Lake Bled is a beautiful place in Slovenia where many couples choose to have small, private weddings. In 2019, over 1 million people visited Lake Bled, and many couples from other countries picked it for their special day. If you want to have your wedding at Lake Bled, this guide will help you plan it step by step.

A scenic view of Lake Bled with its iconic island church, surrounded by autumn foliage and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Here’s some important information to know when planning your Lake Bled wedding:

Lake Bled Elopement Planning Guide

• Average cost: €3,000 – €5,000
• Best time to elope: May to September
• Popular locations: Bled Castle, Island Church, Registry Office, Grand Hotel Toplice, etc…
• Legal requirements: Valid passports, birth certificates, certificates of no impediment
• Average guest count: 2-15 people
• Peak season temperature: 25-32°C (77-90°F)
• Ceremony duration: Typically 30-45 minutes
• Local wedding planners: Available and recommended
• Language: Slovenian (English widely spoken in the tourism sector)

Table of Contents

Step 1: Choose Your Elopement Date

Picking the right date for your Lake Bled wedding is important. The busiest time is from May to September when it’s warm and pretty. But this is also when there are more tourists and things cost more. If you want it to be quieter, you could choose spring or fall. Winter can be cold, but it can also be beautiful with snow.

Think about the weather when you pick your date. In summer, it’s usually around 25-32°C (77-90°F), and in winter, it can get quite cold. You can look at pictures of Lake Bled in different seasons to help you decide.

When choosing your date, think about:

  • What kind of weather you like
  • If the place you want to get married is free on that day
  • If there are any big events happening in Lake Bled that might affect your plans
  • If there’s a special date that means something to you
A serene view of Lake Bled featuring the iconic church on the island, surrounded by misty mountains and framed by bare trees.

Step 2: Select Your Dream Venue

Lake Bled has many beautiful places where you can get married. The most popular ones are:

  1. Bled Castle: Perched high on a cliff, this famous medieval castle offers stunning views of Lake Bled.
  2. Church of the Assumption on Bled Island: This iconic church sits on a small island in the middle of the lake, adding a magical touch to any wedding.
  3. Bled Registry Office: Located in the centre of Bled, this venue provides a simple yet elegant setting for civil ceremonies.
  4. Vila Bled and other venues: These venues offer a more private atmosphere with beautiful views of the lake, perfect for a serene and intimate celebration.

Each place is special in its own way. You can look at pictures of weddings at these places to help you choose.

When picking your venue, also think about:

  • How many people it can fit
  • How easy it is to get there
  • If there’s a backup plan for bad weather
  • If it’s a good place for taking photos
A wedding ceremony taking place by Lake Bled, with a view of the blue lake and surrounding mountains.

Step 3: Understand Legal Requirements

To get married in Slovenia, you need some important papers. Here’s what you need:

  • Valid passports
  • Birth certificates
  • Papers that show you’re allowed to get married
  • If you were married before, papers that show you’re not married anymore
  • All these papers need to be translated into Slovenian

It usually takes 3-4 weeks to get all these papers ready. You also need to be in Slovenia for at least 1 day before your wedding. You can ask us for help to recommend one of the available local Lake Bled wedding planners.

Other things to know:

  • In Slovenia, two people of the same gender can get married
  • You will need someone in Slovenia to help with your papers
  • It is helpful to hire someone who plans weddings in Slovenia

Step 4: Hire Local Vendors

Working with people in Lake Bled can make planning your wedding easier. You might want to hire people for:

  • Taking photos and videos
  • Flowers and decorations
  • Doing your hair and makeup
  • Food
  • Music
  • Getting around Lake Bled

Many couples (85%) hire someone to help plan their wedding. This can be really helpful if you’re planning from far away. You can learn how to choose an experienced Lake Bled wedding planner for your wedding.

When choosing people to help with your wedding, think about:

  • What other people say about their work
  • If they’ve worked with couples from other countries before
  • If they speak your language well
  • If they can do what you want for your special day
A beautifully arranged bridal bouquet featuring peach roses and eucalyptus leaves.

Step 5: Plan Your Accommodation

Lake Bled has many different places to stay. You can choose fancy hotels, cozy apartments, or pretty houses. It usually costs between €80 to €300 per night, depending on when you go and where you stay.

When choosing where to stay, think about how close it is to where you’re getting married and what you want to do. Some hotels may have special deals for people who just got married, like free rooms, nice dinners or spa treatments.

More tips for finding a place to stay:

  • Book early, especially in summer, to get the place you want
  • If you’re bringing guests, you might want to rent a house or apartment
  • Try to find a place with a view of the lake
  • See if the place where you’re getting married has rooms to stay in
A wedding dress and veil hanging in front of a large window with trees visible in the background.

Step 6: Create Your Elopement Timeline

Planning out your day can help everything go smoothly. Here’s an example of how your day might go:

  • 9:00 AM: Start with your hair and makeup
  • 10:30 AM: Start taking photos while getting ready
  • Noon: Individual portraits of the bride and groom
  • 12:30 PM: See each other for the first time in your wedding clothes
  • 1:00 PM: Have your wedding ceremony
  • 2:00 PM: Take photos around Lake Bled
  • 4:00 PM: Have a small dinner or party

You can also do some special Lake Bled things, like ringing the wishing bell on the island or eating the famous Bled cream cake.

When planning your day, remember to:

  • Leave some extra time between activities so you’re not rushed
  • Plan to take photos when the light is pretty, like just before sunset
  • Think about how long it takes to get from one place to another
  • Make sure you have some quiet time together during the day
A bride and groom smiling at each other, with the bride holding a bouquet and wearing a lace dress.

Step 7: Plan Pre and Post Elopement Activities

There are lots of fun things you can do before and after your wedding in Lake Bled. Some ideas are:

  • Taking a boat ride to the island in the middle of the lake
  • Going for a hike in Triglav National Park
  • Having a relaxing day at a spa
  • Visiting Vintgar Gorge, which is nearby
  • Exploring the old town of Radovljica
  • Driving through the beautiful Julian Alps

Many couples like to have their honeymoon in Slovenia too, visiting other pretty places like Ljubljana, the Soča Valley, or the seaside. We can take photos of you doing these fun activities to remember your trip.

A serene view of Lake Bled featuring lily pads floating on the water with a distant castle perched on a hill and mountains in the background.

Conclusion: Making Your Lake Bled Elopement Dreams a Reality

Planning a wedding at Lake Bled is exciting and can be a lot of fun. By following these steps and getting help from people who know Lake Bled well, you can have a really special day. Remember to start planning early, be ready to change your plans if needed, and enjoy getting ready for your big day in this beautiful place.

Each step you take brings you closer to having the wedding of your dreams. Lake Bled is a magical place that makes a perfect background for couples who want a small, special wedding.

Get in touch with us to start planning your Lake Bled wedding photos, and we’ll help you keep memories of your special day in this beautiful part of Slovenia.

An aerial view of Lake Bled with its iconic island and church reflecting in the calm water, surrounded by mist and distant hills.