Is Croatia the future of destination weddings?!
When it comes to countries for destination weddings, Croatia is a drastically underestimated underdog. The unsung hero of destination weddings. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out why. Because with glorious weather for most of the year, breathtaking scenery, historic cities and miles of shoreline along the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, your Croatia wedding is pretty much guaranteed to be a knockout.
And then there’s the fact Croatia is one of the safest and cheapest countries in Europe. It’s basically the perfect country for a destination wedding.
So when I had the opportunity to attend a styled shoot over there, I jumped at the chance. If nothing else, just so I could see what all the fuss was about! And Croatia exceeded my already-soaring expectations.
The light is spectacular, the views are just astonishing, and the styling opportunities are endless. But don’t take me word for it, let me show you! I’ve put together a list of 4 reasons why you should have a Croatia wedding. There’s also loads of styling inspiration woven in here for you as well, just as a little treat!
1. What’s the weather like in Croatia?
Let’s deal with the burning question first. “So what’s the weather like over there?” Well this is the first huge tick in the win column for a Croatia wedding. Because the weather is amazing. Well not amazing, but definitely a lot better than England!
From May to October it’s consistently above 20℃ with around a 20% chance of rain. The temperature peaks at around 30℃ in July and August, and you can be pretty sure of a dry day. The only downside of getting married July-August is that those sorts of temperatures can be a little bit unbearable, especially when you’re all dressed up.
So the best times to get married in Croatia weather-wise are Spring and Autumn. Then you’ve hit that happy sweet spot of lovely and warm, and probably dry. But not so scorchingly hot you’re sweating through your dress.
2. Croatia wedding venues
OK, so let’s talk venues. By far the easiest way to get married abroad is to have your official ceremony in a registry office at home first at venues such as Old Marylebone Town Hall or Chelsea Town Hall in London. And then that way you’re free to choose any venue that takes your fancy.
Honestly, you’re spoiled for choice in Croatia when it comes to stunning venues. And Visnjica is a perfect example. Perched on a clifftop 200m above sea level, you have breathtaking views across sparkling Adriatic Sea to the mediaeval limestone walls of the Old City Dubrovnik. I’ve been a destination wedding photographer for a number of years now, and this has got to be one of the most dramatic backdrops for a wedding I have ever seen.
One thing I would suggest if you’re thinking about having a Croatia wedding is to book yourself a wedding planner. Because as truly beautiful as the venue was, the website says things like, “possibility of setting event tent” and “logistics for the realisation of all types of catering”. And it doesn’t sound like it’s going to be an easy thing to organise over the phone from hundreds of miles away. Just a thought.
Apparently wedding planners in Croatia are in very high demand (presumably for that reason). So I’d suggest making your planner one of the first people you book. After you book me, of course!
3. You can style your Croatia wedding to the max!
The styling by the incredibly talented Pink Palm Events was simply dazzling. With a vibrant palette of pinks, purples and peaches, it was a veritable Croatia wedding fairytale.
Ana wore Carmen by Milla Nova. The chic tulle long-sleeved ball gown is a truly dramatic piece, with an embellished bodice and an insanely fashionable turtleneck. And when paired with a sleek low bun, elegantly natural makeup and exquisite jewellery, you have yourself one strikingly modern bride. Martin wore an effortlessly cool salmon pink suit with an open collar. Ideal for a sun-drenched clifftop elopement, and perfectly aligned with the wedding palette.
But for me, the star of the styling has to be the florals by Lucie from BUDFlora. With reflexed roses in vivid pinks, reds and peaches, mauve orchids and blush pink hydrangeas, the floristry was just mind-blowing. Lucie’s unabashed embrace of big bold blooms means every floral installation she does is an absolute showstopper. And this shoot was no exception. I mean, you have a stunning view over the clifftop across the Adriatic Sea, and you just can’t stop looking at the flowers!
4. Croatia wedding photography
Croatia is a truly beautiful country. I’ve always known it was pretty. But when you actually go there, it really does take your breath away.
The crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, its historic cities and the eight national parks give you so many choices for your destination wedding. It’s insanely romantic, stunningly scenic and wonderfully intimate. Ancient in a way that makes you feel wistful and reflective, whilst still offering all the modern luxuries you could possibly want on your wedding day.
When you combine the warmth of the people with the impeccable quality of light and the endless stunning views, Croatia is a wedding photographer’s dream. And as a relaxed, natural light photographer, this is pretty much my dream destination!
If you’re thinking of having a Croatia wedding and would like me to capture it for you, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please get in touch today and let’s chat.
The wonderful Suppliers:
Photography by: Lucie Watson Photography
Workshop hosts: Milkshake Kisses
Venue source: We are River Use
Stylist: Pink Palm Events
Make up artist: Louise Macintosh MUA
Hair stylist: Bridal hair by Suzy
Supplier source: @serendipityweddingscroatia
Venue: @visnijcadubrovnikvenue
Furniture and tableware: @lesalon_dubrovnik
Floral design: Bud Flora
Bridal designer: Millanova
Bridal boutique: Vesnaposa
Jewellery: @thelucky6pence
DJ @djmirodubrovnik
Suits: @odijelo
