Ela & Jonas
22 August · 12 September · 2026
Choose language
Save the dates

Ela & Jonas

We're getting married. Twice. In two countries. Here is everything you need to know.

Saturday, 22 August 2026
Zeiskam, Germany
Saturday, 12 September 2026
Istanbul, Turkey
Scroll
Two weddings

Two countries.
One celebration.

You're invited to either, or both. Below you'll find all the practical information for each — schedule, location, dress code, and an Istanbul travel guide.

Ela and Jonas in the Pfalz countryside
The German Wedding

Zeiskam.

Saturday, 22 August 2026 · Südpfalz
Practical information

Garden venue, summer afternoon, open end.

Ceremony at 15:30. Reception flows straight into the evening. The venue has both an outdoor garden and an indoor space, so the celebration happens regardless of weather.

Location

Kronstraße 40
67378 Zeiskam, Germany

Open in Google Maps

Parking

Plenty of street parking around the venue. No reservation needed — arrive a few minutes early.

Where to stay

Hotels and guesthouses are easy to find in Landau (about 15 minutes by car) and the surrounding villages. Landau is the most central base if you want to explore the Südpfalz.

Dress code

Summer attire. Please don't wear white — that's reserved for the bride.

Children

Your own children are welcome. Please don't bring children that aren't yours, and keep them quiet during the ceremony.

Gifts

No specific list. There will be a box for envelopes if you'd like to contribute that way.

Between 15:00 and 15:25. The ceremony starts at 15:30 sharp.

The venue has an indoor space. We move inside; everything else stays the same.

If your invitation includes a "+1," yes. Otherwise, please mention them in your RSVP and we'll do our best to accommodate.

There is no hard end time. The official programme finishes at 17:00 and the rest of the evening is open. Stay as long as you like.

Ela and Jonas in front of Galata Tower
The Turkish Wedding

Istanbul.

Saturday, 12 September 2026 · On the Bosphorus
Practical information

A boat on the Bosphorus, four hours of celebration.

We board together at Kadıköy harbour. Short ceremony aboard, then food, drinks, and a party until 22:00. After that, Kadıköy's bars and restaurants stay open late.

Where to meet

Kadıköy harbour, Istanbul. Exact pier and boat name will be sent two weeks before the wedding.

Which airport

Fly into Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) if possible. It's on the Asian side, close to Kadıköy.

From SAW, take the M4 metro and get off at the last stop, Kadıköy.

Where to stay

2–3 days: stay in Kadıköy. The wedding is here and you can reach all major sights by ferry.

Longer: the European side (Beyoğlu, Karaköy, Sultanahmet) is also a good base.

Getting around

Avoid taxis. Use the metro, tram, and ferries — they are excellent and inexpensive. Buy an Istanbulkart at any metro station.

Dress code

Summer attire in pastel colours. Comfortable shoes — we'll be on a moving boat. Bring a light layer for after sunset.

Weather plan

We're outside on the boat the whole evening. Only if the weather is severe will we move inside the cabin.

Istanbul travel guide

A few things worth knowing.

Istanbul rewards a bit of preparation. Here's what to know before you arrive — and a sightseeing plan for whatever length of stay you've planned.

Three scams to know about

  • Taxis. Inflated meters, fake "broken meter" excuses, deliberate detours. Use the metro, tram, or ferries instead.
  • The shoe brush. A man drops his brush near you, you pick it up, then he insists on shining your shoes for a fee. Walk on.
  • Metro card "help." A friendly stranger offers to top up your Istanbulkart and pockets the cash. Use the official red machines yourself.

Ferries are the best way to see the city

From Kadıköy you can reach Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, and the Princes' Islands by ferry. They're cheap, frequent, and one of the most pleasant parts of being in Istanbul.

Get an Istanbulkart on day one

It works on metro, tram, ferry, and bus. Buy one at any metro station from the official red machines (not from a person). Top it up the same way.

Sightseeing

Plans for 2, 3, or 4 days

All routes assume you're staying in Kadıköy.

Day 1

Sultanahmet

Ferry from Kadıköy to Eminönü (20 minutes). Walk to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. Lunch nearby. Afternoon at the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar. Ferry back at sunset.

Day 2

Bosphorus and Beyoğlu

Long Bosphorus ferry tour in the morning. Afternoon in Beyoğlu — walk down İstiklal Caddesi, climb Galata Tower. End the day with rooftop drinks in Karaköy.

Day 1

Sultanahmet

Ferry to Eminönü. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar. Ferry back at sunset.

Day 2

Bosphorus and Beyoğlu

Bosphorus ferry tour in the morning. Afternoon: İstiklal Caddesi, Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace. Dinner in Karaköy.

Day 3

Asian side

Stay on this side. Walk through Moda (the seaside neighbourhood next to Kadıköy), brunch, then ferry to Üsküdar and the Maiden's Tower. Dinner at a Kadıköy meyhane.

Day 1

Sultanahmet

Ferry to Eminönü. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar.

Day 2

Bosphorus and Beyoğlu

Bosphorus ferry tour. İstiklal, Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace. Dinner in Karaköy.

Day 3

Princes' Islands

Morning ferry to Büyükada or one of the smaller islands. No cars allowed — rent bikes or walk. Back to Kadıköy for dinner in Moda.

Day 4

Hammam and hidden corners

Morning at a historic hammam (Çemberlitaş or Cağaloğlu). Süleymaniye Mosque for the view, then the Chora Church for the mosaics. Sunset at Pierre Loti.

EU citizens currently don't need a visa for short stays. Check your country's rules a few months ahead and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your travel date.

Turkish lira. Cards work almost everywhere; cash is useful for small markets and ferries. Use ATMs at actual bank branches.

The Bosphorus is calm — closer to a wide river than open sea. The boat is large and stable. Bring tablets if you're sensitive.

A mix of Turkish and English.

RSVP

Let us know.

Please respond by 1 July 2026.

Thank you.

Your reply has been received.