Bali wedding guide

Bali Wedding Planning 101: The Ultimate Guide

In Bali Weddings, Planning & Tips, Wedding Guides by Ande Tongco

Bali is a popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot in a beautiful and exotic location. But planning a wedding in a foreign country can be overwhelming. This ultimate guide to getting married in Bali covers everything from choosing the perfect venue to navigating local customs and traditions. Start planning your dream wedding in Bali today!

Ubud Wedding
Wedding couple in Ubud

Bali, also known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a stunning destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. With its breathtaking beaches, lush tropical forests, and rich cultural heritage, Bali provides the perfect backdrop for a dream wedding that will be remembered for years to come. From charming rice paddies to beautiful villages filled with welcoming locals, Bali has it all. And the best part? All of this luxury comes at an affordable price tag, making it a popular destination for weddings.

From the magnificent scenery of Ubud to the bustling streets of Legian, and the sumptuous glamour of Seminyak to the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, Bali will simply take your breath away. The perfect backdrop for any kind of wedding, the island itself boasts an array of gorgeous wedding venues and locations including pristine beaches, opulent resorts and enchanting temples. So if you’re ready to start planning your dream wedding in Bali, read on for our ultimate guide!

Plan For The Weather: The Best Time To Get Married in Bali

Bali’s warm tropical climate makes it a popular destination for weddings year-round, but the best time to tie the knot is from June to September when there is less chance of rain. October and November are still good options, but expect some humidity and occasional showers. December through March is the wet season, so it’s best to avoid those months. April and May are mostly fine, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of rain. August is a popular month for weddings in Bali, but keep in mind that it’s also peak tourist season, so plan ahead to secure enough hotel rooms for your guests.

If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, be sure to provide shade and plenty of water for your guests, especially during the hot and humid dry season. 

Regardless of when you choose to get married in Bali, always have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather – just as you would if you got married at home!

Real Wedding Helen and Nick At Kayumanis Nusa Dua
Real Wedding of Helen & Nick at Kayumanis Nusa Dua

How to Legally Get Married in Bali

Australians wanting to get married in Bali or Indonesia need to tick a few boxes to ensure that the marriage license is approved back home as well as respecting the traditional laws and customs of the destination. This is a brief overview of the most important steps to ensure that your Bali marriage abides by local Australian law, but be sure to double check all requirements with the Australian Embassy and stay on top of any updates in case laws change.

You will need:

  • Original passports as proof of identity
  • Birth certificates
  • A fee paid in Indonesian Rupiah to the Australian Embassy in Bali- amount dependent on the current exchange rate at the time
  • Proof of dissolution of marriage, death certificate of a former spouse and evidence of official name change (if applicable)

When you get there:

Australian citizens or permanent residents will need to visit the Australian Embassy in Bali and apply for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage before signing a declaration in front of a consular official. This proves to any local priest or celebrant that you are legally allowed to get married.

After this, your Indonesian marriage will be recognised in Australia as long as the couple are also legally allowed to get married within Australia. This comes with it’s own set of paperwork and requirements that can be found on the Australian government website.

Legal or non-legal ceremony in Bali:

One of the popular options for many couples getting married or eloping in overseas destinations is to legally marry back home in Australia and have a non-legal ceremony in Bali. These ceremonies can be performed by a celebrant or even a friend and run in the same way as any ceremony would, without all the paper work. If you would like a ceremony more specific to your religious faith it is best to get in contact with a wedding planner or organise this well in advance. Make sure you remember to get around to all the legal requirements back home either before or after your destination wedding to ensure that the marriage is legally binding!

Legal marriage ceremonies in Bali are possible but must abide my Indonesian laws and may not necessarily stick back in Australia, so be sure to seek legal advice to double check all of the requirements both overseas and back home. Some of the main and most interesting checklist items for getting married legally in Bali include:

  • Both a religious and civil ceremony occur at the same location on the same day
  • Both members of the couple must verbally declare that they are of the same belief and religion
  • Bali recognises: Catholic, Hindu, Buddhism, Islam and most Christian (Protestant) and Catholic based faiths
  • A “Notice of Intention to Marry” done at a Civil Registry Office where the couple is staying
  • Certificate of non-Impediment: obtained from the Australian Embassy in Indonesia

bali destination wedding legalCurrency in Bali

The Indonesian rupee (IDR) is the official currency of Bali. There is no shortage of ATMs in Bali, and credit cards are widely accepted.

Choose The Perfect Bali Wedding Venue

Bali has an array of breathtaking wedding venues to choose from, including beachfront resorts, lush gardens, and traditional Balinese villas. When selecting a wedding venue in Bali, it’s important to consider your wedding party size, budget, and style. Book your desired venue well in advance, as popular locations tend to fill up quickly. To help you get started, check out our guide to Bali’s top wedding venues. Reach out to the venues directly to customize the perfect package, style, and location that suits you and your partner’s preferences.

Bali's Best Wedding Venues

To find your dream Bali wedding venue, visit our exclusive directory of stunning resorts and hotels that specialise in destination weddings.

Check out some real life weddings of couples who chose to marry in Asia.

Still not convinced about getting married in Bali? Check out our 8 Reasons Why You Want to Get Married in Bali feature here!

Header image: Valentino Ruya