A wedding in Bali looks magical on Instagram, but what does it really take to make it happen? How do you actually plan one from miles away?
Behind the sea views and palm fronds, there’s planning, paperwork, venue hunting, guest management, and a whole lot of decisions.
If you’re expecting a Bali wedding that looks beautiful and stress-free, this guide will walk you through it.
Wedding in Bali: Here’s What You Need to Know
- Defining Your Wedding Vision and Budget
Start by figuring out what kind of wedding you want. Do you see yourself having a beach wedding, a garden wedding, or something more traditional?
Once you have the vision, set your budget. Write down what you can afford overall, then break it down: venue, food, clothing, legal fees, planner, vendors, etc. This will help you make more informed decisions and not over-spend.
For instance, if you’ve ever wanted a Canggu or Uluwatu beach wedding, you’ll have to factor in villa rental, beach permits (if it’s a public beach), sunset lighting, and special equipment to guard against wind or sand. The cost of a straightforward beachfront wedding might start at around $10,000 USD, depending on guest count and vendors.
- Choosing the Perfect Venue
Bali has many types of venues: beachfront villas, clifftop resorts, jungle gardens, and traditional Balinese spaces.
When choosing one, think about:
- How many people you’re inviting
- Whether the location is easy to reach
- What the weather will be like (wet or dry season)
- Whether you want it indoors or outdoors
- Backup options if it rains
Booking early is important, especially during peak season (June–September).
If you’re set on a beach wedding, a place like Bali Beach Glamping in Tabanan is worth a look. It has ocean views, tented rooms for guests, and a ceremony space right by the sand. When comparing beachfront venues, check for private access to the beach, a sound system, indoor backup, and whether there’s a music curfew.
- Hiring a Local Wedding Planner
A local planner for wedding in Bali is helpful, especially if you’re not familiar with the legal process or don’t live in Bali. They can handle permits, vendors, and coordination on the day.
When hiring one, check their reviews, portfolio, and if they’ve handled weddings for couples from your country. Ask for a clear contract and a full breakdown of costs.
If you’re exchanging vows at a beach villa, for instance, your coordinator will work with designers who know wind-resistant setups, help plan the ceremony to overlap with sunset, and organize electricity availability for music and illumination in an outdoor setting.
- Understanding Legal Requirements
If you want your wedding to be legally recognized, you need to follow Indonesian marriage laws.
Here’s what most foreign couples need:
- Passport copies
- Birth certificates
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from your embassy in Indonesia
- Divorce/death certificate if previously married
- Passport photos
- Religious ceremony (Indonesia only recognizes marriages under a religion)
Most couples do two ceremonies:
- A religious ceremony (Christian, Hindu, Muslim, etc.)
- A civil ceremony at the local Civil Registry (Kantor Catatan Sipil)
In most cases, couples do two ceremonies: a religious one (Christian, Hindu, Muslim, etc.) and a civil one at the Civil Registry (Kantor Catatan Sipil).
Some couples do the legal part privately at a government office the day before and then celebrate with a symbolic or religious ceremony on the beach. That way, the beachfront event can focus purely on the experience, without the stress of legal formalities in front of guests.
Just make sure your paperwork, especially the CNI, is ready before you fly to Bali. Each embassy has its own process and timeline.
- Planning for Accommodation
If you’re inviting guests from abroad, it’s a good idea to sort out where they’ll stay early on. You can block hotel rooms nearby or rent a villa for everyone to stay together.
Also consider transport from the airport, rides to the venue, and optional activities for guests during their stay.
If your wedding is in Tabanan, for example, you could book nearby villas or choose a venue that includes guest rooms. Some beachfront properties even offer full buyouts, letting all your guests stay in one place. This makes logistics smoother and gives everyone more time together.
- Creating a Wedding Day Timeline
Make a simple timeline to keep things on track. Include:
- When vendors arrive
- Time for hair and makeup
- Guest arrival
- Ceremony start
- Photos
- Dinner/reception
- Speeches
- First dance, cake, etc.
Share this schedule with your planner, vendors, and anyone else helping on the day.
For a beach wedding, timing matters, especially with the sunset and the tide. A typical timeline might look like:
- 3 PM: Vendor setup
- 4:30 PM: Guest arrival with welcome drinks
- 5 PM: Ceremony starts (before sunset)
- 6 PM: Photos during golden hour
- 6:30 PM: Dinner begins
- 7:30 PM: Speeches and dancing
If your setup is close to the shoreline, check the tide schedule in advance so you don’t run into surprises.
Start planning at least 6–12 months ahead. Legal documents can take time, and the best venues book up fast.
A beach wedding in Bali is stunning, but it does require some extra care. The earlier you start and the more you work with people who know the local scene, the smoother everything will go. With solid prep, your beach wedding will be as beautiful as it is stress-free.
Need ideas for where to start? Check out these recommended wedding venue resorts in Bali to find the perfect place for your big day.
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