Getting married in Bali

Stunning beaches, a lush tropical interior, temples and traditional villages make this mystical island a beautiful wedding destination.

Why get married in Bali?

Bali is the most western island of the Lesser Sundas and the most visited in the Indonesian archipelago. Its excellent beaches are the main draw, the dramatic coastline washed by warm water and lined with beachfront hotels, bars and restaurants.

Alternatively, explore the Bali’s interior, with its lush tropical forests, verdant rice terraces and beautiful temples. Bali offers so much more than just wonderful beaches; it is an island steeped in history and tradition. Highlights include the Kintamani volcano, and the energetic colour of local dances, festivals and handicraft markets.

For up‐to‐date advice on travelling safely to Bali, visit the Foreign Office Website: www.fco.gov.uk.

What kind of wedding ceremony can I have in Bali?

In Indonesia it is not possible to have a civil‐only wedding. The law in Indonesia requires that all marriages be officiated by both the registrar and a religious minister. A representative of your religious beliefs must perform the religious ceremony.

There are a few restrictions in terms of location for ceremonies. It is not possible to be married in Balinese/Hindu Temples, and beach weddings are only recommended on private beaches. Most weddings take place either in a church or in the grounds of hotels.

Is it wedding weather?

What’s the flight time?

16.5 hours

What’s the time difference?

GMT +8

Do I need a visa to enter the country?

Not required. UK visitors are permitted to stay in Indonesia for 60 days.

What’s the wedding paperwork?

• Residency There is no minimum residency requirement.
• Proof of ID You will be required to produce your original birth certificates and a 10‐year passport, valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival. You’ll need five passport‐size photographs of you both together, with your groom on your right hand. These should be head and shoulders only, with you looking straight ahead. Make these as good as possible as they will be attached to your wedding certificate.
• Proof of status Y ou must both attend your local Register Office in the UK (a seven‐day residency in the district is required) and give “notice of marriage”. After 21 days a “certificate of non impediment” will be issued, valid for three months. Couples also require signed letters from both sets of parents stating that there are no objections to the marriage.
• Divorced You’ll need to produce your Decree Absolute with a court stamp. Divorced Catholics cannot marry in Bali.
• Widowed You’ll need to show the death certificate of your deceased spouse and your previous marriage certificate.
• Age restrictions T he bride must be over 16 and the groom over 19 years of age.
• Name change I f your name has been changed by Deed Poll, legal proof, stamped and signed by a solicitor, is required. This also applies if you’re a divorced woman who has reverted back to her maiden name.
• Adopted I f you are adopted, you’ll need to show your adoption certificate.

How do I obtain a marriage licence?

If you do not have a Certificate of Non Impediment, you will have to plan an itinerary with a stopover in Jakarta to go to the British Embassy, where you can apply for a Certificate. Originals of the necessary documents must be presented at the time of application.

After the wedding ceremony, you will be given a marriage certificate, usually in the Indonesian language. You have two options. You can have your document/certificates translated by a sworn and authorised English translator before you return to the UK, and take them to your local marriage register office. Alternatively, you can have your marriage documents certified in the UK at the Indonesian Embassy, where the documents will be translated before you take them to your local register office.

Where can I find further information?

Indonesian Embassy
38 Grosvenor Square
London
W1X 9AD
Tel: 020‐7499 7661
Fax: 020‐7491 4993
www.indonesianembassy.org.uk

British Embassy
Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 75
Jakarta 10310
Tel: 00 62 21 315 6264
www.ukinindonesia.fco.gov.uk

Bali Tourism Authority
www.balitourismauthority.net

Disclaimer

confetti makes reasonable efforts to obtain data from reliable sources and to keep the contents reasonably accurate. However, specifications and requirements may change and confetti cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content or information. We strongly advise you to consult other sources of information including the embassies or consulates of the countries in question or local lawyers.