A Wedding in Montenegro - a Complete Guide to Getting Married in Montenegro

A wedding in Montenegro is a perfect way to start your marriage journey. Whether you want a small and intimate gathering for your family and friends, or a grand and luxurious wedding ceremony, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in this stunning Mediterranean country.

Imagine walking down a sandy aisle while gentle sunrays, a light breeze, and salty sea air decorate your wedding ceremony. After saying “I do”, you can then celebrate with your guests in a luxurious venue on the waterfront, with the most glorious sea views as your wedding backdrop.

Can it get any more picture-perfect than that?

If you’re thinking of getting married in Montenegro, this article will be your ultimate guide. It looks at the prices and best wedding venues in Montenegro, as well as all the legal requirements and documents you need to prepare.

There are no residency requirements to get married in Montenegro, which means you don’t need to be a Montenegrin citizen or resident. You can read all about the requirements for becoming a Montenegro citizen in our blog post on the subject. All you have to do is prepare certain documents and apply at the office of your chosen municipality. Then you can start looking for the perfect hotel or another wedding venue for your reception.

However, before you start planning your wedding in Montenegro, it is important to know the legal requirements needed to marry in Montenegro lawfully. They are as follows:

• Both you and your partner need to be over 18 years of age. Those younger than 18 need to provide parental consent.
• You and your partner cannot be closely related by blood.
• You need to have two witnesses at the wedding ceremony.
• You need to obtain a marriage licence by giving the notice to marry at least 7 days before the wedding ceremony (we recommend doing it even earlier if you can).
• You need to gather all of the necessary documents (more on these below) and register them with the local authorities in person, which means either visiting Montenegro before the ceremony or arriving a little earlier.
• Lastly, you need to pay an administrative fee for your marriage licence.

When you are sure you have met all of the above requirements, it’s time to gather the necessary documents. These documents are to be obtained in your home state, but they must be translated by a licensed translator and apostilled in Montenegro. These are the required documents:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Certificate of no impediment
• Notice that you want to get married
• Copies of your witnesses’ passports
• Divorce papers (if one of the partners is divorced)
• Death certificate of your previous spouse (if one of the partners is widowed)
• Proof of paying the administrative fee

A certificate of no impediment is a document that states that you and your partner are legally free to marry each other. It needs to be issued in your country of residence 3-6 months before the wedding ceremony. If it is not issued in your country (e.g. the USA), you should contact the consular department or embassy of your country in Montenegro. They will inform you of what to do next.

Keep in mind that the required documents may differ based on the place of residence of the future spouses. That’s why it’s best to contact the Office of the Civil Registry of the municipality you want to marry in and ask them about the necessary documents.

Once you’ve obtained, translated, and apostilled all the documents, you need to take both the original copies and the translations to the local authorities and register them there in person.

Montenegro is full of dreamlike destinations that offer breathtaking settings for your wedding ceremony and reception. Whether you want a coastal celebration, a historical church wedding, or a nature-inspired mountain backdrop, Montenegro has a location to suit every couple’s vision.

Kotor is one of the most enchanting places in Montenegro, known for its winding stone streets, medieval walls, and the dramatic Bay of Kotor.

A wedding in Kotor offers you a combination of history, elegance, and unbeatable natural beauty. The town’s old churches, noble palaces, and waterfront restaurants make it a top choice for couples who want a romantic and timeless ceremony.

Tivat is home to the luxury marina village of Porto Montenegro, where style and sophistication meet the sea. It’s a great choice for modern, stylish weddings with a touch of nautical flair.

Luxurious venues offer high-end experiences and stunning vistas, while the town’s calm atmosphere and accessibility make it perfect for both intimate and large-scale celebrations.

Located at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi is a peaceful town rich in history, culture, and lush Mediterranean greenery. With a laid-back charm and beautiful sea views, it’s ideal for couples looking for a quieter, more personal celebration. There are lovely seaside promenades, historical churches, and boutique hotels where you can say your vows.

Perast is a hidden jewel nestled in the Bay of Kotor, offering an exclusive and magical setting. Its 17th-century baroque architecture and serene waterfront make it feel like time has stood still.

One of the most sought-after wedding spots in Montenegro is the tiny island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, just across from Perast. Imagine arriving by boat, with the calm bay as your aisle – unforgettable.

For those who prefer nature and countryside vibes, Lake Skadar is a tranquil and romantic choice. Skadar Lake National Park is known for its vineyards, birdlife, and old stone villages.

It’s perfect for a rustic-chic wedding surrounded by nature, with options for outdoor ceremonies overlooking the lake or charming receptions in traditional estates and wine cellars.

For adventurous couples who love the mountains, Durmitor National Park offers a dramatic and awe-inspiring setting.

Surrounded by pine forests, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks, weddings here are unique and unforgettable. You can exchange vows in open meadows, near the famous Black Lake, or in cosy wooden lodges – ideal for nature lovers looking for a wild yet intimate celebration.

How do you imagine your perfect wedding? Is it a small gathering for your closest family or a grand reception for hundreds of guests? Whatever you have in mind, you can make it happen in Montenegro.

Montenegro’s wedding venues are truly diverse. You can choose from numerous private villas, seaside resorts, and luxury hotels in popular locations such as Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Tivat, and Perast. Alternatively, you can hold your ceremony in unique outdoor locations amidst Montenegro’s natural wonders.

For a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony, Montenegro offers you glistening beaches, charming vineyards and its idyllic countryside. For those who wish to incorporate stunning views into their ceremony, some of the most famous locations.

If you’re planning a church wedding, there are a number of Montenegrin churches and monasteries that have a stunning exterior and interior, and provide the perfect atmosphere. The most popular place for a church wedding in Montenegro is Our Lady Of The Rock Church in Perast.

For a sophisticated and luxurious venue hire in Montenegro, you can choose one of Porto Montenegro’s exceptional indoor and outdoor event venues. Regent Hotel is perhaps the most prominent.

Want to get married outdoors with glistening waters, superyachts, and towering mountains as your wedding backdrop? Look no further than Porto Montenegro’s Marina Park.

Marina Park is a picturesque lawned park situated in Porto Montenegro’s yacht marina. Apart from its enthralling views over the moored superyachts, this wedding venue also has a range of practical facilities, such as ample parking.

Tivat and its modern neighbourhood of Porto Montenegro are a perfect place for a wedding reception. But, they also give you the chance to experience a rich cultural heritage and a relaxed and carefree lifestyle in a serene and sunny area.

Those who look for Boka Bay wedding venues often end up choosing Tivat. You can reach Kotor by car in just 15 minutes, and Tivat is conveniently placed for you to explore a host of popular tourist attractions. It’s also just a 10-minute drive from Tivat Airport.

Instead of just renting one of Porto Montenegro’s venues for your celebration, why not book a stay in luxury accommodation in Montenegro – a Venetian-inspired and nautically-themed hotel? That way, you can enjoy the wellness facilities, fine-dining restaurants, and exclusive retail amenities on offer.

Choose your perfect wedding venue in Porto Montenegro. Then extend your stay with us – for you and your partner or for your whole family – so you can explore the beauty of Montenegro and experience a life less ordinary.

A civil wedding in Montenegro is a legally binding ceremony conducted by a registrar. Couples often choose to marry at the local municipality office, but off-site civil weddings are also popular, especially in scenic locations like seaside villas or historic fortresses.

The ceremony is typically brief, yet formal, and can be customised with music and readings.

Symbolic weddings are perfect for couples who wish to celebrate their union without the paperwork. These ceremonies allow full creative freedom and are often held outdoors—on beaches, cliffsides, or in luxury resorts.

Though not legally recognised, symbolic ceremonies can include meaningful rituals such as handfasting, wine unity, or exchanging vows written by the couple. These events are typically more intimate and tailored to personal stories and cultural preferences.

Montenegro’s rich spiritual heritage offers options for religious wedding ceremonies. Orthodox ceremonies are deeply traditional, conducted in ancient churches with symbolic rituals like the crowning of the couple and the ceremonial walk around the altar.

Catholic weddings follow the Roman rite and usually take place in historic cathedrals, accompanied by music, scripture readings, and blessings. Religious weddings are often followed by elaborate celebrations with traditional music, dancing, and feasting that can last for hours—or even days.