Slovenia might look like a fairytale, but when it comes to the legal side of saying “I do” — there’s a bit more to it than just showing up and exchanging rings. As a destination wedding photographer who’s worked with international couples from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more, I’ve seen what works (and what causes delays and stress). Here’s your honest, no-fluff guide to getting legally married in Slovenia as a foreigner — and what no one really tells you until it’s too late.
Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies – What’s the Difference in Slovenia?
What You Need to Know First
Legal weddings are recognized in your home country (if done properly). Symbolic weddings are non-legally binding and often simpler — but still incredibly meaningful.
When Symbolic Makes More Sense
- You’ve already done the legal part at home.
- If all the information that you will get in this blog post will stress you out.
Photographer’s Tip
Many of my couples choose a symbolic ceremony because they love having their closest people speak—often turning it into something between heartfelt storytelling and stand-up comedy, creating a beautifully relaxed and personal atmosphere for their intimate gathering
What Documents Do You Need to Get Legally Married in Slovenia?
Before you can get legally married in Slovenia, you’ll need to gather and prepare several key documents — and make sure they meet official requirements.
Required Documents for Both Partners:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates (long-form versions, translated into Slovenian)
- Certificate of no impediment (proof that you’re free to marry)
- Confirmation from your country that you’re allowed to marry abroad
- Divorce or death certificates (if either partner was previously married)
Apostilles Requirements:
If your country does not have a bilateral agreement with Slovenia, you’ll also need to:
- Have all official documents legalized with apostilles
Translation Requirements:
- Translate all documents into Slovenian using a Slovenian court translator (certified legal translator)
Validity Timeline:
- All obtained documents must be less than 6 months old at the time of your wedding ceremony.
- Original documents with apostilles must be sent by registered post to the appropriate Slovenian authority no later than 8 weeks before your confirmed wedding date.
❓What is an apostille?
An apostille is a special certification stamp that verifies the authenticity of official documents for use in another country. It’s used to confirm that a document is legally valid and was issued by a recognized authority in your home country.
Translator Requirements for Legal Wedding in Slovenia
Once your documents are approved, you’ll need a Slovenian court translator to assist with:
- Your pre-wedding appointment at the local civil registry (Upravna enota)
- Your wedding ceremony, which will be conducted in Slovene and must be interpreted in real time
📌 Slovenian court translator = a certified legal translator authorized to interpret your documents and your ceremony.
💶 Estimated cost: around €300 for both the paperwork and wedding day interpretation.
What Countries Can Get Married in Slovenia?
We can divide them into three groups:
Easiest: Countries with a Bilateral Agreement with Slovenia
These countries do not require apostilles on official documents due to bilateral agreements with Slovenia: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Austria, Italy, France, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria. (These countries have agreements that exempt official documents from requiring apostilles when used in Slovenia.)
Slightly Harder: Countries that Signed the Hague Apostille Convention (“Haški sporazum”)
You will need an apostille on your documents. These countries include: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Cyprus, Israel, Turkey. (These countries are part of the Apostille Convention and require apostilles for legal marriage in Slovenia.)
Not Possible (or More Complicated):
Countries without any signed treaty may face additional steps or may not be able to legally marry in Slovenia at all. Examples: China (Mainland), Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Vietnam.
❗️If the two partners are from different countries, additional complexities can arise. Always confirm with your local embassy or Slovenian authorities before moving forward.
Where and When Do You Submit the Paperwork?
- You must visit the Upravna enota (Administrative Unit) in the region where your ceremony will take place.
- You can do both paperwork and the ceremony during the same trip — just make sure to arrive a few days before the wedding to visit the Upravna enota and submit your documents.
- A Slovenian court translator is required for both the administrative visit and the ceremony.
🗣️ Your wedding ceremony will be conducted in Slovenian, so your Slovenian court translator will translate everything live during the event.
Getting Married in a Church in Slovenia
Documents needed for a church wedding are usually provided by your Catholic priest from your home parish. You can get married in a Catholic church in Slovenia even if you are Evangelical or Orthodox — just coordinate with the local church and your home parish early.
✝️ Most Catholic weddings can also be recognized legally if processed correctly — ask your priest and local diocese how to make it official.
Same-Sex Weddings in Slovenia
As of January 31, 2023, same-sex marriage is legally recognized in Slovenia. This includes the right to marry and all associated legal rights. LGBTQ+ couples are welcome to legally marry under the same procedures listed above.
How Much Does It All Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of the costs you should expect:
- Apostilles (depends on your country): €0–€50 per document
- Slovenian court translator (for document translation, paperwork + ceremony): €300 (approx.)
- Civil registration & marriage fee in Slovenia: €100–€200
Total estimated legal cost: €400–€800, depending on your documents and translator.
Why Planning Your Legal Wedding in Slovenia Is Worth It
Slovenia may not be the first place that comes to mind for getting legally married abroad — but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Compared to more “obvious” destinations like Italy or France, Slovenia offers a smoother experience, less red tape, and a deeply personal feel — especially if you know what to expect.
Yes, the paperwork takes effort. But with the right help (think: a trusted Slovenian court translator and an experienced planner), it becomes part of your wedding story — not a stressor.
✅ Fewer crowds, more flexibility
✅ Stunning venues that allow both civil and symbolic weddings
✅ Affordable legal fees compared to other European countries
✅ Warm, welcoming people who love to celebrate love — no matter where you’re from
Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime elopement or a full wedding weekend, Slovenia is ready to welcome you.
👉 Explore my Slovenia wedding photography portfolio and see how your story could look — from legal paperwork to golden hour portraits in the Alps.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Legal Wedding in Slovenia Seamless (and Beautiful)
Getting legally married in Slovenia as a foreigner isn’t impossible — but it does require thoughtful planning. If it feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many of my couples choose a symbolic ceremony to skip the paperwork and enjoy full flexibility. But if you’re ready to navigate the process, it can absolutely be worth it — and unforgettable.
✨ Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Start early — give yourself plenty of time to gather and translate documents
- Hire a professional Slovenian court translator — they’re essential for paperwork and the ceremony
- Double-check document timelines — most must be less than 6 months old
- Work with a wedding planner — they do this every week and know all the local rules and people
If you’re looking for someone to not only document your love story in Slovenia, but also help you feel supported throughout the planning — I’d love to connect.
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