Travel

Travel Note

🤍💌 A Gentle Note From Us

We understand that traveling to Turkey is a significant commitment. If cost, scheduling, or life circumstances make it difficult to join us in Marmaris, please know that we truly understand. Your love and support mean everything to us, near or far! <3

Hotel

Orka Lotus Beach

Orka Hotel Lotus Beach is a luxury 5-star resort with several swimming pools, a private beach, beautiful sea views, and multiple waterfront restaurants that also features an outdoor nightclub on the water. We were extended a special wedding rate along with a friends-and-family discount of over 50% off the regular price. On top of that, this rate includes ALL INCLUSIVE benefits at no additional cost for our listed guests, making it a rare value compared to other 5-star all-inclusive hotels in the area,and in places like Greece, Europe, or Hawaii. From a planning perspective, staying here keeps everything simple, with meals, drinks, and many on-site amenities available throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included through the open buffet, and there are several bars on the property if you’d like a drink. The hotel’s lobby bar is open 24/7 at no extra cost, with the exception that a few imported alcohols may be an additional charge. Being based here also means staying close to the wedding group while enjoying a beautiful 5-star beachfront resort with everything in one place, all at an all-inclusive rate that’s very hard to find elsewhere. Below are the rates we were offered. The regular nightly price is shown first, followed by the discounted, all-inclusive wedding rate marked with asteriks. Per Night Rates: Standard Land View Single (1 person): $590 → *$265 Double (2 people): $675 → *$300 Triple (3 people): $910 → *$405 Standard Sea View Single (1 person): $695 → *$310 Double (2 people): $795 → *$355 Triple (3 people): $1,070 → *$475 Large Sea View Quad (4 people): $1,190 → *$530 Family Land View (4 people): $1,280 → *$575 Sea View (4 people): $1,510 → *$675 These special rates apply for stays of 1–7 nights between 9/9 and 9/16. 'Icon Beach' and 'Orka Lotus Hotel' are both on Instagram, if you'd like to check them out. To book, contact via WhatsApp at +90 549 527 40 25, say “Lara & Parker Wedding" and share your preferred room type.

Discount Code - Download WhatsApp and contact +90 549 527 40 25 to book!

Travel Note

Where to Stay in Marmaris

Marmaris is a vibrant Mediterranean resort town known for its turquoise waters, scenic marina, palm-lined promenade, and lively summer atmosphere. It’s a well-established vacation destination that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, offering everything from beautiful beaches and boat tours to shopping, cafés, restaurants, and nightlife. Many areas are walkable and easy to navigate, making it a very visitor-friendly place to stay. We recommend planning to stay near the Marmaris beachfront, where the beaches, nightlife, marina, downtown, Old Town, and our wedding venue are all conveniently close to one another. While Airbnb is a great option, hotels can be especially convenient for amenities like daily breakfast and on-site services. There are plenty of hotels, so you’re free to choose whatever best fits your travel style and preferences. We have secured a group rate at Orka Hotel Lotus Beach for those who would like to stay together. To make a reservation, you’ll need to download WhatsApp and contact the hotel’s reservations team at +90 549 527 40 25. You can simply message “Lara and Parker Wedding in September,” then mention the discounted rate and the room type you’re interested in. While we don’t expect everyone to stay at the same hotel, we will personally be staying at the group hotel if secured and would love to spend time together there.

Travel Note

Traveling to Marmaris

When searching for flights, we recommend booking round-trip tickets from your U.S. departure city to Dalaman Airport. This typically involves flying from a major U.S. airport to Istanbul Airport, then taking a domestic connecting flight to Dalaman. We recommend allowing 2 1/2 to 3-hour layover in Istanbul to clear customs and comfortably make your domestic connection. From Dalaman Airport, Marmaris is approximately a 1 hour and 10 minute drive, making this the fastest and most direct travel route. Once you arrive at Dalaman Airport, guests can take a mini bus (recommended—very comfortable and approximately $15), a taxi, or arrange a private transfer. No advance booking is required for the mini bus or taxi, as both are readily available upon arrival. Mini buses depart for Marmaris throughout the day with frequent availability, and payment is made once you are seated. Upon exiting the airport, you will see mini buses and taxis lined up outside. Some hotels may also assist with arranging transfers in advance, if requested or offered. You may book your international flight through any website of your choice. If you do not plan on stopping in Istanbul, we recommend searching for flights directly from the U.S. to Dalaman, Turkey. This allows you to purchase one ticket that includes the connecting flight, rather than booking two separate flights. For example, if you are flying from Los Angeles, search for a round-trip flight from Los Angeles to Dalaman. The itinerary will typically include a connection in Istanbul. Skyscanner is a great website and tool for comparing airlines, prices, total travel times, and booking your flight. *** If you plan to spend a few days in Istanbul, consider booking your Istanbul and Dalaman flights separately. Istanbul Airport is more convenient for visiting major historic sites, while Sabiha Gökçen International Airport may be better for those staying on the Asian side. Choose the airport that best fits your itinerary.

Flight

Traveling from the U.S. to Marmaris

Fly from any major U.S. airport to Istanbul Airport (IST), then take a domestic connecting flight to Dalaman Airport (DLM). From Dalaman Airport, Marmaris is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes away. Guests can take a mini bus (recommended—very comfortable and around $10), a taxi, or arrange a private transfer. No advance booking is required for the mini bus or taxi, as both are readily available upon arrival. Mini buses depart for Marmaris throughout the day, with plenty of availability, and payment is made once you are seated. Once you exit the airport, you will see the mini buses and taxis lined up outside. Some hotels may also assist with transfers in advance if requested or offered. This is the fastest and most direct route to Marmaris. You can book your international flight through any website of your choice. Skyscanner is a great option for comparing airlines, prices, and total travel times. * Best for guests who want to: travel as quickly as possible or spend time in Istanbul before or after the wedding. The easiest approach is to fly from the U.S. to Istanbul, then take a short domestic flight from Istanbul to Dalaman.

Flight

Alternative Route to Marmaris: Traveling Through Greece

You can also travel to Turkey through Greece instead of Istanbul if you plan to stop and spend a few days there. Otherwise, connecting through Istanbul is typically the fastest option 😊 If you plan to spend time in Athens, Greece, fly from any major U.S. airport to Athens (ATH). From there, take a short domestic flight to Rhodes (RHO), which is approximately one hour and runs multiple times daily. Once in Rhodes, head to the main port (Mandraki or the Commercial Port) to board a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Marmaris, Türkiye, arriving directly on the Turkish coast for the wedding celebrations. The ferry crossing takes about 1–1.5 hours and includes passport control, so please arrive early with your passport. Ferry schedules are seasonal and may vary, so booking in advance is recommended. * Best for guests who want to: turn the trip into a Greece + Turkey vacation, explore Athens or the Greek islands, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride into Marmaris.