Çengelköy, Istanbul · Wedding hotel guide
Wedding at Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus
Planning a wedding at Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus? This 12-room boutique hotel in Çengelköy, Istanbul, formerly Sumahan on the Water, stands right on the Bosphorus in a restored 19th-century Ottoman distillery. It suits an intimate wedding, an elopement or a wedding dinner by the water. Ramarossi, a destination wedding planner in Turkey since 2011, can plan and design your wedding here.
At a glance
Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus, formerly Sumahan on the Water, for an intimate wedding
Vakko Hotel & Residence Sumahan Bosphorus opened in 2024 in the building that was Sumahan on the Water until October 2023. Here are the key facts couples ask about first.
Why couples choose it
A small, stylish wedding on the Bosphorus
Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus sits right at the water's edge in Çengelköy, a historic waterside neighbourhood on the Asian shore. The building was once an Ottoman distillery, and today it is a 12-room boutique hotel by the Turkish fashion house Vakko, with a waterfront terrace, a garden and restaurants looking out over the water.
With so few rooms, it is made for small celebrations:
- An intimate wedding or an elopement, with the Bosphorus as the backdrop.
- A wedding dinner or a welcome dinner for close family and friends.
- A stay for the couple and the wedding party, with Bosphorus views from every room.
- Arrival by boat at the hotel's private pier.
- Photos on the waterfront terrace, in the garden and along the Çengelköy shore.
Wedding settings
Where a Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus wedding can take place
Small Luxury Hotels of the World lists wedding services among the hotel's facilities. The right setting depends on your guest count, the season and what the hotel can offer on your date.
Waterfront terrace
A terrace at the water's edge, for a small ceremony or a cocktail with the Bosphorus in front of you.
Garden
A green garden beside the water, with palm trees and sun umbrellas, for drinks and portraits.
Restaurants
Caviar Kaspia and Vakko Le Specialità, which has a terrace with Bosphorus views, for a wedding or welcome dinner.
By boat
The hotel's private pier for a boat arrival, a private boat tour on the Bosphorus or a ride across to Bebek and Kuruçeşme.
Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus photos (formerly Sumahan on the Water): the waterfront and the dining rooms
Good to know
Planning tips for a Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus wedding
A small hotel wedding runs smoothly when a few details are settled early. With Ramarossi, one team looks after them for you:
- Guest list. With 12 rooms, this is a place for a small wedding. If you have more guests, we plan nearby hotels and the transfers between them.
- Adults only. The hotel is adults-only. If children are on your guest list, tell us early and we will plan family stays at a hotel nearby.
- Music and timings. Outdoor music may have an end time set by the hotel. Plan the ceremony outside and the party indoors if you want to dance late.
- Getting there. Çengelköy is on the Asian side. Guests staying on the European side can come by road or by boat, so we plan arrival times with traffic in mind.
Your wedding at Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus
Planning a wedding at Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus? Contact us
Tell us your date, your guest count and how you picture the day, and we will set up a free video consultation to talk through your wedding on the Bosphorus.
What we plan for you
- Ceremony design, décor and flowers
- Photographers and videographers
- Music, DJ, live acts and entertainment
- Bridal hair and make-up artists
- Welcome dinners and Bosphorus boat trips
- Guest transfers and coordination on the day
Planning with Ramarossi
Plan your Sumahan Bosphorus wedding with Ramarossi
Ramarossi is an independent destination wedding planning company in Turkey. We design and plan the wedding itself: the ceremony set-up, flowers, music, photographers and the timing of the day, so you can enjoy the Bosphorus with the people closest to you.
Your own traditions can shape the day too. We plan Persian weddings with a full Sofreh Aghd, Lebanese weddings with a zaffe entrance and Pakistani weddings across several nights, in Istanbul and across Turkey.
Still choosing a venue? As your wedding planner in Istanbul, we can help you compare venues in your free consultation. You can also browse our wedding hotels in Turkey.
Questions
Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus wedding FAQs
Can you still have a wedding at Sumahan on the Water?
Sumahan on the Water closed at the end of October 2023. Vakko took over the building, and it had reopened by November 2024 as Vakko Hotel & Residence Sumahan Bosphorus. You can still plan an intimate Bosphorus wedding there with Ramarossi, so send us your date early.
Can you have a wedding at Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus?
Small Luxury Hotels of the World lists wedding services among the hotel's facilities. With 12 rooms, it suits an intimate wedding, an elopement or a wedding dinner rather than a large reception.
Where is Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus?
The hotel is on Kuleli Caddesi in Çengelköy, Üsküdar, on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. It is about 40 km from Sabiha Gökçen Airport and 48 km from Istanbul Airport.
How many guests can a wedding at Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus have?
The hotel is small, with 12 rooms, so it is best for a small wedding. The number of guests depends on the setting, the season and the hotel's arrangements for your date. Tell us your numbers and we will tell you what works.
Where do our guests stay?
The couple and close family can stay at the hotel. For a larger group, we plan nearby hotels and the transfers, by road or by boat.
Can guests arrive by boat?
Yes. The hotel has a private pier and offers boat transfers to Bebek and Kuruçeşme on the European shore. A boat arrival makes a memorable start to the day.
How much does a wedding at Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus cost?
The cost depends on your guest count, date, hotel arrangements and design. After your free consultation you receive one proposal with a clear total, designed around your wedding. For a wider view, read our guide to the cost of a wedding in Turkey.
Can you plan a Persian, Lebanese or Pakistani wedding here?
Yes. Ramarossi plans cultural weddings in Istanbul and across Turkey, including Persian weddings with a Sofreh Aghd, Lebanese weddings with a zaffe and Pakistani weddings with a Mehndi night.
More venues nearby
Other wedding venues on the Bosphorus
Free consultation
Let's plan your wedding on the Bosphorus
Ramarossi has planned weddings in Turkey since 2011. Send us your date and guest count, and we will set up a free video call to talk through your wedding at Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus.