Istanbul, Turkey (AP) – Under the old Galata bridge in Istanbul is an unexplained concrete landing protruding into the waters of the golden corner.
Couple dressed in wedding outfits (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey on Monday, July 28th, 2025
Couple wearing wedding outfits posing on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
It’s easy to overlook every day. But as evening approaches, it turns into one of the most sought after stages in the city for romance.
Starting in spring and continuing into summer, soon becoming Wednesday, the newlyweds gather in this modest place in the Eminonu area, immortalizing their wedding with a sparkling, often highly choreographed sunset photo shoot.
Couple wearing wedding outfits posing on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
On Thursday, July 31st, 2025, couples wearing their wedding outfits walk along the Galata Bridge during a photo session held in Istanbul, Turkey (AP Photo/Emragrel)
On Monday, July 28th, 2025, couples wearing wedding outfits arrive at a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey (AP Photo/Emragrel)
AP Photo/Emrah Gurel wearing wedding suit poses during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
Top, Top, Top, Top, Top, Sudekeres posing during a photo session on Thursday, July 31, 2025 during a photo session at Galata Bridge, Istanbul, Turkey (AP Photo/Emragrel)
Couple wearing wedding outfits posing on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
The spot is extremely popular, and you can often see dozens of brides and flower grooms posing side by side, each bathing in small pieces of the glow of the sunset. At peak times, couples’ traffic jams form on the stairs, leading to oversights at the waterfront, waiting for a turn.
Huri Kubra Uzun, right, husband Mucahid Uzun is looking at a photo she just took during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025.
Damra Avi, right and her husband Mustafa Eltan will posed during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Couple wearing wedding outfits posing on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)
“There are no places in Istanbul that we don’t visit. We both love it,” said 22-year-old Elif Yuksel, standing next to his fiancee, Semi Aidin. “That’s why I wanted to take photos in places that are visible in every corner of Istanbul.”
The sunset quickly casts light while known as “golden hour.” This is a coveted time for photographers and videographers who assemble shots in the background of the medieval Galata Tower and the Ottoman mosque, Surimaniye, the second largest Ottoman mosque.
Khalil Ibrahim Ukku, right and his wife Haslet Irmaz Ukku are dressed in wedding attire for a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Couple dressed in wedding outfits (AP Photo/Emragrel) during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
It’s a suitable setting for newlyweds like Hasret Yilmaz Ucucu and her husband Halil Ibrahim Ucucucu, who tied the knot shortly before the filming.
“I went to the hairdresser and I got ready there. Then my husband came and picked me up and we went to the wedding. After that (our photographer) brought us to us so excited,” the 24-year-old bride said.
Sude Kelles on the left and her husband Suet Kelles are posing on Thursday, July 31, 2025 during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey.
Damra Avi, right and her husband Mustafa Eltan will posed during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
On Thursday, July 31st, 2025, couples wearing their wedding outfits walk along the Galata Bridge during a photo session held in Istanbul, Turkey (AP Photo/Emragrel)
For many couples, snapshots are more than just a memento. They represent moments where love, tradition and the unbearable splendor of centuries of city.
“I’ve been to London, I’ve been to Barcelona. There’s no place like Istanbul,” said Semi Aidin, who was taking pictures of his engagement with his wife soon. “Take beautiful photos. Make beautiful memories to show your children in the future.”
Sude Kelles on the left and her husband Suet Kelles are posing on Thursday, July 31, 2025 during a photo session at Galata Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey.
