Marrying in a foreign country, especially one that offers idyllic beaches, lively resorts, enchanting lakes, picturesque countryside's, and luxurious hotels, is a dream for many couples.

Luckily, Turkey has all.

Why Choose Turkey?

There are several reasons Turkey has seen burgeoning interest as a wedding destination in the last few decades.

You can go scuba diving in the Mediterranean for an unconventional and adventurous underwater ceremony or take a private tour on a Gulet cruise in the Aegean for an intimate gathering away from crowds.

You could say "yes" atop one of Istanbul's finest rooftops and then head out to Sapanca for a relaxing, tranquil, and nature-filled honeymoon, or you can get hitched in a hotel built above century-old mosaics in Hatay. The possibilities are endless.

The wedding industry in Turkey is competitive and highly developed. It has become a favored destination for Middle Eastern and Asian tourists in recent years, in contrast to its typically European profile, with Arabic and Indian weddings taking the top spots.

Can Foreigners Get Married in Turkey?

Regardless of your citizenship or residency status, you can marry in Turkey as a foreigner. You can be a foreigner marrying someone of the same nationality as you, a Turk, or someone from a different country; Turkish regulations permit all civil and monogamous marriages.

Turkey's marriage ceremonies must be conducted by a Turkish government official (not an imam, rabbi, or pastor). Weddings in Turkey are recognized internationally.

If you want more detailed information about married life and family principles in Turkey, conditions for marriage, the documents you will need, as well as some FAQs, check out this article.

I am getting married

  • As a tourist

You and your spouse must have your passport, valid visa, birth certificates (original or certified and translated copies), 5-6 biometric photos, and an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry, which can be obtained from the embassies or the consulates.

You will be asked to provide an accommodation document evidencing the place and duration of your stay as well as your date of departure. You can ask the hotel you are staying at to write a letter to explain this.

  • As a resident

You need the same documents as a tourist, bar the visa. You will be required to submit your residence permit instead.

The marriage bureau of the mayoral district you are planning to get married in will ask you to provide proof of address to prove that you are "living" within the borders of their jurisdiction and that they can provide you with service.

In the Most Basic Form, These Are the Tasks You Need to Complete:

  • Schedule an appointment at your country's consulate or embassy in Turkey to get your affidavit.
  • Complete your medical checks and tests at a designated clinic or hospital.
  • Get all your documents translated and notarized.
  • Book a time slot for your ceremony.

The Best Places to Get Married in Turkey

Whether you want a more modern, conservative, or traditionally Turkish wedding, some countless venues and cities offer something for everyone.

If you want to have a relaxing, laid-back wedding at sunset with ultramarine waves crashing into the shore in the background, you should be looking at Turkey's south and southwest.

Antalya and Muğla are, without a doubt, the best places for a beach wedding. Bodrum, Marmaris, Dalyan, and Fethiye in Muğla, and Lara, Belek, Kaleiçi, and Kaş in Antalya are the most preferred locations to-be-wed as well for couples on their honeymoons.

Urla and Çeşme in Izmir as well as Kuşadası in Aydın are also popular options.

Islands such as Cunda, the largest of the Ayvalık islands, or the Princes' Islands in Istanbul are unique wedding locations. If you want a truly magical experience, Cappadocia and its fairy chimneys with hot air balloons can also be the right choice for an otherworldly venue.

Parks and pavilions offer a welcome respite from the city's chaos and the concrete jungle, providing guests with a tranquil and enchanting experience surrounded by pretty flora and green foliage.

In recent years, Bosporus cruises have also become a popular venue for weddings, especially at sunset.

  • The Maiden's Tower,
  • Sait Halim Pasha Mansion,
  • Hekimbaşı Salim Efendi Mansion,
  • Kemer Country Club,
  • Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet or Bosporus,
  • Çırağan Palace,
  • Adile Sultan Palace,
  • The Grand Tarabya,
  • Soho House and the
  • Ihlamur Pavilion

Those are a few of the many picturesque venues that hold weddings in Istanbul.

How Can I Get Divorced in Turkey?

To terminate your marriage, you will have to obtain a divorce decree from a Turkey family court. If you require a lawyer, you should give them a power of attorney to handle the paperwork.

Marriage in Turkey can be annulled for any of the following reasons:

  • One side was forced into the marriage,
  • Either side's rights were seriously violated,
  • One of the spouses has lived outside of Turkey for over a year,
  • One of the partners commits acts of violence and abuse against the other.

If you believe you have irreconcilable differences and are incompatible with your spouse or one side has committed adultery, among many other valid reasons, you can file for divorce.

Divorce proceedings are generally open to the public, but if requested and the judge approves, you may be able to have a closed or private court case.

There are two types of divorce in Turkey: contentious and consensual divorce.

NOTE: To be able to file for consensual (uncontested) divorce where both sides agree to separation and have no objections, you will have had to be married for at least a year.

You and your spouse will draft and sign a joint agreement for divorce and then announce your mutual decision in front of the judge in court.

However, if one partner wants to separate, also called a contested divorce, they must file a Turkish Family Court petition. After reviewing evidence from both sides and hearing them and their witnesses out, the judge will issue a final ruling within about 16 days.

*If you signed a prenup before marriage, your divorce would consider this agreement's legal aspects when settling matters.