How to Get Married in Croatia as a Foreigner

Can foreigners get married in Croatia?

Yes, foreigners can legally get married in Croatia, and many do, thanks to its stunning coastline, historic towns, and romantic Mediterranean charm. 

Whether you're both non-Croatian citizens or one of you is a local, you're welcome to have a legally recognised marriage in Croatia. Unlike when getting married in Portugal, where the process can sometimes feel more rigid for non-residents, Croatia offers a variety of ceremony options.

You can choose between a civil, religious, or symbolic ceremony. Civil ceremonies are legally binding and performed by a registrar, while religious ceremonies (such as Catholic weddings) can also have legal standing if certain requirements are met.

That said, there are a few formalities to keep in mind. You’ll need to provide the right documents, many of which must be officially translated into Croatian and legalised (or apostilled) depending on the country they’re from. Processing times and requirements can also vary depending on where you're getting married.

If you’re not fluent in Croatian, you'll also need to arrange for an official interpreter to be present at the ceremony, especially if it's a civil one.

So while it’s very possible, and many foreigners do it every year, you’ll want to start early, gather the right documents, and make sure you meet Croatia’s legal requirements. Once that’s done, you’re free to enjoy the fun part: choosing the perfect location, flowers, music, and celebrating your love in one of Europe’s most beautiful settings.

Types of marriage in Croatia

You can choose between three main types of marriage ceremonies: civil, religious, and symbolic. Both civil and religious marriages are legally recognised, while symbolic weddings are purely celebratory but more popular among international couples.

Civil marriage

A civil marriage is conducted by a registrar at the local town hall (Matični Ured) or another approved venue. Many couples choose this option because it’s straightforward and gives you flexibility in where the ceremony can take place. This type of marriage is the go-to choice for foreign couples who may not belong to a local religious community.

Religious marriage

Religious weddings are also common in Croatia within the Roman Catholic Church, which is the dominant faith in the country. A Catholic ceremony usually takes place in a church and follows religious traditions. Other recognised faiths, such as Orthodox, Muslim, and Protestant communities, can also conduct legally valid weddings. In most cases, couples will need to provide additional paperwork, like baptism certificates or proof of religious affiliation, alongside the standard civil documents.

Symbolic wedding

A symbolic wedding isn’t legally binding, but it’s a beautiful way to celebrate your wedding in Croatia without lots of paperwork. You can choose this option if you’ve already completed the legal side of marriage in your home country. You have all the freedom to customise your wedding how you’d like. You can exchange vows on a beach at sunset or celebrate in a vineyard or castle. Whatever you want to do to make the day truly personal.

Which should you choose?

For many foreigners, a civil marriage is the most practical option, as it’s recognised internationally and easier to arrange. 

If faith is important in your life, a religious ceremony offers tradition and meaning, though it may involve extra paperwork. On the other hand, if you’d rather avoid the administrative process in Croatia but still want a dream celebration, a symbolic wedding gives you the best of both worlds. 

Legal requirements for getting married in Croatia

The process of getting married in Croatia is pretty straightforward once you know what’s required, but it does involve some paperwork, especially if you’re coming from abroad.

Here’s what is typically required;

• Valid passports: You and your partner must have valid passports or national ID cards.
   
• Birth certificates: You’ll need original or certified copies of your birth certificates. In most cases, these must be translated into Croatian by a certified translator.
   
• Certificate of no impediment (or equivalent): This document proves that you’re legally free to marry. The name and process may vary depending on your country, but it’s required.
   
• Proof of marital status: If either of you was previously married, you’ll need divorce papers or a death certificate of the former spouse to show that you’re free to marry again.
   
• Application at the registrar’s office (Matični ured): Civil marriages in Croatia are handled by the registrar. You’ll need to submit your paperwork there in advance, usually at least 30 days before the wedding date.
   
• Translations and apostilles: Most foreign documents must be translated into Croatian and may require an apostille stamp for international recognition.
   
• Witnesses: Two witnesses (over 18, with valid IDs) are required at your wedding ceremony. They can be friends, family, or even locals.

The exact requirements can vary slightly depending on your nationality and where in Croatia you plan to marry. It’s best to contact the local registrar in your chosen city or town early on to confirm what is needed. This way, you won’t face last-minute surprises.

Required documents to get married in Croatia as a foreigner

Getting married in Croatia as a foreigner is entirely possible, but you’ll need to prepare some paperwork in advance. The exact list may vary depending on your nationality, but most couples are asked to provide the following:

• Valid passports or national ID cards to confirm your identity and nationality.
   
• Birth certificates, original or certified copies, translated into Croatian.
   
• Certificate of No Impediment (or equivalent): Proof from your home country that you are legally free to marry.
   
• Proof of marital status: Divorce decree absolute or a death certificate of a previous spouse if you’ve been married before.
   
• Residency details: If you live in Croatia, you may need to show proof of address.
   
• Witness information: Details and identification for two witnesses who must be present at your ceremony.

Most foreign documents need to be officially translated into Croatian by a certified translator, while some documents may also require an apostille stamp or legalisation, depending on where they were issued.

Document translation & legalisation process

One of the most important steps when preparing for your wedding in Croatia is making sure your paperwork is both translated and legally recognised. Because your documents were likely issued abroad, Croatian authorities need them in the local language and validated for international use.

Certified translations

Most foreign documents, such as birth certificates, certificates of no impediment, or divorce papers, must be officially translated into Croatian. These translations need to be done by a certified (sworn) translator, not just anyone fluent in the language. Certified translations include a signed statement confirming the accuracy of the translation, which ensures the registrar or church will accept it.

Apostille or legalisation

Many documents also require an apostille stamp (under the Hague Convention) or legalisation. This stamp is issued by the competent authority in your home country and proves that your document is genuine. Without it, Croatian authorities may not accept the paperwork, even if it’s been translated.

For example, let’s say you are getting married in Croatia from the UK and need to obtain an apostille for your documents. In the UK, apostilles are issued by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 

Here’s what to do next;

• Send your original document to the Legalisation Office by post.
• They will attach an apostille confirming that the signature, stamp, or seal on your document is genuine.
• Translate the documents into Croatian by a certified translator. Translayte offers fast, accurate, 100% guaranteed accepted certified document translation in Croatian for your marriage application.
• Submit the translated & apostilled document to the registrar in Croatia.

Start this process early. Getting apostilles can take several weeks, depending on your country, and authorities in Croatia won’t accept incomplete paperwork.

Apostille vs legalisation: What’s the difference?

An apostille is a special stamp or certificate that authenticates your document for international use. But you only need it if your country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your country is not part of the Hague Convention, your documents must go through legalisation instead. The process to legalise your document is more complex:

• First, certify your document by the relevant authority in your home country.
• Submit it to your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be authenticated.
• Finally, submit it to the Croatian embassy or consulate to be legalised before it can be accepted in Croatia.

Steps for getting married in Croatia

Getting legally married in Croatia is straightforward once you know the order of things. Here’s a simple, start-to-finish guide for foreign couples.

1. Decide your ceremony type

A civil wedding is legally binding and conducted by a registrar. A religious wedding is also legally binding when performed by a recognised church or faith and registered with the state. If you’d prefer to skip the paperwork in Croatia, you can opt for a symbolic wedding.

2. Choose your location and contact the right office

For civil weddings, you’ll need to get in touch with the local registrar (Matični Ured) in your chosen town or city to ask about dates, fees, and the required paperwork. If you’re having a religious wedding, you’ll contact the church or faith community where you want to marry to confirm their requirements and how they’ll register the marriage with the state.

3. Gather your documents

This usually includes passports or ID cards, birth certificates, a certificate of no impediment (or equivalent), and, if applicable, divorce decrees or death certificates. Depending on your country, some documents may need an apostille or legalisation, and all in a foreign language will need certified Croatian translations by a sworn translator.

4. Submit your application

For civil ceremonies, this means filing your application with the registrar and requesting your preferred date and time. Many offices ask for a 30-day notice, though this can vary by municipality. For religious weddings, you’ll provide the church with both your civil paperwork and any additional religious documents, such as baptism certificates, parish permissions, or proof of completing premarital classes.

5. Confirm fees, venue, and add-ons

Marriage fees vary depending on the municipality, and prices are usually higher for weekends, holidays, or off-site venues such as beaches, villas, or gardens. If you’d like your civil ceremony in a historic or outdoor location, the registrar must approve it, and there may be an additional fee for the service.

6. Arrange witnesses and an interpreter

Every ceremony requires two witnesses aged 18 or older, each of whom must present valid identification. If neither of you speaks Croatian, a court-appointed interpreter must be present for the ceremony and sometimes for a pre-ceremony interview, to ensure the process is legally valid.

7. Attend the pre-ceremony check

Some registrars or religious institutions will invite you for a short appointment before the wedding. This is to verify your documents, finalise details such as names and wording, and confirm ceremony arrangements like music, readings, or the order of service in religious weddings.

8. The ceremony day

On the day of your wedding, bring original IDs for both you and your witnesses, and your interpreter if required. The registrar or celebrant will conduct the ceremony, after which you, your partner, and the witnesses will sign the marriage record.

9. Receive your marriage certificate

After the ceremony, your marriage will be registered. You can then request your official marriage certificate. Since your marriage was done in Croatia, your marriage certificate will likely be in Croatian. 

10. Post-marriage documentation

After your wedding in Croatia, you may need to register your Croatian marriage with your local authorities or embassy. If you plan to use your marriage certificate abroad, check whether you need an apostille and a certified translation. 

How Translayte can help

With Translayte, you get access to certified translators who are recognised by Croatian authorities and trusted worldwide.

Our service is simple to order, fast to deliver, and comes with a 100% acceptance guarantee for use in Croatia. From birth certificates and certificates of no impediment to divorce papers and name change documents, we make sure everything is translated and formatted correctly the first time.

We also support you through the apostille and legalisation process, so your documents meet the exact standards required by Croatian registrars, embassies, and religious institutions.

Get your marriage documents translated quickly, wherever you are. Request a free quote today and let us help your marriage in Croatia go smoothly.