Croatia destination wedding. Even the sole term sounds inviting. Many couples from all around the world choose to get married abroad each year, and Croatia is one of the most famous places to get married in Croatia. It’s a stunning country, a combination of beautiful nature, history, and architecture. We have been wedding photographers in Croatia for a long time now, and we have documented many different kinds of weddings so far.
That’s the reason why we chose to write this article, which will let you know a bit more about the whole concept of a wedding in Croatia, why our country is so popular for such events, what the legal requirements are for getting married in Croatia, and more. We also run a dedicated website about elopements and weddings in Croatia , and if you visit it, you’ll learn more about us and our photography style, but also find a lot of useful information and tips regarding a destination wedding in Croatia.
Croatia is not a large country, but it’s packed with amazing places, so it’s no wonder that it is one of the most chosen destinations to get married in Europe. Let’s explore what Croatia has to offer when it comes to your special day!
Why Choose Croatia for Your Destination Wedding?
We are from Croatia, so we might be a bit subjective, but so far we have documented weddings in many different countries – Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, Slovenia, Malta… And each of these countries is special in its way. If you want mountains as your backdrop, you won’t choose Croatia but Switzerland, Italy, or Austria instead. But if you want your destination wedding to have a Mediterranean vibe, then Croatia should be on top of your list. And it’s not only about the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s architecture and history make a perfect backdrop for every wedding.
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider getting married in Croatia:
1. Natural Beauty Croatia is a small country, but an incredibly diverse one. You can have your wedding on a stunning coastline of Dalmatia, rolling vineyards of Istria, or in the lush national parks in the interior. There is a bit of something for everyone. Croatia is packed with all kinds of natural wonders that can be your wedding venue.
2. Historical Charm Many Croatian towns, especially Dubrovnik, Split, and Rovinj, have preserved old architecture. And each of these cities is different. Dubrovnik has one of the most preserved medieval Old Towns in Europe, while Rovinj is famous for the Venetian influence. Imagine exchanging vows inside a stone courtyard, under Romanesque arches, or with a view of centuries-old buildings with a view of the sea.
3. Great Value for Money Compared to other popular European wedding destinations like Italy, Switzerland, or France, Croatia offers competitive prices for venues, food, and services. Many couples find they can create their dream wedding here for a lower cost than in some other destinations.
4. Accessibility Croatia is also well connected to the rest of Europe, with international airports in Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar. This makes it easy for guests traveling from abroad. Dubrovnik, the most famous wedding destination in Croatia, has its own airport that many choose as a starting point when visiting Croatia.
5. Experienced Wedding Vendors Over the past decade, Croatia has become very popular for destination weddings in Europe. The local wedding industry has matured as a result, and there are many wedding planners, photographers, florists, and other vendors who are used to working with international clients.
6. Exploring beyond the wedding
Last, but not least important thing. Both you and your guests will like the idea of traveling around Croatia once your wedding is done. Being a rather small country, but packed with all sorts of great places, Croatia is a dream vacation destination. Your guests can explore it once your wedding is over and combine your wedding with a true vacation afterwards. Win-win.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Croatia
If you want your wedding in Croatia to be legally binding, you’ll need to do a bit of paperwork. Sorry about the bad news. It’s nothing too complicated, but the most important thing is to start planning as early as possible. If you hire a wedding planner in Croatia (and you probably will), they are the ones who will help you with the whole process, so no worries.
Here’s a quick overview of what you might need for your Croatia destination wedding:
Civil ceremonies are legally recognized and can be held at a registrar’s office or an approved venue (additional fee applies if the registrar holds the ceremony outside the office).
Catholic church weddings are recognized legally if preceded by a civil ceremony.
You’ll need to provide birth certificates, passports, and a Certificate of No Impediment (proving you’re free to marry), all translated into Croatian and apostilled.
Plan to begin the legal process at least 45 days in advance , but it’s best to start even sooner.
With all this being said, we have to state that many couples who get married in Croatia choose a symbolic ceremony in Croatia and take care of the legalities at home. Symbolic wedding ceremony can be personalized according to your preferences.
Best Places to Get Married in Croatia
When it comes to places to get married in Croatia, they are very diverse, and we believe that everyone will easily find a perfect wedding venue for themselves. Croatia is full of islands, so if you want to get married surrounded by the sea, then, for example, Fort George on Vis Island is a great wedding venue for you. If you want to get married in one of the most famous historical cities in Europe, then Dubrovnik is a place for you.
1. Dubrovnik The most famous city in Croatia. With its iconic city walls, ancient fortresses, and breathtaking views of the sea, Dubrovnik is the top wedding destination in Croatia. Fort Lovrijenac, the Sponza Palace, and Bokar Fortress are among the most popular Dubrovnik wedding venues. Dubrovnik is all about romance and perfect backdrops. It’s also the most photogenic city in Croatia.
2. Hvar Island Hvar combines Mediterranean charm with luxury. You’ll find lavender fields, luxurious hotels, and seaside venues here. Perfect for sunset ceremonies and stylish receptions. Hvar is also a very popular Croatian wedding destination.
3. Istria (Rovinj, Motovun, Groznjan) This peninsula in the northwest is the place we love. We look forward to every opportunity to document a wedding among rolling hills, olive groves, or romantic hilltop towns Istria is famous for. Rovinj is especially picturesque, with colored buildings and a Venetian vibe.
4. Split A city where Roman ruins meet Mediterranean vibe. Many say that Split is the most real-Mediterranean city in Croatia. If you are looking for a wedding with a backdrop of an island, palm trees, and the Adriatic Sea, then the second-largest city in Croatia is a perfect choice for you.
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park If you and your partner are nature lovers, Plitvice’s waterfalls and turquoise lakes offer a perfect backdrop. Keep in mind, though, that strict conservation rules apply when it comes to weddings at this place, and only smaller weddings can be hosted here.
6. Vis Island One of the most secluded islands in Croatia is perfect for couples looking for privacy and untouched beauty. Vis is a remote island full of hidden beaches, vineyards, and island charm. Fort George, an old fort that is located at the entrance to the Vis bay, is one of the most famous Vis Island wedding venues.
7. Inland Croatia Croatia is much more than a coastline. Think of Zagorje castles, Slavonian estates, or rustic barns surrounded by nature. Inland regions of Croatia offer something different, often with lower prices and authentic Croatian charm.
Tips for Planning a Croatia Destination Wedding
If you have stayed with us this far, it’s time to reward you with some tips regarding your Croatia destination wedding. Some of these will make a huge difference, so make sure you read them.
Hire a Local Wedding Planner There are not so many couples who choose not to hire a wedding planner in Croatia. If you choose to do so, you might miss a lot of nice moments of your wedding, and wedding planning might cause some stress too. If you choose a wedding planner, you can expect them to handle the paperwork, recommend vendors, and ensure everything goes smoothly. On a day of your wedding day, you should be focused only on your wedding and leave all the logistical stuff far behind you.
Visit the Venue in Advance Try to make at least one trip before the wedding to visit potential venues and meet with vendors. This is optional, but it can make a difference. What photos show online don’t always need to be what you’ll get at the location. Also, some locations might look different on a day of your wedding day. For example, there is a lot of renovation happening in Dubrovnik, so your venue might be under construction boards on your special day.
Choose the Right Season
Just a few years ago, we documented a lot of weddings in Croatia during the hottest months of July and August. Luckily, this is not the case anymore, and most couples choose a month with milder weather for their Croatia destination wedding. Trust us, we have seen people sweating at a wedding ceremony in the middle of July, and they looked just like they’ve fallen into the sea. It’s something you want to avoid.
May to June and September to early October are the periods with optimal weather conditions for a wedding in Croatia: pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
July and August usually mean stable sunny weather, but also heat and higher tourist numbers.
Think About Logistics Is the venue easy to access? Are there enough accommodations nearby for guests? Will guests need transport by boat (for island weddings)? These are all the questions to think about. For example, Fort Lovrijenac is one of the most famous wedding venues in Dubrovnik, but it’s not so easy to reach since you need to climb many stairs. If your wedding has a lot of elderly guests, it’s better to choose another venue. Your wedding planner should help you with choosing the right venue and think about logistics.
Have a Backup for Rain Especially if your ceremony is outdoors. In the 10 years we have been in the wedding industry, we have had maybe one or two rainy weddings. Croatia is a famous wedding destination because of its weather, too, but it’s always good to arrange a covered option just in case.
Blend in Local Culture Adding local elements to your wedding in Croatia can make the whole story even more authentic. Dalmatian klapa singers, traditional wedding bread and rakija shots, or just a local food – adding Croatian elements will make your wedding day even more memorable.
Before You Venture to a Destination Wedding in Croatia
You’re probably already daydreaming about your Croatia destination wedding by now. Yes, it can be quite an experience. To get married abroad. If you are still in the early planning stages, we hope that this article gave you a useful insight into what it looks like to get married in Croatia. If you want even more wedding planning resources or you want to learn more about our wedding photography and videography work, follow this link and visit our website that focuses on the love stories of couples from all around the world.
Enjoy your wedding in Croatia!