Plizio Visual Lab

Wedding Palace

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Wedding Palace in Ashgabat, officially known as Bagt Koshgi (Palace of Happiness), is a striking architectural landmark of Turkmenistan that opened in 2011. The building is renowned for its unique design, featuring a massive eight-pointed 'Star of Oguz Khan' that encloses a giant glass globe representing planet Earth. Standing eleven stories tall and covering an area of over 38,000 square meters, the complex serves as the primary venue for civil wedding ceremonies and grand festive banquets. Its interior is lavishly decorated with white marble and golden ornaments, housing several halls named after different Turkmen provinces and traditional carpet patterns. Located on a scenic hill in the southwestern part of the city, the palace gives panoramic panoramic views of Ashgabat's modern white-marble skyline. It symbolizes national prosperity and the high cultural value placed on family traditions within Turkmen society. Its futuristic silhouette makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the capital and a prime example of Turkmenistan's monumental contemporary architecture.

Location: Turkmenistan
Top sights: Sacred Homeland Museum · Gradusnik binasy · Ferris Wheel
Nearby: Büzmeýin (14 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	5	11	17	24	30	32	30	24	17	9	5
Rain mm	17	31	36	33	16	5	6	2	2	9	20	16

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

While the striking exterior and surrounding plazas are fully accessible, entry into the actual marriage registry halls may be restricted to wedding parties and their immediate invited guests.

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Typical hours

The administrative offices generally operate during standard weekday hours, but the building's exterior is brightly illuminated and remains a striking visual spectacle well into the late evening.

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Photography

Taking pictures of the futuristic facade from the outside is highly encouraged and perfectly fine, though photographing private wedding ceremonies happening around the entrance requires discretion.

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Time needed

Most visitors find that spending about thirty to forty-five minutes is completely sufficient to walk around the exterior, admire the geometric architecture, and capture some memorable photos.

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Combine with

This architectural marvel can be easily combined with a wider driving tour of Ashgabat's unique modern monuments, including the nearby Yyldyz Hotel and the impressive Alem Cultural Center.

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Getting there

Situated on a prominent hill overlooking the capital, it is most conveniently reached by a hired car or taxi, as public transportation options up the steep approach can be quite limited.

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Insider tip

For the most wide-open and dramatic photographs, plan your visit for the golden hour just before sunset, when the intricate geometric structures and the massive globe are perfectly lit.

Geography

Coordinates

37.91570, 58.32430

Facts

The palace was opened in October 2011 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of independence.
The glass globe centered within the star structure has a diameter of 32 meters.
The total floor area of the complex is approximately 38,000 square meters.
It features seven distinct banquet halls capable of hosting hundreds of guests.
The facility includes a specialized hotel with 22 rooms for wedding parties.
The architectural design is based on the Star of Oguz Khan, a key national emblem.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ashgabat Cable Car Park2 km · NWExplore →

Ashgabat Flagpole3 km · NWExplore →

Ashgabat Botanical Garden4 km · NExplore →

National Zoo of Turkmenistan4 km · EExplore →

10 Years of Independence Park6 km · NExplore →

Agricultural University Fields7 km · NExplore →

Akhal-Teke Stud Farm7 km · SExplore →

Ertuğrul Gazi Mosque8 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Wedding Palace (7)

Sacred Homeland Museum🏛 museum

Located within the Wedding Palace, this museum showcases Turkmen cultural heritage and national history.

🕒 We-Mo 09:00-18:00

Gradusnik binasy🏺 historical

This unique monument in Ashgabat features a giant vertical thermometer visible from across the city.

Ferris Wheel📍 landmark

This attraction in Ashgabat's Alem center is recognized as the world's largest indoor Ferris wheel.

Star Monument🏺 historical

A striking monument in Ashgabat designed in the shape of the eight-pointed Oguzkhan star.

1948 Earthquake Memorial📍 landmark

A bronze monument in Ashgabat depicting a bull carrying the world and a child, honoring earthquake victims.

Great Patriotic War Memorial📍 landmark

A monumental site in Ashgabat dedicated to those who served during the conflict from 1941 to 1945.

Science (Ylym) Monument🏺 historical

A white marble monument in Ashgabat celebrating the nation's intellectual achievements and scientific progress.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What happens in the wedding palace?

It is the official registry office for wedding ceremonies.

Can one visit the building?

Visitors can usually only enter the entrance area.

What is special about the architecture?

It has the shape of a star and a huge golden sphere.

Is it illuminated at night?

Yes, the light effects make it an eye-catcher at night.

Is there a park in front?

Yes, there are beautiful green areas that invite you to walk.

Wedding Palace: where is it located?

Wedding Palace is located in Turkmenistan.

Wedding Palace: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sacred Homeland Museum, Gradusnik binasy, Ferris Wheel.

Wedding Palace: when is the best time to visit?