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, making bali weddings increasingly sought after. There’s so many incredible spots to have your ceremony, unique traditions, and lots of amazing vendors to work with!

But here’s the thing. Planning a wedding halfway around the world isn’t exactly easy. Trust me, I’ve seen couples stress about everything from permits to weather to whether their grandma can handle the flight.

That’s why I’m writing this.

Getting Legally Married in Bali

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 practiced 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. Indonesia requires both of you to have the same religion for legal ceremonies. 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 Have Your Bali Weddings (Weather Reality Check)

Bali is located in Indonesia, one of the western most islands. It’s absolutely beautiful and an incredible location for a unique wedding day.

Bali has two seasons and they’re pretty different.

Wet season runs November to April. Yeah, it rains. Sometimes a lot. But honestly? The island is incredible during this time. Everything’s super green, fewer tourists, and you’ll save serious money on venues and hotels.

Dry season is April to October. Perfect weather, but everyone and their mother is here. Prices go up, beaches get crowded, and good luck getting that Instagram shot without random people in the background.

Here’s what I tell all my couples: April, May, September, or October are your sweet spots. You get decent weather without the crazy crowds. Plus the light during these months? Chef’s kiss

Just avoid July and August unless you love paying tourist prices.

The Best Bali Weddings Venues

Rice Terraces and Mountain Spots

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 weddings locations for elopements.

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: This place is unreal. UNESCO World Heritage site in Tabanan, and for good reason. You’re literally surrounded by these ancient rice terraces that go on forever. The drive takes about 2 hours from Seminyak, but it’s worth it. Hardly any tourists, incredible views, and the farmers are super friendly. Just bring bug spray because the mosquitoes.
• Mount Batur: If you’re into adventure, this is your spot. Sunrise ceremonies here are absolutely magical, but you’ll need to start hiking at like 3 AM. No joke. The views are amazing, but your guests better be in decent shape. It’s not a casual walk. Also, bring layers because it gets cold up there before sunrise.

Waterfall Venues (My Personal Favorites)

• 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. This is where I take couples who want waterfall vibes without the extreme hike. My only complaint? It’s getting more popular, so go early if you want it to yourselves.

Beach and Cliff Locations

• Kelingking Beach: This beach and its overlook are some of the most breathtaking places in Bali – perfect for incredible, jaw-dropping elopement portraits! It’s stunning, no doubt. But getting there is a whole day trip from mainland Bali. You’ll need to take a boat to Nusa Penida, then drive about an hour on pretty rough roads. Worth it for the photos, but plan accordingly.

Still need a wedding place in Bali? Check out this list.

Where to Stay for Your Bali Wedding

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! 

Don’t miss out on these fun things to do Bali while you’re here!

What you need to know before you have your Bali Weddings

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. Don’t drink tap water. Ever. Brush your teeth with bottled water.

#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! 

Cool Stuff to Do During Your Bali Wedding Week

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. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Monkeys everywhere, ancient temples, and really cool vibes. Just watch your stuff because those monkeys will steal anything shiny.

• 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. 

Why Bali Weddings Are Actually Worth It

Here’s the honest truth: Bali weddings aren’t just about pretty photos.

The scenery is incredible. But there’s something else here. Maybe it’s the spiritual energy everyone talks about, or maybe it’s just being so far from everything that you actually focus on each other.

I’ve photographed weddings all over the world. Bali hits different.

The Balinese people genuinely want your wedding to be special. Your driver will probably give you marriage advice. The flower lady at the market will throw in extra blooms for good luck. Random strangers will smile and wave when they see you in wedding clothes. It’s cheesy, but it’s also real.

Plus, let’s be honest. Your wedding photos are going to be absolutely incredible. Every direction you look is basically a postcard.

Looking for more of a Bali elopement? Get our full guide.

Ready to Make This Happen?

Look, planning a Bali wedding from thousands of miles away is stressful. I get it.

That’s where we come in.

At Thin Spaces, we’ve been a Bali wedding photographer for years. We know which vendors are reliable, which locations work best for your style, and how to make sure everything runs smoothly.

More importantly, we know how to capture the real moments. Not just the posed stuff, but the way you look at each other when you think no one’s watching. The nervous laughter before the ceremony. Your mom crying when she sees you in your dress.

We’re not just photographers and videographers. We’re the friends who make sure your Bali wedding actually happens the way you dreamed it would.

Want to talk about making your Bali wedding amazing? Let’s figure out how to turn your Pinterest board into real life. Because honestly? You only get one wedding. Make it count.