George Boyle
Croatia is a popular destination for weddings, with its stunning scenery, historic sites, and quaint Mediterranean cities. The country offers a range of options for weddings, from small, intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Civil ceremonies are the only legally binding type of wedding in Croatia, and they can take place in various locations with approval from the Registry Office. There are no residency requirements for couples wishing to wed in Croatia, but they must meet with the Registrar a few days before the wedding to discuss paperwork and procedures. Same-sex couples cannot legally marry but can enter into a civil partnership. Wedding planners are available to help couples navigate the local legal policies and documentation requirements, which can vary depending on the couple's country of origin and residence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding locations | Vineyard, coastal towns, historic sites, castles, fortresses, hidden gardens, caves, mountains, restaurants, private villas, beaches, olive groves, churches |
| Wedding packages | Photography, floral design, custom menus |
| Wedding planners | Something Blue Weddings Croatia |
| Wedding food and drinks | Cheese, olives, pršut (Dalmatian prosciutto), Croatian soup, Istarska Malvasija (local wedding wine) |
| Wedding legal requirements | Valid passport, birth certificate, proof of no legal impediments, marriage licence, Certificate of No Impediment/Certificate of Freedom to Marry, Certificate of Custom and Law/Certificate de Coutume, Decree Absolute, Death Certificate, Name Change Deed Poll Certificate, Adoption Certificate |
| Wedding ceremony | Civil ceremony, religious ceremony |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding locations in Croatia
Croatia is a beautiful Mediterranean country with a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea, dotted with over a thousand islands. The country offers a wide variety of wedding venues to suit every taste, from magnificent beaches to luxury island hotels and private villas.
One of the most popular wedding destinations in Croatia is Hvar, offering luxurious venues with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, as well as charming boutique options for more intimate ceremonies. The island also boasts world-class accommodation, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch restaurants.
For those seeking untouched nature, Lokrum Island, a 15-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town, is an ideal venue. The island features lush pine forests, azure seas, and ancient monasteries, providing a unique and private setting for ceremonies.
The city of Dubrovnik itself also offers a range of options, from luxury villas with access to private beaches to heritage hotels like Prijeko Palace, which boasts stunning views of the Old Town.
Other notable wedding locations in Croatia include the Island of Korčula, a hidden gem settled since ancient Greek times, and Istria, known for its vineyards and rustic wedding venues with stunning views of the Adriatic coast.
Croatia truly offers something for every couple, with its mix of quaint cities, historic sites, and Mediterranean charm.
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Civil ceremonies
For US citizens, a marriage affidavit must be completed and notarized at the US Embassy in Zagreb. This document must also be authenticated by the International Legal Assistance Service of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. If you do not speak Croatian, you will need to obtain the services of a court-appointed translator for the marriage ceremony. Same-sex couples can enter into a civil partnership, which allows them to enjoy most of the benefits extended to married opposite-sex couples.
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Wedding packages
Croatia is a beautiful Mediterranean country that offers a lot for couples looking to make their dream weddings come true. With a thousand miles of coastline along the Adriatic Sea and over a thousand islands, it's a seafood lover's paradise. The country also boasts quaint and historic cities with castles, fortresses, hidden gardens, caves, and mountains.
One of the best-known wedding planners in Croatia is Antonia Radovančić of Something Blue Weddings Croatia. Antonia and her team are dedicated to curating custom weddings and bringing each couple's vision to life. They offer consultation, planning, design, and coordination services and can guide you through local legal policies and documentation. Something Blue Weddings plans weddings all throughout Croatia but specializes in Split and the Croatian islands (Brac, Hvar, Solta, Korcula, and Vis).
Another popular wedding destination in Croatia is Dubrovnik, a medieval and romantic city with charming stone-paved streets, impressive walls and fortresses, red-tiled roofs, and breathtaking seaside views. Warm summers and mild winters make it a perfect wedding destination year-round. Wedding packages in Dubrovnik can be customized to make each ceremony unique and personal.
Couples can choose from a range of wedding packages, including elopements, destination weddings, and vow renewals, and can further personalize their experience by selecting their venue and other details.
If you're considering a wedding in Croatia, it's recommended to engage a local wedding planner who can help you navigate the legal requirements and planning process. With their expertise and knowledge of the country, they can create a stress-free and memorable experience for your special day.
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Legal requirements
Marriages in Croatia are legally binding and recognised internationally. There are no minimum residency requirements, but there are several legal requirements that must be met for a couple to be married in the country.
Firstly, it is necessary to contact the local Registry Office (Matični Ured) in the municipality where the marriage will take place at least three months before the desired date. This is to verify which documents will be required, as the paperwork varies depending on the couple's country of origin and their residency status. For U.S. citizens, a valid U.S. passport and a U.S. birth certificate translated into Croatian by a sworn court interpreter are necessary. The birth certificate must bear the Apostille seal of the competent authority of the issuing U.S. state and must be a new copy issued within the past 90 days. A marriage affidavit, made by the couple before a U.S. consular officer, is also required. This document states that the couple is free to marry and that the marriage will be regarded as valid by their home country's authorities. If one of the partners is divorced or widowed, proof of the dissolution of the previous marriage is also required. All documentation must be original or certified copies and must be submitted to the Registrar at the Town Hall 30 to 45 days before the wedding.
For religious ceremonies, foreigners are required to contact the nearest local Register Office and officially notify them of the intended marriage. They will issue a Certificate affirming the requirements for marriage in religious form, which is valid for three months. The Registrar will then issue a civil Marriage Certificate based on the Marriage Certificate issued by the church.
Same-sex couples can enter into a civil partnership in Croatia, which allows them to enjoy most of the benefits extended to married opposite-sex couples. To navigate the legal requirements and ensure the marriage is legal, many couples choose to hire a wedding planner, who can help with the paperwork and legalities.
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Same-sex marriage
The Life Partnership Act was first proposed in 2012 by Prime Minister Zoran Milanović, who announced that the government would soon pass legislation expanding the rights of same-sex partners. The law was passed by the Croatian Parliament on 15 July 2014, with 86 votes in favour and 16 against. It grants same-sex couples equal rights and benefits to married couples in almost all aspects, including inheritance and financial support. However, it does not allow for joint adoption, although stepchild adoption is permitted in some situations.
The Life Partnership Act has been praised as a democratic compromise, respecting the traditional notion of marriage while also providing legal recognition for same-sex couples. Despite this, some LGBT associations have expressed disappointment that same-sex couples remain excluded from family law, which could potentially result in fewer rights for life partners.
While same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in Croatia, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics. The country has made strides in protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment and housing. Additionally, consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex is legal, and the right to change one's legal gender is also recognised.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, weddings are allowed in Croatia. The country offers stunning settings for your special day, from ancient walls and coastal views to historic sites and cinematic locations.
There are a few requirements for getting married in Croatia, including:
- A valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Proof of no legal impediments
- Certificate of No Impediment/Certificate of Freedom to Marry
- Full birth certificate showing mother and father's names
- If applicable: Name Change Deed Poll Certificate, Adoption Certificate, Decree Absolute, Death Certificate of previous spouse, and previous Marriage Certificate
Croatia enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so the summer months of June, July, and August are popular for weddings. However, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can also be pleasant and offer milder temperatures.
Yes, hiring a wedding planner in Croatia can be extremely beneficial. They can help you navigate the local legal policies and get your documentation done. They can also provide guidance and support throughout the planning process, allowing you to relax and appreciate the moment.
Same-sex couples cannot legally marry in Croatia. However, they are able to enter into a civil partnership, which allows them to enjoy most of the benefits extended to married opposite-sex couples.
