight.
Below, we take a closer look at the venues the newlyweds chose to mark their union.
Amanjena
This five-star resort is reportedly where the couple hosted a souk-themed dinner the night before their wedding. Nestled just outside the Red City, the peaceful retreat features architecture "inspired by the rose-hued buildings of old Marrakech", while lush garden, date palms and olive trees create a paradisaical scene.
The palatial hotel isn't short of a fountain, courtyard or pool or two, and is situated between a number of esteemed golf clubs. While it's not been confirmed where the Elbas held their event, Amanjena has two on-site restaurants, one Japanese and one that serves Moroccan fare. For those looking for a more private affair, the hotel's Caidal tent can also be booked, a romantic spot amid the olive grove that serves up traditional dishes such as slow-cooked lamb mechoui.
Amanjena is used to hosting A-list affairs, with David Beckham and his family celebrating the former footballer's 40th birthday at the resort, while singer Katy Perry also marked her 30th birthday at the venue.
For those who want to bed down for the night, the hotel's suites come with private pools, tiled floors and Berber carpets, while rooms – referred to there as "pavilions" – have shady courtyards and expansive bathrooms.
Rates for rooms in June start from €600 (Dh2,475).
www.aman.com/resorts/amanjena
Ksar Char Bagh
For their official ceremony, Elba and Dhowre ventured to this luxury hotel, located 10 minutes from the city's medina and tucked away in a palm grove. The opulent venue is part of the Relais & Chateaux hotel portfolio, and is frequently cited as one of the Marrakech's most picturesque accommodation options, with its mighty views of the Atlas Mountains.
Ranked by CondeNast Traveller as one of the 100 best hotels in the world, the expansive Ksar Char Bagh boasts a 34-metre pool, as well as a tennis court, hammam, spa and a series of grand courtyards. The hotel also has its own herb garden and farm, which are used to make produce served to guests.
When it comes to eating, the five-star space has one main restaurant – Le Grand Salon – which serves organic, Mediterranean-influenced dishes (think duck confit ravioli, pan-fried beef tenderloin with truffle gnocchi and saffron-marinated pears).
Rooms range from suites with tranquil private gardens and fireplaces, to the option to book an entire VIP floor, with five suits, two private pools, a rooftop terrace and butler service. Rates start from €580 (Dh2,390).
Mandarin Oriental
After pledging "I do" the day before, the wedding party moved to this decadent hotel in central Marrakech for a glitzy, "all-white" celebration that lasted well into the night.
Found among 20 hectares of gardens and olive groves, the Mandarin Oriental offers just as much fragrant greenery as the venues of earlier festivities, but with a more modern, pared-back touch when it comes to the interiors.
Inspired by the colours of the desert, the relaxed, urban oasis features a number of villas and suites, each offering plenty of privacy and elegant furnishing such as handwoven rugs and wooden screens. Many suites feature plunge pools, while some villas boast Jacuzzis and fireplaces.
Those craving a pamper session will find a spa, hammam, gym and yoga studio, with four eateries on-site to ease hunger pangs afterwards. From a poolside restaurant serving up healthy light bites, seafood and Mediterranean dishes to Cantonese delicacies courtesy of Ling Ling by Hakkasan, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Rates start from €950 (Dh3,920).
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