Couples looking for an outdoor wedding in Istanbul usually want the same things: a place that feels far from the city without leaving it, room for a large family, and a wedding day with nothing to worry about. This guide covers what to check when choosing a venue, what sets the price, and the Lifepark gardens in the forest of Bahçeköy, Sarıyer.
What to check when choosing an outdoor wedding venue
- Capacity and layout: will your guests be seated for dinner or standing at a cocktail? The same garden may seat 300 or host 700 for cocktails.
- A weather plan: is there an indoor or glass-covered option for rain or a cool evening?
- What the package includes: menu, sound and lights, DJ, decoration, bridal room and cake.
- Session: a daytime ceremony and cocktail, or an evening wedding with dinner?
- Getting there: where are most guests coming from?
- Experience: how many weddings does the venue host each year?
Where is Lifepark? In the forest on Istanbul’s European side
Lifepark sits in Bahçeköy, Sarıyer, in the green of the Belgrad Forest, right beside the historic Bahçeköy walls. Since November 2010 it has hosted more than 8,000 celebrations and over 600,000 guests. Five venues of different character share the same forest (their names, like Hint Bahçesi or Nar Bahçe, are Turkish), from intimate engagements to weddings of over a thousand guests.
Address: Bahçeköy Cad. Yenimahalle No:114, Sarıyer / Istanbul, about 10 minutes from Maslak; road signs call it Mehmet Akif Ersoy Nature Park. By bus, get off at the Sular stop (153, 42HM, 42T).
The wedding venues at Lifepark
Hint Bahçesi
Hint Bahçesi means “the Indian Garden”: a wooden deck, flowers, candelabras and a small pool, 300–400 guests seated, 500–700 for cocktails. See Hint Bahçesi.
Qubbe Bahçe
Next to the historic walls, built for large and grand weddings: 900 seated, 1,500 for cocktails. See Qubbe Bahçe.
Nar Bahçe
Nar Bahçe, “the Pomegranate Garden”, is the largest: 1,000–1,200 seated, 2,000–2,500 for cocktails. Its glass structure keeps the forest in view in winter too. See Nar Bahçe.
Izoletta
Wooden architecture and fireplaces for an intimate celebration: 200–300 seated, 300–400 for cocktails, 100–200 indoors. See Izoletta.
Foreya
The newest venue, with a dome and a large terrace for all four seasons: 250 seated or 500 for cocktails in the dome, 400 seated or 1,000 for cocktails on the terrace. See Foreya.
Compare the venues
| Venue | Seated | Cocktail | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Izoletta | 200–300 | 300–400 | Wooden architecture, fireplaces, intimate |
| Hint Bahçesi | 300–400 | 500–700 | Flower garden, pool, fairy-tale feel |
| Foreya | 250–400 | 500–1,000 | Dome and terrace, all seasons |
| Qubbe Bahçe | 900 | 1,500 | Beside the historic walls, in the forest |
| Nar Bahçe | 1,000–1,200 | 2,000–2,500 | Largest garden, winter weddings under glass |
What the packages include
- Welcome cocktail
- Gazebo and generous standard decoration
- A choice of wedding cakes
- Venue menus and drinks packages
What sets the price of an outdoor wedding?
The date (season, weekday or weekend), the session (daytime or evening), the number of guests, the menu and drinks package, and any extras. Early-booking and daytime offers run from time to time; see them on our offers page, or ask for a quote for your date.
Weddings through the seasons
May to September is the best time for the open air. From October to April, Nar Bahçe’s glass, Izoletta’s fireplaces and Foreya’s dome let you celebrate with the forest in view.
Why Lifepark?
Gelin Damat named Lifepark Best Outdoor Wedding Venue of the Year in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and Best Celebration and Event Venue from 2020 to 2023, alongside MICE and Ekonomize awards. Engagements, henna nights, daytime ceremonies and circumcision celebrations are held in the same gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season for an outdoor wedding in Istanbul?
May to September for the open air. For winter, Lifepark has the glass-covered Nar Bahçe, Izoletta with its fireplaces, and Foreya's dome.
How many guests can Lifepark host?
From 100–200 guests indoors at Izoletta to 1,000–1,200 seated at Nar Bahçe, and up to 2,500 for cocktails.
Where is Lifepark?
In Bahçeköy, Sarıyer, inside the Belgrad Forest: Bahçeköy Cad. Yenimahalle No:114, Sarıyer / Istanbul.
What sets the price of a wedding?
The date, the session, the number of guests, the menu and drinks package, and extras. Fill in the quote form for an exact price.
Check availability and prices for your date Our sales team prepares a quote for your date and guest count.
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