Marriage in Turkey

Check the laws in Turkey to make sure you can get married. Your marriage will be recognised in the UK if:

• you follow the correct process according to the law in Turkey
• it would be allowed under UK law

The person conducting your ceremony or relevant local authority can help you understand the processes you need to follow to get married, including what documents you’ll need.

You need to swear an affirmation that says you’re legally allowed to get married. It’s valid for 6 months.

If you’re in the UK, download an affirmation template – fill it in but do not sign it. Make an appointment with a UK notary or commissioner of oaths to swear your affirmation and sign the document in front of them. They‘ll charge you a fee.

You’ll then need to get your affirmation ‘legalised’ (certified with a stamped official certificate called an apostille) before you travel to Turkey.

If you‘ve already travelled to Turkey, you’ll need to make an affirmation at a British embassy or consulate in Turkey.

Marriage registration

Marriages that take place abroad according to another country’s law are not added to UK records. Your marriage will be registered in Turkey instead. The person conducting your ceremony can tell you how to get a marriage certificate. You will not be able to register at or get a certificate from a UK register office, or British embassy or consulate. Keep your marriage certificate as evidence of your marriage. You may want to get it translated, especially if you want to use it outside Turkey. Find a qualified translator.