Hvar weddingsTHE BRIDE’S GUIDE TO TYING THE KNOT ON HVAR

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Hvar is a singular location for destination weddings, rich with natural beauty and traditional Mediterranean charm. Hundreds of couples tie the knot here every year. But destination weddings always require an extra degree of planning, and Hvar is no exception.

Matt and Elisha, the founders of Hvar Away, had the pleasure to hold their own Hvar wedding on the island in June 2023. In this guide, they draw on that firsthand experience to share what they learned and offer useful tips to future brides and grooms considering the island for their nuptials.

Matt and Elisha, the founders of Hvar Away

Why choose Hvar for your wedding

Above all, Hvar is a beautiful and headily romantic wedding destination. It really is another world, with gorgeous beaches, centuries-old villages, and refreshing mountain landscapes alongside a luxury offering and a friendly culture. Some people on your guest list may have already visited this part of Croatia or would like to do so.

Hvar offers all the romance of a Mediterranean island escape, but with the ease of European travel. Unlike more distant destinations, it provides:

  • Short flight times from Europe or the UK. More time relaxing on the island, less time in transit. Direct flights now connect Split (the nearest airport) with New York.
  • Rich cultural heritage. Venetian architecture, ancient hilltop fortresses, and authentic Dalmatian traditions.
  • Diverse landscapes. Choose from dramatic cliffs, hidden pebble coves, lavender fields, and pine-forested hills.
  • Exceptional cuisine. Fresh Adriatic seafood, acclaimed local wines, and relaxed waterfront dining.
  • Romantic settings. Secluded bays, sunset vineyards, charming stone villages, and some of the cleanest seas in Europe.
  • Value for money. Luxury villas, private boat trips and fine dining at far more accessible prices than many exotic alternatives.

From the perspective of planning a wedding, Hvar also enjoys enviably predictable weather. It is known to be the sunniest island in Europe and rarely experiences precipitation in July and August, with consistently sunny weather in June and September as well.

Hvar Town and port from above in the spring afternoon

Personal touch

Croatia is still a fairly young country, having only declared independence from the socialist federation of Yugoslavia in 1991, so the goods and services sectors are not what you might find in, say, part of Italy or France.

That said, many couples have celebrated their special day on Hvar and there is a robust choice of wedding venues, alongside an ecosystem of planners and vendors that work to bring Hvar weddings to life.

Hvar’s more “startup” spirit can mean that your relationship with vendors and other partners may be warmer, more personal, and more creative than would be the case in a location with a hyper-established wedding industry, where you are “one of many.”

Culture of conviviality

Croatia is a country that puts family first and foremost. This is reflected all throughout the culture: from the prevalence of multi-generational households to the country’s child-friendly work policies.

You’ll feel this ethos on your wedding day, too. As a rule, Croatians love weddings. For locals, it’s the biggest celebration most people will have in their lives. While you will probably not partake in all of the local traditions, you will certainly experience the mentality of joy and warmth that Croatians bring to this celebration.

Elisha and Matt, founders of Hvar Away, right after saying 'I do'

Possible drawbacks

As with most destination wedding locations, if you choose to have your wedding on Hvar, you should prepare yourself for the possibility of some people not coming. Hvar Island, depending on their location, may be too far for some people on your invite list.

There is also the question of cost. Croatia is relatively expensive, in spite of the comparatively low annual salary of most Croatians. For you as wedding hosts, some savings might be possible. For example, personal services such as wedding photographers tend to be significantly less expensive on Hvar than in the US or UK. Savings may also be possible with the wedding venue, if you choose a wedding venue in Hvar that doesn't host such celebrations routinely.

Hiring a Hvar wedding planner

We strongly recommend engaging an experienced wedding planner for your celebration. As you will likely handle most preparations from afar, a well-connected professional on the ground proves invaluable. They can attend site visits and vendor meetings in person, coordinate deliveries, oversee setup and inventory, and manage post-event cleanup and final settlements with suppliers.

For couples seeking a simpler affair or preferring less hands-on involvement, hiring a dedicated day-of coordinator is another excellent option. This allows you to thoroughly relax and enjoy the day, knowing an expert is handling logistics without the full scope (and cost) of a comprehensive planner.

Every couple has their own approach, but some brides and grooms-to-be come to Croatia for an advance visit several months before their wedding to make key decisions. Generally, time must be spent in Zagreb, Split, and the island itself, because vendors are based in larger cities on the mainland. A planner will make sure that your necessarily brief and busy stay is well-organised and minimally stressful. She will also be a constructive sounding board and will help you stay within your budget.

With several locations throughout the country, Adriatic Weddings Croatia is probably the most highly regarded firm for weddings on Hvar, too. They are among the largest, in terms of headcount, with several planners on their team. As an established firm, they have experience in a wide variety of styles and types of weddings and work frequently with non-Croatian clients.

There is only one wedding planner who specialises in weddings exclusively on Hvar, and that is Doris of Hvar Weddings. Doris is a Germany-based Croatian who organised her own wedding in Hvar in 2018 and, after receiving extensive positive feedback, decided to turn that experience into a professional service. Drawing on her local connections and organisational skills, she is present on the island during the summer wedding season and offers a fully flexible approach, allowing couples to be as involved as they wish. Working on an hourly basis also gives brides and grooms clear control over the budget without needing to part with large sums upfront.

It’s important that, when you narrow in on a particular planner, you settle on a written service agreement and understand exactly what they will provide, or what they will be able to provide. For example, there is a lot of paperwork associated with the legal component of getting married in Croatia. Will they project manage that for you and ensure that you get all of your documents in on time? Will they provide a day-of coordinator or labour for setup and breakdown?

Since weddings are generally planned a year or two in advance, be sure that you and your planner are in alignment about a timeline for deliverables. When will they submit options to you and when will you need to decide? Getting clarity on these key points is enormously important and will prevent hair-raising moments of “I thought you were going to do that!” close to your wedding day.

Wedding planner

It’s the little things like “who will iron the tablecloths?” that often get missed without a wedding planner in place. And that was the case for us too. Luckily, Matt was on-hand to make everything perfect for his bride-to-be, even if that meant getting the steamer out himself on his special morning.

Living on Hvar certainly gave us an advantage, yet we also know several couples who have successfully organised their weddings on the island entirely from abroad, arriving just a few days before show time. For those who choose to pursue this more arduous but ultimately rewarding path, we have compiled some practical tips and recommendations on key vendors below. Much of this information will prove helpful even if you are working with a planner, as it can spark more informed discussions and ensure everyone is aligned on your vision.

Best time for Hvar weddings

Hvar’s summer heat can be intense, especially in peak season. July and August are the most popular months for weddings, largely thanks to school holidays, but they come with swelteringly high temperatures. For a more comfortable climate that still allows for swimming and beach time, consider June or September, when the weather is warm yet far more manageable. May and October are also blissful when the sun is shining, but they do experience a few rainy days, so having a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies is wise.

If you opt for a high-summer wedding, ensure your venue provides ample shade or schedule a late afternoon or evening ceremony to avoid the midday sun. Be aware, however, that registrar fees in Hvar increase significantly after 4pm, so factor this into your budget. For photography, the soft, golden light about half an hour before sunset is unbeatable. It’s worth carving out a cocktail hour around this time to allow your photographer to swiftly capture stunning shots of you and your key wedding party members without disrupting the flow of the day.

Locations for your Hvar wedding

Hvar Island is larger than many visitors expect from looking at it on a map, which means travel times between spots can add up. Where possible, we recommend concentrating your wedding events in one area of the island. This keeps logistics straightforward for everyone and encourages guests to mingle more naturally. When activities are scattered, it can be a challenge for guests to summon the motivation to meet friends at a beach when they are enjoying a lazy, post-hangover morning in their hotel room.

Hvar Town is the capital of the island and remains the most popular choice for wedding celebrations, with its fortified harbour, Renaissance palaces and marble-paved squares rising straight from the water’s edge. That said, the quieter towns of Stari Grad and Jelsa also make excellent bases, offering more quaint and authentic atmospheres without sacrificing convenience.

Hvar Town, port and fortress (Hvar Town’s waterfront)

Hvar Town’s waterfront

For something truly intimate and romantic, consider the historic hillside villages such as Pitve, Malo Grablje or Velo Grablje. These stone settlements have no modern concrete builds, preserving a timeless feel that transports you straight into a Mediterranean fairytale.

The village of Pitve

The village of Pitve

Velo Grablje, in particular, is a standout. This near-abandoned ethno-village is home to just a handful of year-round residents, giving you the rare chance to have an entire hillside landscape virtually to yourselves. Velo Grablje sits on top of a ridgeline with truly unforgettable views over lavender fields and islands that seem to hover on the sea to the south.

The village of Velo Grablje, Hvar Island, Croatia

The village of Velo Grablje

We chose Velo Grablje for our own intimate wedding. Both the ceremony and reception took place at Alavia, a lovely restaurant set just above the village, and it remains one of the best choices we made… more on that spot shortly!

Our ceremony seating at Alavia.

Our ceremony seating at Alavia.

Best Hvar wedding venues

Choosing the right wedding venue is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions you will make for your Hvar wedding. Not only will your venue set the tone for your celebration, but it will probably determine the menu, sound and lighting options, and often the level of support staff available, as well. Fortunately, the hardest part about choosing your spot will be picking just one location of the many magical wedding venues in Hvar, Croatia.

On Hvar, wedding ceremonies are remarkably flexible and can take place almost anywhere you choose, not just in churches or official halls. Many couples opt for beachfront vows, hilltop settings or even aboard a boat. Do keep in mind that if your ceremony is outside a designated registry location, you will need to cover a separate travel fee for the registrar, along with organising and paying for their transport arrangements.

In theory, the flexibility of ceremony locations on Hvar makes it tempting to explore the island's more wild and striking spots. There is certainly no shortage of tempting settings for a gorgeous and highly unique ceremony. For example, near the highest peak on the island, St. Nikola, there is an open field that looks out over the sea. Along the island’s entire coastline, there are a number of stunning beaches, encircled by photogenic limestone cliffs and pine trees.

That said, while the romance of exchanging vows amid rugged cliffs, hidden coves, or ancient olive groves is undeniable, practicality should guide the final choice. Accessibility for guests (particularly those in formal attire or with mobility concerns), reliable mobile signal, shelter from sudden weather changes and space for the registrar's requirements all play a part.

A location that looks flawless in photographs can sometimes prove challenging on the day. Many couples find the sweet spot lies in venues that blend natural drama with manageable logistics: private villas with sea views, established hilltop spots, or secluded beaches only if there are nearby facilities. These allow the island's wild beauty to shine without introducing unnecessary complications. If a truly off-the-beaten-path site calls to you, pairing it with an experienced local planner is often the wisest move to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Broadly speaking, you have three main approaches to consider in terms of venue selection. First, dedicated event venues that regularly host weddings and often come equipped with experienced teams and full infrastructure. Second, restaurants with extensive grounds that can be privatised for exclusive use, though they tend to handle larger events less frequently. Third, a private villa rental, which offers complete flexibility and intimacy but requires more hands-on coordination with external suppliers if you choose not to hire a planner.

Most popular venues

Among this first category (purpose-built or highly experienced wedding venues), standout options include the elegant Palace Elisabeth Hotel in the town of Hvar, Beach Club Hvar for a stylish beachfront celebration, and Maslina Resort in Stari Grad, a contemporary luxury property set amid olive groves and the sea.

For something truly iconic that your guests will remember fondly for years to come, consider the Fortress (Fortica) overlooking Hvar Town. This 16th-century hilltop stronghold offers sweeping panoramic views across the town, harbour and Pakleni Islands, creating an unforgettable backdrop for ceremonies, receptions, or both. The venue handles events regularly through local coordinators, with space for seated dinners or cocktail-style celebrations.

Hvar Fortress

Hvar Fortress

All of these regular wedding spots can take much of the logistical weight off your shoulders, allowing you to focus primarily on enjoying your special day.

Ceremony-only venues

There are several breathtaking locations on Hvar suited primarily to ceremonies, with receptions best held elsewhere to keep logistics smooth. These ceremony-only sites offer pure magic for the 'I do' moment, allowing you to pair them with a more practical venue for dining and dancing later in the evening.

One standout is St. Mark's Monastery in Hvar Town, a beautifully preserved Franciscan complex with a serene cloister and historic church that creates a profoundly atmospheric setting for vows.

St Mark’s in Hvar Town

St Mark’s in Hvar Town

More of a hidden secret is Veli Kamik in Sveta Nedjelja, translating literally to “big rock”. Said big rock is growing in popularity as a ceremony location on Hvar, and rightly so. Probably the most photogenic tree in Dalmatia, Veli Kamik’s tiny bridge connecting said tree to the island has become a poster child of Hvar’s southern coast. There is an undeniable romance to the place, with its dramatic rocks framing crystal-clear water and that solitary tree adding a touch of magic.

St Mark’s in Hvar Town

Veli Kamik. Photo courtesy of Love & Ventures

Restaurant venues

This second category offers even greater variety, with dozens of excellent restaurants across Hvar that can be privatised for exclusive use. These spots often host events only occasionally, which lends them a more intimate and personalised feel compared to dedicated venues.

A few particularly appealing off-the-beaten-path options stand out for their unique settings:

  • Alavia: In addition to the unforgettable setting at our own wedding, the food and cocktails were also excellent, and the team went above and beyond to support us. The restaurant adjoins a complex of four lovely apartments with a pool, making things easy for the bride, groom, and members of the wedding party. We privatised the restaurant and the surrounding complex for the evening, and with no neighbours, we were able to dance and party long into the night. We really cannot praise the team there too much.
The pool also gave us this unforgettable photo op.

The pool also gave us this unforgettable photo op.

  • Konoba Vrisnik: Set in the idyllic village of Vrisnik and framed by olive trees and bougainvillea, this family-run tavern is at once enchanting and deeply welcoming. Konoba Vrisnik is a restored stone house but with a character closer to a gorgeous Tuscan villa. For a more authentic menu that matches the experience, order the octopus or lamb peka, a Dalmatian speciality slow-cooked under a bell lid to yield deep, tender flavours. Then simply relax and allow the evening to unfold naturally, with ample time and space for heartfelt toasts and dancing beneath the stars.
Konoba Vrisnik, Hvar Island, Croatia

Konoba Vrisnik. Photo courtesy of Dalmatia Events

  • Seca: Sleek, contemporary architecture against the backdrop of sprawling olive orchards. This remote olive family farm and tasting room is neither a wedding venue nor a restaurant, but can still host magical intimate celebrations if you reach out to the owner, Eva Marija Čurin. Seca does not offer accommodation on site, though it lies close to the beautiful cove of Pokrivenik, where a range of options are available. Most lodgings there tend to be fairly basic, however, and may not quite meet the expectations of guests you particularly wish to impress. You should therefore be prepared for many attendees to stay further afield, which means arranging reliable transport to ensure everyone reaches the celebration smoothly and on time.
Konoba Vrisnik, Hvar Island, Croatia

Seca olive grove

  • Konoba Humac: Host your celebration in the abandoned yet beautifully preserved village of Humac, set close to Grapčeva Cave, associated with a Neolithic culture responsible for the earliest known depiction of a boat in Europe. While the cave itself is unlikely to have hosted ancient nuptials, the nearby Konoba Humac provides an equally evocative setting. As the sun sets against the sea and the mountains of the mainland, the only illumination comes from candles and the stars above, creating an unforgettable setting. Earlier in the day, this panoramic spot rewards visitors with wide views across the northern side of Hvar, progressing to a richly coloured sky as the sun sets behind the hills.
  • Restaurant Preza: Located in Pokrivenik Bay, near the village of Gdinj and far from the crowds, Preza is well suited to an intimate Hvar wedding if your preference is to be as close to the sea as possible. As part of Hotel Timun, it can host up to 38 guests, making it ideal for a very small celebration. For couples looking to extend the experience with continued privacy and seclusion, Pokrivenik is also relatively close to one of Hvar Away’s most sought-after villas, La Villa Bleue, a secluded setting perfect for a quiet escape for a handful of VIP guests after the celebrations.

Private villa venues

At Hvar Away, we have seen firsthand how a private villa brings a sense of freedom and intimacy to a wedding that hotels and resorts rarely match. Unlike a restaurant or dedicated event space, a villa also guarantees accommodation for at least some (and often all) of your guests right on site, which naturally makes logistics considerably easier.

Here are the main reasons so many couples opt for a villa wedding on Hvar:

  • Complete privacy. Your wedding stays just that: yours. No other guests, no wandering hotel staff, no awkward run-ins at the breakfast buffet. The entire property is yours for your entire stay, giving you and your loved ones space to celebrate without restraint.
  • Tailored service. From a chilled bottle of welcome champagne on arrival to a private chef preparing your preferred menu, every detail can be customised to suit your tastes. You decide the pace, the style, and the level of involvement, whether you’re thinking of a relaxed barefoot celebration or something more polished.
  • Authentic island feel. Many of Hvar’s villas are restored stone houses with wooden shutters and sea breezes that feels authentically Hvar. Staying and celebrating in one lets you live like a local rather than a tourist, surrounded by lavender-scented gardens, old olive trees and views to remember for years to come.
  • Space to breathe. With multiple living areas, expansive terraces, private pools and gardens, everyone can find their own corner. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee for the bridal party, a relaxed rehearsal dinner, or room for children to run around safely.
  • The wow factor. Think infinity pools that appear to spill into the Adriatic and panoramic terraces perfect for sunset cocktails. These elements create natural backdrops for photographs and memories that last a lifetime.

A villa wedding on Hvar presents a chance to craft a celebration that feels like an extension of your own story, woven into the island’s effortless natural beauty. You can host everything in one place if you choose. The ceremony takes place on a terrace overlooking the sea, cocktails flow by the pool as the sun dips, and dinner unfolds under the stars with your closest people.

That said, Hvar is a small island, and the number of sufficiently large villas that welcome wedding events on the property itself is limited. The best options are carefully selected and often book up well in advance. Here are the most popular and reliable choices below from our Group Getaways villa collection.

  • Villas Dvor Quattro: This thoughtfully restored collection of four 15th-century stone houses will make you feel like you’re some kind of Mediterranean Disney princess getting married in her own tiny magical village. Four villas offer enough space and privacy for 28 people to stay overnight, almost as if each were tucked away in their own stone tower. For the celebration itself, the estate can comfortably host receptions of up to 45 guests, set within the tranquillity of the village of Pitve surrounded by white stone houses and rolling hills. Event fees apply, but that is part of the territory when you choose a setting this distinctive. Even fairy tales, after all, tend to come with conditions.
Villas Dvor Quattro in Pitve, Hvar Island, Dalmatia, Croatia

Villas Dvor Quattro

Villas Dvor Quattro in Pitve, Hvar Island, Dalmatia, Croatia

Hvar Away guests’ reception dinner at Villas Dvor Quattro in September 2025

  • Villas Azzurro & Verde: For those seeking luxury in the island’s capital, Villas Azzurro and Verde stand in a class of their own in Hvar Town itself. These twins are ideal for relaxed, intimate small weddings with up to 40 guests. Half of them can sleep in the villas and enjoy daily Mediterranean breakfast served on the villas’ panoramic pool terraces. The rest of your guests can remain close by, since Verde and Azzurro are still only a 10-15 minute coastal stroll from the town centre. That said, few would blame you for staying put and spending the day by one of the heatable infinity pools, or unwinding in the spa area in Villa Azzurro. After the whirlwind of planning and hosting a wedding, even the short stroll can remain gloriously optional, with villa staff on hand to cater to your every need.
Two twin luxury villas with infinity pools in Hvar Town, Hvar Island, Dalmatia, Croatia

Villas Azzurro & Verde

  • St. George Court: A private estate of traditional stone houses set in a commanding panoramic position in the geographic heart of Hvar Island, near the abandoned village of Humac, far away from everything and everyone else. The uninterrupted views in every direction across the Adriatic towards Šćedro provide a breathtaking backdrop for celebrations of up to 100 guests. What truly sets it apart from other venues on Hvar is the absence of any neighbours, meaning no noise restrictions whatsoever. You can let the party continue as late as energy and enthusiasm allow. Accommodation on site sleeps 12 guests comfortably. That said, your friends and family would surely understand if you chose to keep the entire property, encircled by cypress, fig and olive trees, with the heady scents of sage, rosemary and lavender drifting through the grounds, entirely to yourselves the morning after. It offers the perfect prelude to your honeymoon without the need to venture anywhere at all. Events at St. George Court are subject to fees and special minimum stay policies.
A remote villa on Hvar Island, Croatia that hosts weddings

St. George Court

Wedding in a remote villa on Hvar Island, Croatia

Hvar Away guests’ wedding at St. George Court in June 2025

Whichever wedding villa venue you may choose, be sure to consider:

  • Location: Sea views, countryside settings, or historical towns
  • Amenities: Pools, outdoor dining areas, and romantic features
  • Size: Overnight guest and day guest capacity
  • Services: Available staff, concierge assistance, and special packages
  • Policies: Noise restrictions, and if any event fees apply.
  • Reviews: Read previous guest experiences and recommendations

Every Hvar Away villa guest will have a dedicated pre-stay concierge on hand to assist with arranging as many or as little details as they need: from private chef catering (the wedding meal or a custom package for the trip), in-villa spa treatments, boat charters, wine tastings, and cultural tours. These personalised experiences can turn a villa stay into an extraordinary celebration of your marriage.

Hvar wedding villa accommodation

Even if your ceremony and reception take place elsewhere, renting one or more villas remains by far the best option for accommodating you and your guests. Not only will everyone enjoy significant savings compared to booking separate hotel rooms and dining out for every meal, but the shared experience fosters a deeper sense of connection. Staying together in a beautiful private home allows for relaxed mornings by the pool, impromptu late-night chats, and those unplanned moments that often prove the most memorable. Your guests will also have a far more special and meaningful experience in proximity to friends and loved ones whom, chances are, they don’t get to see very often.

If you decide on the villa accommodation route and would like guidance on clustering properties for convenience, or the best strategies for rooming people, simply reach out to us. We would be delighted to talk through your ideas and offer suggestions based on our firsthand knowledge of the island.

Hvar wedding vendors

The selection of wedding vendors on the island is naturally more limited than in larger cities, which means you will likely choose to work with some vendors based on the Croatian mainland, or from further afield, who will travel to Hvar for your wedding.

Hair and makeup

This is one that you don’t want to fudge. Be sure to not only get trials with your stylists, but to make sure that your trials are perfect. If your hair and makeup specialists do not understand what you’re looking for in the trial, they are unlikely to do better on the big day. Take as many trials as you need to get it right, and if your stylist won’t make time for that, move on. Bring photos that are as close as possible to the look you want.

Finally, hair and makeup are entirely different skills. Hire separate people who excel at each. This will also help everyone stay on schedule if your hair and makeup team is doing your bridesmaids, too.

Elisha getting ready for her Hvar wedding

Attire

If you wish to buy a dress in Croatia, you will need to come to the country six months or so in advance of your ceremony to pick one out. Alternatively, you can bring your dress from your home country and simply pay a little extra for luggage fees. The latter is likely to be an easier option for most brides.

Most of Croatia’s dress shops are in Zagreb. There are plenty of options both to buy and rent. You can get a good idea of these retailers’ inventories by scrolling through their accounts on Instagram.

Top tip: aim for something comfortable if you are planning to change dresses after the main ceremony. It will really help you relax and enjoy the night after a day of intense emotions.

Elisha in a dress by Ukrainian designer, Oksana Mukha

Elisha rented a dress by Ukrainian designer, Oksana Mukha

For grooms, Fidelio is a great option for suits in Croatia. They have a variety of combinations, from ultra-formal to more contemporary, and include essentials like comfortable dress socks in their packages. Particularly if you are getting married in the summer, a second shirt is a must. You are almost guaranteed to sweat through the first. Likewise, if there was ever a time to spend a little extra on high quality shoes, this is it. You want to be able to dance the night away without thinking about your toes being pinched.

Matt’s Fidelio suit

Matt’s Fidelio suit

Finally, as a word to the wise, it is common for wedding dresses to be collected or delivered from the shop with a bustle, i.e. a series of hooks, buttons, ties, or loops sewn into the underside of the gown. The idea is that after the ceremony, the train is essentially stitched or fastened up at strategic points, so it lifts off the ground and attaches to the back of the dress. For your ceremony, you will most likely wish to have your dress without the bustle, so be sure to check with your dressmaker to understand exactly what you will need to do on the day-of to make your wedding ensemble wearable.

Driver

A good taxi service is the lynchpin of a successful wedding on Hvar. You need someone who will get all of your party from point A to point B without drama. This can be more challenging than you might think, given how narrow and twisty many of Hvar’s roads are, and how often guests need 'just a few more minutes' before boarding the shuttle.

We were fortunate to work with Petar from Hvar4You, who operates a fleet of minivans and is everything you want in a chauffeur. Whoever you end up working with, be sure to do a visual (and olfactory) inspection of the vehicles they’ll be using and, as always, check references.

Furniture rentals

If none of the existing venues quite match the atmosphere you have in mind, it is possible to create your own setting. Agava Hvar provides comprehensive wedding rental services, including rental inventory of elegant Tiffany Chiavari chairs, crossback chairs, round tables, and outdoor barbecues. Their catering is available should you wish to use it, but there is no obligation when booking the inventory alone. Pricing typically covers transport, setup and breakdown for locations in Hvar Town itself, with supplementary fees for more distant sites.

Alternatively, you may discover a venue whose inherent character, including the furniture, already aligns closely with your vision, requiring only subtle enhancements. Thoughtful additions such as draped fabrics, carefully chosen florals, or strategic lighting can transform the space remarkably. Should a specific existing element (in our case, chair cushions!) prove irksome, simple replacements are readily sourced from online retailers like IKEA, which has stores on the mainland and delivers to Hvar.

Be sure, as well, that you have a plan for who will set everything up and then load it away again when your wedding is over. Stacking chairs is not how most couples want to spend their first morning of married life!

For tablecloths and other textiles, we were very happy with the firm Textor, based in Split. As a sweet touch, they offered to sew together our used-once wedding tablecloths into bed linens which we can enjoy for years.

Florist

For our wedding, we kept florals fairly simple: mostly greenery with a touch of white. We used olive as a motif, because it’s attractive and appropriate to Hvar, but also because it holds up well over the course of a summer afternoon.

Eucalyptus or lavender could be a nice alternative in the same vein. Or to infuse some meaningful symbolism into your ceremony, consider immortelle. This resilient everlasting flower holds a special place in Hvar tradition: women once tucked it into their pillows, believing it captured and retained sunshine longer than any other bloom.

We chose Ljiljan, a well-regarded florist in Stari Grad, for our own wedding flowers and could not have been happier. Her arrangements were beautiful and thoughtfully executed, and she handled the full setup on the day with quiet efficiency.

For more intricate or elaborate designs, it is worth exploring established florists in Split. The city offers a wider selection of experienced professionals accustomed to larger events, and many are happy to travel to the island with their creations.

Signage and stationery

We were extremely pleased with the price and quality of Retes, who did our signage. We designed our signs ourselves using Pinterest for inspiration and Canva for design without any issues. We did not send paper invitations but, on this front, you might be best off working with a vendor in your home country, since most of the guests will presumably be in that country, too.

On this topic, too, working with someone who speaks your language as a native speaker can be especially helpful, to ensure that you are understanding each other on technical choices such as different printing techniques and design considerations.

Wedding on Hvar, Croatia, Europe

DJ

We worked with a well-known DJ from the UK, who mostly works in clubs. He was phenomenal for the party part, but missed some essential cues, including for the bride’s walk down the aisle! Learn from us and be sure to find someone who shares your aural aesthetic, but also has lots of experience working in weddings.

While we went with a Brit, you can certainly find a Croatian DJ. Split has a major music scene thanks to the Ultra Festival, which takes place here every summer, so there are a lot of talented DJs to choose from.

If you want something more indie or off-beat and you work with a local, just be sure to communicate with them with absolute clarity. There are plenty of Croatian music fanatics who know all about your favourite obscure bands from the 80s (or whatever you dream of hearing on your wedding dancefloor), but don’t just assume cultural familiarity.

Cake

Sweets Pastry Shop delivered the custom wedding cake of our dreams. It was on-time, delicious, and massive. When we say massive, we mean that we ordered a medium and had to take all the shelves out of our fridge to make space for the leftovers (yum, by the way). Their cakes are indulgent without being overly sweet. The design sensibility was on point, elegant but special, and they can adapt both the look and the taste to your wishes.

Elisha and Matt cutting the cake at their Hvar Away Wedding

Photographer

If you get married and nobody sees, did it even really happen? Leave that question to the philosophers and hire Kušec. This husband and wife team, Iva and Goran, are based in Zagreb. Technical skill is part of their recipe for success, but personality matters, too. Iva and Goran insisted we meet months ahead of time, which paid off at the wedding, when they brought a terrifically relaxed and positive energy to both our couple’s and group shots.

Whoever you work with, consider not only their camerawork, but whether this is someone you’d want to have a drink with. After all, he or she will be following you around for your entire wedding celebration! As with dresses, Instagram is a very helpful platform for choosing a photographer, because it offers a lot of visual comparison, which helps you understand different styles. Take the time to really visualise yourselves in a photographer’s photos, because it’s more or less impossible for a photographer to change his or her style.

A full Hvar wedding experience

The ceremony and reception is of course the main event of your celebration, but with guests flying in from all over, you want to make the most of your entire time together on Hvar.

Beaches

On the day after your wedding, guests will probably be a little groggy, but still eager to make the most of their time on Hvar. A day at the beach is the perfect move. We’ve written a complete guide to the best beaches on Hvar, so browse through that for inspiration.

For a wedding specifically, prioritise accessibility and services. Depending on where you’ve “clustered” your wedding party, you will likely need to transport guests to and from the beach with a shuttle, so don’t choose the most far-flung cove, as romantic as it might seem.

One of the best beaches on Hvar, the best island in Croatia

On the other hand, beaches within walking distance of towns like Hvar and Jelsa are lovely, but tend to be crowded in the peak season, and a feeling of privacy is better for a wedding group. Finding the right balance is key.

Your party will also be grateful for access to decent food, cold drinks, and a bathroom. When selecting a beach venue with an on-site bar or restaurant, opt for one with natural pebbles or sand rather than a concrete platform that is sometimes found on Hvar. The softer shoreline makes not only for a more desirable beach experience, but also photographs far more beautifully.

Boat charter day trips

After the wedding festivities wind down, few things rival a day on the water with your nearest and dearest. Hvar's diverse coastline and central position amid the Dalmatian islands make it an ideal starting point for both half-day outings and full-day adventures.

Even a few hours cruising around the nearby Pakleni Islands or along the southern coast of Hvar, with stops for swimming in hidden coves or simply drifting in the sunshine, can become a cherished highlight of the trip. A chance to unwind together, share stories from the big day and savour those final, unhurried moments with loved ones before everyone heads home.

Couples who want to extend that feeling can opt for a full-day excursion. The Blue Cave Tour is the most popular itinerary, but the potential waiting time at the cave itself can disrupt the sense of ease and privacy you might be seeking.

A more relaxed option is a private full-day charter to one of the nearby islands, such as Brač, Šolta, Korčula, or Vis. These longer trips give you the luxury of time, allowing you and your guests to soak up the scenery they have travelled so far to see. You can cruise at your own pace, drop anchor in quiet bays for a swim, and share a leisurely lunch on deck or at a seaside konoba. It is the perfect way to let the day unfold naturally, and feel personal rather than programmed.

Other Hvar experiences

There is so, so much to do on Hvar, from wine tasting in underground centuries-old cellars to skydiving over the Adriatic. From sea kayaking to Pakleni Islands to rock climbing dramatic cliffs. From indulgent spa days to guided tours through the island’s rich history. If time and budget allow, experiences like these are a great opportunity to share moments that bring you closer as a couple with friends and family.

To simplify planning for our guests, Hvar Away offers a diverse catalogue of Experiences that makes choosing and reserving these excursions into your wedding itinerary easy and reliable.

Practical considerations

The long and bureaucratic arm of the law

If you are getting married in Croatia, you will need a laundry list of documents proving that you don’t have bigamy on your mind. Mixed nationalities and previous marriages make everything harder. Apostilles are often required. And documents have an expiration date of 90 days, so you cannot knock this tedious portfolio of tasks out well in advance.

You would be far from foolish to engage a professional for this aspect alone. We relied on and were impressed with Expat in Croatia’s up-to-date advice on the subject. They also offer personalised consultations for couples navigating the requirements, making the process considerably smoother and less stressful.

When you finally make it to the altar, remember that you will need to pay the local registrar to make sure that your wedding is really… real. The fee rises by €300 for ceremonies starting after 4pm, and it effectively doubles after 8pm. Additionally, expect an extra cost of around €500 if the ceremony takes place outside a church or designated registry office. It is essential to request a precise quotation in advance, as these details can vary slightly depending on the location and exact timing. Confirming everything upfront avoids any surprises and lets you focus on the day itself.

Understanding vendors

If vendors send you an offer, make sure it’s a proper offer in writing. Likewise contracts should look like contracts. The concern is not fraud so much as confusion. If a vendor is offering you multiple discounts over a platform like WhatsApp, and you don’t share a native language, the outcome can get muddled. Croatians tend to prefer a phone call or a meeting to email, which tends to be a more efficient way to work through all of the details and contingencies, but make sure to get whatever you have agreed in writing. You should expect to pay deposits digitally (e.g. with a bank transfer) and often the balance in cash.

If you can, take some time to learn the lingo of weddings. “Classic” vs “modern”, for example, have specialised meanings within the wedding industry. “Neutral,” “soft glam,” “natural” – terms like these all tell a wedding makeup specialist something very specific. You can get up to speed and have better conversations with your partners if you educate yourself on the vocabulary.

Website

For an international wedding in 2026, you need to have a website. If you are inclined to feel sheepish, please don’t! This will help your guests understand all of the logistics that they need to plan.

There are a lot of providers, but we used Joy, which was terrific and amazingly, totally free. We were really impressed by its user interface and how easy it was to set everything up. Joy allowed us to send invitations and track who had opened them, their RSVP status, and meal preferences. We also managed our wedding registry through the app.

Rehearsal dinner

We did not host a rehearsal dinner, because our wedding was small and fairly simple, but a rehearsal is a good idea for those whose weddings include a lot of moving pieces. It’s typical to have the rehearsal at the venue, but not strictly necessary or always possible.

If you’re primarily looking for a fun restaurant to bring friends and family together before the big day, we recommend choosing a restaurant that is special without being on the highest end of formality and cost – keep in mind that travel drama is almost guaranteed, and that you want to save up most of your energy (and budget!) for the big day.

A rehearsal dinner at Konoba Vrisik

A rehearsal dinner at Konoba Vrisik

If your wedding takes place by the sea or high on a hillside, a rehearsal dinner in a contrasting setting makes a refreshing change. For instance, a seaside ceremony pairs beautifully with an evening prior in a family-run konoba tucked into one of the island's picturesque inland villages, where stone houses cluster around narrow lanes. Conversely, if your vows will be exchanged at the Hvar Fortress, with its commanding views over the historic town below, a beachfront restaurant with the gentle sound of waves and a menu of fresh seafood offers a relaxed, barefoot contrast to the elevated drama of the evening to follow.

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