Croatia’s coastline has been the secret weapon in destination weddings for the few in the know from mediterranean cruises. But in recent years, Croatia has stepped a little closer toward the center of the destination wedding stage. This article examines Croatia destination wedding hotels.

My team and I took a trip to find the best hotels for travelers and Croatia destination wedding couples. We started in the north, in Istria and traveled down the coast. We island hopped and ended in the southernmost tip – Dubrovnik. Here are the hotels you don’t want to miss and that are oh-so-Croatian.

(And this season, we’ll find you four more!)

Brown Beach Hotel Croatia – Trogir, Croatia

Nestled into the island landscape with an incredible sea view is the Brown Beach Hotel Croatia. It is a modern hotspot famous for its swanky and chic checkered pool – instantly recognizable. While known as a Trogir hotel, Brown Beach Hotel Croatia (BBHC) is idyllically located immediately adjacent to Trogir. It sits on the waters edge on the island of Ciovo (chee-ohv-oh). This gives guests a sea view and a gorgeous view of Trogir itself – just a 4 minute walk from BBHC. Take a look the 5th Photography at Brown Beach Hotel Croatia for the upscale luxury rooms and property.

Spa? Check. Multiple pools? Check. Beach? Check. Great bar? Check. I don’t need need to go on, but I will! The hotel is a gem offering visitors indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxation and celebration. With a full spa menu, guests can relax, away from others in quiet space and delightful atmospheres. Yet in the same place travelers looking to fill their days with energy and excitement there is the energetic, trendy, Instagramable checkered pool and lookout.

The hotel has 59 rooms and is available for single room rental through full hotel buy outs for mid to large weddings. If you’re wondering about privatizations, Brown Beach Hotel Croatia is oh so familiar with this for wedding guests. With an incredible number of weddings happening at the hotel, the staff knows exactly how to deliver customer satisfaction. They can arrange anything you can think of and work with the top wedding and event professionals, like 5th Photography for upscale weddings. As far as Croatia destination wedding hotels go, this is my top pick overall.

San Canzian – Buje, Istria

Hiding in the inland of Istria, a northern Peninsula bordering Slovenia and a stones throw from Italy, is a little town called Buje (pronounced “boo-yeh”). Buje, known to history lovers and truffle fanatics. It is close enough to the coastline to make a day trip, but tucked away from the crowds in a beautiful vast area of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and treasured truffle forests. Istria is primarily known for its coastal towns of Rovinj, Pula and Rijeka, Buje is a fraction of the size and awaiting your retreat.

Just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the San Canzian Village and Hotel opened it’s 24 room property to global travelers. For example, see my portfolio of this property – 5th Photography at San Canzian. The service at this hotel delights me. As a five star, luxury, boutique hotel that is part of the Small Luxury Hotel family, which describes the brand “the most desirable community of independently minded travellers and independently spirited hotels in the world.”

Find world-class service, a comprehensive set of spa options and an on-site Michelin nominated restaurant. Wondering if it’s a potential wedding location? In my opinion this venue is ideal for a wedding of up to 30 people. With a beautiful orangerie, privatization option and location, it’s perfect for a couple looking to retreat and celebrate intimately with family and friends. After viewing my gallery, see if you can find a reason not to go.

Puteus Palace – Pučišća, Brač

This is a fun one: if you’re looking for luxury, seclusion, and a little bit of Monte Carlo all in one, you have to look into one of the acclaimed 10 most beautiful cities in Europe – Pučišća, Croatia, on the Island of Brač (pronounced: brach) as one of the 10 most beautiful cities in Europe, Pučišća (pronounced pooch-eesh-chah) can be reached by car or water and sits in a stunning inlet on the island of Brač. The location is an assembly of white stone villas, deep turquoise waters and oodles of history. Did I mention the yachts? The privileged and the refined go to Pučišća. It’s small, it’s semi-private and it’s endless eye candy for all.

Write in the deepest part of the bay, is the Puteus Palace, easily spotted with its white roof – the only white roof in the area. The hotel’s 13, unique, white, European-style rooms are filled with sea air and history. Each space embodies a tranquility of minimalism and crispness that makes the room a retreat in it of itself, let alone the rest of the tranquil property of walled courtyard, private pool, and gorgeous gardens.

The wedding spaces are ample. With a small group staying onsite or a large group wedding with some guests staying offsite, Puteus Palace is an wonderful option for a Brač Croatia wedding. Easily fully privatized, the courtyard makes for an excellent cocktail hour and reception spot, alike. Take a look through my gallery 5th Photography at Puteus Palace for all of the dramatic spots on the property that could be yours for your ceremony and travel alike.

On June 17, Style Me Pretty is featuring a recent wedding I photographed. You’ll be able to see one of my favorite Croatia destination wedding hotels in action.