# American newlyweds' visit to Croatia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/american-newlyweds-visit-to-croatia
> Updated: 2026-10-10T20:46:34.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 4.

Ashton and Zach Smith, an American couple from Philadelphia known as the ‘World Cup Couple’, are traveling to Croatia for their honeymoon in early October 2026. The couple gained viral attention after their June 26 wedding was unexpectedly joined by hundreds of Croatian football fans.

Following the viral spread of the wedding footage, the Croatian Tourist Board, supported by the ‘Croatian Fans Embassy We Croats’ club and various regional tourism boards, invited the couple to visit. The trip is intended to showcase Croatian culture, gastronomy, and hospitality.

The itinerary begins in Split on October 4, where the couple plans to attend a Nations League match between Croatia and Spain at Poljud Stadium. The Smiths have arrived in Split and expressed excitement about their visit, noting plans to visit Klis and Trogir while cheering for the Croatian national team. The visit will also include the surrounding islands and Dubrovnik, concluding in Zagreb on October 12 before their return to Philadelphia.

During their travels, the couple visited Šibenik, Primošten, and Krka National Park, and experienced local gastronomy such as oysters in Mali Ston. Following their trip, the couple was honored with the ‘Wedding Crashers Award’ at the Billies awards in Philadelphia. Expressing a deep connection to the country, they announced their intention to name their first child Luka, after the captain of the Croatian national football team, Luka Modrić.

## Claims

- The couple's itinerary in Croatia included Split, Šibenik, Primošten, Krka National Park, and Zagreb. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Ashton and Zach Smith were recipients of the ‘Wedding Crashers Award’ at the Billies awards ceremony held on October 8 in Philadelphia. (single source)
- Approximately 5,000 Croatian fans unexpectedly joined the couple's wedding celebrations in Philadelphia. (single source)
- The couple decided to name their first child Luka, after the captain of the Croatian national football team, Luka Modrić. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Ashton and Zach Smith honored in Philadelphia after viral wedding with Croatian fans

American newlyweds Ashton and Zach Smith received Philadelphia's ‘Wedding Crashers Award’ after 5,000 Croatian fans joined their wedding, leading to a celebratory trip across Croatia.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ashton-and-zach-smith-honored-in-philadelphia-after-viral-wedding-with-croatian-fans

### 2026-10-05: American newlyweds arrive in Split for honeymoon

American newlyweds Ashton and Zach Smith, who went viral after Croatian football fans celebrated at their wedding, have arrived in Split, Croatia, for their honeymoon.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-newlyweds-arrive-in-split-for-honeymoon

### 2026-09-22: American newlyweds to visit Croatia following World Cup wedding celebration

American newlyweds Ashton and Zach Smith, famous for their World Cup wedding celebration with Croatian fans, will visit Split, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb this October at the invitation of Croatian tourism boards.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-newlyweds-to-visit-croatia-following-world-cup-wedding-celebration

### 2026-09-10: Ashton and Zach Smith to honeymoon in Croatia

Ashton and Zach Smith, the ‘World Cup Couple’ whose Philadelphia wedding was joined by Croatian fans, will travel to Split and Dubrovnik for their honeymoon this October.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ashton-and-zach-smith-to-honeymoon-in-croatia

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Cite as: American newlyweds' visit to Croatia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/american-newlyweds-visit-to-croatia