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How to Elope in Bali in 2023 [Full Elopement Guide]

bali landscape

Post Summary: If you’ve been searching for a tropical, laid-back, and picture-perfect place to elope outside of the U.S., Bali absolutely HAS to be on your list. Bali is honestly one of the most magical elopement destinations I think I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a LOT), which is why I put together this complete Bali elopement guide. I’ll be taking you through all of the best Bali elopement locations, where to stay for your Bali elopement, fun Bali elopement ideas, & so much more!

beach ocean bali landscape

Where is Bali?

Before we dive into the manyyyy reasons you should elope in Bali, let’s make sure you’re familiar with where Bali even is. Bali is a part of Indonesia, the westernmost island of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Often called the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is known to be a sacred place in the Hindu culture where every temple is thought to be a home of the gods. Bali has such a rich culture & so much history that I highly recommend you spend time learning about during your time on the island!

For reference: Bali is less than half the size of Hawaii’s Big Island, and if you’ve ever been to the Big Island you it’s not even that big! Despite Bali’s fairly small size (just over 2,000 square miles), there is SO much beauty and so many opportunities packed into every corner of this island – you’ll never run out of things to do. 

How to Travel to Bali

To get to Bali, you’ll need to fly into the Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport, located in the south part of Bali. Routes from the U.S. will often stop in Hong Kong and/or Singapore, and are cheaper from the western half of the U.S. (hello fellow PNW friends)!

beach bali landscape

Why Elope in Bali?

By the end of this guide I can almost guarantee you won’t need any more convincing – but even so, let’s talk about why you should elope in Bali.

First of all, Bali is SUCH a calm, laid-back, and welcoming place to visit. Right off the bat it’s easy to see why so many people love visiting this tropical paradise: the locals are super friendly and warm, and everybody is simply having a great time enjoying the stunning landscapes, the culture, and the many opportunities for adventure. 

Bali also makes for an amazing place to elope simply because the picture-perfect scenery is BREATHTAKING. The natural beauty of the island is unreal, boasting vibrant jungles, glorious beaches, lush mountains, and stunning waterfalls galore! It’s an absolute dream come true for outdoor lovers, with endless opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, boating, ATV riding, white water rafting, & so much more.

Finally, the culture of Bali is so unique and fascinating to learn about + experience! Balinese people follow many rituals, customs, & traditions of Hinduism & Buddhism, including a unique form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma (or Balinese Hinduism). It’s incredible to witness the traditions and rituals of this culture firsthand and learn about Bali’s rich history, especially by visiting the sacred temples of the island.

ocean bali landscape

11 Best Places to Elope in Bali

Convinced that you should elope in Bali yet? 😉 If not, let’s keep the ball rollin’ and show you 11 of the best places to elope in Bali that’ll leave your jaw on the floor!

1. Ubud

The green jungles and rolling foothills of Ubud offer some of the most UNREAL scenery in all of Bali – it’s hard to even put into words how stunning this little town in the uplands of Bali is. Home to multiple Hindu temples and shrines, ancient holy sites, and endless rice paddies, Ubud is the center of many of Bali’s artisanal traditions & spiritual life that you just have to experience.

Places you won’t want to miss in Ubud:

monkey

2. Denpasar

Denpasar, the capital of Bali, serves as one of the central hubs of the island and is where the international airport is that you’ll fly into. Located on the southern part of the island, Denpasar boasts lots of historical sites, beautiful beaches, and even a really cool museum!

Places you won’t want to miss in Denpasar:

3. Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a dreamy island southeast of Bali, featuring massive limestone cliffs, gorgeous blue waters, enchanting coves, and pristine white sand beaches. It’s a great place to get away from tourists for a bit, since it’s a quieter island without the restaurants or clubs that other areas of Bali offer!

Places you won’t want to miss in Nusa Penida:

4. Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is another island located southeast of Bali – it’s actually one of the three islands that make up the Nusa Penida district. It’s the most developed of the islands, offering plenty of places to stay + delicious restaurants, and is actually a world-class surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving destination. This is definitely the place to be if you want to explore the waters of Bali and see some amazing coral reefs!

5. Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is home to Pura Tanah Lot, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple that’s now a popular tourist destination & cultural icon. The scenery is absolutely unreal, especially at sunset – this is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore Bali’s most famous landmarks!

6. Uluwatu

Uluwatu, located on the southwestern tip of Bali, is one of the best places to experience crystal blue waters & spectacular clifftop views. It’s a laid-back area of the island, boasting scenic hills and epic surf breaks, and it’s also a great place to experience the local village life. 

cliffside bali landscape

7. Kintamani

Kintamani is definitely one of the most underrated areas in Bali, but is an incredible part of the island to visit thanks to its fresh mountain air, gorgeous hotels, and epic views of the vast Batur Caldera. You can’t visit Kintamani without experiencing the amazing views from the top of the crater (which is still considered an active volcano) and visiting at least one of the village’s sacred temples!

mountain bali landscape

8. Sidemen

Sidemen is probably the most remote location on this list, relatively untouched by tourists and is great for a slower pace + to relax during your time on the island. Check out the many rice fields, lush valleys, and waterfalls of the area and experience this hidden gem in all its glory!

9. Seminyak

Seminyak is a beach resort area in the southern part of Bali, and is perfect if you’re wanting a luxury villa elopement experience! Semionyak is home to plenty of beach clubs, spas, markets, and some of the best restaurants on the island. Add all that to its beautiful white sand beaches + rentable daybeds, and you’ve got an amazing place to call home during your time in Bali!

10. Canggu

Canggu is where most of the digital nomads stay, thanks to its prime location on the south coast of Bali & its plentiful opportunities for surfing, delicious dining, and oceanside cafes. There’s tons of live music and western food in Canggu, which makes it a really fun place to be, and although it doesn’t have white sand beaches or blue waters like Uluwatu, it’s a great hub for fitness & yummy food.

11. Gili Islands

The Gili Islands aren’t technically part of Bali but are just off the shore of it, and definitely deserve an honorary mention on this list. These three small Indonesian islands are pretty much heaven on Earth, offering the most dreamy clear, blue waters for snorkeling + swimming, sea turtles + other sea life galore, massive palm trees, and amazing places to stay!

beach ocean bali landscape

6 Best Places to Stay In Bali

Bali is filled to the brim with dreamy places to stay, whether you’re looking for a private Airbnb villa in the jungle or you want to stay in a luxury resort overlooking the ocean. Here are 6 incredible places to stay on the island for your Bali elopement!

1. Conrad Bali | Nusa Dua

2. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan | Sayan

3. Pelangi Treehouse (Skai Joglo) Airbnb | Kecamatan Ubud

4. Villa Cella Bella Airbnb | Ubud

5. Aura House | Abiansemal

6. Sharma Springs Mansion | Abiansemal

windows and forest

11 Unique Ideas for Your Bali Elopement

I absolutely recommend taking the time to incorporate fun activities, excursions, & adventures into your Bali elopement – it’ll really help you make the most of your time on this dreamy island. Here are 11 unique Bali elopement ideas to help get your ideas flowing!

1. Visit the sacred monkey forest in Ubud

The Ubud Monkey Forest is such a freaking cool & unique place to visit in Bali! Located at Padangtegal Ubud, this sanctuary is home to over 1,200 monkeys and was founded + is preserved based on ancient Hindu principles. The goal of the forest is for people to live in harmony with their environment & nature, and this sanctuary does an amazing job of providing a safe home for these monkeys while also holding spiritual significance to locals!

monkey ancient statue bali landscape

2. Visit the Uluwatu Temple and watch the Kecak Fire Dance

Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese Hindu sea temple that holds a ton of spiritual + historical importance to the culture of Bali. Not only is it located on an absolutely stunning part of the island – it’s also where you can watch one of Bali’s most iconic art performances, the Kecak Fire Dance! This dance takes place on a clifftop amphitheater overlooking the ocean, and is such an awe-inspiring performance that you have to experience during your time on the island.

kecak fire dance

3. Check out the waterfalls

Bali is super famous for its wide variety of stunning waterfalls, so it’s basically required to go waterfall-chasing during your time on the island! 😉 Sekumpul waterfall and Gitgit waterfall are regarded as two of the most popular waterfalls in Bali, and you can also check out this list of the 16 best waterfalls to visit for a better look at all of your options.

4. Explore the temples

As I’ve mentioned multiple times throughout this guide, Bali is a place of incredible spiritual significance, and is home to many sacred temples such as Besakih Temple in the village of Besakih and Tirta Empul Temple, a water temple near Tampaksiring. Every temple is unique, filled with history, and will absolutely take your breath away. Here are 11 of the best temples to visit in Bali!

ancient statue

5. Snorkel through the clear waters 

In addition to its spiritual significance and rich history, Bali is also famous for its clear blue waters that are phenomenal for snorkeling! Whether you visit the Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai or the white sand Virgin Beach in Karangasem, the spectacular waters & reef life are a must-see. The best time for snorkeling in Bali is definitely the dry season, from April to September, when the water will be much more clear & smooth than during the rainy season!

sea turtle

6. Jeep through green jungles and caves

If you want to spend some time exploring the jungles & caves of Bali without putting in the physical effort that hiking requires, taking a Jeep tour is the way to go! You can book a Jeep tour to take you through rice fields, to natural hot springs, through the jungles, and even into caves – it’s definitely one of the coolest & most fun ways to explore the landscapes of bali.

palm rees bali landscape

7. Go white water rafting

Looking for a little more of a thrill? Go white water rafting on the Ayung River, Telaga Waja River, or the Melangit River! I freaking love white water rafting, especially because it’s SUCH a fun excursion to do with a group, and it’s also a totally unique way to experience the beauty of bali. 

8. Shop the markets

If you’ve got a chill day or two in your itinerary, I highly recommend spending some time shopping at the flea & street markets of Bali. You can check out a market close to where you’re staying and enjoy fresh, local food, buy some beautiful art, and really get to experience the local culture!

9. Swim with the manta rays

Another way to experience the gorgeous blue waters of Bali is to go swimming with manta rays – so freaking cool! There are TONS of tours available across the island that’ll take you snorkeling and swimming with these majestic creatures and I can guarantee it’ll be one of the most amazing experiences of your life.

fish in ocean bali landscape

10. Get Balinese massages

In addition to the flea & street markets, you can add in a couples massage to any of your more relaxing days in Bali. There are a ton of luxurious spas that offer incredible Balinese massages, which incorporate traditional healing techniques from all over Southeast Asia – what a perfect way to either start your wedding week or wrap it up before you head home!

11. Do a Balinese cooking class

Finally, the cuisine of Bali is freaking spectacular, so why not learn to cook some of the local dishes on your own & take the recipes home with you? Spend an afternoon taking a Balinese cooking class with your partner and/or any friends you brought along with you, and get to know the culture in a totally new way!

palm tree

How to Get Your Bali Marriage License

There are two ways to elope in Bali as a foreigner:

  1. Have a legal, religious marriage ceremony in Bali
  2. Get legally married in your home country, then have a symbolic ceremony in Bali

In Indonesia, you and your partner must practice the same religion, and you must have a religious ceremony in order for your marriage to be legal. However, if you’re not religious, you can only have a symbolic ceremony. So while you absolutely can go through the process of getting a local marriage license and having a religious ceremony, I recommend doing a symbolic ceremony if you’re a foreigner simply to save you time & money! 

You can read more about the legalities of getting married in Indonesia as a U.S. citizen here.

couple holding each other bali landscape

What to Wear for Your Bali Elopement

When it comes to what to wear for your Bali elopement, you want to make sure you choose outfits that suit the climate, any activities you’re doing, and that are respectful of local culture & sacred spiritual sites.

As far as what to wear for your actual elopement, I recommend picking clothes that are breathable, lightweight, and flowy, such as anything made of linen or cotton. Not only will these types of clothes be easier to pack, they’ll also keep you cool throughout the day! For guys, long-sleeve shirts and long pants made of lightweight materials will be the easiest way to go, or you can opt for dress pants and a lightweight shirt in lieu of a full suit.

Be sure to pack the appropriate footwear, too – sandals for the beach, of course, and hiking shoes if we’re going into the jungle or the mountains!

forest bali landscape

When visiting any temples in Bali, make sure you follow the clothing requirements, which typically include wearing a sarong in order to enter. I recommend bringing one of your own to Bali, borrowing one from a friend, or renting one at the temple. You may also have to remove your shoes if it’s indicated or asked, and you should also cover your shoulders when visiting religious sites.

For help choosing your perfect hiking elopement dress, check out this guide I put together!

statue bali landscape

My Top Bali Travel Tips for Your Elopement

If you’ve never been to Bali, there are a few important things you’ll want to be aware of before you visit for the first time. Here are my top Bali travel tips to keep in mind when planning your Bali elopement!

  1. Only drink bottled water in Bali – no tap water!
  2. There’s lots of traffic, so I recommend either hiring a private driver or using a Grab or GoJek – these are like Uber, but for scooters and are good for 1 person at a time. It’s super cheap to hire a private driver, only around $35-50 for an entire day, soI would recommend taking that route at least for the majority of your trip.
  3. Remember that they drive on the left side of the road in Bali!
  4. It’s normal to barter in Bali, but try and tip as much as you can when visiting local markets.
  5. Indonesia’s currency is called the Rupiah. Currently, 1 USD is equivalent to around 15,500 Indonesian Rupiahs.
  6. They speak Balinese in Bali, which isn’t the same thing as Indonesian.
  7. There are a lot of religions in Bali, but the biggest is Balinese Hindu. Make sure to respect religious & spiritual sites by following any and all indicated rules when it comes to what you wear.
  8. Be sure to check with Bali’s visa requirements at the time you’re planning to visit. Typically you’ll need a visa on arrival if you’re visiting from the U.S.!
statues bali landscape

Best Time of Year to Elope in Bali

Now that you know pretty much everything there is to know about eloping in Bali, the last topic we need to cover is WHEN to elope in Bali! 

Temperatures stay pretty consistent all year round, usually between the 70’s-90’s (Farenheit), but there are two seasons in Bali: the wet season (November-April) and the dry season (April-October).

If you elope in Bali during the wet season, between November and April, travel prices will typically be cheaper since it’s not peak tourism season. This also means you’ll encounter fewer tourists & crowds, especially at more popular locations, which is awesome if you want to enjoy more privacy while you experience the stunning island! However, you’ll obviously have to deal with more rain and higher humidity – but if you’re down to adventure in the rain, then eloping during Bali’s wet season is totally doable.

ocean beach bali landscape

If you elope in Bali during the dry season, between April and October, you’ll be visiting most of the popular locations along with tons of other tourists. So I recommend finding some locations that aren’t as well-known & are a bit more off-the-beaten-path to help you experience Bali in the most peaceful, magical way possible! Travel prices are usually higher during these months since it’s peak tourism season, but the weather is wayyy better especially if you want to spend lots of time swimming, snorkeling, and in the sun in general.

In conclusion: the best time of year to elope in Bali is between September-October and April-May, depending on what activities you’re looking to do + what your priorities are!

food on platter

Bali Elopement Photographer

Hey friend, I’m Katie – a Bali elopement photographer and lover of all things travel, adventure, and, well, love! I’ve always been addicted to traveling around the world, so getting to experience the magic of different cultures + countries with rad couples is a freaking dream come true. I can’t say enough about how epic of an elopement location Bali is (clearly, since I just wrote a whole essay about it), and I would LOVE nothing more than to help you plan your epic Bali elopement adventure. 

You can learn more about my approach to elopement photography here and get to know me here to see if we’d be a good fit – it would be an honor to travel to this amazing place to celebrate with you!

forest bali landscape

Bali Elopement Packages and Pricing

Elopement Packages and Pricing for Bali

  • Full day of elopement photography coverage anywhere in Bali
  • Your own personal elopement guide & consultant
    • Unique and personalized location scouting
    • Vendor recommendations
    • Permit and marriage license assistance
    • Hand-crafted elopement timeline
    • Created just-for-you activity list
    • Unlimited guides and resources
    • 100+ page How to Elope Guidebook
  • Optional complimentary officiant service
  • Digital online gallery with full resolution image and printing rights
  • Sneak peek images within 1 week
  • Photographer travel fees covered anywhere in Bali

Starting at $10,000

If you loved reading through this in-depth Bali elopement guide, I’ve got plenty more helpful elopement resources for you to check out – here are a few of my recent favorites!

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