Bali Beach Wedding

As a wedding destination, Bali has long been a favourite destination for couples wanting to combine an unforgettable wedding with a romantic holiday. Bali also offers a great choice of beach wedding venues.

Steeped in history and tradition, Bali provides a magical backdrop of beautiful temples, colourful dances and traditional festivals set in an island scattered with lush tropical forests, verdant rice terraces and stunning beaches.

Wedding ceremony
In Bali, most weddings take place either in a church or on the beachfront or garden of a hotel. It’s not possible to be married in a Balinese/Hindu Temple (unless you’re of that faith). Beach weddings are allowed only on private beaches. (Above image courtesy of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.)

Wedding requirements
Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is subject to Indonesian law, which require that all marriages be officiated by both a religious minister and a registrar. A non-Islamic marriage must be recorded with the civil registry otherwise they are not legal. This can be done immediately after the religious ceremony. All couples who marry in Indonesia must declare a religion: Agnosticism and Atheism are not recognized. There is no minimum residency requirement.

Documents required
Here is what you require for a Bali wedding:

• Original birth certificates
• 10-year passport (with valid visitors visa) valid for at least six months from the date of arrival
• Four passport-size photographs of you both together, head and shoulders only looking straight ahead with the groom to the right. These photos will be attached to your wedding certificate.
• Certificate of Single Status (or) Certificate of No Legal Impediment.
• Decree Absolute with a court stamp (divorced papers), if relevant. Divorced Catholics cannot marry in Bali.
• Death certificate of deceased former spouse, if relevant
• Copy of Documentary evidence of any change of name (eg, former marriage certificate/deed poll)
• If you are adopted, you’ll need to show your adoption certificate.
• Parental consent if under 21 years of age.
• Witnesses: Two witnesses over the age of 18 are required. Civil registry employees can act as witnesses.
• Fee: AUD$110 (payable in Rupia, only)

Obtaining a marriage licence
After the wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate in the Indonesian language – usually on the same or following day. You can have your certificate translated by a sworn and authorised English translator in Bali or back home at the Indonesian Embassy.

A traditional Balinese wedding (Puri)
A Puri wedding offers the opportunity for couples to take their wedding vows in a traditional Balinese setting usually within the compound of a Balinese nobleman.

Imagine celebrating your wedding dressed in ceremonial Balinese costumes, taking your vows on a decorated wedding pavilion, surrounded by a high caste Balinese family and local Balinese villagers; then receiving offerings before watching a Balinese procession with traditional music and local dances performed just for you – a magical, unforfgettable experience.

Location Bali is one of more than 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located off the eastern tip of the main Indonesian island of Java.

Getting there Fly direct to Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport on Virgin Blue, Jetstar or Qantas Airways, with connections from all major Australian airports.

Flight time 6 hours from Brisbane, 7.5 hours from Sydney, 4 hours from Perth

Flying in Ngurah Rai Airport is located 13km southwest of Denpasar and 2.5km south of Kuta. Hotels and resorts generally provide pre-arranged transport for guests. Taxis and hire cars are also available.

Entry requirements A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay as well as a ticket for return or onward travel. Australian citizens can get a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.

Getting around Buses are inexpensive and reliable while tourist shuttle buses are more expensive, but comfortable and convenient. Cars, taxis, motorcycles and bicycles are all easily hired. Balinese drive on the left.