How to Plan a Wedding in Croatia: Step-by-Step Guide
Planning a destination wedding is a dream—but when it comes to logistics, it can also feel like a full-time job. If you’re asking yourself how to plan a wedding in Croatia, you’re in the right place. This Mediterranean gem offers everything from ancient seaside towns and hidden island venues to high-end cuisine, tailored decor, and once-in-a-lifetime views.
Whether you’re envisioning an intimate elopement on a remote island, a glamorous ceremony in a seaside villa, or a rustic celebration under olive trees, Croatia delivers the setting—and we’ll help with the rest. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the planning process to make your big day as smooth, stress-free, and stunning as possible.
Step 1: Choose the Type of Wedding You Want
First things first—decide what kind of ceremony you’re dreaming of. In Croatia, you can opt for:
- Civil ceremony (legally binding, recognized worldwide)
- Religious ceremony (usually Catholic, can be combined with civil)
- Symbolic/humanist ceremony (not legally binding, perfect for flexibility)
If you’re not concerned with legalities or are already married in your home country, a symbolic ceremony gives you creative freedom—no paperwork, no interviews, just a personal experience shaped entirely around your story.
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Location
A big part of knowing how to plan a wedding in Croatia is understanding its regions. Dalmatia, especially, offers breathtaking variety:
- Split: Ideal for historic elegance mixed with vibrant city life
- Hvar: Stylish, sun-soaked island glamour with luxurious venues
- Vis: Romantic, peaceful, and off-the-beaten-path
- Trogir: UNESCO-listed town full of charm and old-world beauty
- Šolta & Brač: Intimate island vibes, perfect for villas and beach weddings
Your wedding planner will help you narrow down the options based on your style, guest count, and vision.
Step 3: Choose Your Accommodation Style
Croatia offers an incredible variety of accommodations for you and your guests. You can:
- Rent a private villa for a week-long celebration
- Stay in a luxury hotel with sea views
- Choose a boutique guesthouse in a charming town
- Go rustic with a stone cottage surrounded by olive trees
No matter your preference—modern, traditional, boho, or ultra-glam—your wedding planner will help you find the perfect place for your crew.
Step 4: Legal Paperwork – Let Your Wedding Planner Handle It
We know: paperwork isn’t exactly the romantic part of the process. But if you’re planning a civil ceremony, here’s the deal:
You’ll need:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates (reissued within 90 days)
- Certificate of no impediment (single status)
- Apostille stamps and translations, depending on your country
- A short interview at the local registrar’s office
The good news? Your wedding planner will guide you through the entire process, collect the necessary documents, translate and submit them, and coordinate with the local registrar so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Step 5: Set Your Budget and Priorities
When learning how to plan a wedding in Croatia, it’s crucial to define your must-haves early. Croatia can accommodate various budgets, but knowing your priorities helps us make the most of your resources.
Consider how you want to allocate your budget:
- Venue & accommodation
- Catering (traditional, fine dining, private chef, etc.)
- Decor and florals
- Photography & videography
- Music and entertainment
- Guest experiences (boat trips, wine tastings, excursions)
We’ll work with you to design a celebration that feels 100% you, without unnecessary stress or overspending.
Step 6: Design the Look and Feel
This is where the fun really starts. Whether your vibe is elegant and minimal, colorful and coastal, or rustic and romantic, Croatia’s natural beauty creates the perfect canvas.
Decor, flowers, and styling can be fully personalized—down to the linens, lighting, and floral installations. Want wildflowers and olive branches? Or dreamy pampas grass and muted tones? Prefer bold and modern with tropical palms? Done, done, and done.
With an experienced local planner, you’ll get access to trusted suppliers, rentals, and stylists who understand your vision (and deliver on time).
Step 7: Curate the Culinary Experience
Croatia is a foodie’s paradise. Whether you want a five-course fine dining experience, a traditional Dalmatian feast, or a casual buffet with vegan-friendly and gluten-free options, it’s all on the table—literally.
Your planner will help you schedule tastings, pick the right caterer, and design a menu that represents your style and values. Plus, there’s the wine. And olive oil. And grappa. You’re in good hands.
Step 8: Plan the Timeline and Guest Experience
If you’re wondering how to plan a wedding in Croatia that goes beyond just the ceremony, this is it: the experience.
From welcome dinners to boat trips, beach days, wine tastings, or hiking excursions, your wedding can become a multi-day adventure.
We’ll create a full itinerary that might look like:
- Day 1: Welcome cocktails in the old town
- Day 2: Island-hopping by private boat
- Day 3: The wedding day
- Day 4: Chill brunch or poolside recovery
We’ll also build in time for hair & makeup trials, setup, sound checks, and those little moments you’ll want to soak in.
Step 9: Finalize the Guest Logistics
Your planner will manage guest dietary needs, transportation, and other details—especially helpful if you have guests arriving from different countries.
We can create wedding websites, welcome brochures, and even coordinate shuttle services between hotels and venues. All you have to do is show up and celebrate.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Day—Stress-Free
With everything in place, your only job on the wedding day is to be present and soak it all in. Behind the scenes, your planner and vendor team will make sure the timeline flows, the flowers are perfect, the music hits just right, and the drinks stay cold.
No running around, no last-minute worries—just a magical day with the people you love.
Your Guide to How to Plan a Wedding in Croatia Starts Here
Planning a wedding abroad might seem overwhelming, but once you know how to plan a wedding in Croatia, it becomes a joyful, exciting adventure.
From the legal details to the dreamy decor, from villa stays to personalized menus, Croatia offers an unforgettable setting for couples who want more than just a one-day event. With a professional wedding planner on your side (yes, that’s us), you’ll have local know-how, vendor connections, and a calm presence guiding you every step of the way.
Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious weekend in Hvar, a laid-back island elopement on Vis, or a grand affair in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, we’re here to make it happen—your way, your style, your dream.
Let’s turn that Pinterest board into a real-life Croatian fairytale. Ready to get started?
Your Dream Destination is Waiting
We’ve helped couples from all over the world find their perfect ceremony spot—whether it’s a hidden beach, a medieval town, or a stylish villa in the hills. No matter your vision, we’ll help bring it to life. Croatia is more than just a backdrop; it’s the beginning of your forever story. Get in touch now.