Destination-Wedding at Turkey with Suitcase Diaries
Turkey has become the new hotspot for destination weddings. Grand Indian weddings of millennial couples held in Turkish cities are now commonplace on social media platforms. Istanbul’s magnificence will entice you to hold your wedding there. Other mesmerising sites in Turkey include Bodrum and Antalya, which would be highly iconic for your grand wedding.
The Best Places To Get Married in Turkey
If you want a relaxed, laid-back wedding at sunset with ultramarine waves slamming into the coast in the background, Turkey’s south and southwest are the places to go. Without question, the ideal destinations for a seaside wedding are Antalya and Bodrum. These places are also well-suited for pre and post wedding tourism.
The easiest way to reach Istanbul is via a direct or hopping flight from India. An additional domestic flight can be boarded from Istanbul to reach Antalya and Bodrum.
Istanbul is a fantastic tourist destination as well as a magnificent location for a wedding. Apart from the tranquil waters of the Bosphorus, which is one of the most spectacular sights in Istanbul, there are several luxurious wedding venues to pick from. Unique wedding sites include Cunda, the largest of the Ayvalık islands, and the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul.
Istanbul experiences scorching summers and cold winters. So, between July and November, or February and April, is an apt time to plan your wedding. To begin, you need to set aside a minimum budget of EUR 2500 per individual.
Hotels and resorts
Turkey has a lot to offer visitors, from Istanbul to Cappadocia to the Turkish Riviera and beyond. Picking a hotel, whether you want to stay at the Four Seasons Istanbul or the boutique Museum Hotel in Cappadocia, can be difficult, if only because there are so many excellent options.
Travellers searching for a lavish stay should consider staying at the Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus, which has been refurbished from a 19th-century Ottoman palace.
1. Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Four Seasons provides a 19th-century palace with a contemporary, diverse atmosphere on the European bank of the Bosphorus, which runs through Istanbul’s history and heart. A stylish urban spa, superb restaurants, and pools by the quayside overlook the Asian shore, among the alluring amenities.
2. Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center
Osmanbey metro station is a 10-minute walk away, while Taksim Square is only one stop away from the hotel. With 829 guest rooms, including 85 suites, Hilton Istanbul Bomonti is Istanbul’s largest hotel, offering spectacular city and Bosphorus views as well as a wide choice of services.
Possible venues at Istanbul
Istanbul is home to a plethora of opulent residences with picturesque settings, regal interiors, nostalgic vibes, and high-end modern conveniences. Here are some of the places.
1. Swissotel The Bosphorus
Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul, a five-star luxury hotel on the European banks of the Bosphorus with a Safe Hotels Executive Level Certificate for 2016-2020, is located in the heart of Istanbul. It offers 566 guest rooms, suites, and lofts with state-of-the-art technology and luxury facilities, all nestled within 65 acres of historical gardens with world-class shopping and dynamic nightlife nearby.
2. Ciragan Palace kempinski
This 5-star hotel, housed in a 19th-century Ottoman palace, has an infinity pool with views of the Bosphorus. It features a spa and wellness centre, as well as exquisite accommodations with complimentary WiFi. Luxury bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows are included in the rooms at the Raan Palace Kempinski Istanbul.
3. Shangri-La Bosphorus İstanbul
Discover an exotic retreat that draws on the influences of East and West at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, a city that straddles Europe and Asia. The hotel is located in the Beşiktaş district, on the European beaches of the Bosphorus strait, in a historic building from the 1930s, and is only a 15-minute walk from the iconic Dolmabahçe Palace.
Local Transport in Turkey
Public transport in Turkey is well-developed, with long-distance buses, domestic aircraft, minibuses, and ferries serving the entire country. The country’s ageing railroad network is being modernised, with new high-speed lines connecting Ankara, Istanbul, Konya, and Sivas. For wedding logistics, you can make use of ferries and minibuses to transport decor and other amenities.
Turkish food culture
Turkish cuisine is popular around the world for its richness and its history. Thousands of traditional foods are marketed around the country, but some are connected with a specific location that is well-known for its high-quality production, exceptional taste, and departure from the norm.
Being a country with a vast cuisine and intriguing food palate, your guests will be mesmerised with the menu you will plan for your wedding. Baklava, a world famous Turkish dessert, is a must-have on the menu. Turkish mezes can be included to tingle the taste buds of your guests and make them talk about the food at your wedding, for years.
Top Nightlife places in turkey
In Turkey, the nightlife scene is extremely vibrant and beautiful. From electrifying parties to luxurious cruising evenings, the nightlife in Turkey is a great ideal for couples who are looking for a wedding after-party spot.
Bosphorus Cruise
The Bosphorus Cruise is an excellent way to experience Turkey’s nightlife. Sailing around the Bosphorus Strait and taking in the sights of the gleaming bridge, the Princes Islands, and the entire town is a fantastic experience. You can choose from a variety of elegant yachts, catamarans, and sailboats for your 2- to 3-hour cruise. The sight of the sun setting is breathtaking and unforgettable.
Turkish Night Show
Tourists come from all over the world to see the region’s magnificent dance shows and fire acrobats. Every night, some performances are staged in Cappadocia’s cave restaurants. From folk dances to songs to belly dancing and fire drills, Turkish night entertainment has it all.
Pub Crawling
If you want to drink and party in Turkey and then get a feel for the lively pubs, nightclubs, and bars, join the highly thrilling pub crawl, one of the most sought-after activities to do at night in Turkey. The tour begins in Galata Tower, where participants can mingle, make new friends, and receive free shots before starting their tour.
Tips to Make Your Turkey Wedding A Success
There are a list of things you should keep in mind, if you are planning a destination wedding in Turkey:
- After 6 pm is a preferable time for the wedding as it gets uncomfortably hot in the early afternoons.
- Choose a professional wedding planner, who knows the language, rules, and the locality, bringing your wedding vision to life.
- With no minimum term of residency required, you can plan your wedding as per choice. However, finalise the venue before booking your flights as availability can be an issue during high season.
- You can conduct a religious ceremony only after the civil ceremony, which may occur either in your home town or Turkey.
All in all, try having fun with your wedding preparations. Enjoy the beautiful country, even while panicking about the colour of your bouquet. It’s all about love and the moments in the end!
