The ultimate guide to elope in Croatia
TIPS. VENUES & LOCATION IDEAS
for an adventure elopement in Croatia
Croatia is an underrated European country, with a laid back Mediterranean vibe, a stunning coastline, adorable cities, and gorgeous natural beauty! A Croatia elopement is perfect for couples who want to get married in a unique location, and to celebrate their wedding their own way. But, before you go, there are some things you’ll need to know!
This guide is all about eloping in Croatia, with tips, advice, recommendations, and everything you’ll need to plan the perfect, one of a kind day.
Let’s dive in…
Welcome to the Adventure of a Lifetime
Hey there, I’m Amber! I’m your elopement photographer and planner – your one-stop-shop for absolutely everything you need for a magical, incredible elopement day.
I offer all-inclusive elopement packages for couples who want to relax and let me handle absolutely everything, as well as options for couples who like a little bit of DIY! I’ll find the perfect place for you to exchange vows, recommend vendors, help you figure out travel and lodging, make a timeline, and more – personalizing each part of your elopement day to perfectly suit the two of you. And of course, I’ll be there to take the photos and document this once in a lifetime adventure.
You aren’t like every other couple, and your wedding day shouldn’t be either! I’ll help you craft a day that’s true to you, authentic, and real, allowing you to immerse yourselves in the experience as you say your “I dos.”
First, let’s be sure we’re talking about the same thing:
What is an elopement?
Eloping has changed a lot, and it’s not about courthouse ceremonies or secret marriages! Today, an elopement allows you to take control of your wedding day, and to create a day that’s just right for the two of you. A traditional wedding isn’t for everybody, and eloping gives you the option to start your marriage the way you want to!
How to Legally Elope in Croatia
You can get legally married when you elope in Croatia, but there’s a lot of paperwork! Here’s what you need:
- A valid passport
- A birth certificate translated into Croatian
- A sworn statement from the embassy that you are free to marry, authenticated in Croatia
You will need to send in copies of your documents beforehand, then show originals once you get to Croatia. The only ceremonies that are legally recognized in Croatia are those performed by a Matičar (a local official), so getting legally married can be a little tricky – you can also do the paperwork at home, then have a symbolic elopement ceremony to make things easier!
For couples from the US:
In certain states, you can ask your county clerk the authorization to sign your wedding license abroad. If they agree, as a registered minister, my team and I will be able to legally marry you without the hassle of a legal wedding ceremony in Croatia.
Why Elope in Croatia
Blissful Beaches
The beaches in Croatia are absolutely incredible, with turquoise blue water, white sands, and sunshine! The water is clear, and you can see marine life all around you.
Magnificent Mountains
Inland, you’ll find more incredible nature in Croatia – from magical waterfalls to towering mountain peaks. Croatia isn’t as popular with travelers as some other European countries, so the nature is well preserved and absolutely stunning!
Rich Culture
The culture in Croatia is a mixture of its own traditions, along with Greek and Roman civilizations. You’ll see expressions of their heritage through music, dance, festivals, art, food, and architecture, and exploring the cities and historic sites is an experience you’ll never forget.
Top 5 spots to Elope in Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This is definitely one of the most amazing places to elope in Croatia! The national park has scenic turquoise lakes surrounded by forests and hills, and connected by tumbling waterfalls. There are wooden footbridges that go around the park, and you could explore forever!
Klis Fortress
This Croatia elopement location is unique, with a fortress that sits on a limestone bluff, with mountains in the distance and the city below. If you want to tie the knot in a castle, this is the place for you!
Zlatni Rat
You can’t go to Croatia without seeing the beaches, and if you want to get married on one, Zlatni Rat is a really amazing spot! The “golden cape,” made of white pebbles, creates an outcropping into the crystal clear ocean, with pine trees and towering cliffs behind it. You can swim, windsurf, or just enjoy the view!
Dragon’s Eye Lake
This gorgeous lake is surrounded by mountains, and connects to the ocean by underwater channels through the limestone. There are a lot of legends surrounding it, because of geothermal activity underneath the lake that makes the water at the bottom of the lake (and sometimes the top too) warm!
Stara Baska
This village is located on an island off the coast of Croatia, and is a stunning, remote place for an elopement. The beaches are surrounded by mountains and rolling hills, and the cute town is a great place to explore and get to know the local culture!
When to Elope in Croatia
The coastal regions of Croatia see pretty mild weather, but inland can get more dramatic! Here’s what you need to know about the best times to elope in Croatia.
WINTER IN CROATIA
Inland areas, especially in the mountains, get pretty cold and snowy! But the coast, though a little chillier, is still pretty mild, and the weather can be great for outdoor adventures. This is the least busy season, so you won’t see as many people around.
SPRING IN CROATIA
Spring is one of the best times to elope in Croatia, because it’s not as crowded as summer, but the weather is warm and sunny! Keep in mind that in the mountains, it’s usually snowy until later in the season, but you can definitely enjoy the beaches.
SUMMER IN CROATIA
Though the weather is amazing, perfect for swimming or hitting the beach, this is the busiest time in Croatia, which means it’ll be harder to get some privacy! June can be a good time to elope, as the tourist season really picks up in July, but be prepared to avoid the crowds.
FALL IN CROATIA
Fall is another amazing time to elope, after the busy season is over but the weather is still warm. The coastal areas are still warm and sunny, but inland, it can get chilly in the mountains, so think about what you want to do on your elopement day before you set a date!
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ELOPE in Croatia
All-inclusive, 7-day ELOPEMENT
6 nights in accommodation (3* or more)
Elopement photographer for 3 days
All meals for the 7 days
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
Officiant
Florist
Hair and makeup
Car rental
Airport transfers
TOTAL FOR An all-inclusive ELOPEMENT IN Croatia:
$25 000
12-hour ELOPEMENT
Elopement photographer for 12 hours
4-5 beautiful, natural and raw ceremony location options
Custom timeline of the day
TOTAL FOR A 12-hour ELOPEMENT IN Croatia:
$8 000
What to Wear to Elope in Croatia
Traditional wedding attire may not cut it when you elope in Croatia – you’ll need to be prepared for adventures!
The Dress
Depending on where you elope, you’ll need to dress for the weather. On the coast, it’ll be warm, while mountainous areas are chillier – so layers are great! For warm weather, stick with light, airy fabrics, and for cooler climates, opt for a shawl, jacket, or cape to help you stay warm. Comfort is also incredibly important – make sure your dress has a loose skirt that allows you to move freely!
The Shoes
Shoes are so important! Hiking boots are best if you plan to hit the trails, but for beach elopements, sandals, or even going barefoot, can be a better option. Think about what you plan to do, and make sure to break in new shoes before the big day!
The Suit
Suits make layering easy, which is great for a Croatia elopement! Make sure that it fits well, is comfortable, and allows you to move easily. For beach elopements, you might opt for a more casual vibe, with dress pants and a button up shirt.
Elope in Croatia – Your Checklist
Choose a Location
This is the most exciting part for most couples! Choosing the perfect spot.
As a travel planner, I’m always exploring to find the best secret places! Once you’ve decided to elope in Croatia, don’t hesitate to get in touch for planning assistance, and I’ll help you find lesser known spots where you can exchange vows in private.
Pick a date
After you look into weather, crowds, and prices, it’s time to set a date for your elopement!
Find more information about travel visas and wedding documentation
Unless you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you most likely won’t need a visa to elope in Croatia. Yay!
Book your flights and accommodation
Making bookings early on ensures the best deals, and that you can stay close to your elopement location. Book your flights and lodging, and any other travel necessities, like rental cars!
Book your vendors
Vendors are so important in planning your elopement, so make sure to reach out early to work with your favorites!
Live your dream elopement
This is it! All the planning and excitement comes together, and you get to elope in the location of your dreams, having epic adventures and making once in a lifetime memories. Contact me to learn more about Croatia elopement packages, and let’s start planning!
DOES CROATIA SOUND LIKE YOUR DREAM?
How to plan your peaceful elopement in Croatia with me
Let’s dive in, so you can start your journey right away!
Imagine a wedding where you can be you. Breathe. Bask in each other’s love.
Experience a place close to your hearts, or a bucket-list dream.
Inspiration for your Croatia elopement
Here are some photos I created with my amazing past couples to inspire you!
Let’s chat!
Are you eager to start planning your elopement in Croatia? I’m here to help you envision, plan and immortalize this beautiful adventure! Contact me now for a free consultation!
