Image by Tayler Ashley Photography
Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a top destination for couples looking to celebrate their love in a stunning and unique setting. From beautiful beaches to rich cultural traditions and exquisite local cuisine, a Bali wedding offers an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about planning a Bali wedding, including traditions, local cuisine, and drinks.
How Much Does a Bali Wedding Cost?
We have some unfortunate news. There is not a singular number that we can give you when it comes to the cost of a Bali wedding. According to Retno of Amora Bali, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,500 up to $40,000 depending on what it is you’re looking for. Resort, villa, and chapel weddings are typically more expensive, whereas beach weddings and elopements are cheaper. Again, this is entirely dependent on what you envision for your day!
Bali Wedding Venues
Alilu Uluwatu – With a contemporary design, incredible villa options for you and your guests, and uninterrupted views thanks to its high location on the planes of Indonesia, Alilu Uluwatu is the definition of luxurious.
Tanah Gajah – Bali’s beaches are unlike anything else, but we know that not everyone is searching for a beach wedding. At Tanah Gajah, you can tie the knot in the outdoor Bale Dedari, a unique gazebo, surrounded by never-ending fields, palm trees, and mountain views. With the capability of holding up to 500 guests, it’s the perfect choice for someone who wants a large celebration.
Tirtha Bridal – Tirtha Bridal is arguably one of the most unique venues, and one look at photos will have you falling in love with the venue’s unique architecture. The all-inclusive resort sprawls on 6,300 square meters and features an iconic chapel, a glass stage overlooking the Indian Ocean, an open terrace, a cliffside garden, and more. Your wedding options are truly limitless.
Banana Lounge Bali – For those looking for a smaller venue option with incredible food, Banana Lounge Bali may be just the right choice. The pool lounge is a short five-minute walk from the beach and offers delicious bites and drinks and villas for your guests to stay on the property.
Samabe Resort – Samabe Resort is a versatile wedding venue choice with multiple unique options for your big day. Host your ceremony in the Pearl Chapel with 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean, or opt for some beach “I do’s” before you celebrate exchanging vows with a reception in a cave. You read that right–a cave.
Image by Sriwijaya Story
Bali Wedding Vendor Highlights
Bali Wedding Photographer
Review: “Helopixel was incredible to work with. You know you have an amazing videographer and photographer when you don’t feel that they’re there. The photos that were taken were beautifully edited, and they provided many options. The video is a must-have. They did such a great job capturing the day. The editing process was seamless, and they took feedback very well, incorporating all the updates when requested. A great team of creatives! Highly recommend!”
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Bali Wedding Videographer
Review: “My fiance and I recently got married, and we couldn’t be happier with the amazing service provided by the wedding studio we chose. From the first meeting, they were attentive to our needs and preferences and worked with us to create the perfect wedding day. The team was professional and friendly and went above and beyond to ensure everything was seamless and stress-free. Our wedding day was truly magical, and we owe it all to the incredible work of this studio. The photos and videos captured by their team perfectly captured the best moments of our day, and we will cherish them forever. We highly recommend this wedding studio to any couples looking for a high-quality, professional, and personalized wedding experience. Thank you again for making our day so special! 5 stars to Moc!”
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Bali Wedding Planners
Review: “Last week, we were married in the beautiful setting of Ubud. Retno and her team were brilliant ensuring every detail was perfect which left us to be present and really enjoy the day. From the detail in my bouquet to our celebratory meal, the huge array of stunning flowers, the celebrant and OMG the photos are amazing! We would recommend Amora Weddings to anyone wanting to tie the knot in Bali. Worth every cent!”
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Review: “Henny & Jasmin were a dream to work with. They found us the perfect venue and translated our dream into a reality. They made the wedding planning process so simple and seamless – which was especially important to us even though we weren’t based in Bali. Jasmin was so lovely and calm in the face of our indecision (and all our last-minute changes, which they pulled off perfectly). On the day itself, they kept the chaos at bay so that we could focus on enjoying ourselves with our family and friends. One of our guests commented they had to pinch themselves to make sure they weren’t dreaming because the whole wedding was so beautiful!“
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Balinese Wedding Traditions
Purification Ritual (Melukat) – Before the wedding ceremony, couples often participate in a purification ritual called Melukat. This ritual involves bathing in holy water at a temple or sacred spring to cleanse the body and soul, preparing the couple for a new chapter in their lives.
Balinese Priest (Pemangku) – A Balinese priest, or Pemangku, often officiates the wedding ceremony. The priest performs various rituals and prayers to bless the couple. This is typically done in a Hindu religious ceremony, so whether or not this is something you’d like for your wedding is entirely depending on the kind of wedding you hope to host.
Communal Feast (Megibung) – Following the ceremony, a communal feast known as Megibung is held. This traditional Balinese feast involves sharing a variety of dishes served on banana leaves. It symbolizes unity, community, and the sharing of happiness among family and friends.
Balinese Dance and Music – Incorporating traditional Balinese dance and music into your wedding adds a vibrant and cultural element to the celebration. Performances by local dancers and gamelan musicians can entertain your guests and provide a deeper connection to Balinese heritage.
Legal Requirements
To get legally married in Bali, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Valid Passports – Original and photocopies of both passports.
- Birth Certificates – Original and photocopies of both birth certificates.
- Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) – A document issued by your country’s embassy or consulate in Indonesia stating that there are no legal impediments to your marriage.
- Passport-Sized Photos – Usually 8 photos of each party (4×6 cm), with a red background.
- Divorce Decree/Death Certificate – If previously married, provide proof of divorce or death certificate of the former spouse.
- Religious Documents – Depending on your religion, you may need additional religious documents. For example, Christians will need a letter of no impediment from their church, and Muslims may need a letter from their local mosque.
It’s also important to note that in Indonesia, you must have both a religious and a civil ceremony for the marriage to be legally recognized. If you are visiting Bali for your big day and prefer to not host both, you might want to consider getting legally married at home before your big day. Given the complexities of legal requirements, if you and your partner are hoping to get legally married in Bali, we recommend hiring a wedding planner who can help you sort through these details.
To see real weddings held in Bali to inspire your own celebration, check out these weddings that have been held by couples from all around the world. From boho affairs to elegant elopements amidst Bali’s incredible scenery, there’s inspiration for every style.
Image by Pyara Photo
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