An Ottoman imperial palace on the Bosphorus, with terrace vows and a ballroom for hundreds.
The Setting
Çırağan Palace Kempinski stands on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, the city that sits across Europe and Asia. The hotel bills itself as the one imperial Ottoman palace on the strait that also runs as a five-star hotel, and it has 317 rooms.
This is a city wedding with real grandeur rather than a beach resort. The palace sits right on the water, with an outdoor infinity pool and Sanitas Spa, which has a hammam alongside its treatments and massages. It suits couples who want history, a sense of occasion and a weekend in Istanbul wrapped around the wedding. Guests can spend the days before exploring the historic bazaars and the Bosphorus, watched over by the Maiden's Tower.
The day itself
Couples can exchange vows on the terrace with the Bosphorus behind them. The Palace Terrace is the largest space, taking up to 900 for a banquet or 2,000 for a reception, and the Çırağan Ballroom seats up to 740. The Bosphorus Pier Lounge seats 220 with wide views of the strait, and the Secret Garden takes 300 for a reception. For something small, Ottoman and Kaftan each seat 50.
A wedding specialist team plans the day, with menu tastings, a cake tasting for six, flowers, entertainment and a cocktail hour of canapés with unlimited local and soft drinks. The events team has won The Best Banquet from Gault and Millau. Ask the team about legal ceremonies and the music curfew.
Where your guests stay
With 317 rooms, a large guest list can stay on site. Ask the team about room blocks and a suite on the water for the couple.
There are five restaurants and bars, Tuğra, Ruya İstanbul, Gazebo, Bellini and Le Fumoir. Tuğra and Bellini are the fine dining choices, and either suits a welcome or farewell dinner, while Le Fumoir has the feel of old Istanbul social life. Sanitas Spa and its hammam make a calm start to the wedding morning for the bridal party. The outdoor infinity pool is a good place for guests to rest between events. Ask the team about airport transfers and which of the city's airports works best for your guests.
Book the Sanitas Spa hammam for the bridal party on the morning of the wedding, then hold an intimate welcome dinner in Ottoman or Kaftan the night before.
Questions couples ask about Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Can UK couples legally marry at Çırağan Palace Kempinski?
The hotel does not say online. Ask the team what is needed for a legal marriage in Türkiye, or marry legally at home first.
Where can we hold the ceremony?
The hotel offers vows on the terrace with the Bosphorus as the backdrop. Ask the team about other spaces.
How many guests can it host?
The Palace Terrace takes up to 900 for a banquet, the Çırağan Ballroom 740 and the Bosphorus Pier Lounge 220.
Can guests stay at the palace?
Yes. There are 317 rooms. Ask the team about room blocks.
Is the events team recognised?
Yes. It has won The Best Banquet from Gault and Millau.
Facts checked against the hotel's own Kempinski website and weddings page, and the official Türkiye tourism site. Ceremony details are confirmed by the venue for each wedding.
Your next step
Photo Gallery
Say I do, with a view.
What's Included
Venue Amenities
Photo Gallery
Chosen, never collected
Every venue in the collection is chosen by our editors for UK couples marrying abroad. We never take commission on your wedding, so our only job is to send you somewhere right for you.
Couple reviews are coming. We only publish reviews from couples who have married here, so this venue shows none yet. How we choose venues
- Weddings are a craft hereA dedicated team that hosts weddings regularly
- A named coordinatorOne person who answers your enquiry
- Prices in plain sightService charges and taxes stated upfront
- A plan for the weatherAn indoor or covered backup space
Similar Venues in Istanbul
View All Istanbul Venues →
