Getting Married in Turkey: Legal Requirements for UK Citizens

Is getting married in Turkey Legal in the UK?

Yes, marriages in Turkey are recognised in the UK if they follow Turkish legal requirements.  It must also be a type of marriage permitted under UK law. This means that your marriage ceremony is civil and completed at the designated civil authorities in Turkey. You must also meet the age and other legal requirements to be eligible to get married.

Religious marriages aren't legally recognised in Turkey. However, you can choose to:

• Have a UK marriage, followed by a religious ceremony and celebration in Turkey. 
• Have a civil marriage in Turkey, followed by a religious marriage ceremony. 

Either of these options still ensures your marriage is legally recognised in Turkey and the UK. 

Legal requirements for marriage in Turkey 

• Both parties must be at least 18 years old. Marriages for 16- or 17-year-olds are permitted but require parental consent or a court order. 
• Both individuals must be of sound mind and capable of making decisions. 
• Polygamy is illegal. If you are currently married, you must terminate your marriage before applying to marry in Turkey. 
• Marriage between close blood relatives is prohibited. 
• A recently divorced woman cannot ordinarily marry again until 300 days after the termination date of the previous marriage. However, the 300-day waiting period isn’t required if she can obtain a medical report that proves she isn't pregnant. 
• Both parties must be able to provide the required documents to verify their identity and civil status.

Note: There are no residency requirements if you are getting married at the Town Hall or registry in Turkey. However, if you are getting married at the UK consulate or embassy, you must have been in Turkey for at least 7 days. 

Step-by-step: How to get married in Turkey

UK citizens planning to marry in Turkey must follow these steps to ensure the marriage is recognised. This includes confirming your eligibility, selecting a location, obtaining the necessary documents, obtaining a certified translation, conducting the wedding ceremony, and receiving the certificate. 

Step 1: Confirm eligibility 

You must first confirm whether you meet the legal requirements to marry in Turkey, as outlined in Turkish civil law. This often includes age requirements, the ability to provide consent, the freedom to marry, and other relevant rules. You can confirm from the Turkish municipalities if there are local requirements for foreigners to avoid any issues. 

Step 2: Decide where you’ll get married

UK citizens marrying in Turkey can have two options: 

• Get married at the Turkish Municipal Marriage Office (Evlendirme Memurluğu): This is often the preferred option for foreigners who wish to experience the local Turkish civil marriage process. 
• Marriage at the British embassy or consulate in Turkey: This option is available to UK citizens who may face restrictions on marrying legally in Turkey. Depending on the situation, the marriage might not be legally recognised by Turkish authorities, but it will be in the UK. It also has a residency requirement.

Note: Requirements may vary by location. You can confirm the consular marriage requirements from the UK government website. 

Step 3: Obtain an affirmation/affidavit of marital status

This step involves applying for an affidavit that confirms your eligibility for a legal marriage. If you’re in the UK, you can obtain it by 

• Downloading the affirmation template
• Filling it in
• Making an appointment with a UK notary or commissioner of oaths to swear your affirmation 
• Signing the document in front of them. 
• Paying the required fee. 

Before travelling to Turkey, you must obtain your affirmation ‘legalised’ (certified with a stamped official certificate called an apostille).

Step 4: Collect required documents

Gather the necessary paperwork and confirm that it is in order. If the document is damaged or invalid, you should request a replacement from the issuing authority. Documents, such as birth certificates, may require translation or legalisation. Ensure you use an authorised translator in Turkey or the UK to ensure the translation is accepted for marriage proceedings. 
 

Step 5: Submit documents and receive a marriage license 

You must visit the town hall where you’ll marry and submit the document to the marriage officer. In some cases, you can meet with the marriage officer immediately. However, if that's not possible, you must make an appointment for a later date. At your appointment with the marriage officer, you will complete and sign a marriage declaration (Evlenme Beyannamesi).

If the officer is satisfied with the application, an authorised officer will notarise and certify the document. You will receive a stamped and dated marriage declaration, which permits you to marry. This document is valid for six months. You will also be required to choose a date and pay the municipality an administration fee. 
 

Step 6: Attend a civil ceremony and receive a marriage certificate

A marriage ceremony in Turkey is typically held at the Town Hall and lasts approximately 15 minutes. However, the officer can allocate a 30-minute to 1-hour time slot for the ceremony. Both partners must be present, accompanied by two witnesses, on the wedding day. You can get an interpreter if you or your partner does not speak fluent Turkish. After the ceremony, you’ll be issued a Turkish marriage certificate (Formül B), which is internationally valid, including in the UK.

Note: You don't have to register your Turkish marriage in the UK. However, you must translate the marriage certificate and get consular legalisation or an apostille stamp if you intend to use it abroad or in the UK. 

Documents required to get married in Turkey

• Valid passports (original and photocopies).
• Birth certificates.
• Petition of Marriage (Evlenme Beyannamesi)
• Affidavit of Marital Status confirming you’re free to marry.
• Divorce document or death certificate (if previously married or widowed).
• Proof of address/accommodation is sometimes requested. You can submit a letter from the hotel where you are staying detailing your duration of stay and departure date. 
• Six passport-sized photos each.
• Some municipalities occasionally require medical certificates. You must obtain it at a state medical institution in Turkey (Saglik Ocagi or Devlet Hastanesi).

Note: All foreign documents must be certified by the Turkish Consulate or Embassy or have an apostille. 

How can Translayte help?

Translayte is a reliable provider of sworn Turkish translation services for immigration, marriage and other processes. Here's how we can help: 

• We provide sworn translation accepted by the Turkish marriage registry, ensuring a smooth wedding process. 
• Our certified translation services are easy to order, with expedited delivery options. 
• We offer additional notarisation and apostille services, eliminating delays.
• Our translation rates are transparent, starting at $31.75 per page
• We offer 24/7 multilingual customer support via WhatsApp, Phone and Email

Go ahead and request a free quote to get certified translation for your Turkish marriage documents. 
 

Cost of getting married in Turkey 

• Registry office fees: 100 - 300 Turkish Lira (varies by municipality).
• Consular fees: £50 - £100 for affirmations/declarations.
• Translations and notarisation: £50 to £150, depending on the documents, language, and translation rates. 

Don't let document translation delay your wedding plans. Request a free quote to receive high-quality translations from Translayte.