Real Destination Wedding Cost Dubrovnik Riviera Wedding in Cavtat
Budget Breakdown 21 Guests – €12,349
Beautiful Micro Wedding in Cavtat, Croatia
Like many couples planning to get married abroad in 2020, UK couple M & M had to postpone their big day due to the pandemic. But after a year’s delay, they finally celebrated their love with a gorgeous micro wedding in Cavtat, a charming coastal town on the Dubrovnik Riviera.
A quieter and more intimate alternative to Dubrovnik, Cavtat offers all the beauty of the Adriatic coastline without the crowds, making it a hidden gem for destination weddings in Croatia.
As a much loved member of our Weddings Abroad Guide Community, M shared her honest experience, full wedding budget breakdown, and valuable tips for other couples thinking of getting married in Cavtat.
Wedding Day Overview
M & M held their ceremony at a stunning seaside location in Cavtat, with uninterrupted views of the turquoise Adriatic. The ceremony was followed by a relaxed photo session along the promenade and through the historic streets of the town.
M & M held their civil ceremony at 4:30 PM on the stunning Lounge Terrace of Hotel Croatia in Cavtat, overlooking the sparkling Adriatic Sea. The venue offered a private, elevated space with breathtaking views—perfect for their intimate celebration.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a relaxed drinks reception while the couple took photos in and around the hotel grounds. The reception followed at 7:00 PM, also within Hotel Croatia, with a formal seated dinner. Although their original plan was to dine alfresco on the terrace, unexpected weather meant the celebration was moved indoors.
Unfortunately, the couple didn’t get a chance to preview the new space in advance and were disappointed by how it turned out.
Despite the change in plans, the day remained filled with joy and meaning. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, M & M created lasting memories in one of Croatia’s most scenic seaside towns.
Couples Tips & Advice
Make sure you have a Plan B if the weather turns bad. Our vision was to have our reception outside on the terrace overlooking the sea, the weather wasn’t on our side and it had to be moved inside at the last minute. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to see the room beforehand and we were very unhappy with it. Although this upset me tremendously, it was still a truly special day.
Take your time picking your wedding planner as we had a lot of issues with ours that left us very dissatisfied and unhappy with the services she provided, something that cannot be changed now.
Also make sure you book some extra days after the wedding at your destination as you really do need it to unwind and enjoy it all. We didn’t and so wish we had done.
Total Cost: €12,349 (Euro)
Wedding Details
Location: Cavtat, Dubrovnik Riveria, Croatia
Date: September 2021
Number of Guests: 21 (including 1 child)
Ceremony Venue: Lounge Terrace, Hotel Croatia, Cavtat (Civil Ceremony)
Ceremony Time: 4.30pm
Reception Venue: Hotel Croatia, Cavtat
Reception Time: 7:00pm
Number of Days at Wedding Location Prior to Wedding: 5 days
Total Number of Days at Wedding Location: 7 days
Pre Wedding Activities: Drinks get together
Planning Method: Wedding Planner
How Long to Plan Wedding: 2 years (due to Covid)
Wedding Budget Breakdown
Ceremony Venue: €300
Wedding Paperwork & Legal Fees: €1170
Catering: €1,986
Beverages: €2,000
Wedding Cake: €335
Photography & Videography: €1,450
Wedding Flowers Bridal Party: €260
Wedding Flowers Ceremony & Reception Venue: €460
Décor & Event Rental: €425
Ceremony Musicians: €415
Wedding DJ: €815
Other Entertainment: €650 (Saxophonist)
Wedding Hair Stylist: €120 includes pre wedding trial
Wedding Make-up: €100 includes pre wedding trial
Wedding Stationery: €50
Post Wedding Activities: €400 pre drinks get together
Wedding Planning Fee: €1,350 (bespoke planning)
Transport & Accommodation
Flights: £340 (GBP)
Accommodation:€550 villa + £255 (GBP) hotel at wedding venue & £170 (GBP) airport hotel & parking
Wedding Planning & Budget Advice
Did you manage to stick to your wedding budget? Yes
Did you spend more or less than your initial wedding budget? More
Would you recommend your method of planning? No
When planning your wedding abroad what were you not willing to compromise on? Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Honeymoon & Home Party
Honeymoon Location: Not booked yet
Did you have a Home Party: No
Why Consider a Wedding in Cavtat?
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Croatia, Cavtat offers a quieter, more romantic setting just 20 minutes from Dubrovnik. With beautiful sea views, walkable old streets, and excellent food, it’s ideal for couples seeking an elegant yet relaxed vibe.
Whether you’re planning a micro wedding or something a bit larger, Cavtat provides the charm and scenery of Dubrovnik, without the premium price tag. If you want to learn more about having a wedding abroad in Croatia, explore our Croatia Wedding Guide for legal info, ceremony types, where and when to have your wedding, average cost and reviews and tips
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