East meets West in this fascinating country, home to more Greek ruins than Greece, more Roman ruins than Italy, and elegant Ottoman palaces. Long used as a bridge between empires, it still bears its cross-cultural appeal; there are few other places in the world where you'll find miniskirt-clad Swedish tourists and robe-wearing Saudi tourists, genially waiting in line together to see the same sites. Spring and autumn are prime times to visit Istanbul, while the coastal regions heat up in the summer months.
Wedding Requirements The wedding rules change whether you're foreigners of the same nationality, foreigners of different nationality or one foreigner marrying a Turk, but in general, it's pretty simple to have a destination wedding here. Arrive at the Governor's office with your birth certificates, up-to-date passport (it should have at least 6 months left on it) and certificate of eligibility to marry (received from an official U.S. agency). There it will be translated and the correct license issued. In this secular country, only civil ceremonies are legally recognized, and a government official must act as officiant. You can hold the ceremony wherever you choose, providing it isn't of religious or cultural significance. There's no residency requirement but plan to arrive 3 to 4 days ahead to get the paperwork done.
What to Do
Istanbul Turkey's largest city is one of the most fascinating in the world, and has been for centuries -- since 330 AD, in fact. Known by various names including Byzantium and Constantinople, it served as the capital city for the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and is filled with sites and ruins dating back to the fourth century. Base yourselves in Sultanhamet, and you'll be within walking distance to four major attractions: the Byzantine Haiga Sophia, built by Emperor Justinian I in the sixth century; the Ottoman-era Blue Mosque, named for the brilliant ties that cover its interior; Topkapi Palace, the once official residence of the Ottoman sultans (standouts are the tiled Harem quarter, the outrageously ornamented crown jewels, and the chamber of relics of the Prophet Mohammed); and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. (Good deals include kilim rugs, jewelry and leather poufs.) To get a better sense of the city's unique setting, take a day cruise up Bosphurus River, which officially separates the European and Asian continents. Finally, schedule a Turkish bath in one of the historic hammams; this is not for the shy or faint of heart -- you'll be scrubbed within an inch of your life -- but it puts a new slant on the idea of "clean."
Bodrum, Turquoise Coast and Aegean Sea Called Asia Minor by the ancient Greeks, the Aegean coast has been drawing tourists for just about as long. Bodrum is party central, considered the St. Tropez of Turkey thanks to its collection of swanky hotels and restaurants. For a mellower time, try the Turqouise Coast, which lies further south along the Mediterranean. This area is home to the country's best beaches and dotted with small seaside towns boasting family run inns. Experience it the old fashioned way on a "blue cruise," the local term for a multi-day sailing trip on a traditional wooden gullet.
Off the Beaten Path
Cappadocia This Central Anatolian region is home to Turkey's most surreal landscape, with cliffs, ravines and spiraled wavy pinnacles carved out of the rocks. It's a great pick for outdoor adventure, especially mountain biking, hiking and hot-air ballooning. Early Cappadocians carved out homes, churches and monasteries from the stone hills; stay overnight at one of these "cave hotels" for an experience like no other. — Susan Moynihan
