Most nationalities can be legally married in Bali and have this union recognised by the authorities in their home country. Below are some important things to understand about organising a legal wedding in Bali.
Don't forget that your Botanica Weddings planner will guide you through the process, organise all of your documentation and translations, chaperone your embassy visit and assist you all the way.
Recently Indonesia has made some changes to the Legal Wedding requirements. Below you will find the most updated information.
Important information
To be legally married in Bali so that it is recognized in your country, there is certain criteria and requirements that you must meet. For example, you must have a religious ceremony and declare to be of the same faith. There are few recognized religions in Bali, Indonesia that is possible to be done for your legal wedding being Catholic, Protestant, Moslem and Buddhist. This ceremony is based on the couple's religion; At Botanica Weddings, we offer Christian services to ensure we comply with the legal requirements in Indonesia and complement the service performed by your chosen celebrant.
If you are not religious, or you as a couple practice different religions, we respectfully recommend that you opt for either a Christian or Protestant ceremony. Otherwise, it will unfortunately not be possible for you to marry legally in Indonesia.
**Officially, you must be in Bali 14 days prior to enable a legal wedding.
Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage (CNI)
Indonesian authorities require that all foreigners planning to marry in Indonesia obtain a "CNI" (Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage) before the wedding.
This is simply a letter from your Consulate or Embassy representative in Indonesia stating that there is no objection you to getting married in Indonesia.
Every country has a different process to obtain the CNI. Some countries do not have an embassy in Bali or Indonesia, which means that a legal wedding is not possible in Indonesia. Please talk to your planner if you believe you fall into this category.
Australians can obtain a CNI at the Australian Consulate in Bali prior to your wedding day, Monday - Friday from 9 - 2 pm except for public holidays & Wednesdays. Should you not be Australian, we will guide you through the process that is applicable to your home country.
UPDATE: As of March 2020, we have been advised that CNI by Proxy is no longer permitted. We are investigating this; please talk to your planner if you are considering a legal wedding.
*** The CNI must be obtained at least 14 days prior to your wedding for the local Civil Registry to accept your marriage application. We can apply for you by proxy if you cannot travel to Bali to arrive at least 14 days beforehand but still want to be legally married in Bali. Additional charges apply and are P.O.A. Notice of at least 4 months' notice is required to make the application by proxy arrangements.***
Requirement for a Religious Ceremony
In Indonesia, it is the law that before the civil registrar in Bali can legalise the ceremony, the couple must undertake a religious ceremony to confirm their union. We generally recommend this takes place as a subtle part of your wedding ceremony. This ceremony is based on the couple's religion; who must be of the same religion to be legally married in Indonesia. At Botanica Weddings, we offer Christian services to ensure we comply with the legal requirements in Indonesia and to complement the service performed by your chosen celebrant.
If you are not religious, or you as a couple practice different religions, we respectfully recommend that you opt for a Christian ceremony (see FAQs for further details)
Christian Protestant Ceremonies
A letter confirming your baptism is required for Christian Protestant ceremonies. If you have not been baptised, you can opt to be baptised in Bali. We can assist with this and obtain quotations for you.
Documentation Required 2 months prior to your wedding:
The following documentation will be required in order to process your marriage certificate in Indonesia:
-Copies of passport for the bride & groom
-Copies of birth certificates for the bride & groom
-Copies of baptism certificates for the bride & groom
-Copies of passports for the two witnesses
-Personal data form
-Death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)
-Divorce certificate (if applicable)
-Depol / Change of name certificate ( if applicable )
-Certificate Non-Impediment to Marriage
-Post original CNI certificate to Botanica Weddings
Consulate Visit to Bali -
Botanica Weddings will arrange your consulate visit in Bali prior to your wedding ( 14 days before the wedding ) in order to obtain the Certificate of Non-Impediment to Marriage (CNI). This can only be obtained in Indonesia.
Please ensure you bring the following documentation along:
-Original passports for the bride & groom
-Original death certificate of former spouse (if applicable)
-Original divorce certificate (if applicable)
-The consulate fee of IDR 1.470.000 in cash or approximately AU$140 (for the Australia Consulate), you can pay cash in Indonesia rupiah, or you can pay with your Australian Card, which you will pay directly to the embassy during your visit.
Upon Bali arrival
-Eight photographs (6 x 4 cm) of the couple in the same photo. Photo must be of the head & shoulders only, side by side, looking straight ahead, with red background. These photos will be attached to your wedding certificate. (These photos will be taken in Bali, Botanica Weddings will arrange this for you. Costs are included as part of the legal wedding selection)
-The police report, Botanica Wedding team will obtain for you (Costs are included as part of the legal wedding selection )
Baptism Certificate
If you are not baptised and would like to proceed with a legal wedding, we can assist you with this by arranging a Christian Baptism upon your arrival in Bali.
A Baptism Ceremony can be done in Bali a few days prior to your wedding
The Pastor will come to your place of accommodation to perform the baptism
This procedure will be a Holy Water Splash Ceremony and will take approximately 45 minutes.
$225 per couple or $141 per person
Please note that all pricing is subject to change at any time.