Matea + Stephan – Last-Minute Elopement on the Karaka Ship in Dubrovnik

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This time we are bringing you an interview with the couple who after the coronavirus breakdown had to postpone their big wedding and at the same time, spontaneously decided to have an elopement in Dubrovnik during their vacation in the summer of 2020.

Their celebration was a real last-minute elopement because they had less than 30 days (which is kind of a minimum time needed to apply for a marriage certificate and officiant in Croatia) to sort out the marriage certificate and other legal paperwork. They have chosen the famous ‘carrack’ ship Karaka in Dubrovnik as their ceremony location.

Planning a boat wedding in Croatia? Here is everything you need to know!

last-minute elopement in dubrovnik

From our point of view, we will just say that we are thankful for this opportunity because it was a special golden hour elopement on such a unique ship. We were totally into capturing all the good vibes of the happy squad while the sun went down to the sea and the lights in Dubrovnik started to blink. It was totally a romantic day. Thank you very much Matea and Stephan!

Our Ultimate Dubrovnik Elopement Guide

Dubrovnik karaka boat elopement matea stephan 23 | Croatia Elopement Photographer and Videographer
Dubrovnik karaka boat elopement matea stephan 8 | Croatia Elopement Photographer and Videographer
Dubrovnik karaka boat elopement matea stephan 2 | Croatia Elopement Photographer and Videographer

Elopement in Dubrovnik – an interview with the couple

Tell us something about you, how you met, and how long you have been together.
We met at a Latino bar in the first Vienna district, at the end of November 2011. But since the wedding we started to recalculate how much we are together, so yesterday (10.10.2020.) was 2 months!

How did your elopement look like?
Our elopement was wonderful! The ceremony and the celebration took place on the Karaka ship, in an intimate circle – there were only 7 of us, with the captain and crew. Everything was so relaxed, cheerful, and spontaneous. After that, we went to dinner and then to Stradun street for cocktails. We ended up on the beach for a night swim. It was fantastic!

Dubrovnik karaka boat elopement matea stephan 1 | Croatia Elopement Photographer and Videographer
Dubrovnik karaka boat elopement matea stephan 3 | Croatia Elopement Photographer and Videographer

How did you decide to elope instead of having a big wedding?
A big wedding was planned for October 2020 as part of which we were supposed to have a civil wedding as well. But due to a pandemic, unfortunately, we had to move it to the next year. So we decided to have an elopement in Dubrovnik, which was a great decision. We can’t imagine a more beautiful civil ceremony!

Why did you choose Dubrovnik for your elopement?
Dubrovnik is a magical city, really special. We often visit Dubrovnik to spend a few days alone and we always have a wonderful time!

Dubrovnik karaka boat elopement matea stephan 19 | Croatia Elopement Photographer and Videographer

How and where did you find the dress?
We spontaneously decided on the elopement, less than a month before the date. So I didn’t have time to look for a dress. I found my dress by chance in Vienna the day before I left for Croatia. I was looking for something simple and fluttery, romantic.

How it went with the legal paperwork and booking an officiant for a civil ceremony in Croatia?
As I am Croatian, the organization of a civil wedding in Croatia wasn’t complicated at all. I found the contact number on the internet and called the officiant by myself. The chief officiant was very kind and accommodating. It was a bit last-minute considering that we also had to get papers for Stephan at the Vienna Registry Office for which they asked for my original papers. So it would be advisable to collect everything on time, at least 2 months before the elopement date. Since Stephan is also an EU citizen, it all was quite simple (no legalization of the papers was required).

Dubrovnik karaka boat elopement matea stephan 15 | Croatia Elopement Photographer and Videographer
Dubrovnik karaka boat elopement matea stephan 13 | Croatia Elopement Photographer and Videographer

What was the highlight of the day?
Everything was wonderful and relaxed. The photo shoot before boarding the ship was a complete hit. The highlight of the day was the ceremony on one of the Karaka ship platforms – a very emotional and honest moment. The officiant made sure the wedding was authentic and special, we didn’t feel like we were just one of the hundreds of couples she had married in her many years of work experience. The captain of the ship and the crew were also very kind and accommodating. Our guests were cheerful and relaxed.

What advice would you give to anyone planning an elopement in Dubrovnik?
Relax and enjoy your special moment in a special, magical city!

What is your favorite memory from Dubrovnik from your wedding?
Our favorite memory is the time spent on the ship, especially that feeling after the wedding act.

Check out more ideas on how to elope in Croatia!

The venue: Karaka Dubrovnik
Make-up: by bride
Hair: Hair salon UP
Flowers: Cvjetni studio
Cake: bride’s sister

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We are Mario & Andrea, a photo+video team, specialised in elopements and intimate weddings all across Europe. Contact us if you plan an elopement or intimate wedding with a pinch of adventure.