Getting Married: Wedding in Turkey

Why get married in Turkey?

— The Roman city of Aphrodisias in Aegean Turkey was dedicated to Aphrodite, Goddess of Love.

— By law, Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent could have four wives and as many concubines as he liked, but after he met Roxelana (Hürrem Sultan) he wanted only her. They're buried side by side in resplendent tombs behind the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul.

That was then, this is now: great beaches and resorts, private yacht cruises, excellent restaurants, lively cafe life, world-class museums (many in castles and palaces), and of course top-class hotels everywhere.

Here are the regulations for marrying in Turkey, necessary documents, additional requirements, and a glossary of Turkish wedding terms.

The travel agencies recommended by TurkeyTravelPlanner.com are happy to make travel arrangements for your wedding: transportation, accommodations, catering, special activities, etc.

Travel agents do not normally help with the legal paperwork, but my friends at Travel Atelier are happy to do so (although they must charge a fee for all the legwork). More...

If you're lucky, during your visit to Turkey you may even be invited to participate in a local traditional wedding (if there's on happening when you're in Turkey). At Turkish weddings, everyone's invited!

Want to have a traditional Turkish wedding yourself? Contact Turkish Heritage Travel in Göreme, Cappadocia, or Travel Atelier in Ürgüp, Cappadocia. They're even willing to help you with the legal paperwork.

Then you can have your honeymoon in Turkey. (I did!)

Turkish Marriage Law

Additional Requirements

Necessary Documents

Tips for Americans

Glossary of Turkish Wedding Terms

Your Wedding in Turkey

Your Honeymoon in Turkey

Traditional Turkish Wedding in Cappadocia

Special Interest Trips

When to Go

Travel Details

Turkey Travel Planner Homepage

Above, a monumental gate rises above farmers' fields in ancient Aphrodisias, city of the Goddess of Love.