The average cost of a wedding in Croatia:
INSIGHTS FROM A WEDDING PLANNER
Planning a wedding in Croatia is a dream for many couples and we know why. With its breathtaking coastlines, historic cities, and stunning islands, it’s no wonder that Croatia has become one of the top wedding destinations in Europe. But before diving into the planning process, it’s important to understand the financial commitment involved. From the perspective of a wedding planner, let’s break down the average cost of a wedding in Croatia and the key factors that influence it. At the end of the post I will give you an average budget for 50 people in Croatia.
Average cost of a Croatian wedding
Planning a wedding in Croatia is a dream for many couples and we know why. With its breathtaking coastlines, historic cities, and stunning islands, it’s no wonder that Croatia has become one of the top wedding destinations in Europe. But before diving into the planning process, it’s important to understand the financial commitment involved. From the perspective of a wedding planner, let’s break down the average cost of a wedding in Croatia and the key factors that influence it. At the end of the post I will give you an average budget for 50 people in Croatia.
Venue selection
As a wedding planner, one of the first conversations I have with couples revolves around the venue. Croatia offers a wide variety of locations, from the Adriatic coastline to medieval fortresses and luxurious resorts. The choice of venue greatly impacts the overall budget.
Coastal Venues (Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Istria): These are among the most popular and often the most expensive locations, but also venues with the most beautiful sea backdrops. A wedding in Dubrovnik, Hvar and Istria tend to be more expensive then for instance wedding in Split or other neighbouring islands like Brac, Vis and Solta. Some of the venues may cost more due to the high demand and limited availability but also some cities are know to be more luxurious then others. They offer more and give a better experience for your guests.
A venue’s rental fee can range from €3.500 to €8,000 or more, depending on its location, exclusivity, and seasonality.
Catering costs
Food and drink are central to any wedding celebration, and in Croatia, you’ll find a mix of traditional Mediterranean dishes, fresh seafood, and local wines that can elevate the experience for your guests.
Catering Costs: a typical Croatian wedding dinner will cost between €100 and €150 per guest, depending on the menu and service style but also the venue itself. This price usually includes welcome finger food, a cold appetizer, warm appetizer, main course, and a dessert.
Bar Services: many venues offer drinks packages that range from €30 to €70 per guest, which includes wine, beer, and soft drinks. If you wish to add cocktails or premium liquors, expect to pay extra or opt for an open bar, which can increase the overall cost by a few thousand euros.
Decor and floral arrangements
Décor is where couples can truly personalize their wedding. Flowers elevate and accent the beauty of the venue giving it a unique look for your wedding.
Floral Arrangements: The cost of florals can range from €5.000 for a simple setup to €15.000 or more for a lavish floral display.
Decorations: Custom lighting, table settings, and other decor can range from €2.000 to €7.000 depending on the couple’s vision.
Photography and videography
Capturing your special day is something most couples don’t want to skimp on. In Croatia, professional photographers typically charge between €3.500 and €12.000, while videography services can range from €3.5000 to €8.000. If couples want destination photographers or those with international recognition, costs can easily go higher.
Music and entertainment
Music is an essential part of a Croatian wedding celebration. Many couples opt for a combination of live music and DJs. The cost of hiring a live band ranges from €3.500 to €15.000, while DJs typically charge between €1.300 and €2.500.
Ceremony music: Ceremony music can be a string duo or quartet, a live singer or a small group. The cost of the ceremony music in Croatia ranges from €500 to €1.500.
Transportation and accommodation
In popular Croatian wedding destinations like Dubrovnik or Hvar, guest transportation and accommodation are key considerations. Many venues require shuttles to transport guests from hotels to the ceremony or reception site.
Transportation: Shuttle services for guests can range from €500 to €2.000, depending on the number of people and distances involved.
Accommodation: If you are covering accommodation costs for key family members or the bridal party, expect to spend an additional €250 to €500 per night, per room, especially in peak tourist season.
Wedding planner fees
Hiring a local wedding planner in Croatia is invaluable, particularly if you’re planning a destination wedding and don’t speak the language or understand local vendors. A planner typically charges between €3.500 and €7.000 for their services, though this can vary based on the complexity and size of the wedding. But take in consideration that having a wedding planner is the best decision for your destination wedding in Croatia
Legal and administrative costs
If you’re coming from abroad, it’s important to factor in the cost of legalities and paperwork. The administrative fees for obtaining a marriage license in Croatia are usually under €1.000. However, many couples opt to have a legal wedding in their home country to avoid extra documentation and have a symbolic ceremony in Croatia, which is often more relaxed. The cost of the symbolic lead is aproximately €500,00 euro
Final thoughts from a wedding planner
From luxurious coastal ceremonies to intimate countryside vows, Croatia offers a wide range of wedding experiences, each with its own unique cost factors. While the average cost of a wedding in Croatia typically falls between €35.000 and €100.000, couples should budget based on their specific desires and guest count.
A professional wedding planner can be invaluable in making your dream wedding a reality while keeping things within budget. Planners help navigate local customs, recommend trusted vendors, and ensure that even the tiniest details are taken care of so you can focus on enjoying your special day. Croatia truly offers a one-of-a-kind wedding experience, and with proper planning, it can be tailored to fit a wide variety of budgets.
Average cost of a wedding in Croatia for 2025 ( Based on 50 people)
Venue: Starting at 4.000,00 euro
Photographer: 3.500,00 euro
Videographer: 3.500,00 euro
Florist and rentals: starting at 8.000,00 euro
Food and drinks: 200,00 euro per person
Dj: 1.500,00 euro
Live entertainment: 600,00 euro
Ceremony music: 1.000,00 euro
Hair: 100,00 euro per person
Make up: 100,00 euro per person
Lights: 2.000,00 euro
Stationery: 500,00 euro
Cake and sweet table: 1.000,00 euro
Transportation: Starting at 500,00 euro
Wedding planner: Starting at 4.000,00 euro
Ceremony ( Symbolic ): 400,00 euro
Ceremony ( Legal ): 1.000,00 euro
Ceremony ( Religious ): Free of charge
Total cost: 40.300,00 euro ( without ceremony option)
A professional wedding planner can be invaluable in making your dream wedding a reality while keeping things within budget. Planners help navigate local customs, recommend trusted vendors, and ensure that even the tiniest details are taken care of so you can focus on enjoying your special day. Croatia truly offers a one-of-a-kind wedding experience, and with proper planning, it can be tailored to fit a wide variety of budgets.