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A stunning country in the Middle East, Turkey is a popular location for destination weddings for couples around the world. With its stunning architecture, vast, beautiful landscapes and warm Mediterranean weather, it’s clear why so many couples want to say “I do” in Turkey.
Before you get off to your dream wedding, there are a few legal and logistical steps that need to be carefully followed. In this blog, we’ll talk you through how to get married in Turkey as a UK citizen and all the documents and processes needed to make your marriage official.
Looking for the perfect place to say I do in Turkey? At The Wedding Travel Company, we have a range of Turkey wedding venues and packages to make every couple's dream come true.
If you’re wanting to tie the knot in Turkey, there are a few legal procedures and rules to follow.
Before you learn how to get married in Turkey, you need to check if you’re able to legally marry in the country. The basic requirements are that you must be at least 18 (or 17 with parental consent). There are other rules that are standard for most modern marriages, such as not being blood related or currently married. You also need to be capable of consenting to marriage.
Before you decide to marry in Turkey, you need to do some research to see if it’s the right fit for you and your partner.
The main thing to consider is that a civil ceremony is the only legally binding ceremony available in Turkey. If you want a religious ceremony, this is possible, but you must also have a civil one first.
You’ll also need to hire a translator if you or your partner do not speak Turkish, which will come at an additional cost. You will also need to have two witnesses present at your ceremony who are not close family members.
Having a wedding in Turkey also requires you to arrive a few days before your ceremony to allow time for your documentation to be processed. We’d recommend arriving at least three days before your big day to give you ample time to have everything finalised.
You’ll need some legal documents as well as identification before you head to Turkey.
Both you and your partner will need valid passports. Of course, you won’t be able to fly without these, so this is a given, but these will also act as your main form of photo identification when applying to marry.
You’ll need your official, original birth certificate with all your details and your parents' names. If you’ve lost your original or it is damaged, you can apply for a birth certificate on the UK government website, and a new one will be issued for a small fee.
Since 2014, British citizens no longer require a ‘Certificate of No Impediment’ to marry in Turkey. You do, however, need an affidavit for marriage that must be approved and legalised before venturing abroad.
All of the documents you need also have to be translated into Turkish and approved by the correct authorities in Turkey. If you hire a wedding planner, they’ll have all the connections and knowledge to handle the tricky application process. All documents will be acquired and translated well in advance to ensure you have enough time to provide additional information should it become necessary.
We’d recommend sorting all your documents at least 3 months before your wedding for extra security.
Once you’ve decided on Turkey as the setting for your dream destination wedding, it’s time to pick the perfect location for you. There are so many locations across this stunning country to choose from, but down below are some top spots for inspiration.
Perhaps the most famous city in Turkey after the capital, Istanbul, is a cultural hub full of history and stunning architecture. If you want a cityscape backdrop for your wedding, this location has the perfect balance of traditional charm and modern elegance.
If you’re dreaming of a stunning beach affair, then a Marmaris wedding may be right for you. With dazzling waters and sandy shores all around, you can enjoy saying your vows along the coast. Home to the famous Aegean resort town, you’ll find no shortage of glamorous resorts, yacht clubs and scenic bays to host your celebrations.
If you’re searching for a more intimate wedding location in Turkey, Cappadocia is an amazing option. You can experience a range of natural wonders in this region, including breathtaking rocky mountains with churches and venues built right into the rock formations. Famous for its hot air balloon rides, you can tie the knot in the sky overlooking the breathtaking landscape below.
Once you know your location, it’s time to narrow down your venue selection. If you’re not sure exactly what you want, your wedding planner will work with you to find a venue that suits your wedding must-haves.
You might be dreaming of a luxury wedding venue in Turkey to pamper you and your partner, or maybe you’re wanting to save some pennies and focus on a more budget wedding venue. Whatever your vision, expert planners like ours at The Wedding Travel Company will scour venues across Turkey to find the best option for you based on your budget, party size and reception requirements.
Once all the planning is sorted, getting married in Turkey from UK should be a breeze. When you’ve touched down on Turkish soil and all your documents are sorted, the hard part is over, and you can enjoy your big day with your partner. The only thing for you to do is dance the night away and take your marriage certificate back home to the UK.
Marrying in Turkey as a UK citizen is easy with the right prep and planning. As long as you organise all your documents and accommodation in advance, you can enjoy toasting to your future on Turkish beaches in no time. Remember that if you want a stress-free planning process, an expert wedding planner is the easiest way to enjoy your marriage in Turkey.
Here at The Wedding Travel Company, we’re here to answer any queries or concerns about weddings in Turkey. Whether you’re not sure which wedding package is right for you or you need help choosing a venue, get in touch with our team, and we’ll be on hand to help.
For more on destination weddings, take a look at some of our other blogs:
The Best 2025 Destination Wedding Locations
