Stana Katic married Australian-born business consultant and strategist Kris Brkljac on April 25, 2015, during an intimate ceremony at a private family monastery on the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. The couple, best known for keeping their personal lives tightly guarded away from Hollywood flashbulbs, managed to surprise both fans and the media by tying the knot just one day before the actress's 37th birthday.
While millions recognize Katic from her iconic starring roles as Detective Kate Beckett on the ABC hit series Castle or as FBI Special Agent Emily Byrne in Absentia, her husband operates outside the traditional entertainment sphere. Understanding their union requires looking past basic tabloid headlines to explore who Kris Brkljac is, how they met, and how they built a lasting family life out of the public eye.
Who Is Kris Brkljac?
Kris Brkljac is an Australian-born entrepreneur, business efficiency consultant, and strategist. Born on April 26, 1978, in Sydney, Australia, he grew up with two brothers named Dragoljub and Milan. His family background is rooted in the former Yugoslavia, sharing a cultural heritage that closely mirrors Katic's own family lineage.
Before establishing his professional footing, Brkljac relocated to the United States, where he studied communication media law. His career path spans multiple industries, including working as a high-level corporate strategist, serving as a vice president of sales for software firms like Dispute Suite, and managing international sales development. Though primarily a businessman, he has occasionally dabbled in creative projects, making a brief appearance in an episode of Castle and taking on a small role in the 2017 romantic drama Lost in Florence.
How Stana Katic and Kris Brkljac Met
The couple was introduced through family connections. Brkljac first met Katic through her brother, Mark Katic. Long before their wedding bells rang, the pair maintained a remarkably low-profile relationship, dating for several years without inviting heavy media scrutiny.
Unlike many high-profile Hollywood pairings that rely on red-carpet appearances or joint magazine spreads to build public interest, Katic and Brkljac deliberately chose privacy. They kept details of their courtship tightly under wraps, allowing them to nurture their connection away from the constant pressures of the entertainment industry.
The Croatian Wedding Ceremony
The wedding itself broke traditional celebrity molds. Rather than opting for a lavish, heavily publicized ceremony in Los Angeles or New York, the couple traveled to Croatia for a deeply personal celebration.
- The Date: April 25, 2015—timed precisely on the eve of Katic's birthday.
- The Location: A historic, private family monastery situated along the scenic Dalmatian Coast.
- The Reveal: The marriage wasn't broadcast ahead of time; a representative for Katic officially confirmed the happy news to the press days later, accompanied only by a subtle black-and-white photograph showcasing their wedding bands.
The choice of location honored their shared heritage, as Katic's parents are Serbian immigrants from Croatia who raised her with strong ties to the region.
Family Life and Children
Katic and Brkljac expanded their family quietly, welcoming their first child during the winter months. While a representative confirmed the arrival of their baby in June 2022, the couple has consistently shielded their child from public view.
During the global shifts of the early 2020s, the family embraced a more grounded lifestyle. Katic revealed in interviews that they spent significant time living on a rural property in California, focusing on sustainable living—such as tending vegetable gardens and raising chickens. This rural retreat reflects a shared desire to keep their domestic world peaceful and grounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Stana Katic get married?
Stana Katic married Kris Brkljac on April 25, 2015. The ceremony took place in Croatia and was confirmed by her publicist shortly afterward.
What is Kris Brkljac's profession?
Kris Brkljac is an Australian-born entrepreneur, business efficiency consultant, and corporate strategist. He has worked in executive sales and business development management throughout his career.
Do Stana Katic and Kris Brkljac have children?
Yes, the couple shares one child, whose birth was confirmed by Katic's representatives in June 2022 following a winter arrival.
How did they meet?
The couple was introduced by Katic's brother, Mark Katic, years before they decided to marry.
Where do they live?
They divide their time between urban professional commitments and a private, nature-focused family homestead in California.
