Magical Weddings in Turkey

Turkey`s spectacular coastlines, magnificent landscapes and exotic cities make it the perfect backdrop for your special occasion, whether it`s a wedding, blessing or honeymoon. The breathtaking scenery and warm climate, coupled with a rapidly improving infrastructure and tourism centres means organising a wedding in Turkey is no longer the difficulty it once was.



Even so, organising a wedding abroad can still be quite daunting, especially if you`re not familiar with the language, culture and the local bureaucracy. That`s why we recommend that you choose one of the many tour operators that now specialise in weddings to Turkey, making the process simple and stress-free - some companies will even tailor your weddings to suit your personal preferences and budgets. Whether it`s a fairy-tale wedding in the enchanting and exotic Istanbul, a honeymoon aboard a traditional sailing boat or a blissfully tranquil blessing in one of Turkey`s many secluded coves or castles, Turkey offers endless ideas for a truly unforgettable wedding experience.

Locations
Istanbul: Relive history in this unique and exotic city.

Magical, mystical, exotic and enchanting, Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in the world. Spanning two continents, Istanbul displays a fascinating blend of east and west, as well as ancient and modern. Wander through the meandering streets of Istanbul, and you will find there is something to surprise you at every turn. Whether it`s impressive historical sites such as the Blue Mosque or Topkapi Palace, the spectacular scenery of the Bosphorus, or the tantalising colours and aromas of the Bazaars and markets, Istanbul is an enchanting fusion of romance and adventure that makes it an ideal venue for weddings, honeymoons and blessings.

Istanbul offers a stunning array of venues for blessings and ceremonies for the renewal of vows, for all denominations of faith, including Christian, Islamic and Jewish. Christian couples may choose from a wide selection of ancient churches, whilst for Muslims, the option exists for a ceremony in the spectacular Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). For a unique Jewish ceremony, synagogues such as the Ahrida, one of the oldest and most significant in Istanbul`s long history, offer a magical setting for a blessing.

With a delightful abundance of both unique historical sites and sophisticated hotels, you will be spoilt for choice regarding venues for your special occasion. Here we list a small sample of what`s on offer. For a more comprehensive selection and full list of the hotel venues and Ottoman style mansions, please contact one of the specialist wedding operators to Turkey.

The Maiden`s Tower (Leander`s Tower, pictured below, right): set on an islet in the Bosphorus, this recently restored tower houses a superb restaurant and enviably unique views of Istanbul`s stunning skyline. The tower has a long history steeped in romantic myths and has been an inspiration to writers, poet and artists, while its most recent claim to fame is for featuring in the recent Bond film `The World is Not Enough.

The Yerebatan Sarayi (Underground Cistern, pictured above, right): Another location from an earlier Bond film, `From Russia with Love,` this sixth century underground cistern contains more than three hundred massive illuminated Corinthian columns that rise spectacularly from the water, whilst classical music plays in the background.

Princes` Islands (pictured above, left): Why not retreat to one of the delightfully serene Princes` Islands in the Sea of Marmara, just a short ferry ride from mainland Istanbul? Peace and calm can be found here, where the only form of transport is the horse-drawn carriage - a perfectly idyllic spot for both weddings and honeymoons.

Cappadocia
For the perfect fairy-tale wedding setting, there is nowhere on earth quite like Cappadocia and its astonishing lunar-like landscape. Over millions of years, the soft volcanic rock, once lava created by the eruptions of now long-extinct volcanoes, has been eroded by the elements to create the most unusual and spectacular rock formations, or `fairy chimneys` as they are affectionately known.

It is a very spiritual place and there are said to be more than a thousand churches and chapels here as entire cities were created in hollowed out caves by Christians fleeing from Roman persecution thousands of years ago. Now, you too can experience the magic of Cappadocia with a wedding in one of the incredible ancient cave churches, or why not exchange your vows in a hot air balloon flying over the breathtaking landscape at sunset? The choice is yours for a truly unforgettable ceremony.

Aegean and Mediterranean Coastlines:
Turkey`s coastlines offer miles and miles of spectacular scenery and breathtaking views, with much of it still blissfully untouched: sleepy fishing villages, quiet coves, tranquil bays, historical ruins and deserted islands all provide the perfect setting for an idyllic wedding or honeymoon. The coastline is also interspersed with an array of larger holiday resorts, which also offer superb sun-drenched beaches, crystal-clear seas, thermal spas and lively nightlife, meaning your options for a warm wedding by the sea are limitless. Here we present a sample of what`s on offer, and again would encourage you to contact one of the specialist operators for a more comprehensive list.

Ölü Deniz: This stunning bay with it`s much-photographed blue lagoon, surrounded by fragrant, pine-clad mountains is undoubtedly a romantic and idyllic wedding location. With a choice of top quality hotels within easy reach, honeymoon possibilities are endless: from a 5-star holiday villages to intimate and exclusive boutique hotels.

Pammukale (Cotton Castle): This is a sight to behold. A natural wonder formed from a series of glistening white terraces cascading down a hillside, each filled with a glistening pool of blue water, has been created over the centuries from the flow of the calcium-rich thermal spring above. This could be the perfect setting for a unique moonlit reception or honeymoon.

Bodrum: One of Turkey`s most loved and cosmopolitan holiday resorts, this beautiful town of traditional white-washed houses, cobbled streets and the site of ancient Halicarnassus and the Temple of Mausolus, the second of the `Seven Wonders,` offers countless stunning wedding locations. Whether a wedding fit for a Queen and King at the striking 15th century fortress, Saint Peter`s Castle, which overlooks the bay, or a honeymoon in one of the luxury beachside hotels in the area, you are spoilt for choice in this region of beautiful bays and breathtaking scenery.

Kalkan: A delightful town of winding streets and sophisticated bars and restaurants Kalkan is the perfect spot for a romantic honeymoon. With its luxurious hotels overlooking the sea, and easy access to nearby historical wonders of Olympos, Termessos, Phaselis, Myra and Perge, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey including the bay of Kaputas and Patara, this is the ideal escape for a ceremony or honeymoon in the historical heartland of Turkey that`s surrounded by sumptuous natural landscape and turquoise blue seas.

Gulet Sailing: Another utterly unique way to celebrate your union is upon a traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat. The Mediterranean is the ideal place for sailing as many bays can only be reached by boat and certain treasures can only be seen by the sea, such as the amazing sunken city in Kekova. Arrange your dream wedding on a beautiful deserted bay, or even aboard a boat. Or, why not enjoy a wonderfully relaxing honeymoon gently cruising the warm Turkish waters, either alone, or make a party of it and take your wedding guests along with you too!

Legal Guidelines
The following information is to be used as a guideline only, as legal requirements and rules are subject to change. For full and up-to-date legal advice, please contact either the Turkish Consulate or one of the tour operators specialising in weddings to Turkey (listed above). Also, please note that the information below pertains to the marriage of two British nationals. Holders of any other passports need to obtain further legal advice from one of the above organisations.

Finally, it is essential that you obtain full and up-to-date legal advice before travelling to Turkey, in order to ensure that you are in possession of all the required documentation.

Requirement guidelines:A full ten-year passport with a minimum validity of six months. There is a £10.00 sterling visa charge payable at the port of entry.

A Certificate of No Impediment from the local Registrar of Marriages. Please allow one month for issue; however, it must be issued not more than three months before the wedding day.

Full Birth Certificate and Passport
If under 18 years of age, written consent of parent or guardian.
Eight recent colour passport photographs of each person (Take to resort).
For further details and advice as to the currently applicable legal requirements, as well as all relevant fees, please check with one of the tour operators listed below or alternatively, contact the Turkish Tourist Office or Turkish Consulate. The Britsh Embassy also has a useful website.

Operators
Paradise Weddings
First specialist operator to cater for tailor-made weddings to Turkey from the UK. Any civil or religious ceremony can be arranged, for all denominations of faith, as well as blessings, renewal of vows and honeymoons.

Experts in the Turkish wedding market and able to cater to any individual preference, requirements and budge with regard to every aspect of the ceremony or related arrangements.

Ceremonies can be arranged in any location in Turkey and very friendly staff will be able to guide you through the options.

Highly personalised service from bi-lingual staff that have an excellent relationship with the Turkish authorities.

Full legal advice and general guidance offered prior to making any arrangements, in addition to full assistance for final completion of paperwork before the ceremony and an interpreter service during your stay in Turkey.

Anatolian Sky
A specialist Turkey operator with an established portfolio of wedding destinations including beaches and areas of unique natural beauty. Each wedding is a personal arrangement and the company employs a dedicated wedding expert to assist with your special day both in the UK and in resort.

·Handling of paperwork and legal requirements

·Special wedding meals, flowers, music, entertainment and photography can be arranged depending on your requirements.

·Packages including Registrar fees, Marriage Certificate, Wedding Ceremony and location, Official Notary fees and stamps, Administration fees, Wedding Cake and button hole for the groom.

Thomas Cook
This established operator has a dedicated weddings team with a wealth of experience. They will make sure that everything is in place for your big day, and can advise you of the destination, hotel and wedding venue that will suit your plans best.

Manos
Manos aim to help you create the most special wedding day possible by offering the chance to exchange your vows in an idyllic and romantic destination. Wedding destinations include Ölü Deniz, Marmaris and Gulet cruises.

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