Planning a wedding ceremony in Croatia
CEREMONY TYPES
Embarking on the journey of marriage in Croatia is a captivating experience, especially with its rich history and picturesque landscapes. Whether planning a church, civil, or symbolic ceremony, navigating the process can be daunting. That’s where we come in. We’ll guide you through the traditions and legalities, ensuring your special day is filled with unforgettable moments against Croatia’s enchanting backdrop.
CHURCH WEDDING IN CROATIA
A church wedding in Croatia can be a beautiful and meaningful experience, given the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and magnificent churches. Most of the weddings in Croatia are Catholic weddings.
Here are some key points to consider when planning a church wedding in Croatia. Every official wedding ceremony will require from you to obtain certain documents. That part will take some time but it will all be worth it in the end. Documents you will need for Catholic church wedding are:
-Baptism certificates: Both partners need to provide recent (usually within six months) copies of their baptismal certificates.
-Confirmation certificates: Proof of Confirmation for both partners.
-Pre-marital course: Completion of a pre-marital course or counseling as required by the church.
-Permission from your home Parish: If the couple is not from the local parish, they may need a letter of permission from their home parish to marry in a different church.
-Certificate of your civil marriage: Proof that a civil marriage has taken place or will take place, as civil marriages are required for the marriage to be legally recognized.
If you wish to marry in an Orthodox, Protestant, or other denominational church, requirements may vary. It is important to contact the specific church to understand their requirements.
Civil wedding in Croatia
Planning a civil wedding in Croatia involves several steps, including understanding the legal requirements, choosing a location, and organising the ceremony.
I would highly suggest having a wedding planner as this part is very important for a couple and the paperwork can sometime be overwhelming.
Documents you will require for your civil wedding in Croatia will vary based on the country you are coming from. Every country has its own regulations of what will be necessary for a wedding that is taken place in a country that is not residential for the couple to be legally recognised.
Even thought the documents will not always be the same for most countries it is Birth certificate, Certificate of no impediment to marriage, passports if existing divorce papers or death certificates. In most cases all the documents require an apostile stamp.
All the documents have to be legally translated to Croatian, also bare in mind that the ceremony has to be lead in Croatian and there will be a translator at the ceremony who will be translating the ceremony to your mother language.
Once you are married you will receive a marriage certificate that will have to be translated into your mother language and stamped with apostile stamp.
Symbolic ceremony in Croatia
A symbolic ceremony is a non-legally binding ceremony that allows couples to celebrate their love and commitment. It can be customised to reflect your personal beliefs, cultures, and preferences. Symbolic ceremonies are often chosen by couples who have already legally married elsewhere or who want a more personalised celebration without the legal paperwork.
You can hold the ceremony anywhere, at any time, without the constraints of legal requirements. The ceremony can be tailored to reflect your unique relationship, incorporating personal vows, special rituals, and meaningful readings. Without the need for legal documentation, the planning process can be simpler and more relaxed. Symbolic ceremonies can include elements from different cultures, religions, or traditions, making them inclusive and unique.
For a symbolic ceremony, you can choose anyone to officiate, including a friend, family member, or professional celebrant. A professional celebrant can help craft a personalised ceremony and ensure it runs smoothly.
Work with your officiant to create a ceremony script that reflects your relationship and values. This can include personal vows, readings, music, and special rituals such as sand blending, hand fasting, or unity candle lighting.
By choosing a symbolic ceremony, you can create a unique and memorable celebration in one of Croatia’s beautiful locations.
