Croatia
Hvar is one of Croatia's best-known islands, with lavender, vineyards, beach clubs and Venetian old-town architecture. It is more relaxed than the big party islands of the Mediterranean, and the Stari Grad Plain, with its ancient field system, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Hvar is reached by sea from Split: the catamaran to Hvar town takes about 65 minutes, and car ferries run to Stari Grad. The style is boho-Mediterranean: natural materials, white linen, lavender as the running theme, sun-soaked lunch ceremonies.
Hvar's settings are mixed. Hvar town has historic palaces, stone squares and terraces overlooking the Pakleni islands, and suits a smaller party. The style is Venetian-influenced: limestone, vaults and terraces above the harbour.
The beach clubs around Hvar town and on the Pakleni islands are known for sunset parties with DJs, which makes them better suited to an after-party than to the ceremony. Ask each club whether it takes private events and until what time music may run.
Stari Grad and Jelsa are the quieter alternatives - old town settings with a slow tempo. The island's wineries offer a Dalmatian wine setting for a dinner or a tasting with guests; ask each one whether it hosts private events.
The food is the island's strong card - fresh fish, octopus, local lavender honey, Dalmatian peka. Legally, Croatian marriage law is national: the same documents and procedure apply on Hvar as on the mainland, but the registry office that handles your case is the one competent for the island, not Split's. The wedding day as a rule falls between the 30th and 45th day after you register your intention to marry, and a ceremony away from the registry office is allowed only if the registrar agrees. Our guide to symbolic or legal weddings abroad explains the choice. The season is May to October; June and September are the most comfortable months. Wind can be strong on exposed spots - always have a plan B for outdoor ceremonies.
Couples who want island feel and luxury
€7,000 - €19,500
An estimate, not measured. Replaced by the median budget from couples' briefs once we have at least five.
Hvar town for luxury and nightlife, Stari Grad for tranquility. Book boat transport in advance - ferries can fill up.
We recommend Hvar for couples with a smaller guest list who want an island wedding with beach club energy in the evenings. Choose Hvar town for the historic old town, the Pakleni islands for the after-party, and Stari Grad or Jelsa for a quieter setting.
Editorial team, Wedding Abroad · Updated: October 2026
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The best season to marry in Hvar is usually May-Sep. Hvar town for luxury and nightlife, Stari Grad for tranquility. Book boat transport in advance - ferries can fill up. Bear in mind that high-season weekends are often booked 12-18 months ahead, so start early if you have a particular date in mind.
Yes, relatively easy For full details on which documents are required and how the marriage is registered in your home country, see our guide to legally valid weddings abroad.
Hvar is a particularly good fit for Couples who want island feel and luxury. The highlights include Lavender fields, Beach clubs, Glamorous. Whatever the style, it is worth visiting in advance, or working with a local coordinator who can recommend the right venue for your vision.
Get proposals from local vendors in Hvar.