The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Croatia
So, you’re thinking about getting married in Croatia? Excellent choice. Picture this: turquoise waters, medieval towns, vineyards, sunshine, and you two at the center of it all. Whether you want a luxe villa party, a barefoot beach ceremony, or a medieval castle affair, Croatia delivers. This ultimate guide to getting married in Croatia covers everything you need—from paperwork to party themes—to plan the destination wedding of your dreams.
Why Getting Married in Croatia Is a Dream Come True
Besides being straight-up gorgeous, Croatia is refreshingly versatile. Want a rustic vineyard wedding? Done. A chic city ceremony in a palace courtyard? Easy. An island elopement with only the waves as witnesses? Also possible.
Here’s what makes getting married in Croatia so special:
- Breathtaking Variety of Venues: From ancient ruins and Baroque palaces to lush gardens, beaches, and boutique hotels.
- Personalized Everything: Your dream wedding décor? Custom floral arches, candle-lit tables, eco-friendly setups—you name it.
- Theme Flexibility: Boho, glam, rustic-chic, minimal, fairytale—you can make it your own.
- Accommodation Options for All: From seaside Airbnbs and boutique hotels to luxury resorts and countryside villas.
- Incredible Food: Choose between traditional Croatian fare, gourmet tasting menus, plant-based options, or Michelin-style fine dining.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Croatia
It’s not just about saying “I do” with a sea view—there’s paperwork involved. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
Documents Needed:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates (issued within the last 3 months and Apostilled)
- Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (also Apostilled)
- Divorce decree or death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)
- Translations of all documents into Croatian by a certified translator
The Legal Process (Don’t Worry—We Handle It for You)
When it comes to paperwork, the process of getting married in Croatia might seem a bit… official. But don’t stress—we’llguide you through every step and take care of the details.
Here’s how it works (in a nutshell):
- You provide the documents – You’ll need to send us a few key documents like your passports, birth certificates, and a certificate of no impediment (we’ll let you know exactly what’s required based on your country of residence).
- We check everything – We’ll go over your documents to make sure they’re valid, up to date, and exactly what the Croatian registrar needs.
- We handle translations & submission – Once we’ve double-checked everything, we’ll get the official translations done and submit the entire package to the local registrar at least 30 days before your wedding.
- Apostille & extras? We’ve got it – Depending on where you live, some documents may need an Apostille stamp or additional verification. We’ll guide you through that too.
- We arrange your pre-wedding interview – You’ll have a short meeting at the registrar’s office a few days before your big day to confirm ceremony details. We’ll make the appointment and prepare you for it.
- You get married – That’s the fun part.
- We handle your marriage certificate – After the ceremony, we make sure your certificate is processed, validated, and sent to you.
- Final step: Local registration (if needed) – Once you’re back home, you may need to register your marriage locally. We’ll let you know what’s required and provide all the documents you’ll need.
Prefer to Skip the Paperwork? Go Symbolic or Humanist
If the idea of gathering documents and dealing with legalities makes you want to elope to a mountain top (no judgment), you’ll be happy to know that getting married in Croatia doesn’t have to be a legal process.
Many couples choose to have a symbolic or humanist ceremony instead. It looks and feels just like a traditional wedding—beautiful venue, heartfelt vows, flowers, music, champagne—but without the paperwork.
You can legally marry in your home country before or after your trip, and then have your “real” wedding experience here, your way. Want to say your vows on a cliffside at sunset, barefoot on a beach, or under olive trees with your favorite people around? You can. There are no rules—just love, stunning scenery, and a ceremony that reflects you.
We’ll help you design the entire day, from the look and feel of the ceremony to your ideal celebrant. Whether you want something deeply personal, spiritual, or completely casual—we’ve got you.
Choosing the Right Setting for Your Croatian Wedding
Croatia’s diversity is its strength. Let’s break it down by vibe:
Coastal & Historic
- Dubrovnik: Romantic and regal, with its old stone walls and sea views.
- Split: Get married within a Roman emperor’s palace. No big deal.
- Trogir: A tiny gem of a town with charming alleys and waterfront spots.
Island Magic
- Hvar: Chic, sun-drenched, and alive with lavender fields and party vibes.
- Vis: Remote, quiet, unspoiled—ideal for intimate weddings.
- Korčula: Old-world charm meets relaxed elegance.
Custom Themes, Décor & Wedding Styling
Getting married in Croatia doesn’t mean fitting into a pre-set package. You can make your wedding look and feel exactlythe way you want it.
- Themes: Modern minimalist? Whimsical garden party? Luxe beach soirée? Croatian venues are versatile enough to accommodate your vision.
- Décor: Work with local planners (hello 👋🏼) to source everything from wildflowers to chandeliers, fairylights to hanging installations.
- Local Touches: Think olive branches, terracotta, hand-painted ceramics, or lantern-lit courtyards.
Many venues allow full personalization of spaces—from aisle runners to lighting. You dream it; we execute it.
Accommodation for You and Your Guests
One of the biggest perks of getting married in Croatia? You’ve got options.
- Luxury Resorts: 5-star properties in Rovinj, Dubrovnik, and Hvar offer spa services, sea views, and world-class service.
- Boutique Hotels: Smaller, character-rich places ideal for wedding parties.
- Private Villas: Rent a villa for the week and turn your wedding into a vacation.
- Apartments & Airbnb: Great for budget-conscious guests or those staying longer.
And yes, many venues have guest accommodation on-site, which makes logistics way easier.
Croatian Cuisine: Traditional to High-End Gourmet
No one goes hungry at a Croatian wedding. (Not on our watch.)
You can choose:
- Traditional Croatian Dishes: Peka (meat or octopus slow-cooked under an iron bell), škampi na buzaru (garlic shrimp), truffle pasta, etc.
- Gourmet Menus: Multi-course tasting menus, wine pairings, locally sourced fine dining.
- Themed Menus: Vegan Mediterranean, farm-to-table, coastal seafood, or Italian-Croatian fusion.
- Desserts: Local specialties like rožata (Dalmatian crème caramel) or a luxury dessert bar with macarons, cakes, and artisan sweets.
When’s the Best Time to Get Married in Croatia?
- May to October is wedding season.
- June & September are ideal: good weather, fewer tourists than peak summer.
- July & August offer guaranteed sunshine—but can be hot and busy.
- May or early October are perfect for smaller weddings with a romantic, off-season vibe.
Infuse Croatian Traditions Into Your Big Day
Want to go a little local? Here are a few ways to add cultural flair:
- Traditional Music: Hire a klapa group to serenade your guests a cappella.
- Wedding Procession: A joyful walk through town, complete with accordion music and flower girls.
- Cultural Favors: Mini bottles of rakija (local brandy), lavender pouches, or olive oil bottles.
- Ceremony Elements: Consider incorporating traditional blessings or rituals.
Ready to Say Yes to Getting Married in Croatia?
Getting married in Croatia isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. It’s Mediterranean air, candlelight on stone terraces, local wine, happy tears, and dance floors under the stars.
From luxury to laid-back, traditional to glam, every couple can shape their wedding exactly how they’ve imagined it. Whether you want barefoot elegance on a beach, old-world charm in a castle courtyard, or a garden party in a vineyard—Croatia makes it happen.
Ready to start planning your dream day? Let our team at bring your vision to life. Get in touch.