Planning Your Perfect Destination Wedding In Istanbul

With its many luxury hotels that overlook the beautiful Bosphorus, Istanbul is the perfect place for a truly romantic destination wedding. We take a look at the city’s most luxurious hotels offering stunning weddings, Turkish style, as well as the best place to get your wedding dress and the city’s best dream wedding designer.

1. Çırağan Kempinski Hotel

Resort, Chain Hotel, Luxury, Hotel

One of the most iconic hotels in Istanbul, the Çırağan Kempinski Hotel is a former Ottoman mansion that’s located right by the Bosphorus. If you’re looking to have a wedding that’s fit for the sultans, then this is definitely your dream destination. Having hosted many fairytale weddings, the hotel has a spacious wedding terrace and the Çırağan Ballroom, both of which overlook the famous strait. You can choose to keep it intimate or go full out lavish, with a reception or large dinner that can cater from 10 up to 2,000 guests. Of course, the hotel’s professional and experienced staff will also be on hand to take care of every detail.

2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

Hotel, Spa Hotel

The other popular option when it comes to getting married in a former Ottoman mansion by the Bosphorus, is the Four Seasons. With 11 different spaces, 2 grand ballrooms, and 3 pre- and post- function spaces, there are plenty of options when it comes to planning your perfect day. The hotel also offers the services of their classically trained in-house pastry chefs who will create the customized wedding cake of your dreams while the in-house wedding specialist will guide you in terms of flowers, photos, menu, decoration, transportation, and special spa packages for brides.

3. Sumahan on the Water

Hotel

If you’re looking for a venue for a more low-key wedding without losing out on the Bosphorus view, then Sumahan on the Water is the perfect choice. Located on the Asian side in the idyllic Çengelköy neighborhood, Sumahan is right by the waterfront in a former distillery turned modern hotel with a more private vibe. Let the hotel’s professional staff create the perfect menu, which can either be a dinner for up to 120 people (seated) or a cocktail party for 150 people (standing). Sumahan’s outside terrace, which is right next to the water, is also the perfect place for an outdoor wedding and has a beautiful view of Istanbul’s famous cityscape.

Kuleli Caddesi No. 43, Çengelköy +90 216 422 80 00

Courtesy of Sumahan

Of course no wedding would be complete without the perfect dress and Vakko Wedding House is the best option in this regard. Located in the very modern Zorlu Center, Vakko Wedding House has everything necessary for brides as well as grooms, from the outfit to the shoes to the accessories. The store’s assistants are there to help customers find the perfect dress (or suit) and it’s recommended to get in touch with them at least a month in advance so that the ideal gown can be found and tailored for you. The brands at Vakko include Vera Wang, Valentino, Elie by Elie Saab, Emanuel Ungaro, and Oscar De La Renta (among many others).

Zorlu Center, Levazim Mahallesi, Koru Sokak No.2 Zincirlikuyu +90 212 708 33 23

Nick Spanswick

If you need a professional to design your dream wedding in Istanbul, then Nick Spanswick is your man. The London native has become one of Istanbul’s most well-known wedding designers, turning themes like a Winter Wonderland or a laid back Beach Party into a real wedding. Check out our interview with Nick for all the details.

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