Bali is an amazing elopement location. The vast and diverse landscape can bring you so many different things, such as the crystal clear water, jungles, waterfalls, and cliff-sides. This guide is going to go over everything you need to consider, such as locations, crowds, seasons, and permits. Read on to find out exactly how to elope in Bali, and see the most beautiful Bali elopement locations.

Where is Bali

Bali is an island and province of Indonesia located in Southeast Asia. To fly to Bali from the US, the best airport to arrive at is Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’s the main international airport in Bali, and located near the capital. From there, I highly recommend renting a car or a driver to get you around!

When to Elope in Bali

The best time to elope in Bali is in the early fall. This is when there is the least rain, as well as the least amount of crowds! However, it’s smart to look into each season and decide what will be best for you and your partner. Bali is super close to the equater, meaning it doesn’t really have the traditional four seasons. It instead has a rainy and dry season. Here is what those look like:

Rainy Season

Rainy season is from November to March. This is when there are lot of heavy rainstorms, high humidity, and the ocean is a lot more volatile. However, that doesn’t stop people from going on holiday in Bali. So December and January can even be a busy time there, despite the rainy season. That means prices for things like flights and hotels will be more expensive during those months.

Dry Season

Dry season in Bali is from April to October. Spring is a great time to go to Bali, but it’s the tail end of the “wet season” so you’re a bit more likely to encounter some storms. Summer is peak season, when most people visit Bali. Flights and hotels are most expensive at this time. September and October are the best times, in my opinoin, to avoid crowds, rain, humidity, and high costs!

How to Get a Marriage License in Bali

You do not need to be a resident of Bali to get married here, and you have two different options for this. First, you can go the simple route. This includes going to your local courthouse prior to your elopement, and doing the paperwork there. This ensures that you’ll be legally married, and can simply celebrate your union in Bali!

However, if it’s important to you to do the legal bits abroad, here is how to get a marriage license in Bali

Eligibility:

• Religion: Indonesian law requires that both parties be of the same religion. If not, one partner must convert. Bali predominantly observes Hinduism, but the country recognizes other religions like Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.
• Citizenship: Ensure that both parties are legally eligible to marry. Different rules may apply depending on your nationality.

Required Documents:

• Passports: Copies of both parties’ passports and the originals for verification.
• Birth Certificates: Copies of both parties’ birth certificates.
• CNI (Certificate of No Impediment): This certificate states that both parties are free to marry and can be obtained from your country’s embassy or consulate in Indonesia.
• Declaration of Religion: A statement declaring the religion you will marry under, as recognized by Indonesian law.
• Proof of Divorce (if applicable): If either party has been previously married, you must provide a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse.
• Photos: Passport-sized photos of the couple.

Obtaining the CNI:

• Visit your embassy or consulate in Indonesia to apply for the Certificate of No Impediment.Requirements may vary by country, so check with your specific embassy for the necessary documentation and fees.

Finalizing the Marriage:

• Submit all required documents to the Civil Registry Office in the regency where the marriage will take place.Pay the required fees.Attend the civil registration ceremony, if required. In some cases, this might be done simultaneously with the religious ceremony.
• Pay the required fees.Attend the civil registration ceremony, if required. In some cases, this might be done simultaneously with the religious ceremony.
• After the ceremonies, you will receive two marriage certificates: one from the religious institution and one from the Civil Registry Office.Ensure that the civil marriage certificate is legalized and, if needed, translated into your home country’s language for recognition.
• Ensure that the civil marriage certificate is legalized and, if needed, translated into your home country’s language for recognition.

How to Elope in Bali

You plan a Bali elopement in similar ways as you’d plan any adventure elopement. There are a few major steps, and you can read about those here on my thorough guide on how to elope. For this Bali elopement guide, I’m going over the major things you’ll need to consider!

1. DECIDE IF YOU’RE HAVING GUESTS

This is an imperative part of the planning process for elopements. This is because some guests won’t have the hiking ability, some might not want to travel, and some locations will have a cap on the amount of guests you’re allowed to bring. Choosing a location will be much easier once you’ve determine who you’re inviting, and how many guests total you’ll have.

2.HIRE YOUR BALI ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

This might feel early in the planning process, but bear with me. Elopements don’t have wedding planners. Most elopement photographers have taken it upon themselves to help couples with some of the planning. Many actually help you find your location! And they will think of things you might not have considered, such as: lighting, elevation, difficulty in hiking in a dress, permits, and so much more.

Each elopement photographer offers something different. Personally, I send my couples a customized list of locations based on their preferences, hiking ability, who they want to invite, and what they want to see. I also help them determine lodging options, get permits, get their marriage license, recommend vendors, and create a comprehensive day of timeline, and offer unlimited guidance calls for any questions along the way.

The being said, hiring your Bali elopement photographer early is going to take a massive amount of planning stress off of your shoulders. Wanna chat? Contact me here!

3.DETERMINE WHAT WEATHER YOU WANT TO BE IN

This is going to help you choose a date and location. Places like Bali have a similar temp year round, but different times of the year will bring more crowds and higher prices. Determine what type of weather you want to be in, and research what each season brings, and this will greatly help you determine a time of year for your elopement, as well as a general region. 

4.PICK YOUR BALI ELOPEMENT LOCATION

Once you’ve decided on how much you’d like to hike, how many guests are coming, your ideal weather, and the landscapes you want, you’re ready to deep dive into researching Bali elopement locations. Finding the perfect spot will be a lot simpler after considering all of your needs and logistics.

This is information I collect from my couples through a questionnaire, and then use to make a customized list of Bali elopement location options for them.

5.HIRE VENDORS

Once you have your location, it’s time to consider if there’s anything you need vendors for. Do you need any event rentals? Do you want a friend or family to officiate, or do you want to hire an officiant? Will you go out to eat, or do you want something catered, like a meal at an Airbnb from a private chef?

Figure out what extra services you may want, and hire your vendors in advance!

6.GET YOUR PERMITS

You will need to get the correct permits for your elopement. These are usually “special use” permits that you apply for on the National Parks website, or National Forest/BLM website.

Personally, I get all permit information for my eloping couples that hire me. With that, all you need to do is fill out the application when it’s sent to you and pay the fee. Fee’s vary, but are usually around $150 or less.

7.CHOOSE ADDITIONAL ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES

Activities are such a fun part of an elopement. When you choose to elope, you’re opening yourself up to having a wedding day celebration that feels unique and resonates with you. Incorporate things that will elevate your elopement day experience. Here’s just a few ideas to get you brainstorming:

• Going on a hike
• Having a bonfire
• Having a picnic on a mountain top
• Star-gazing or astrophotography
• Swimming
• Cliff jumping
• Visiting waterfalls
• Camping
• Glamping
• Hiring a private chef
• Hot air balloon ride
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Exchanging gifts
• Reading letters from friends or family

8. MAKE A DAY-OF TIMELINE

Making a timeline is an important part of any elopement. It strings together all of your locations, activities, and lets guests know where to be and when. Creating a well thought out timeline will help you feel relaxed during the day, instead of stressed or rush. Make sure to include drive times as well as buffer times between each “event.”

Here are the things I include in the timelines I make for my couples:

• All addresses
• Sunrise time
• Sunset time
• Drive times
• A linke to Accuweather
• A list of all names for group shots
• Vendor info
• Emergency contact info
• A packing list

Lodging in Bali

Lodging is important when it comes to elopements. A lot of couples incorporate their lodging into aspects of their wedding day. For example, getting ready + getting ready photos, a first look, an intimate reception with friends, a dinner made by a private chef, etc. Once you’ve decided what you’ll incorporate in your day, pick a location that will allow everything you want to include.

If you want to host an intimate reception, I highly recommend a vacation rental such as a cabin or an Airbnb. You can also stay at hotels, resorts, chalets, campgrounds, etc. Here are some amazing lodging options near Bali:

• Samanvaya
• Sumberkima Retreat
• Padma Resort
• The Anvaya
• List of Airbnb’s in Bali

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Bali

If you get legally married in Bali, the paperwork and legal bits will cost between $200-$400. Bali is seriously cheap once you get there, so this location will give you the option to spend less and still have a full on luxury elopement. That being said, most couples spend an average of $5000-$20,000 on their elopement. This includes flights, lodging, permits, vendors, wedding attire, meals, and anything extra a couple might want.

Bali Elopement Locations

There are endless amounts of Bali elopement locations to choose from. From mountains, waterfalls, islands, beaches and more. As an elopement photographer, I make a customized location list for my couples based on their needs, this includes: landscape, drive times, how much they do or don’t want to hike, ideal weather, and guest count. For now, here are some of the top stunning elopement locations in Bali:

Ubud

Nusa Penida

Nusa Lembongan

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

NungNung Waterfall

Mt Batur

Kelingking Beach

Tibumana Waterfall

Uluwatu

Kintamani

Seminyak

Bali Elopement Packages

Elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:

• Explore anywhere within Bali, all travel fees included in the price!
• Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
• Receive a customized location list
• Help finding lodging that suits your needs if you’re having an intimate reception
• Included comprehensive timeline design
• Help obtaining your permits
• Help obtaining your marriage license
• A planning checklist
• Unlimited planning and guidance calls 
• All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
• Day of polaroid sneak peeks

Bali elopement packages starting at $8800. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here

Ready to Elope in Bali?

This Bali elopement guide is a way to get you excited about all the possibilities of what your day could look like. Although, this amount of information can be overwhelming. I’m here to help. I can answer any and all questions you have on a complimentary low pressure consultation call. If you then choose you’d like to work together, I’ll do all of this planning right by your said to alleviate any stress, and bring your Bali elopement vision to life. We can chat here!