Turkish weddings are full of traditions that have been passed down for generations. From the kina gecesi (henna night), where the bride is surrounded by songs and rituals, to the grand wedding day filled with dancing, live music, and traditional dress, there’s so much beauty in every detail.
But what to know about marriage with these modern, independent, and educated women? In this guide, we’ll talk about the key customs that make Turkish weddings so special, mention legal nuances of Turkish marriage, and provide you with success stories to show that international marriages do work.
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Popular Wedding Traditions in Turkey
Turkey is a lively country, and its wedding traditions are no exception. If you plan to have a wedding in a conventional Turkish style with your Istanbul girl, you need to learn about the most popular customs:
- Try not to cry on Kına Gecesi (Henna Night)! This is one of the most emotional parts of the wedding celebrations. Usually held a day or two before the wedding, the bride gathers with her female relatives and friends for a night filled with music, dances, and the symbolic application of henna on her hands. It’s like a bachelor party, but in a Turkish touching manner, which means that the bride officially prepares to leave her family home.
- What about the bridal flag ceremony? In some regions, on the morning of the wedding day, the groom’s friends raise a Turkish flag (often with fruits or a mirror attached) outside his home to mark the beginning of the wedding festivities.
- There is also a traditional wedding procession – Zaffe. In many towns and villages, you’ll see wedding convoys of honking cars, drummers, and dancing guests parading through the streets. This joyful procession is meant to celebrate the bride and groom and let the whole neighborhood join in the excitement.
- Pinning gold and money. During the wedding reception, guests line up to pin gold coins, jewelry, or envelopes with money onto the bride and groom’s clothes. It’s both a gift and a way to help the couple start their new life together – it’s practical and festive all at once!
- The bride’s belt for purity. Before leaving her family home, the bride’s father or brother may tie a red ribbon or belt around her waist. It symbolizes purity, love, and the emotional bond between the bride and her family.
Attitude of Turkish People to International Marriages
So, do Turkish women like American men or only locals? People on Quora say that Turkish brides don’t have specific preferences in international partners, although for many, a marriage with a local guy still remains the best option: “About half of those who take a foreigner as husband marry Europeans, the other half marries Arabs, Iranians or Afghans.”
In general, international marriages are welcomed in Turkey. For many Turkish mail order brides, the inner world is more important than nationality. Thus, one person from the same comment section on Quora says: “A Turkish girl would prefer a man who will not oppress her like an insecure, Sharia-type of guy would do, but we also appreciate a man who is man enough to protect a woman in case of danger, humiliation and harassment. We don’t like ’em soyboys and hipsters too.”
Statistics on Turkish Brides
What about girls from Turkey who decide to marry internationally? What do we know about them?
The character of Turkish women for marriage:
- Turkish brides are family-oriented and value conventional gender roles, but many of them also invest in education and career.
- Turkish women are caring, soft-spoken, gentle, and make really supportive partners.
Statistics about Turkish mail order brides:
- The Turkish Statistical Institute says that the mean age at first marriage for local women is 24 years. It means there are many chances to marry a young but mature lady from this country.
- The fertility rate in Turkey, like in many countries, is declining, and in 2024, it was 1.48 births per woman.
- Turkish mail order brides marry internationally actively. Thus, there were almost 6000 foreign partners who decided to marry local women in 2024.
Don’t Forget about These Legal and Lifestyle Nuances When Marrying a Turkish Mail Order Bride
An international marriage with a Turkish bride is not only about combining different mindsets; it’s also about considering several nuances when on the way to your happily-ever-after. These nuances are usually divided into 2 parts: legal nuances of getting married officially and applying for a K-1 visa, and lifestyle nuances that include defining your roles in a family. Let’s look at them closely!
Legal Requirements | So, if you want to marry a Turkish bride and bring her to the USA, you will need to meet certain requirements. The basic ones are being 18+, having proof that you are not married to another person, and that you really love your partner. For example, you will be asked to provide photos together and screenshots of your message exchange. Also, you need to meet at least twice before applying for a K-1 visa – a visa your fiancée will need to marry you. |
What the heck with this visa? It’s about applying for the Form I-129F with USCIS, which will forward your application to the NVC, and then to the U.S. Embassy in Turkey. It’s also about applying for the Form DS-160 for your lady, going through medical examination, background check-ups, and attending interviews. | |
The visa process can take up to one year and $2000 for fees, translations, and examinations. | |
Cultural Nuances | Turkish wives often stay in close contact with their parents and siblings, and sometimes visit or talk with them daily. For you, it means frequent interactions with in-laws. |
There can still be traces of conventional gender roles in family expectations in Turkish families. In Turkish-American families, women may take the lead in household duties and caregiving, while men are expected to be financial providers. |
Obstacles in a Marriage – What Potential Misunderstandings to Expect When Married to a Turkish Wife
Each marriage, especially an international one, faces certain misunderstandings. But luckily, there is a solution to each problem! And when you marry your Turkish mail order bride, you will definitely want to use these practical insights:
- Her Family Will Have an Impact on Your Relationship. In Turkish culture, family plays a huge role, and not just during the wedding, but throughout the marriage. Your wife may be very close with her parents and siblings, and they might want to participate more in your life than you’re used to. Just learn to respect that.
- Gender Roles. Some Turkish women for marriage are very modern and career-focused, while others may hold more conventional views, especially if they were raised in a conservative environment. You might run into different expectations around household roles, childcare, or how a husband and wife “should” behave. If this is new for you, you will need to talk about the duties that both of you will need to share so that both parties feel satisfied with this marriage.
- Their Strong Expressiveness. Many Turkish wives are emotionally expressive and passionate – when they love, they love deeply, but when something’s wrong, you’ll likely hear about it! If you’re from a culture that values emotional restraint, this difference can be surprising at first. Try to accept it as sincerity, not drama.
- Modesty Is Crucial. Depending on her background, your Turkish wife may have strong values around modesty, public behavior, or how you interact with the opposite sex. For example, she might feel uncomfortable with certain kinds of touch or attention in public. It’s important to understand these boundaries and talk openly about what feels respectful for both of you.
Success Stories
David and Elif met each other when he was on a vacation to Istanbul: Elif was working at the hotel where David stayed. The romance developed into something bigger: the couple started dating and then married. Yet, when they got married, they realized the differences between them – their lifestyles (serious-like Elif against casual type of David), different attitudes to family celebration, which were too important for Elif and not that much for David, who never knew what family events felt like because of a difficult childhood. But their couple therapist advised them to focus on things that united them. In the case of David and Elif, those were cats. As a result, they organized a shelter for stray cats, which made their little business their life goal and a uniting point.
Liam comes from Chicago, but has Italian roots and a typical Italian open-minded attitude to life and high-level tactility. When he first met Selin, he fell in love with her modesty, but, when their relationship developed into a serious dating and pre-marriage stage, he noticed that her not holding his hand in public and hugging started bothering him. Liam understood Selin’s behavior, but he couldn’t help but feel that she didn’t love him truly. To handle this problem, Selin agreed to hold hands, while Liam respected her other boundaries.
Where to Marry in Turkey? Top Locations
Turkey is a massively popular choice for tourists who want to have a relaxing, across-the-board trip. But such popular regions as Antalya, Cappadocia, Bodrum, and so on are not only vacation, but also wedding-friendly and have the best resorts for an unforgettable event!
- Concorde De Luxe Resort, Antalya. This place combines modern luxury and beachside paradise. It’s perfect if you want a stylish wedding with palm trees, golden sands, and turquoise sea in the background. Plus, the across-the-board setup means less stress and more fun for you and your guests.
- Rixos Premium Belek, Antalya. If you’re dreaming of a grand wedding, Rixos Premium Belek is your go-to. Lush gardens, a private beach, and incredible service will make you feel like royalty. It’s a favorite for couples who want a luxurious experience with everything taken care of.
- Club & Hotel Letoonia, Fethiye. This resort feels like its own little world on a peninsula surrounded by the sea. It’s full of greenery and super romantic, especially at sunset. Ideal for couples who love nature and want a relaxed yet stunning coastal wedding vibe.
- Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa, Sarigerme. This one is perfect if you’re looking for a mix of sophistication and spa-level relaxation. You’ll have amazing food, beautiful views of the mountains and beach, and a peaceful atmosphere. If you want your wedding to be like an escape from the world, it can be a great destination then.
Wrapping Up
Tradition, warm and caring nature, and a family-oriented mindset make Turkish brides desirable partners for marriage, while wedding customs are just as beautiful as those of these Asian women.
Don’t neglect the tips on legal nuances and daily habits of living with a Turkish bride, and read other articles on aspenweddingguide.com to be more prepared for an international romance, open the world of Turkish wives for yourself!
