Aliya and James had always dreamed of a wedding in Turkey. A sunset ceremony on a beach in Antalya, lanterns floating in the sky, and the sound of waves as their perfect wedding soundtrack. But before they could say “I do,” they found themselves drowning in paperwork, navigating bureaucratic mazes, and Googling “What documents do I need to get married in Turkey?” at 2 AM.
If you’re planning your dream wedding in Turkey, let’s make sure you’re ready—not just for the romance but also for the red tape. Here’s everything you need to know about getting legally married in Turkey as a foreigner!
Can Foreigners Get Married in Turkey?
Yes! But while Turkey welcomes international couples with open arms, it also demands a few official documents before you can legally tie the knot. The process isn’t overly complicated, but it does require some preparation.
1. Legal Marriage Requirements in Turkey
Before you start picking out wedding venues in Cappadocia or Bodrum, make sure you meet these basic criteria:
✅ Legal Age: You must be at least 18 years old. If you’re 17, parental consent is required. For 16-year-olds, a court decision is necessary. (Or, you know, maybe just wait a couple of years!)
✅ Proof of Marital Status: Both parties must provide a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or a similar document from your home country, proving that you’re not already married. (Turkey is a strictly monogamous country—no double weddings here!)
✅ Waiting Period for Divorced Women: If the bride has been divorced, she must wait 300 days before remarrying—unless she can provide medical proof that she is not pregnant.
✅ No Close Relatives: Marriage between certain relatives (e.g., cousins, uncles, aunts) is not allowed. Love is love, but Turkey draws the line at family trees that are a little too close.
2. What Documents Do You Need?
Here’s your ultimate Turkish Wedding Checklist:
📄 Marriage Application Form (Evlenme Beyannamesi) – You’ll complete this at the local municipality (Belediye).
📄 Passports & Birth Certificates – These must be translated into Turkish and notarized.
📄 Health Report (Sağlık Raporu) – A mandatory medical exam from a Turkish health institution to screen for certain conditions.
📄 Certificate of No Impediment – A document from your home country confirming that you are free to marry. This must be translated and notarized.
📄 4-6 Passport-Sized Photos – Yes, you need them for the paperwork, but also… wedding announcements, right?
Pro Tip:
Start gathering your documents at least 2-3 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married in Turkey
✔️ Step 1: Visit your country’s embassy or consulate in Turkey to get your Certificate of No Impediment (CNI).
✔️ Step 2: Have all documents translated into Turkish and notarized.
✔️ Step 3: Get a health check-up at a government-approved hospital or clinic.
✔️ Step 4: Submit your application to the local marriage office (Nikah Dairesi).
✔️ Step 5: Set a wedding date!
✔️ Step 6: Have your marriage ceremony at a municipality-approved location (or hire an official registrar for a private venue).
✔️ Step 7: Receive your Turkish Marriage Certificate (Evlenme Cüzdanı). Congratulations—you’re officially married!
4. How Much Does It Cost to Get Married in Turkey?
💰 Marriage application fees: $50-$100
💰 Notary & translation costs: $50-$150
💰 Health check-up: $20-$50
💰 Venue & ceremony fees: $500-$5,000+ (depending on location)
Want a luxury beach wedding? Expect to pay $10,000+ for a full wedding package in places like Bodrum or Antalya. Looking for a budget-friendly elopement? A simple civil ceremony can cost under $500.
5. Best Wedding Locations in Turkey
Turkey is a dream wedding destination, but where exactly should you say “I do”?
✨ Istanbul – A city that blends European elegance with Ottoman grandeur. Ideal for palace weddings!
👉 Official Istanbul Tourism Site
✨ Cappadocia – Picture exchanging vows in a valley surrounded by hot air balloons!
👉 Cappadocia Travel Guide
✨ Antalya – The perfect mix of beach, history, and luxury.
👉 Visit Antalya
✨ Bodrum – Chic, bohemian, and perfect for an intimate wedding by the sea.
👉 Bodrum Tourist Info
Tip: Book your venue at least 6-12 months in advance, especially if you want a summer wedding.
6. Turkish Wedding Traditions to Consider
Want to add a touch of Turkish culture to your big day? Here are some beautiful traditions:
💍 The “Salty Coffee” Test – During the engagement ceremony, the bride makes coffee for the groom—but adds salt instead of sugar. If he drinks it without complaint, it’s a sign of patience and love. (Or, you know, he’s just really committed!)
💰 The Gold Coin Tradition – Guests often pin gold coins or money to the couple’s outfits instead of giving traditional wedding gifts.
🕺 The Halay Dance – A fun and energetic traditional dance performed at most weddings. Get ready to join the circle!
7. Final Step: Capture Your Dream Wedding!
A wedding in Turkey isn’t just a ceremony—it’s an unforgettable experience. And what’s the best way to make sure you remember every moment? Stunning photography!
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing magical weddings across Turkey, from the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia to the luxurious shores of Antalya.
✨ See my wedding photography portfolio here: Your Happy Moments Blog
📸 Check out my photography packages: Investment Page
💌 Let’s plan your dream wedding shoot! Contact Me
Planning a wedding in Turkey may require some paperwork, but once you’re walking down the aisle with the Bosphorus, the mountains of Cappadocia, or the turquoise waters of Antalya as your backdrop—you’ll know it was all worth it.
Now, are you ready to make your dream wedding a reality? Let’s make it happen! 🎉💍
