Bali is known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and stunning sunsets. It’s no surprise that it has become a popular wedding destination for couples from all over the world.
However, getting legally married in Bali can be a complex and expensive process. In this article, we will guide you through the requirements and process of getting legally married in Bali, as well as provide some tips on how to make the process easier.
We will also discuss why it is so expensive and complicated and advise couples to consider non-legal weddings as an alternative.
Contents
Requirements for Getting Legally Married in Bali.
To legally get married in Bali, there are several requirements that must be met. These include:
- Both parties must be at least 21 years old.
- Both parties must not be closely related by blood or marriage.
- Both parties must have never been married before or have proof of divorce or death certificate if previously married.
- Both parties must have a valid passport and an Indonesian Tax Identification Number (NPWP).
- Both parties must complete the necessary paperwork, including the Notice of Intention to Marry (Surat Keterangan Berencana Menikah) and the Civil Registry Application (Permohonan Pencatatan Perkawinan).
- Both parties must have two witnesses over the age of 18 years old.
- The ceremony must be performed by a licensed Indonesian religious minister or a civil registry official.
Process of Getting Legally Married in Bali
The process of getting legally married in Bali can be time-consuming and complicated. It can take A week or months to complete all the necessary paperwork, and the couple must be present in Bali for at least seven days before the wedding ceremony.
There are several process includes the following steps:
- Complete the Notice of Intention to Marry (Surat Keterangan Berencana Menikah) and the Civil Registry Application (Permohonan Pencatatan Perkawinan) at the Civil Registry Office (Kantor Catatan Sipil).
- Obtain a letter of no impediment from your embassy or consulate in Bali.
- Obtain a letter of no impediment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta.
- Submit all the necessary documents to the Civil Registry Office.
- Wait for the publication of the marriage banns for 10 days.
- Get married in a ceremony performed by a licensed Indonesian religious minister or a civil registry official.
- Obtain a marriage certificate from the Civil Registry Office.
Expensive and Complicated?
The process of getting legally married in Bali is expensive and complicated for a few reasons:
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Legal requirements
To get legally married in Bali, couples must fulfill certain legal requirements, such as obtaining a “Certificate of No Impediment” from their home country, obtaining a “Letter of Intent to Marry” from the Indonesian embassy or consulate, and obtaining a “Marriage Certificate” from the local civil registry office in Bali Etc.
These requirements can be complex and require a lot of paperwork, which can increase the overall cost of the process.
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Language barrier
For couples who do not speak Indonesian, it may be necessary to hire a translator or a wedding planner who can help navigate the legal requirements and translate the documents. This additional service can add to the overall cost of the process.
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Time and effort
The process of obtaining legal marriage paperwork in Bali can be time-consuming and requires a lot of effort on the part of the couple.
This may involve multiple trips to different government offices, obtaining various documents, and waiting in line for long periods of time. The time and effort required can add to the overall cost of the process.
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Complex bureaucracy
The bureaucracy involved in obtaining legal marriage paperwork in Bali can also contribute to the high cost. The process may involve dealing with multiple government agencies, each with their own rules, procedures, and fees.
Navigating this complex system can be time-consuming and may require the help of a local wedding planner or lawyer, which can add to the overall cost.
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Location
The cost of legal marriage paperwork may also depend on the location of the wedding in Bali. Some areas may have different requirements or fees, which can affect the overall cost.
For example, getting married in a remote location or on a private island may require additional paperwork or fees to obtain a permit, which can increase the cost.
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Extra services
In addition to the legal requirements, couples may also choose to pay for additional services, such as professional photography or videography, floral arrangements, or customized wedding favors.
These extra services can add to the overall cost of the wedding, including the cost of obtaining legal marriage paperwork.
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Seasonal demand
Bali is a popular wedding destination and certain times of the year may have higher demand, which can drive up the cost of legal marriage paperwork and other wedding services.
For example, peak wedding season in Bali is typically from May to September, and prices may be higher during this time.
Overall, the cost of obtaining legal marriage paperwork in Bali can vary depending on a variety of factors, but it’s important for couples to understand the legal requirements and budget accordingly.
Non-Legal Wedding Options
For couples who do not want to go through the expensive and complicated process of getting legally married in Bali, there are non-legal wedding options available. These include:
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Destination weddings
Many couples choose to have a destination wedding in a beautiful location like Bali or Hawaii, but they don’t want to go through the hassle of obtaining a legal marriage license in that country. In this case, they may choose to have a symbolic ceremony instead.
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Commitment ceremonies
As mentioned earlier, commitment ceremonies are a popular option for couples who want to show their love and commitment to each other but don’t want to get legally married. These ceremonies can be as elaborate or as simple as the couple desires.
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Elopement ceremonies
Couples who want to get married in a more private setting, without the traditional fanfare of a wedding, may choose to have an elopement ceremony.
This type of ceremony can be as simple as a couple exchanging vows and rings in a park or as elaborate as a couple renting out an entire venue for a small group of friends and family.
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Renewal of vows ceremonies
Couples who are already legally married may choose to renew their vows in a ceremony that is not legally binding.
This is often done to celebrate a significant milestone in the relationship, such as a big anniversary or overcoming a major obstacle together.
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Symbolic Ceremony
A symbolic ceremony is a non-legally binding ceremony that is performed by a celebrant. It is a popular option for couples who want to have a wedding ceremony but do not want to go through the legal process.
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Blessing Ceremony
A blessing ceremony is a non-legally binding ceremony that is performed by a religious leader. It is a popular option for couples who want to have a religious wedding ceremony without going through the legal process.
Read Also : How to Prepare for Any Weather on Your Wedding Day in Bali, Indonesia
In each of these examples, the couple is choosing to have a non-legally binding ceremony for personal or practical reasons. It’s important to note that while these ceremonies may not be legally binding, they can still be just as meaningful and special as a traditional wedding.
It is a popular choice for many couples to have a symbolic ceremony or commitment ceremony in Bali rather than a legally binding one.
There are a few reasons why couples choose to do this ; Advantages of Non-Legal Weddings
Non-legal weddings in Bali have several advantages over legally binding weddings.
Firstly, They are much less expensive, as they do not require the services of a legal consultant .
Secondly, They are much less complicated, as the paperwork requirements are much simpler.
Thirdly, They are much more flexible, as there are no legal requirements that need to be met.
Conclusion
Getting legally married in Bali can be an expensive and complicated process, but there are non-legal wedding options available that can be just as beautiful and memorable.
Read Also : Wedding Planning on a Budget: Tips and Tricks for a Beautiful and Affordable Celebration
Destination Weddings, Commitment ceremonies, Elopement Ceremonies, Renewal of vows Ceremonies, Symbolic ceremonies, and Blessing ceremonies are all great alternatives for couples who want to have a wedding ceremony without the legal hassle.
Whatever option you choose, Bali is sure to provide a stunning backdrop for your special day.
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