16 October 2026 · Venue Guide
Wedding Photoshoots at Istanbul's Ottoman Pavilions: Permits and Booking Guide
Do you need a permit to take wedding photographs at Istanbul's Ottoman pavilions, how do you book, and how many people can be there at once? We've summarised the National Palaces rules and how hotel venues differ.
Istanbul’s Ottoman pavilions (kasır) are among the most popular venues for wedding and pre-wedding photoshoots. But as most of these historic buildings are protected as museums, shoots are subject to certain rules. In this article we’ve summarised the information on the official photoshoot page of the National Palaces (Milli Saraylar) in plain terms.
Which pavilions allow photoshoots?
For wedding and similar souvenir photoshoots, the National Palaces list the following pavilions as outdoor locations:
- Maslak Pavilions (Sarıyer): white pavilions, a glass orangery and a wooded garden. See our Maslak Pavilions page for details.
- Küçüksu Pavilion (Beykoz): on the shore of the Bosphorus, with its graceful façade. There are example shoots on our Küçüksu Pavilion page.
- Ihlamur Pavilions (Beşiktaş)
- Aynalıkavak Pavilion (Beyoğlu)
- Beykoz Mecidiye Pavilion (Beykoz): with its columned portico and terraced garden. See sample shoots on our Mecidiye Pavilion page.
Shooting days and hours
According to the official page, outdoor shoots can take place every day of the week, between 09:00 and 16:00. During opening hours, the shoot must not disrupt visitor services.
A practical note: the first hours of the morning are both calmer and softer in terms of light.
How do you apply?
The application requires the following documents:
- Payment receipt
- Application letter
- Souvenir photoshoot undertaking
The documents can be sent by fax, post or email, or delivered by hand to the National Palaces’ general records office. Document templates and current contact details are on the National Palaces photoshoot page (in Turkish).
If the shoot can’t take place on the planned day, it can be postponed once; cancellations also require a written application.
Group and crew limits
- A maximum of six people, including the photographer, may enter the shooting area. For larger groups, additional people need garden tickets.
- At most four different crews can shoot at the same venue at the same time. So, especially at weekends and at popular hours, the venue can be busy.
Hotels and private venues are different
Beyond the pavilions, waterside mansion hotels are also very popular for wedding shoots. At these venues the rules are the hotel’s own. For example, the Bosphorus Palace only accepts photoshoots by prior reservation; at private hotels such as Six Senses Kocataş, shoot permission and suitable times should also be agreed with the hotel in advance.
Our advice
If you’re planning a pavilion shoot, factor the permit process into your choice of date and, if you can, choose a weekday morning. That way you’ll have both a calmer venue and the most beautiful light. To decide which venue suits you, browse our venues.
The rules in this article were compiled from the official National Palaces page as of October 2026. We recommend checking the current conditions on the official page before applying.
Frequently asked
Do you need a permit for a wedding photoshoot at Istanbul's pavilions? +
Yes. At the pavilions managed by the National Palaces (Milli Saraylar), souvenir photoshoots require an application. You'll need a payment receipt, an application letter and a signed photoshoot undertaking.
At what times can you shoot at the pavilions? +
According to the official National Palaces page, outdoor shoots can take place every day of the week between 09:00 and 16:00.
How many people can attend the shoot? +
A maximum of six people, including the photographer, may enter the shooting area; larger groups need garden tickets for the additional people. At most four different crews can shoot at the same venue at the same time.
Do hotel venues require a permit too? +
Hotels have their own rules. For example, some hotels only accept photoshoots by prior reservation. If your wedding isn't at the hotel, you'll need to talk to them before setting your date.
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