Legal Requirements for getting married in Turkey
Turkey is a popular choice for couples planning a wedding abroad with a straightforward legal process. Still, it’s important to understand the legal requirements for getting married in Turkey to ensure your marriage is legally recognised.
Although the process is simple, specific documents and formalities must be completed before your ceremony. This guide covers everything you need to know—from paperwork preparation to submission—so you can plan your wedding abroad with confidence.
Please note: Legal requirements and required documentation can vary depending on your nationality. We recommend using a professional wedding planner in Turkey to help navigate the process, coordinate with local authorities, and ensure all legalities are properly handled.
This guide is intended to serves as a starting point, and while we’ve made every effort to provide accurate information, we recommend verifying the latest details with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your home country to get the most accurate, up-to-date information for your situation.
Essential Facts About Marrying in Turkey
Legalities of Marriage
- Only civil marriage ceremonies are legally binding in Turkey.
- Religious ceremonies may only take place after a legal civil marriage.
- Internationally recognised and legally valid, provided all legal requirements are met.
Wedding Ceremonies in Turkey
- Ceremonies are conducted in Turkish.
- If either party does not speak Turkish, a certified translator must be present.
Medical Requirements
- Some regions require a medical examination and blood test before marriage. Check with local authorities in your chosen wedding location.
Residency Requirements
- There is no official minimum residency requirement for two foreign nationals wishing to marry in Turkey (excluding Moroccan Citizens, both are required to have residency permits).
- This is providing that you obtain a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) or equivalent (for UK Nationals see Note below) from the relevant authority in your country of residence.
- However, it is recommended to arrive in Turkey at least 3 working days (preferably longer) before the wedding to allow time for medical exams (if required by your municipality) and paperwork processing.
- If you do not already have a CNI, you may need to reside in Turkey for 21 days to apply, and an additional 21 days for documentation to be issued (total: 42 days).
Marriage after divorce
Women may be required to wait 300 days after a divorce or annulment before remarrying, depending on the registrar.
Steps to marry in Turkey
Step 1 – Confirm Your Eligibility
Before you begin, make sure both partners are legally free to marry. You must be at least 19 years old, not currently married and able to prove legal capacity to marry under your home country’s laws.
Step 2 – Gather Required Documents
Both parties must collect and prepare all the required documents. These may vary depending on your marital status and nationality.
A full list of documents is noted in the Documentation Required for Marrying in Turkey. Typically these includes: passport, birth certificate and any other necessary papers (e.g., divorce or death certificates, Affidavit of Single Status, CNI etc.).
Step 3 - Legalise & Translate Documents
- All documents must be translated into Turkish by a certified translator.
- Documents must then be authenticated by the local Governor’s Office (Kaymakamlık).
In some cases, a wedding planner or third party may be authorised to assist with the application or document collection on your behalf.
Step 4 - Attend Medical Exam (if required)
- Visit the assigned health centre (Sağlık Ocağı) for a blood test and medical report if your chosen municipality requires it.
Step 5 - Apply for Marriage Licence
- Both parties must apply in person at the local Marriage Registration Office in the municipality where the wedding will take place.
- Submit the translated and authenticated documents.
- Complete required forms and book your ceremony date.
Step 6 - Get Married
- The civil ceremony is officiated by a Turkish registrar.
- Two independent adult witnesses must be present (not immediate family). They must have valid identification and their passports with them.
- A translator must be present if needed.
Step 7 - Register & Collect Marriage Certificate
- After the ceremony, your marriage is registered locally.
- You will be issued a Marriage Certificate (Evlenme Cüzdanı).
Documentation required for marrying in Turkey
Required Documents
All documents must be originals and officially translated into Turkish. For most nationalities, the Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) should be issued within 3 months of the wedding date.
Required documents include:
Standard Documents (for each partner):
- Passports: Valid (10 year) passport.
- Full Birth Certificate
- 6 Passport-sized Photos (taken within 1 month)
- Certificate of Capicity to Marry / CNI or equivalent (Affidavit of Marriage for UK nationals)
- Proof of Hotel stay or accommodation
Other documents if applicable
- Divorce Decree Absolute
- Death Certificate & Prior Marriage Certificate (if widowed)
- Deed Poll (if name changed)
- Adoption Certificate
- Parental Consent (if either party is below 19 years old)
Note: UK Nationals:
As of September 2014, UK citizens no longer require a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) to get married in Turkey. Instead, you must complete an Affidavit for Marriage, which is valid for six months, and have it legalised with an apostille (an official stamped certificate) before travelling to Turkey.
If you’re in the UK:
- Download the affirmation template.
- Fill it out, but do not sign it yet.
- Make an appointment with a UK notary public or commissioner for oaths to swear your affirmation and sign the document in their presence.
If you’re already in Turkey:
- You must make the affirmation at a British Embassy or Consulate in Turkey.
Marriage Licence Requirements & Application Process in Turkey
Obtaining a Marriage licence
Foreign nationals wishing to marry in Turkey must complete a series of legal and administrative steps. The process varies slightly depending on your nationality.
UK Nationals:
UK citizens must complete an Affidavit for Marriage, which:
- Must be sworn and signed in the UK
- Requires legalisation (apostille) before travelling to Turkey.
This replaces the previously required CNI.
Other Nationals:
Most other nationalities must obtain a CNI, also known as a:
- Certificate of Capacity to Marry, or
- Certificate of Celibacy.
Depending on your country, the CNI may be:
- Issued in your home country and forwarded to you, or
- Sent directly to your embassy or consulate in Turkey for processing.
Next Steps Based on Document Location
- If issued in your home country:
You will typically need to visit your embassy or consulate in Turkey in person to initiate the marriage formalities.
- If processed in Turkey:
You can authorise a third party (e.g., a wedding planner) with a signed letter to collect your documents on your behalf.
Document Translation & Authentication
All documents (except passport) must be:
- Officially translated into Turkish by a sworn translator in Turkey.
- Translations must be notarised by a Turkish notary public.
- Documents must be authenticated by the local Governor’s Office (Kaymakamlık).
In some cases, a wedding planner or third party may be authorised to assist with the application or document collection on your behalf.
Final Application at the Marriage Office
Once all documents are translated and authenticated:
- Both parties must apply in person at the local Marriage Registration Office (Evlendirme Dairesi).
- Submit the required documents.
- Complete the marriage application forms.
- Schedule your wedding ceremony date.
Note: Even if a wedding planner assists with earlier steps, the marriage application itself must be made in person by both parties.
Fees, Appointments & Other Considerations
Appointment Requirements
If you’re working with a wedding planner, they will typically schedule all necessary appointments on your behalf, including:
- The mandatory health check (if required by the municipality).
- A visit to the local Marriage Registration Office.
- Booking the wedding date, once the couple confirms their preferred day.
This support ensures a smoother process upon your arrival in Turkey.
Documentation & Marriage Licence fee
The cost of processing documentation and marriage licence fee in Turkey can vary depending on the services you require, such as:
- Translation and document authentication
- Express processing
- Use of third-party representatives (e.g., a wedding planner).
Be sure to confirm any additional fees in advance with your wedding planner or local authorities.
Brides Surname
Under Turkish law, a bride’s surname will automatically change after marriage. The brides have two options regarding how their name is recorded on the marriage certificate:
1. Use Only the Husband’s Surname
The bride’s name will appear as: First Name + Middle Name + Husband’s Surname.
2. Keep Maiden Name and Add Husband’s Surname
The bride’s name will appear as: First Name + Middle Name + Maiden Surname + Husband’s Surname.
Be sure to inform the registrar of your preference during the application process, as this will be recorded on your official marriage documents.
Marriage Certificate in Turkey
Obtaining your marriage certificate
After your ceremony, you will be issued an official Turkish Marriage Certificate (Evlenme Cüzdanı). It’s advisable to request certified copies at the time of issuance if you will need them for legal purposes in your home country.
Language & Translation
Marriage certificates issued in Turkey are multilingual and include translations in 10 languages: English, German, Spanish, Greek, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Turkish, French, and Croatian.
If your country recognises one of these languages, no further translation is usually required. If not, you will need to have the certificate officially translated and notarised before using it for legal processes in your home country.
International Validity of your turkish marriage certificate
Turkish marriage certificates are internationally recognised. However, to ensure your certificate is legally accepted abroad, you should have it:
- Apostilled (for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention), or
- Attested by the relevant Turkish authority (for non-Apostille countries).
This step should be completed in Turkey before returning home.
Additional Tips for getting married in Turkey
Timing
Start preparing early, especially for translations and legalisations. Allow at least 3 working days in Turkey for processing your application before the wedding.
Consult a wedding planner
Navigating legalities in a foreign country can be complex. A local wedding planner can help manage the process and act on your behalf when possible.
Many wedding planners in Turkey will happily sort out the paperwork to ensure your marriage is legal and charge you a one-off fee for doing this. You will not be under any obligation to use their services for organising any other part of your wedding.
If you choose to make an application for a wedding licence yourself, you will need to make provisions to ensure your documentation is correctly submitted and lodged on time.
Tip: Connect with a wedding planner in Turkey [Click Here].
Ceremony
For more information on the type of wedding ceremony you can have in Turkey [Click Here].
Turkey Planning Guide
Explore the Turkey Wedding Guide for locations, costs, vendors, reviews & tips. [Click Here].
Further information
For official information on the legal requirements for getting married in Turkey, contact the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or the municipality where you plan to marry.
Need more help navigating the legal process
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Turkey Planning Guide
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Step-byStep Planning Guide
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Requirements are subject to change in accordance with the laws of Turkey. Information updated as at May 2025. Is there anything wrong with this page? Let us know here. We are grateful for you helping us to keep the information up to date.