How to get married in Croatia: A simple guide for international couples

Thinking about getting married in Croatia? Good choice. 
Between the stunning coastlines, charming towns and laid-back vibe, it's no wonder so many couples are choosing this beautiful country for their big day. And while it may feel like planning a wedding abroad could get complicated, the process here is more straightforward than you might expect.
Especially if you know the steps.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to legally get married in Croatia, with tips to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Who can get married in Croatia?

Pretty much anyone who meets the basic legal requirements. In Croatia, marriage is defined by law as a union between a man and a woman. To get legally married, both individuals must be at least 18 years old and capable of giving consent. There are a few exceptions: someone who is 16 can get married, but only with a court’s approval.

You must also both be legally single, mentally capable of understanding the commitment, and not closely related by blood. That means no marriage is allowed between parents and children, siblings (full or half), uncles or aunts and their nieces or nephews, or first cousins.

Croatia does not recognize same-sex marriage. However, it does offer a legal alternative called a life partnership, which we’ll explain further below.

Civil or religious ceremony?

Croatia allows for two legally valid ways to get married:

• A civil marriage, conducted by a registrar in a government office or other approved location.

• A religious marriage that also has civil effects, provided the religious community is officially recognized by the Croatian government. Most commonly, this would be a Catholic wedding, but other religious institutions may also qualify.

For a religious marriage to be legally binding, the couple must first obtain a certificate from the civil registrar proving that they meet all legal requirements. That certificate is valid for three months.

In either case, the marriage must be entered into the civil registry to have legal effect.

What do foreign couples need to provide?

Foreign nationals can legally get married in Croatia, either to each other or to a Croatian citizen. You don’t need to be a resident. However, you do need to submit the required documents and follow the legal procedure. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A birth certificate, issued in your country of birth, not older than three months. It must be translated into Croatian and certified by a court translator.

• Proof that you’re not already married, also known as a certificate of no impediment or certificate of single status. This must also be translated and certified.

• In some cases, a certificate that your marriage in Croatia will be legally recognized in your home country. This might be a separate document or included in your certificate of no impediment.

• Proof of identity, usually a valid passport or national ID card.

• Proof of citizenship, typically your passport again, which serves both purposes.

All foreign documents must be translated into Croatian by a certified translator. Additionally, depending on where the documents are issued, you may need to have them legalized. For most countries, this means getting an Apostille stamp. If your country isn’t part of the Apostille Convention, you may need to go through a more formal process of consular legalization.

It’s crucial to check this in advance, because the process of gathering, translating and legalizing documents can take a few weeks.

Where and how to apply for marriage in Croatia

Once you have your documents ready, you need to visit the local registrar's office (matičar) in the place where you plan to get married. You do not need to be a resident in that town or city. You can choose your wedding location freely.

The application must be submitted in person, usually by both partners. The registrar will fill out an official record of your intent to marry, verify your documents and help you choose a wedding date. You’ll also need to state the form of the marriage (civil or religious), your witnesses, and what surnames you will use after marriage.

Croatian law requires a 30 to 45 day waiting period between the application and the wedding date. In urgent cases (such as health or travel-related issues), you may be allowed to marry sooner, but this is at the discretion of the registrar and must be justified.

If you plan to marry outside the official registrar office, say, on a beach, in a vineyard, or in a private villa, you will need to arrange that in advance and may be charged an additional fee. The registrar will travel to your location to conduct the ceremony.

The wedding ceremony: what to expect

Whether you choose a civil or religious ceremony, the process itself is straightforward. You’ll need two adult witnesses, both of whom must be mentally competent. They do not need to be Croatian citizens, but if they do not speak Croatian, you’ll also need a certified interpreter.

During the ceremony, the registrar will verify your identity, confirm your mutual consent to marry, and pronounce you legally married. You’ll then sign the official marriage record, along with your witnesses. After that, you’ll be issued a Croatian marriage certificate, which serves as proof of your legal marriage.

What does it cost?

The base cost for a standard civil wedding in a registrar’s office is around 28 euros. This includes:

• 9.29 euros for submitting your intent to marry

• 18.58 euros for the wedding ceremony itself

Additional costs may include:

• Translation and certification of documents

• Apostille/legalization fees in your home country

• Court interpreter fees (if needed during the ceremony)

• Registrar travel fees if your ceremony is held outside the office

Some of these fees vary depending on the location and complexity, so it’s best to ask your wedding planner or registrar for an exact estimate.

Religious weddings with legal effect

If you want a religious wedding with civil validity, such as a Catholic ceremony, you’ll need to go through a few extra steps. Before the wedding, you must obtain a certificate from the registrar confirming that all legal requirements for marriage are met. This document is valid for three months and is necessary for the priest or religious official to perform the ceremony.

After the ceremony, the religious institution is responsible for forwarding the marriage details to the civil registry. Once that happens, you’ll be issued an official marriage certificate just like in a civil ceremony.

What about same-sex couples?

Same-sex couples cannot legally marry in Croatia, but they can enter into a life partnership. This is a legal union that provides most of the same rights as marriage, including rights related to property, inheritance, healthcare and taxes.

The process for registering a life partnership is nearly identical to that of a civil marriage. You’ll need to:

• Submit a declaration of intent to the registrar

• Provide the required documents

• Attend a formal registration ceremony with two adult witnesses

Life partners can also choose to share a surname or combine their last names. However, they do not have the right to jointly adopt children, and their union is officially recorded in a separate register from marriages.

Foreign same-sex couples can also register a life partnership in Croatia, provided they meet the legal requirements and submit properly translated and legalized documentation.

How early should you start planning wedding?

Ideally, begin the legal process at least three months before your desired wedding date. This allows time to gather documents, complete translations, and navigate any unexpected delays.

Some popular weddings date, especially weekends in spring or summer, fill up fast with local and international couples. Booking early ensures you get your preferred date and location.

Why work with a local wedding planner?

Honestly, it makes everything easier. A local wedding planner can:

• Help you navigate the legal steps

• Coordinate with the registrar

• Arrange translations and court interpreters

• Suggest venues, vendors and timelines that fit your style and budget

Especially if you don’t speak Croatian or know the local procedures, having someone on the ground is a huge advantage. Planners also help manage the logistics on the day itself, so you can actually enjoy your wedding.

Getting married in Croatia is more than legally possible. It’s an amazing experience. The scenery, culture and relaxed Mediterranean energy make it one of the most romantic and enjoyable places in Europe to tie the knot.

With a little planning and the right support, you can have a wedding that is beautiful, personal and legally recognized back home.

Thinking about it? We’re here to help you every step of the way, from paperwork to party.

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