Getting Married In Croatia
Zagreb
overview
Poet Lord Byron once described Dubrovnikas the “pearl of the Adriatic” and he wasn’t the first, or last, to fully fall in love with this breathtaking location. A wedding venue in Croatia could be any one of the country’s 1,246 islands, isles and inlets, King’s Landingfrom Game of Thrones (actually Dubrovnik) or a pastel pink villa in the heart of the Croatian countryside. Over the past couple of years Croatia has become a “go to” for the coolest festivals and a must visit for foodies from all over the world – as a destination wedding venue Croatia it’s practically perfect too.
the lowdown
A couple of hours flight from many European locations, Croatia delivers sun and stunning landscapes, from the rooftops of Zagreb to the UNESCO-listed sightsand blue seas of the Dalmatian Coast. Despite the flurry of interest from Insta-bloggers, Croatia remains a relatively undiscovered location, ideal for anyone keen to create a wedding with an exclusive feel. Hvar is known as Croatia’s sunniest island and popular with celebs (look out for Beyonce and fam) while less famous spots, such as the Gorski Kotar region, offer peaceful sights and nature in abundance.
If you’re looking to create the WOW factor for your wedding, Croatia is the destination in which to do it.
You’ll have more than 340 historic sites to choose from, as well as locations that are part of cinematic history such as Lekenik (Fiddler on the Roof), Vis (Mamma Mia 2) and Dubrovnik (Star Wars: Episode VIII). The natural beauty of this part of the world can bequite overwhelming, from the Plitvice Lakes to the Northern Velebit National Park.
You don’t have to be super hipster or an avid festival goer to become addicted to Croatia. It’s a country that combines effortless glamour with sapphire seas, epic architecture and hidden adventure. Neither you, nor your guests, are likely to want to leave.
insider note...
The region of Istria is probably Croatia’s best kept secret. Not only does this part of the country have some of its most beautiful beaches but it is also renowned for it’s food and wineries, two key local components for any wedding venue in Croatia. If you book your wedding here, drink Istarska Malvasija, the ideal local wedding wine, which is fresh and fruity, perfect with wedding food such as traditional cheese, olives, pršut (Dalmatian prosciutto) and the essential Croatian soup course.
Flight Duration
2 hrs 30+
Currency
Croatian Kuna
Language Spoken
Croatian. Hungarian, Czech - and English speakers can also easily get by.
Vaccinations
n/a
Transportation
Croatia has great roads so hiring a car is often the easiest and fastest way to get around. The bus and ferry networks are pretty extensive, especially to and from some of the smaller islands. Taxis are also cheap and reliable.
Public Holidays
As well as religious holidays (Christmas, Easter etc), Croatians celebrate the severing of ties with Yugoslavia on Independence Day (8th October), as well as Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day (5th August) and Anti-Fascist Struggle Day (22nd June).
Good Time to Go
May - October
good to know
Whilst visiting the island Vis, a local wedding professional told us a Croatian phrase that applies to all Croatian weddings 'Žuri Polako' - ‘Hurry slowly’: More speed, less haste. Bridechillas rejoice!
the marriage
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GETTING MARRIED IN CROATIA
The only legally binding type of wedding ceremony in Croatia is a civil ceremony. Civil ceremonies can take place in almost any location provided it has been approved by the Registry Office. There are no residency requirements. Many couples choose to avoid the legalities and paperwork involved and have a low-key civil ceremony at a registry office in the UK to fulfil the legal requirements followed by a Wedding Blessing/Humanist Ceremony in Croatia at a venue of their choice.
Civil Ceremony
✕In Croatia, civil ceremonies are conducted by the local Registrar.
There are no residency requirements for couples wishing to have a civil ceremony. However, you will need to be resident in the country for a couple of days prior to the wedding in order to meet with the Registrar.
Although same-sex couples cannot legally marry in Croatia they are able to have a civil partnership ceremony.
If you would like more information on the application process and documentation required, download our printable Full Guide to Getting Married in Croatia.
download full guideReligious Ceremony
✕If you wish to have a religious ceremony in Croatia, you will also need to have a civil ceremony in order for your marriage to be legally binding. The civil ceremony can take place in Croatia or in your home country.
If you would like more information on the application process and documentation required, download our printable Full Guide to Getting Married in Croatia.
download full guideWedding Blessing / Humanist Ceremony
✕The private, non-denominational, non-institutional nature of a Wedding Blessing or Humanist Ceremony gives you the flexibility to marry when,whereand how you want. There is no legal requirement for the ceremony to take place in a licensed building. Therefore, you can hold your ceremony wherever you like — at your favourite restaurant, in a private villa, on a secluded beach or in the middle of an olive grove. The choice is yours. There is no legal requirement for the ceremony to follow a set structure so it can be as formal or informal as you like—you can have a traditional Church Ceremony with the religious parts replaced with readings and vows or you can have a light-hearted ceremony with humorous readings and vows. Once again, the choice is yours. These ceremonies are usuallyperformed by a celebrant whowill be able to help you select the style, structure, readings, music and vows that reflect your tastes and feelings as a couple resulting ina highly personalised and unique, non-religious ceremony.
Please note: If you do choose to have a Wedding Blessing or Humanist Ceremony you will also need to have an official civil ceremony in order for your marriage to be legally binding.
If you would like more information on the application process and documentation required, download our printable Full Guide to Getting Married in Croatia.
download full guide