Croatia
Split is Croatia's second city and an underrated wedding destination - Diocletian's Palace from AD 305 still forms the city centre, making Split Europe's most historic active urban environment. It is the mainland alternative to island weddings, with direct flights from London in summer.
Split works well as a hub for a wedding weekend that also includes Hvar or Brac. Budget EUR 20,000 to 45,000 for 60 guests - cheaper than Dubrovnik at equivalent quality. The style mixes Roman architecture, Venetian influence and relaxed Dalmatian feel.
Split's unique card is Diocletian's Palace - the ceremony itself can be held in the Peristyle (the central square) or in the Temple of Jupiter. This requires a special permit from the city's cultural authority (3 months of application, around EUR 800 fee) but delivers a setting few European cities can match.
Hotel weddings concentrate at Le Meridien Lav, Briig Boutique Hotel and Cornaro Hotel. Le Meridien Lav (south-west of the city) has beach capacity for 100+ guests. Briig on the Marjan peninsula is the boutique option with mountain views.
The Marjan peninsula (5 minutes from the centre) offers wooded hills with sea views - perfect for symbolic outdoor ceremonies. Brac island (50 minutes by ferry) is a common side option, with Zlatni Rat beach as a guest day trip.
The food is classic Dalmatian - peka (meat slow-cooked under a dome), pasticada, local wines like Plavac Mali. Split's restaurant scene has improved dramatically in the 2020s - chefs at Hvar Bistro or Bokeria offer catering. Legally, civil weddings work at Split's city hall. The season is the longest on the Adriatic coast - April to November.
Couples who want to combine city and beach
€6,000 - €18,000
Diocletian's Palace offers unique historical backdrop. Great base for island hopping. Riva promenade perfect for sunset photos.
The best season to marry in Split is usually May-Sep. Diocletian's Palace offers unique historical backdrop. Great base for island hopping. Riva promenade perfect for sunset photos. 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.
A wedding in Split costs on average €6,000 - €18,000. Expect an intimate ceremony at the lower end of the range, a mid-sized wedding of 30-50 guests in the middle, and a lavish wedding with more guests or several days at the upper end. Travel and accommodation for your guests come on top.
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.
The flight time to Split is 2-2.5 hours. Direct flights are usually available in high season. Book your guests' travel at least 4-6 months before the wedding for the best fares.
Split is a particularly good fit for Couples who want to combine city and beach. The highlights include Historic center, Lively atmosphere, Good flights. Whatever the style, it is worth visiting in advance, or working with a local coordinator who can recommend the right venue for your vision.
We recommend Split for couples with 50 to 100 guests who want a European historic city wedding at better prices than Dubrovnik. Use the city as a hub for a weekend that includes day trips to Hvar or Brac. Apply for the palace permit 4 months ahead.
Editorial team, Wedding Abroad · Last updated May 2026
Get proposals from local vendors in Split.