How to Plan a Wedding in Croatia (Step by Step Guide for Couples Abroad)

Thinking about getting married in Croatia? Excellent choice.

With its crystal-clear Adriatic sea, ancient stone towns, sunny weather, and mouthwatering food, Croatia has become one of the most popular wedding destinations in Europe. Whether you're dreaming of a beachfront ceremony, a castle celebration, or a vineyard gathering, this country has it all and at a fraction of the price you'd pay in the UK or US.

But how do you actually plan a wedding in Croatia when you don’t live there?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it doable, stress-free, and genuinely fun.

 

Start with the vision. And budget

 

Before you start booking anything, sit down together and talk about what kind of wedding you really want.

• Do you imagine something elegant and formal?

• A barefoot beach ceremony?

• A weekend party with all your favourite people?

Having a clear vision helps with every decision that follows. Once that’s in place, set a realistic budget. Croatia can be more affordable than other European destinations, but costs can still add up, especially with travel and accommodation.

Make sure to factor in:

• Venue

• Food and drinks

• Photographer/videographer

• Wedding planner (highly recommended!)

• Music and entertainment

• Flowers and decor

• Travel and accommodation (for you and possibly your guests)

 

Choose the right location in Croatia

 

Croatia offers a wide variety of wedding spots, each with its own charm. Here are a few favourites:

• Dubrovnik: Historic, luxurious, cinematic. Great for elegant and iconic weddings.

• Split: A vibrant coastal city with Roman ruins and sea views.

• Hvar: A sun-soaked island with upscale vibes and epic views.

• Istria: Think rolling hills, vineyards, truffle dishes, and a countryside-meets-coast feeling.

• Zadar / Šibenik: Underrated gems with fewer tourists but tons of character.

• Plitvice Lakes or national parks: For nature lovers and breathtaking photos.

Each region has different logistics, so location choice can affect travel, supplier options, and even legal paperwork.

 

Decide between legal or symbolic ceremony

 

In Croatia, you can choose to have either a legal (civil) or symbolic wedding ceremony and both are beautiful and fully accepted.

If you’d like your marriage to be legally recognised internationally and want to say “I do” in Croatia officially, no problem. Foreign couples get legally married in Croatia all the time. You’ll need to provide certain documents in advance (such as birth certificates and proof you’re free to marry), and some may need to be officially translated into Croatian. A local wedding planner can help guide you through the exact process.

If you'd prefer to handle the legal part at home before or after your trip and focus solely on the celebration in Croatia, you can go with a symbolic ceremony. It looks and feels just like a real wedding, only without the paperwork on the day. Many couples choose this option for simplicity or personal reasons.

Both paths are completely valid. It all comes down to what works best for you.

 

Hire a local wedding planner (trust us on this one)

 

Unless you speak fluent Croatian, know the area, and have time to organise everything remotely, we strongly recommend hiring a local wedding planner.

Here’s why:

• They speak the language.

• They know reliable vendors.

• They can help with legal requirements.

• They’re on-site, which is a game-changer on the actual day.

A good planner can save you money, time, and a lot of stress. You don’t need to manage 15 emails about chair deliveries while sipping wine in Hvar. Let someone else handle the details.

 

Set the date and book venue early

 

Croatia’s wedding season runs roughly from May to September, with July and August being the hottest (and busiest) months. If you're dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, aim for May/June or early September. Still sunny, but slightly cooler and less crowded.

Venues book up quickly, especially the good ones, so lock yours in at least 12 months in advance.

Make sure you ask:

• Is the venue private or shared?

• What’s included (tables, chairs, lights)?

• Do they have preferred vendors or caterers?

 

Plan guest travel and accommodation early

 

When you're hosting a destination wedding, your guests are likely flying in from different places. Some might be experienced travellers, others not so much. So, it really helps to think ahead and make their journey as smooth as possible. One of the best things you can do is create a simple wedding website or digital info sheet that includes all the key details: airport options, local transport tips, suggested hotels (in different price ranges), and how to get to the venue. Some couples even organise group transfers or shuttles, especially if the venue is more remote or on an island.

Also, consider making your wedding a full experience, not just a one-day event. A welcome dinner the night before or a relaxed brunch the day after is a lovely way to thank guests for making the trip and it gives everyone more time to connect and enjoy Croatia.

 

The truth is, many guests will use your wedding as an excuse for a little holiday, so the more helpful info you give them, the easier it is for them to say yes to the invitation and fully enjoy the trip.

 

Think about local food

 

One of the absolute highlights of getting married in Croatia is the food.

And trust us, your guests will talk about it for years. Instead of a typical “chicken or fish” wedding dinner, why not treat everyone to a true Croatian feast?

Think grilled seafood straight from the Adriatic, homemade pasta with truffles, slow-cooked meats, and vibrant local vegetables drizzled with olive oil. Istria, in particular, is famous for its wine and truffle dishes, while Dalmatia shines with fresh fish, octopus salad, and lamb cooked under the peka.

And don’t forget the drinks. Croatian wine is outstanding (and underrated), and many couples like to offer a welcome shot of rakija, a traditional fruit brandy that definitely wakes people up before the speeches. Talk to your caterer or planner about incorporating regional dishes or family-style service to give your guests a true taste of where they are.

 

Paperwork

 

If you do want a legal ceremony in Croatia, here’s a quick overview:

• You’ll need to provide birth certificates, passports, and proof you’re free to marry.

• Some documents must be translated into Croatian and notarised.

We made complete guide for required documents for wedding in Croatia here.

 

Planning a wedding in Croatia takes effort, but it’s 100% doable and completely worth it. With the right help, the right mindset, and a little bit of flexibility, you’ll end up with something unforgettable.