Estimated budget & package costs Destination weddings in istanbul

practical and up-to-date guide to estimated budgets and wedding package costs for a destination wedding in Istanbul — covering everything from intimate ceremonies to luxury Galata-to-Bosphorus affairs.

Notes on pricing:
Visitors to Istanbul often find pricing varies by:

• Venue type (palace/yalı vs. hotel vs. garden)
• Guest count
• Season (May–June, September–October are peak)
• Inclusions (ceremony, food & drinks, décor, DJ, photographer)

💡 All figures below are estimates based on current Turkish wedding industry pricing trends.

Mini / Intimate Weddings (20–50 guests)

• Total estimated cost: €3,000 – €9,000
• What’s included:
  • Ceremony (symbolic or short civil)
  • Basic décor (chairs, arch/altar, florals)
  • Photographer (short coverage)
  • Small reception dinner (set menu)
  • Simple DJ or playlist setup

Good for: Elopements, intimate gatherings, small destination weddings
Ideal tokens: Boutique terrace with Bosphorus view or historic rooftop

• Typical base budget: €15,000 – €25,000
• How this breaks down:
  • Venue fee: €3,000–€8,000 (ballroom/terrace rental, depending on size & prestige)
  • Dinner per guest: ~€140–€330 pp (buffet or plated dinner)
  • Décor & florals: €6,000–€12,000
  • Coordination & planner: €3,500–€7,000
  • Photography/video: €1,500–€4,000
  • DJ / Music: €1000–€3,000

Good for: Traditional multi-day destination weddings
Venues: Bosphorus hotel terrace, garden at a historic mansion, modern hotel ballroom

• Estimated wedding budget: €55,000 – €110,000+
• Typical inclusions:
  • Full venue rental (premium palace or mansion)
  • High-end décor & floral design
  • Reception dinner with premium food & drinks
  • Live entertainment or DJ + dance floor
  • Full photography/video package
  • Wedding planner + on-the-day coordinator

Luxury cues:
✨ Professional lighting package
✨ International-style menu or multi-course plated dinners
✨ Premium open bar

• Estimated cost: €90,000 – €250,000+
• What’s common in this bracket:
  • Multi-day events (welcome party, Mehndi/Sangeet style nights, brunch)
  • Famous planners & stylists
  • Fully themed décor (custom stages, motion light shows)
  • International entertainment or artists
  • Luxury transportation, VIP hospitality for out-of-town guests

Best for: Large diaspora weddings, high-end cultural weddings (Persian, Indian, Arab)
Examples: Extended celebrations across historic mansions + yacht reception on the Bosphorus

Style Estimated Cost (per guest)Notes

Standard buffet/3-course€130 – €250 Common at quality hotels

Premium plated multi-course €180 – €330 Includes upgraded beverages

Luxury reception menu€330 – €500+Champagne, wine flights, custom desserts

Typical pattern: As guest count rises, per-person costs may slightly decrease due to volume menus.

• Standard coordination: €3,000 – €5,000
• Full service & styling: €6,000 – €12,000+

• Municipality fees + translation: €1200 – €3,500+
• Witnesses can sometimes be arranged through planners

• 6–8 hours coverage: €1,500 – €4,000
• Full day + cinematic edits: €4,000 – €8,000

• DJ only: €1000 – €2,000
• Live band / cultural performers: €2,000 – €8,000+
• Sound + lighting rig rental (if not included): €2,000 – €3,000

Peak Season (higher pricing):
May–June & September–October — great outdoor weather, so venues charge premium rates.

Shoulder or Value Months:
March–April & late October — still good weather with lower pricing.

Winter (Dec–Feb):
Indoor venues only — cheaper but not ideal for outdoor events.

• Venue + décor: €20,000
• Dinner (~€180 pp): €14,400
• Planner: €5,000
• Photo/Video: €3,000
• DJ: €1,500
  Estimated total: ~€30,000–€40,000

• Venue rental: €15,000
• Dinner (~€240 pp): €36,000
• Planner & décor: €10,000
• Photo/Video: €5,000
• Entertainment: €5,000
  Estimated total: ~€71,000–€80,000

• Venue + exclusive areas: €40,000+
• Food & beverage (~€250 pp): €75,000
• Full styling & design: €15,000+
• Premium entertainment: €15,000
• Photo/Video & extras: €10,000+
  Estimated total: ~€155,000+

✔ Negotiate venue minimum spends — many hotels will combine food, drinks, décor, and rental into a single figure.
✔ Choose weekday or shoulder-season dates — significant savings vs peak weekends.
✔ Bundle services through planners to unlock vendor discounts.
✔ Clarify “what’s included” — many venues list décor, lighting, AV, and chairs as add-ons.

Wedding TypeTypical Budget Size

Intimate & Boutique€8,000–€15,000 20–50 guests

Standard Destination€20,000–€35,000 50–100 guests

Luxury Bosphorus €55,000–€90,000 100–200 guests

Ultra-Luxury / Multi-Day €90,000–€250,000+200+ guests