If you've been looking at wedding venues in Italy, there's a good chance you'll fall in love with Istria too. Just across the Adriatic, this part of Croatia has a similar Mediterranean feel, beautiful historic architecture, incredible food and a relaxed atmosphere, but with its own character.

One thing I particularly love about weddings in Istria is the variety of locations. You can get married in a beautiful vineyard, a historic castle, a charming villa or even on an island overlooking the sea.

As a wedding photographer working in Istria and across Croatia, I've put together a list of five venues worth checking out if you're planning your wedding here.


1. Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery

Meneghetti is one of those places that doesn't need much introduction. Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, this beautiful estate has a timeless feel. I love the mix of traditional Istrian architecture, elegant details and lovely outdoor spaces. It's a wonderful choice for couples dreaming of a relaxed but elegant countryside wedding.


2. Castle Belaj

If you've always imagined getting married in a castle, Castle Belaj might be just what you're looking for. Set in the Istrian countryside, it has a romantic, timeless feel. A lovely choice for couples who appreciate history, nature and intimate gatherings.

3. San Canzian Village & Hotel

San Canzian is all about Istrian charm. Stone houses, little courtyards, olive trees and thoughtful details make this boutique hotel such a lovely wedding location. I especially love the idea of turning your wedding into a whole weekend, with good food, local wine and plenty of time with your favourite people.

4. Red Island (Crveni otok), Rovinj

There is something so romantic about getting married on an island. Red Island, just a short boat ride from Rovinj, offers beautiful sea views and a completely different feel from a traditional wedding venue. Imagine arriving by boat, having your ceremony by the Adriatic and spending the evening celebrating with your closest people.

5. Villa Lav

For couples who love a more intimate setting, Villa Lav is another option worth exploring. Sometimes a smaller, more personal celebration is exactly what you need – a beautiful setting, your favourite people and a day that feels completely your own.

A Little Tip When Choosing Your Wedding Venue

If you're planning a destination wedding in Istria, one thing I'd definitely recommend is looking for a venue where you can have everything in one place.

Having accommodation, the ceremony, dinner and the party all at the same location makes the whole experience so much easier. Your guests don't have to worry about transportation, you get to spend more time together, and the celebration can flow naturally from one part of the day to the next.

It also makes it possible to enjoy more than just the wedding day – think welcome drinks, a relaxed dinner the night before or a poolside brunch the following morning. After all, if your friends and family are travelling all the way to Croatia, it's lovely to make a little holiday out of it.

Getting Married in Istria?

Istria is a beautiful place to celebrate, and I feel lucky to photograph weddings here. I love the mix of Mediterranean light, old stone architecture, beautiful landscapes and all those little moments that make every wedding different.

If you're planning your destination wedding in Istria or anywhere in Croatia and are looking for a photographer to capture it naturally, I'd love to hear from you.

You can have a look at my wedding photography portfolio and get in touch to tell me a little about your plans.

I'd love to be there to capture your story.