Are you thinking of a destination wedding immersed in rich culture, history, and incredible wonders? Take it to the Land of the Crescent Moon, Turkey! Turkey offers diverse geographies from breathtaking mountain ridges to fine-powdered beaches and crystal blue seascapes. This country bridges modern to ancient, Asia to Europe, it’s not only history and culture that runs deep but your options for your destination wedding too!
Here we have a destination wedding guide for Turkey to help you plan for your big day:
When to have your destination wedding in Turkey?
The best time to have your destination wedding in Turkey depends on what kind of celebration you want. If you want a warm, cozy, indoor wedding, a winter wedding in Turkey might be the one for you. It starts getting cold in Turkey in late October and lasts until March.
You can also opt for a summer wedding from June through September. Summers in Turkey can get very hot with temperatures reaching up to mid-thirties, especially in the south. This is ideal for weddings in the countryside, by the sea or pool.
If you don’t want your wedding to be too hot, April, May, September, and October are months where the heat isn’t too overbearing. The temperatures during this time range from 20°C to 30°C. The best time to set your ceremony is after 6 pm when the weather isn’t too hot.
How to legally get married in Turkey?
Before getting into the frenzy of planning a destination wedding, there are quite a lot of preparations and documents to do before legally getting married in Turkey.
So if you’re seriously considering Turkey for your destination wedding, it’s important to know the following details:
- A civil ceremony is the only legally binding type of ceremony possible in Turkey
- There is no minimum residency period as long as you obtain a Certificate of No Impediment
- A translator must be present if either of the couples does not speak Turkish
- Two Witnesses must be present at the marriage ceremony (note: immediate family members cannot be witnesses).
- You may only have a religious ceremony after a civil ceremony has taken place, either in Turkey or in your own country
Here are some important reminders you will be needing to apply for a marriage license in Turkey:
- The marriage application needs to be made in person at the local marriage office in order to give notice of marriage, submit the certificates, complete necessary forms and fix a date for the marriage ceremony.
- These documents are required to be original. The Certificate of No Impediment, Birth Certificate, and Passport should be translated into Turkish by proper authorities and authenticated by the local Governor’s office in Turkey.
- Ideally, your Certificate of No Impediment must not be issued more than three months prior to your wedding day. Most countries have no expiration date when it comes to Certificates of No Impediment, but there are a few whose certificate is only valid for three months after the date of issue.
- UK nationals should provide notice after their marriage to the local Honorary Consulate which will then send a copy of the marriage registration to your local registry office in the United Kingdom.
The following documentation is required to be presented when applying for a marriage license in Turkey:
- Passport
- with a minimum validity of six months; non-residents of Turkey are also required to present a visa translated into Turkish
- Full birth certificate
- make sure it shows the mother and father’s names
- Health certificate
- by a medical examination at the State Medical Institution (named “Saglik Ocagi” or “Devlet Hastanesi” in Turkish) specified by the chosen registry office
- Further, Blood tests might be taken if you suffer from contagious diseases. Chest x-rays might be needed in some cases.
- 6 passport colour photographs
- they should be taken within no more than 1 month prior to travelling to Turkey
- Decree Absolute (if divorced)
- Spouse’s death certificate, previous marriage certificate (if widowed)
- Name Change Deed Poll Certificate (if applicable)
- Adoption certificate (if adopted)
- Accommodation document
- you should present a letter of accommodation issued by the hotel with details about the duration of your stay
- Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (Certificate of Capacity to Marry/Certificate of Celibacy/Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry)
- Depending on your nationality, the CNI will be issued in the country where you live and it will either be forwarded to you or sent to the relevant Embassy in Turkey to be processed
- If issued in your country of residency – go to the nearest Consulate in person when you are in Turkey to make an application to start formalities, or
- If issued in Turkey – you can provide a letter of authorisation from a third party (e.g. wedding planner) to collect these documents on your behalf
- UK Nationals – Swear an Affidavit for Marriage form, which must be legalised prior to arriving in Turkey
- Depending on your nationality, the CNI will be issued in the country where you live and it will either be forwarded to you or sent to the relevant Embassy in Turkey to be processed
Where to have your destination wedding in Turkey?
Turkey offers a wide range of impressive backdrops for the destination wedding of a lifetime. You can have your wedding in a palace or mansion in the city of Istanbul, a resort or beach wedding on their stunning beaches, or in a private villa overlooking the sea. There are so many options to choose from, but here are some that caught our eye.
1. Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul
Live out your fairytale wedding in Istanbul’s 19th-century Ottoman palace-turned-hotel, Çırağan Palace Kempinski. The 5-star hotel in the heart of Istanbul offers a stunning view of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Maiden’s Tower. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for a wedding venue. This hotel screams nothing but luxury from its elegant guest rooms to its spa and wellness centre.
The Palace can cater to the wedding of your dreams, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor wedding. The Palace has two ballrooms that can hold 250 to 850 guests. For an outdoor celebration, they have two terraces that can sit anywhere between 200 to 1200 guests. You and your guests will definitely feel like royalty for the duration of your stay.
2. Villa Macakızı, Bodrum
If you want your destination wedding in Turkey to be more private and personal, you can go for this chic villa with a spectacular seaside view. Set alongside the deep blue crystalline waters and lush hills, this private villa has an outdoor and interior room that can hold up to 350 guests.
The place has 10 thoughtfully and brightly designed suites that have their own baths and amazing views of the Turkish Riviera. They also have great amenities like a world-class spa or gym to make your stay even more relaxing.
3. Titanic Mardan Palace, Antalya
What’s more luxurious than getting married in The Titanic Mardan Palace, a 5-star hotel with excellent service? Picture this: marrying the love of your life with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. We think it’s picture-perfect! The Palace has two elegant and outstanding column-free ballrooms that can sit up to 1,200 guests, still with room for all the dancing.
4. D Maris Bay, Marmaris
The ultimate private destination wedding venue for beach lovers, D Maris Bay in Marmaris. There’s no better place to say your ‘I Dos’ than against a backdrop of this hidden paradise with turquoise-coloured waters and majestic mountain ranges. The place has outdoor and indoor pools and five private beaches where you can hold your ceremony. Celebrate your love in beauty, serenity, and luxury with D Maris Bay.
5. Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, Istanbul
For a regal and romantic wedding, consider getting married in the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, a 19th-century Ottoman mansion in Turkey. With a scenic view of the Bosphorus, the mansion’s grand ceilings, and walls full of history, the mansion is the perfect place for your destination wedding no matter the season.
It has 11 indoor and 2 outdoor event areas that can hold 800 up to 1,600 guests. Not only that but the mansion also offers a highly skilled culinary team that can give you a gastronomic experience that is one of a kind. They take local and traditional flavours and put their modern twist on them. They also have a honeymoon suite where the couple can spend their first night in.
