Wedding On Bosphorus

Wedding On Bosphorus Istanbul

Getting married on the Bosphorus means your ceremony takes place on the water that separates Europe from Asia — with the Ottoman bridges, the historic palaces, and the Istanbul skyline visible in every direction. It is a setting that has no equivalent anywhere in the world. Our wedding on Bosphorus packages are designed for couples who want that setting done properly: a private venue on the water, a coordinated ceremony, full catering, photography, and a team that manages every logistical detail so you can be present for your own wedding.

We organise ceremonies for small intimate weddings — as few as ten people — and for larger celebrations of up to 80 guests. The format varies significantly depending on guest count, the couple’s preferences, and the nature of the ceremony.

Ceremony Options

Weddings on the Bosphorus can take different forms. A floating ceremony takes place aboard a private yacht while the boat is at anchor or slowly cruising — guests seated on deck, the ceremony conducted by an officiant against the water backdrop. A dockside ceremony uses a private pier or marina area with the water and city as the setting, before the reception moves aboard.

We work with officiants for symbolic ceremonies in English and other languages. For couples who require a legally recognised ceremony, we advise on the legal requirements for foreign nationals marrying in Turkey. For Muslim couples seeking a traditional nikah ceremony, we work with Turkish officiants who conduct the ceremony in Arabic and Turkish.

The Setting

The Bosphorus offers several distinct environments for a wedding. The northern stretches are quieter, with forested hillsides and smaller Ottoman villas. The central Bosphorus near Ortakoy and Besiktas provides the iconic views of the Bosphorus Bridge and the Ortakoy Mosque. The southern entrance near Uskudar and the Maiden’s Tower offers the view across to the Old City, with the domes of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia visible on clear days.

Catering

Wedding catering on the Bosphorus is arranged through our catering partners, who are experienced in event service aboard vessels. Menu options range from traditional Turkish wedding feasts — roasted meats, pilav, salads, mezze, and baklava — to more contemporary menus. We accommodate all dietary requirements: vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free.

Photography and Video

Wedding photography on the Bosphorus requires specific experience — movement on the water, changing light conditions, the logistics of working across a boat and its deck. Our photographers have worked on weddings in Istanbul for years and produce documentation that matches the setting. Full-day coverage, portrait sessions in Istanbul’s Old City before or after the ceremony, and video packages are all available.

Planning Timeline

Weddings require more lead time than other proposals. We recommend getting in touch at least two to three months before your intended date, and earlier for dates in the peak season of May through September.

A Wedding in Istanbul on the Bosphorus

Istanbul is one of a small number of cities in the world where the setting becomes part of the wedding itself. Couples who marry on the Bosphorus have photographs from a specific, irreplaceable place that means something. The water between two continents, the skyline that has been there for centuries, the sense of occasion that comes from the city itself. That is what a wedding on the Bosphorus provides.