Wedding Palace, Civil registry building in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
The Wedding Palace is a civic building in Ashgabat featuring a cube-shaped upper section rising above three tiers of white marble. A large globe roughly 32 meters (105 feet) in diameter sits atop the structure, displaying a map of Turkmenistan and serving as the building's most striking visual feature.
A Turkish construction firm built this government-commissioned structure in 2011 to mark Turkmenistan's 20th independence anniversary. The project represented the country's investment in modern civic spaces during that commemorative period.
The building serves as the main venue for marriage ceremonies in Ashgabat, with its six registration halls hosting couples throughout the year. Visitors notice how the space is designed around celebration and family gatherings, making weddings a visible part of the city's daily rhythm.
The building includes shops, cafes, and a small hotel with rooms, plus hair salons and photo studios for wedding preparations and services. Underground parking with numerous spaces is available for visitors arriving by car.
Each entrance faces a cardinal direction, and the building's sides form eight-pointed stars incorporating traditional Turkmen design patterns. This geometric arrangement blends contemporary construction with elements drawn from local heritage.
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