The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud Bali

The Wedding Guru: Denny from The Chedi Club Bali

In Bali Weddings, Destination Wedding Planners, Planning, Planning & Tips by Ande Tongco

The Chedi Club Bali

The venue: The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah
Location: Ubud, Bali

Sitting among the green undulating hills of Bali’s highlands, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah is a peaceful haven with traditional Balinese architecture and spectacular garden views. Twenty individual villas offer visitors an intimate hideaway (and romantic honeymoon accommodation for the bride and groom), while the picture-perfect grounds dotted with palm trees are a beautiful setting for weddings.

The wedding planner: Denny Ciman

After graduating from university, Denny started his career as a wedding coordinator specialising in beach weddings and has quickly gained experience in creating amazing events. With an interest in unique and luxurious destinations, he is dedicated to planning unforgettable celebrations at one of Bali’s most spectacular venues, The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah.

Describe The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in five words:
“Unique, exclusive, artistic, personalised and photogenic.”

What are the main reasons people choose this venue for a destination wedding?
Couples that marry here want something different, unique and very special. Beach weddings in Bali are popular and couples come to The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah for these celebrations and to experience the traditions and culture of Bali.”

what’s the most Instagrammable spot at the resort? One sure to make people back home jealous!?
“The middle of the rice field or our gorgeous amphitheatre!”

The Chedi Club Bali

What’s the best room or suite for the wedding night and why?
“Hands down, it would have to be the Hadiprana Villa. Tanah Gajah’s founder and owner, Hendra Hadiprana, originally built this one-of-a-kind, two-bedroom estate as the master accommodation for his wife and himself. The exclusive suite features some of the finest paintings, antiques and artefacts from his vast private collection, while just outside, amidst the resort’s lush tropical gardens, sits a private 10-metre swimming pool with an extensive deck and lounge chairs.”

What’s one thing you get at The Chedi Club Tanah Gajahand nowhere else on the planet?
“Our ‘elephants’. Tanah Gajah (from our name The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah) means ‘elephant realm’ in English. Because of this, you will find many elephant features throughout the property – in paintings, carvings, statues, murals, door-handles and even on roofs!”

The Chedi Club Bali

What are some of the chef’s specialties for a wedding menu?
“There are too many to choose from, but his coconut sorbet is always a winning dish! This is the most requested dish to be included on the wedding menu by brides and grooms. Our executive chef, Dean, always talks with each couple and lets them have a strong input in the menu creation process.”

What’s the strangest wedding request you’ve ever had – and did you deliver!?
“Nothing has been strange… yet!”

What’s something wedding couples always forget to bring or do?
“Surprisingly, preparing a wedding song for a bride’s walk down the aisle. Couples usually know what to play for their first dance but when it comes to this one they tend to forget! Thankfully we can prepare a rindik (traditional Balinese bamboo instrument) performance for cases like these. They are always our saviour during that moment as these performances are a special local tradition and can be very soothing.”

The Chedi Club Bali

What’s the most glamorous/luxurious thing couples get to do at The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah?
“We had a couple who requested for the bride to be carried into the venue in a palanquin (traditional Balinese carriage), carried by six men in traditional costume, which we accommodated. She was truly a queen for a day and it was such a fun thing for us to prepare.”

What’s your best piece of advice for a couple planning a destination wedding?
“Research, research research! Do not be afraid to ask – make sure all of your concerns are addressed and questions are answered. Your wedding is one of the most significant events in your life and you deserve to be critical, but don’t forget to have fun in the process!”

What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from a happy bride and groom?
“When all is done and they tell you that you were the reason they chose the venue and that they were very satisfied with their decision – it is such an honour to hear that from a client!”

To book your destination wedding at The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah email Denny at events@thechediclububud.com

Check out some of out other amazing wedding gurus perfect for your destination wedding.