Getting married in Bali is a dream for many couples. The thought of saying “I do” on a beautiful beach is the ultimate romantic fantasy. While the ceremony is a beautiful dream, the legal process can seem confusing.
But don’t worry! The process is very straightforward with the right preparation. As your friendly hosts at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we created this simple guide. It explains the legal requirements for foreigners. We want to help you on your way to a perfect and legally recognized Bali wedding.
1. The Two Essential Ceremonies
The key to a legally recognized marriage in Bali is understanding this. You need to have two different ceremonies. They must be on the same day. One happens right after the other.
- The Religious Ceremony: According to Indonesian law, a marriage must first have a religious ceremony. A representative of one of Indonesia’s five official religions performs it. The religions are Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, or Buddhism. You and your partner must both declare the same religion for this ceremony.
- The Civil Ceremony: A government official from the Indonesian Civil Registry Office arrives immediately after the religious ceremony. They conduct a short civil ceremony. They record the marriage. This step makes your wedding legally binding in Indonesia and internationally.
2. The Most Important Document: Your CNI
Before any ceremony can happen, you need one crucial document. You must get it from your home country’s representatives in Indonesia.
- What it is: This document is a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI). It is a sworn statement. It confirms that you are legally single and free to marry. Different countries may call it by another name, but the purpose is the same.
- How to get it: You must get this from your country’s embassy or consulate in Indonesia. This should be one of your very first planning steps. It can take some time to process.
3. Your Document Checklist
Being well-prepared with the right paperwork is the secret to a stress-free process. Specific requirements may change slightly by nationality. However, here is a general checklist of the documents you and your partner will likely need:
- Valid Passports (with at least 6 months of validity remaining)
- Full Birth Certificates (the original or a certified copy)
- The CNI from your consulate in Indonesia
- Divorce Decree Absolute (if you have been previously married)
- Passport-sized photographs of the couple together (usually in a specific side-by-side pose)
- Photocopies of the passports of your two witnesses
Note: Any documents not in English may need to be officially translated into Indonesian.
4. The Role of an Expert Wedding Team
You can arrange the legalities yourself. However, managing the process with your consulate and Indonesian officials can be complex and time-consuming. This is where an expert team can be very helpful. The wedding planners at a romantic wedding resort have the experience to handle all the paperwork. They coordinate with the religious and civil officials. They also ensure every detail is perfect. This removes all the stress from you.
Let Us Guide You Through the Process
At Merusaka Nusa Dua, our dedicated wedding specialists are more than just planners. They are experts in the legal and logistical aspects of a Bali wedding. We can guide you through every step of the legal process. This includes advising on the necessary documents. We also coordinate with all the official parties. We ensure your journey to saying “I do” is as smooth and beautiful as the ceremony itself.
