Marriage fees put young couples in a difficult spot: Municipalities hike prices

Couples starting preparations to get married are facing significant financial strain during the process, with the tradition of holding a wedding giving way to simple marriage ceremonies. However, the price hikes have also dashed the hopes of young people dreaming of a 'simple wedding.'

Marriage fees have been hiked, particularly in popular districts of Istanbul, and this increase adds yet another cost for young people dreaming of marriage. Many municipalities have decided to increase marriage fees starting from the new year.

According to a report in Ekonomim, the cost of just the marriage ceremony is quite high for those wishing to marry. The increase in marriage hall fees in Istanbul is leaving couples thinking about starting a home deeply concerned.

Those who want to get married, especially in the central districts of Istanbul, are forced to pay high prices.

For example, while the weekday marriage fee at Kadıköy Municipality was 268.5 TL in 2018, this fee has increased by 870 percent as of 2025, rising to 2,605 TL. Similarly, in Şişli Municipality, one of the popular districts on the European side, the marriage fee, which was 150 TL in 2018, increased by 767 percent in 2024 to reach 1,300 TL.

Although this increase in marriage hall fees is lower compared to wedding hall prices, the rapid rise in wedding organizations and hall fees in recent years is leaving even those couples who want to hold a simple marriage ceremony facing a major financial burden.

Rising costs pose a major obstacle for young couples who are postponing their marriage plans due to economic difficulties.

HIKE ALSO EXPECTED FOR THE FAMILY REGISTER

Furthermore, the cost of the family register (aile cüzdanı), which was 705 TL in 2024, is expected to rise to approximately 1,040 TL as of 2025 based on the revaluation rate.