Planning a destination wedding in Bali? Here’s what you need to know
Planning a destination wedding in Bali? With its beautiful beaches, friendly locals and fascinating culture, we can totally see why! The Indonesian island has so much to offer and is easy to reach with frequent flights from around the world, making it the perfect location to get married in paradise. So if you dream of getting married in Bali, what do you need to know? We asked Bali wedding planner and Fine Art Curation member Elisabeth from Avavi Bali Weddings to share her dream Bali wedding venues and top tips for planning a destination wedding in Bali.
How much does it cost to get married in Bali?
When it comes to calculating the cost of a wedding in Bali, the sky can be the limit. It all depends on your requirements. You can have a beautifully simple wedding from around $1,500 to $5,000. However, if you are planning your wedding in a resort, a private villa, or a chapel, the cost significantly increases and can start from $10,000 up to even $50,000.
Plan your wedding ceremony
For couples who don’t live in Indonesia, a symbolic non-legally binding ceremony in Bali is the most popular option, with the more formal proceedings happening either before or afterwards in your home country. Such an arrangement makes the planning process much more streamlined. It is possible for foreigners to get married officially in a legally binding ceremony, however this is mostly practiced by couples who live in Indonesia.
Legal weddings in Bali require two ceremonies
To get legally married in Bali you are required to have both a religious and legal ceremony (excepting Muslim couples), which must both be held at the same location on the same day. Your wedding ceremony will be attended by two representatives: one from your religion (such as a priest, monk or pastor) and another from the Indonesian Civil Registry Office).
And there are religious requirements
Based on Indonesian Marriage Law No.1 of 1974 marrying couples must be the same main religion. If not, the bride or groom should sign a letter that he or she intends to marry in one of the religions and that they agreed without force from his or her partner; the letter should be legalized by the consulate office or local government. In Indonesia, the following main religions are recognised: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.
Choose your reception venue
Wedding venues in Bali broadly fall into five categories and the right choice for you will depend on your vision for the wedding as well as your budget and guest count. From luxury resorts to private villas, tranquil gardens and elegant chapels, there really is something for everyone. Let's look at the different options.
Wedding resorts in Bali
For those hosting a large wedding with a reasonably high budget, wedding resorts are a great option. Bali has many stunning resorts for a true sense of luxury and relaxation, offering specialist wedding packages that can be personalised to your requirements. My favourites include:
Private wedding villas in Bali
If you're looking for something more private and tranquil, hiring a wedding villa could be the ideal choice. Private villas are ideal for an intimate getaway with your loved ones within the beautiful landscape, while providing a true taste of Indonesian culture. Some of the best private wedding villas in Bali include:
- Saba Estate
- Plenilunio, Uluwatu
- Alami Boutique Villas, Tabanan
- The Sanctuary Villa, Canggu
- Khayangan Estate, Uluwatu
- Jeeva Saba
Wedding chapels in Bali
Love the grandeur of a church and the stunning surroundings of the Bali landscape? A wedding chapel could be the perfect choice for your Bali wedding. These two are must-sees:
A Bali wedding planner is key
A wedding planner is essential to navigate all the different options of getting married in Bali. Planners have great relationships with Bali’s finest suppliers, giving you the option of bespoke planning services, or an all inclusive Bali wedding package. Whatever you choose, a planner takes care of all the organisation and every tiny detail to ensure a totally stress-free wedding in paradise.
vendor details
Planner: Avavi Bali Weddings | Venue: Mulia Bali | Photography and videography: Iluminen | Florals and decor: Sweetbella | Hair and make-up: Meica | Lighting, sound and AV system: Twin Brother Production | Wedding attire: The Ivy Atelier | Wedding cake: Le Novelle Cake | Entertainment: Lucky Aces and Monica Malibu | Bridal party hair and make-up: Carmelia and Johanna Maria | MC: Tirza Agnesia | Digital guest book: Pentamoo | Photobooth: Bali Photobooth Service | Transport: Avavi Bali Tours
