Why Montenegro?
Montenegro has become one of the most popular destinations in recent years for small, stylish, and formal weddings—including same-sex partnerships. If you’re considering a quick, relaxed, and legal wedding abroad, I’ll give you a clear and honest explanation of why Montenegro is a viable and safe option.
Legality:
Yes, it is official and enshrined in law
Montenegro has a legal framework for registering marriages and, since 2020, for officially recognizing same-sex partnerships. The "life partnership" law was passed by parliament in 2020 and entered into force in 2021. Since then, both regular marriages and partnerships under this law have been registered in the country. This isn't a "gray area"—it's a state-issued registration with documents and stamps.
Websites with Montenegrin laws:
You can find the texts of these laws on the following official and reliable resources:
Official Gazette of Montenegro (Službeni list Crne Gore): All current and new laws are published here.
www.sluzbenilist.me
Direct link to the "Porodični zakon" (Family Code) (2007 version with amendments): https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/79054F65-3C37-4FC8-912B-49704386C652
Portal of the Government of Montenegro (Vlada Crne Gore): The website has a "Library" section with laws in PDF format.
https://www.gov.me/ (search by law title, for example, "Porodični zakon" or "Zakon o partnerstvu")
Direct link to the "Porodični zakon" file (PDF): https://www.gov.me/dokumenta/6712737e-24f3-4bd1-9593-5416c49d3b1c
How does the process work?
Official registration is conducted through the municipal civil registry office of the chosen city. Generally, the standard set of documents for foreign citizens includes:
- Valid passports;
- Birth certificates;
- Certificate of marital status (that you are not married).
After submitting the documents, a date for the registration (civil ceremony) is set.
Why it’s easy:
There’s no residency requirement, so citizens of any country can confidently register their marriage or partnership in Montenegro.
No need to fly in early—we’ll prepare and submit the documents for you.
How long does it take - realistic expectations
Our office and the municipality’s experience shows that with ready-made documents, registration can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks (including translations and apostilles).
We can help arrange everything in 7-10 days; shorter options are also available if you schedule a date with the registry office in advance.
In any case, it won’t involve months of bureaucracy, as people sometimes fear.
Will it be recognized in my home country?
Yes, registration in Montenegro takes place in state registries, and you will receive an official document (marriage certificate/registration of partnership).
However, recognition abroad may depend on the legislation of your country: in most European countries, official documents are recognized provided they are properly apostilled/translated and registered with local authorities, but in some cases, an additional recognition procedure is required.
We recommend checking the requirements with your country’s consulate/civil registry office in advance, and we will help you prepare all the necessary paperwork
It's difficult with certificates, apostilles and translations
We’ll prepare a checklist tailored to your country: which certificates require an apostille, which require notarization only, and which require translation.
Proper document preparation can often save you weeks.
I don't want fuss and unnecessary attention
We choose small towns and private capsules (ceremonies for two or up to 20 guests) – formal, quiet, and stylish.
Many couples prefer Budva, Kotor, and Herceg Novi for their convenience and beauty, but you can choose any municipality if you prefer.