Side Ancient Garden

Side is a Roman town with a working harbour attached, and this garden sits at the edge of it among stonework that has been there for eighteen centuries. It is the antidote to the resort ballroom without leaving the region that makes large guest lists easy.

Why couples choose it

Because it needs almost nothing. Olive trees, columns, gravel paths and long tables. The styling budget here goes on lighting and linen rather than on building an atmosphere that the venue does not already have.

It is also the only garden venue in the Antalya region with no residential neighbours, which means no music curfew. If your party is the point, this is the venue.

What to know before you book

The ground is compacted earth rather than lawn. Stiletto heels sink; block heels and wedges do not. Say so in the guest information and nobody has a bad evening.

There is no accommodation on site. Guests stay in the Side beach hotels ten minutes away and we run a shuttle loop, which works well and does mean the evening ends with a coach rather than a lift.

Who it suits

Thirty to a hundred and forty guests, Intimate or Signature. Particularly good for couples who liked the idea of Alaçatı but need the flight connections of Antalya.