Bali is one of the most beautiful places in the world - and one of the most romantic, too. If you’re dreaming of a tropical elopement or intimate wedding day, choosing Bali as your destination is a smart choice! Not only is Bali beautiful, but it’s become a very popular location for tourists in the last few years. There’s so many incredible spots to have your ceremony, unique traditions, and lots of amazing vendors to work with!
2023 Guide of How to Elope in Bali, Indonesia
How to Get a Marriage License
In order to be married legally in Bali, you have to get a marriage license. Luckily, the process is pretty easy and inexpensive. To be married, you and your partner must have practice the same religion. For your marriage to be legally recognized in Indonesia, you must have a religious ceremony. Bali recognizes the main religions of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. You will be required to have both a legal and religious ceremony - in the same spot on the same day. This is a great resource to better understand the marriage laws in Indonesia!
Now, if you’re eloping in Bali and are not religious, you can have a symbolic ceremony. Symbolic ceremonies can offer you a lot of flexibility for your wedding day! In this case, you’ll be married at home in a civil ceremony and then have your symbolic ceremony in Bali at the location of your choosing! Personally, I highly recommend this option to save you time and money on the day of your wedding.
When to Elope in Bali
Bali is located in Indonesia, one of the western most islands. It’s absolutely beautiful and an incredible location for a unique wedding day. Given its physical location, Bali really only has two seasons: a wet and a dry season. Wet season lasts from November to April. It’s marked by high rain, temperatures, and humidity. Because of the weather, the tourists drop off - and things get much cheaper… but you need back up plans for just about everything you do. The perk is that busy tourist locations will be much more open. If you’re okay with traveling with rain and humidity, then go for it!
Dry season lasts from April to October. While the weather is gorgeous, it’s also peak tourist season… which means everything will get more expensive for you. Temperatures will stay between the 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit year round, by the way! Like I mentioned, more tourists will be around this time of year - which can make specific popular locations even busier.
With all of that in mind, I highly recommend eloping in Bali in April, May, September or October. As the seasons begin, things may be a little less busy! Regardless, Bali is beautiful year round and you really can’t make a wrong choice about when to elope in Bali, as long as you know you might have more rain or tourists to navigate!
Where to Elope in Bali
Whether you want to elope overlooking a waterfall, on the beach, in the jungle, or even at one of the 5-star resorts in Bali, there’s definitely options for you! Here’s a quick list of some of my favorite Bali locations for elopements (and watch for next week’s blog talking about these places in more depth!).
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: While it’s a popular attraction for tourists, the rice terraces are massive - meaning privacy is definitely an option!
Mount Batur: Adventurous? Try eloping on an active volcano! There’s a beautiful lake and it's a great spot to watch the sunrise.
NungNung Waterfall: Dreaming of a secluded waterfall as the backdrop for your elopement? Look no further than this incredible spot!
Tibumana Waterfall: Located in Ubud, this quiet waterfall is a dream backdrop for anyone wanting to elope in the forest.
Kelingking Beach: This beach and its overlook are some of the most breathtaking places in Bali - perfect for incredible, jaw-dropping elopement portraits!
Where to Stay for Your Elopement in Bali
One of the best parts about Bali is that they offer some truly incredible hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs for extremely affordable rates. While you’re traveling in for your elopement, you’ll find lots of wonderful options for lodging. Here’s a few of the best and most popular places to stay in Bali:
Loft Style Villa with Pool and Ricefield View (Airbnb): This beautiful Airbnb brings the comfort of New York City to Bali. The architecture screams city chic while you enjoy views of Bali’s rice fields. It’s elegant and comfortable all at once. I personally LOVE the floor plan and amount of natural light (which would be great for your wedding photos!).
Conrad Bali (Resort): As a 5-star luxury resort on the coast of Nusa Dua, Conrad Bali is the epitome of beach luxury. Enjoy romantic dinners, private rooms, floating meals, and so much more here! They even have a spot for your wedding day - if you want to elope right on site.
Cozy Boutique Villa (Airbnb): This beautiful Airbnb is what I think of when I think tropical luxury. Cozy Boutique Villa is a stunning home filled with Balinese details, a beautiful outdoor space, lush greenery, and a private pool. Another great location for wedding portraits and getting ready before you elope!
Private Villas of Bali (Hotel): Private Villas of Bali is a luxury villa hotel located right on the beach in the southern part of Bali. They’ve got incredible views of the ocean from angles. Located in Gapura Vista, a beautiful cliff top luxury residential area, it’s quiet, romantic, and private.
Four Seasons Resort at Bali at Sayan (Resort): With incredible villas in the cultural heart of Bali, the Four Seasons Resort is a wonderful spot to fully relax around your elopement. They offer an assortment of villas overlooking the river, as well as activities to enjoy throughout your stay.
Pelangi Treehouse (Airbnb): You know I love a good treehouse, and the Pelangi Treehouse in Ubud is no exception. This semi-floating home is simply stunning. You’ll be immersed in the Bali jungle during your stay in a home built by incredible local artisans. It’s a unique spot to relax as a couple!
What to Know About Bali Before You Arrive
Bali is an incredible place to visit - and there’s so much to do and see. Here’s a few things you should know to have a safe and enjoyable trip!
#1: Only drink bottled water.
The local water can make you sick, so plan to buy and drink only bottled water so you stay healthy during your visit.
#2: You can barter.
It’s very normal to barter in Bali. Plan to tip as much as you can while visiting local markets, but don’t be afraid to barter if you feel something should be priced lower. Be aware of the conversation rate, too. Currently $1 US dollar is worth 15,327 Indonesian Rupiahs.
#3: Their roads are busy!
When going between locations, allow yourself extra time and be patient. Their roads are always congested. You can definitely get a private driver for less than $50/day, so that’s a great option. Things similar to Uber, like Grab or GoJek exist but be mindful of how many people can be on one vehicle at a time. If you do drive, remember to drive on the left side of the road!
#4: Bring a good pair of shoes.
One of the best ways to get around is to walk, so bring a pair of shoes that are comfortable! If you plan to hike or see any of the natural sites, you’ll also want a good pair of hiking boots or shoes for that. Be mindful of what you plan to do when you visit Bali when you pack!
#5: Be mindful of local traditions.
In Bali, the locals speak Balinese - which is different from Indonesian. Additionally, there are many religions in Bali, but the most popular is Balinese Hindu. If you visit any spiritual sites, remember to check how to dress and be respectful to the site and culture as a foreigner.
Popular Tourist Sites in Bali
Around your elopement, you should definitely check out some of the unique experiences that Bali has to offer! Bali has some of the most beautiful sunsets and jungles in the world, so they’re definitely worth exploring!
Top Places to Visit in Bali:
The Sacred Monkey Sanctuary is a great option to get close with wildlife. It’s home to over 1200 monkeys and was founded on Hindu principles.
Take a trip to Bali’s waterpark, Waterbom for a day of water, sun, and fun!
Check out the local farmer’s market or one of the other incredible local markets. Bali has some amazing vendors and creators - so don’t miss a chance to check out their wares!
Learn more about the history of Bali’s endless temples. Bali is a well-known spiritual site and many incredible temples exist around the island.
Spend the day on the beach! Bali has great options for just relaxing and enjoying the view. From April to November (the dry season), the snorkeling in Bali is off the charts!
Try some incredible gelato at Gusto Gelato & Cafe
Go waterfall chasing! Bali has some of the best waterfalls (and sunsets) in the whole world. Two of the most popular include the Sekumpul and Gitgit waterfalls.
If you want to see something more traditional, consider visiting the Uluwatu Temple and watch the Kecak Fire Dance! Seeing more of the Balinese traditions is such an incredible gift.
Want more destination elopement inspiration?
5 Reasons to Elope in Bali | The Best Places to Elope in Scotland - Isle of Skye | Tips to Plan Your Elopement in Scotland | Why You Should Plan a Magical Elopement in Scotland | 5 Reasons to Elope
Cheers, I'm
ANNA CLAIRE
I am most passionate about travel, meeting new people, and storytelling. Which is exactly why I created Thin Spaces Productions to combine all of my loves into one mission. After graduating college, I moved to South East Asia to be a travel photographer. It wasn’t long until I started shooting elopements.
South East Asia has completely captured my heart, which is why I love helping couples plan their elopement in Bali. I have found that Bali is one of the most beautiful places on earth which also unlocks your inner child. It has become a little piece of my heart that I cannot wait to share with you.