LOCATIONS
Istanbul:
Relive history in this unique and exotic city. Magical, mystical, exotic and enchanting,
Istanbul is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in the world. Spanning
two continents, Istanbul displays a fascinating blend of east and west, as well
as ancient and modern. Wander through the meandering streets of Istanbul, and
you will find there is something to surprise you at every turn. Whether it’s impressive
historical sites such as the Blue Mosque or Topkapi Palace, the spectacular scenery
of the Bosphorus, or the tantalising colours and aromas of the Bazaars and markets,
Istanbul is an enchanting fusion of romance and adventure that makes it an ideal
venue for weddings, honeymoons and blessings. Istanbul offers a stunning array
of venues for blessings and ceremonies for the renewal of vows, for all denominations
of faith, including Christian, Islamic and Jewish. Christian couples may choose
from a wide selection of ancient churches, whilst for Muslims, the option exists
for a ceremony in the spectacular Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque). For a unique
Jewish ceremony, synagogues such as the Ahrida, one of the oldest and most significant
in Istanbul’s long history, offer a magical setting for a blessing. With a delightful
abundance of both unique historical sites and sophisticated hotels, you will be
spoilt for choice regarding venues for your special occasion. Here we list a small
sample of what’s on offer. For a more comprehensive selection and full list of
the hotel venues and Ottoman style mansions, please contact one of the specialist
wedding operators to Turkey.
Cappadocia:
For the perfect fairy-tale wedding setting, there is nowhere on earth quite like
Cappadocia and its astonishing lunar-like landscape. Over millions of years, the
soft volcanic rock, once lava created by the eruptions of now long-extinct volcanoes,
has been eroded by the elements to create the most unusual and spectacular rock
formations, or ‘fairy chimneys’ as they are affectionately known. It is a very
spiritual place and there are said to be more than a thousand churches and chapels
here as entire cities were created in hollowed out caves by Christians fleeing
from Roman persecution thousands of years ago. Now, you too can experience the
magic of Cappadocia with a wedding in one of the incredible ancient cave churches,
or why not exchange your vows in a hot air balloon flying over the breathtaking
landscape at sunset? The choice is yours for a truly unforgettable ceremony. Bodrum:
One of Turkey’s most loved and cosmopolitan holiday resorts, this beautiful town
of traditional white-washed houses, cobbled streets and the site of ancient Halicarnassus
and the Temple of Mausolus, the second of the ‘Seven Wonders,’ offers countless
stunning wedding locations. Whether a wedding fit for a Queen and King at the
striking 15th century fortress, Saint Peter’s Castle, which overlooks the bay,
or a honeymoon in one of the luxury beachside hotels in the area, you are spoilt
for choice in this region of beautiful bays and breathtaking scenery. Kalkan:
A delightful town of winding streets and sophisticated bars and restaurants Kalkan
is the perfect spot for a romantic honeymoon. With its luxurious hotels overlooking
the sea, and easy access to nearby historical wonders of Olympos, Termessos, Phaselis,
Myra and Perge, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey including
the bay of Kaputas and Patara, this is the ideal escape for a ceremony or honeymoon
in the historical heartland of Turkey that’s surrounded by sumptuous natural landscape
and turquoise blue seas. Gulet Sailing: Another utterly unique way to celebrate
your union is upon a traditional Turkish wooden sailing boat. The Mediterranean
is the ideal place for sailing as many bays can only be reached by boat and certain
treasures can only be seen by the sea, such as the amazing sunken city in Kekova.
Arrange your dream wedding on a beautiful deserted bay, or even aboard a boat.
Or, why not enjoy a wonderfully relaxing honeymoon gently cruising the warm Turkish
waters, either alone, or make a party of it and take your wedding guests along
with you too! |