How to Design Your Dream Destination Wedding in Istanbul

Dreaming of a fabulous destination wedding in Turkey? Say ‘I do’ on the Bosphorus shores at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, in this most romantic of cities.

For a heavily romantic wedding day, there’s no better place than Istanbul. For lovers, the city where east meets west encapsulates spellbinding beauty, with its Ottoman palaces, spice-scented bazaars and minaret-dotted skyline. Among its wedding venues, meanwhile, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is a standout prime location, its opulent ballrooms, waterfront garden terraces with pool and views across the sapphire-hued strait creating an unforgettable background for wedding photos. Second-to-none service and support include personal butlers for the bride and groom, while the bridal suite comes with every luxury, including soul-stirring vistas and show staircase onto the waterfront garden terrace.

Backdropped by pine groves, the urban resort makes the grandest of first impressions, with its waterfront terraces, pale stone façade and marble- and bronze-lined lobby. Whatever your dream wedding, there’s a space to suit, with three ballrooms, a versatile events space and that show-stopper terrace. Weddings can run from intimate ceremonies and exclusive soirées to epic, candelabra-lit banquets. The imposing Bosphorus Ballroom can comfortably seat 600 and hold 200 more for cocktails, receptions, henna nights or late-night after-parties.

Mandarin Oriental’s talented chefs are at your disposal, with advance tastings, exquisite canapés and a plethora of menu suggestions. Dishes might run from confit octopus to truffle-laced beef tenderloin, while desserts are note-perfect (the tiramisu scattered with coffee pearls is a winner). Really, though, that’s just a starting point, as menus can be honed or even tailor-made, depending on your tastes and needs. The same is true when it comes to the wedding cake, made bespoke by the team’s pâtissiers.

The secret to a stress-free wedding? Getting the right support – and every couple tying the knot here is assigned a dedicated wedding planner. From saxophonists to string quartets, timings to table-settings, the planner can assist with every detail of the day. What’s more, the bride and groom each get their own ‘wedding butler’ – a resourceful, at-the-ready butler on hand for the duration of their stay.

With the planning handled, you can take time to unwind in the run-up to the wedding. That might mean a length in the Bosphorus front terrace pool, flanked by shady loungers, or retreating to the standout 3,000 sqm destination spa, set around a leafy courtyard garden. There’s a serene indoor pool, white marble hammam and restorative treatments list, spanning deep exfoliations, massages and Dr. Barbara Sturm and Biologique Recherche facials that will have you glowing for the big day. The exceptional Bridal hammam for brides and their girlfriends in preparation of the special day, allows you to indulge in the relief and serenity it brings. The Sultan Suite Experience, meanwhile, is designed for two: a three-hour sojourn of serious pampering and relaxing in a private jacuzzi.

The wedding package includes day use of the 321sqm one-bedroom Naile Sultan suite and a night for the newlywed couple. It’s one of the hotel’s most impressive hideaways, with its front-row vistas across the Bosphorus, entertainment space for family and friends and light-filled living space. The suite has direct access to the 1670 sqm Bosphorus Garden event area with a romantic marble show staircase.

For romantics, it covers every item on the wish list, from the bathroom’s double shower and tub-with-a-view to the showstopping outdoor terrace and Bosphorus as well as separate his and hers dressing rooms. Look out too for special surprises from the team – a bouquet of roses, say, or bottle of Champagne.

It’s also worth noting that the perks don’t end on the day itself, with special honeymoon offers and rates at the sister property Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum. And, if you’re back in Istanbul for your first anniversary, you’ll be welcomed with a complimentary dinner at Olea Bosphorus.

Find out more about the hotel’s venues and wedding packages.