So you’re thinking about a Bali wedding huh. Let me tell you, you ain’t alone. Bali has kinda turned into this holy grail of destination weddings and honestly once you step on the island, you get why. Picture this → vows on a cliff with waves smashing down below, a barefoot beach party with fairy lights, or even a garden ceremony where the frangipani flowers fall around you like confetti. Sounds dreamy right
But here’s the deal. Bali isn’t just a pretty spot for photos; the resorts here know how to pull off a smooth wedding that feels almost effortless (even though, behind the scenes, it’s a lot of moving parts). Some places are made for massive glamorous weddings, others are better for smaller intimate vibes where it’s just you two plus close fam and friends
Now I get it, it’s kinda overwhelming cause every resort screams “we are the best” and Google just floods you with glossy photos. Which one’s real value? which one’s overhyped? And how much you gotta actually spend to make it work. That’s what this guide is for, to show you best Bali resorts for destination weddings, what to expect, and how to plan it without losing your mind.
Where to Start
Okay so first things first before you even look at resorts, figure out:
- Guest list → 20? 80? 200? This changes everything.
- Vibe → Do you want toes-in-sand beach wedding, or fancy chapel with glass walls on a cliff?
- Budget → A villa wedding might be 8k but The Mulia can easily jump into 30k territory.
- Season → Bali dry season April–Oct is your safest bet. Rainy season weddings are doable but you’ll need backup tents or indoor halls.
- Legal vs Symbolic → Many couples just do legal paperwork at home and keep Bali for the “real feeling” ceremony. Saves stress.
Answer these and suddenly you know where to look.
Destination Wedding Resorts in Bali
Let’s go through the resorts that actually deliver. Not just pretty in photos, but proven solid choices couples rave about.
1. The Mulia, Nusa Dua
The Mulia is basically the king of fancy weddings in Bali. Its floating Eternity Chapel surrounded by water looks like straight out of Pinterest. If you want glam vibes with 100+ guests this is the place. Massive lawns, private beach, staff that handles every little detail. It’s not cheap, but it’s next-level.
Best for: Luxe weddings with big crowds.
Capacity: 100–300+.
2. Ayana Resort & Spa, Jimbaran
Ayana is more like a mini wedding village, honestly. Cliff-top decks, gardens, and yep the iconic Rock Bar for afterparties. If you want choices, this place gives you like five different venues in one property. Guests also stay here so logistics are smooth.
Best for: Couples who want variety and big sunsets.
Capacity: up to 500.
3. Bulgari Resort, Uluwatu
Italian luxury meets Balinese clifftop. Bulgari is small but insanely chic, with design touches everywhere and a view that feels unreal. Ceremony spaces are intimate but so high-end it feels like a movie set.
Best for: Smaller weddings but ultimate wow factor.
Capacity: 40–100.
4. Ritz-Carlton, Nusa Dua
If elegance is your word, Ritz Bali nails it. Their glass chapel (called Majestic) is a stunner, and the combo of beach + garden + indoor halls means you’ve got backups for weather. It’s safe, it’s classy, guests from around the world will feel at home.
Best for: Formal weddings with mixed guest crowd.
Capacity: 50–300.
5. The Ungasan Clifftop, Uluwatu
The Ungasan Clifftop, Uluwatu is one of the most dramatic clifftop venues. Big lawn, private villas, and infinity pools. Imagine golden hour vows while waves crash below. The vibe is intimate but cinematic, you’ll feel like you’re in a Netflix movie.
Best for: Sunset clifftop weddings.
Capacity: 30–150.
6. Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran
Le Méridien – A more mid-range option but still stylish. They’ve got a rooftop glass pavilion that overlooks Jimbaran Bay, so you get views without breaking the bank. Perfect balance of modern and cozy.
Best for: Couples wanting style but not Mulia prices.
Capacity: 50–200.
7. Samabe Bali Suites & Villas
This one’s fun. They do quirky setups like cave dining or symbolic ceremonies by the ocean. If you want something unique but not massive in scale, Samabe is a great pick. Villas for you and close fam, resort for others.
Best for: Creative intimate weddings.
Capacity: 20–100.
8. Andaz Bali, Sanur
Chill, beachfront, modern but relaxed. Andaz is for couples who like stylish but not pretentious. Sanur’s calmer than Seminyak so the vibe is more laidback boho.
Best for: Beachy easygoing weddings.
Capacity: 30–150.
9. Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay
Four Seasons, Classic choice. Gardens, beach lawns, villas for guests, and service that’s world-class. It’s polished but with Bali charm, safe pick if you want everything to just work.
Best for: Couples who want elegance without surprises.
Capacity: 50–200.
10. InterContinental Bali Resort, Jimbaran
InterContinental Bali Resort – Big resort with lots of wedding spaces. Lawns, beach, gardens, halls. Dedicated team that handles logistics for large weddings. Guests can all stay onsite.
Best for: Large weddings with international guests.
Capacity: 100–300+.
Budgeting: What a Bali Destination Wedding Costs
| Resort Type | Cost (Ceremony + Reception) | Guest Capacity | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Clifftop (Bulgari, Ungasan) | $15k – $30k+ | 40–150 | Exclusive cinematic |
| Ultra-Luxury Mega (Mulia, Ayana, Ritz) | $20k – $50k+ | 100–500 | Glamorous |
| Mid-Range Resorts (Le Méridien, Andaz) | $8k – $20k | 30–200 | Stylish modern |
| Villas / Private Venues (Samabe etc) | $5k – $12k | 10–80 | Cozy personal |
(Note → flights, décor, makeup artists, entertainment are extra.)
What to Consider Before Saying “I Do” in Bali
- Weather → Dry season better, rainy season risky unless you’re ready with tents.
- Legal vs Symbolic → Doing legal paperwork in Indonesia can be complicated, most couples do legal at home.
- Guest comfort → Airport pickups, hotel blocks, food options.
- Vendors → Some resorts push in-house only, check before signing.
- Culture → Adding Balinese touches like gamelan music or blessing rituals makes weddings extra special.
- Privacy → Decide if you want a private villa vibe or resort setting with strangers walking by.
POA – Plan of Action
- Pick your budget and rough guest list.
- Choose season, aim for April–Oct.
- Shortlist 3–4 resorts, do calls or virtual tours.
- Compare packages, hidden costs.
- Decide if you’ll hire a Bali planner (recommended).
- Block flights and rooms early.
- Plan side events like welcome dinner, day trips.
- Always keep a rain backup plan.
Conclusion
A Bali wedding is not just about saying vows, it’s about creating a full-on experience you and your guests will talk about for years. Whether you’re going glam at Mulia, dramatic cliffs at Ungasan, or chill boho at Andaz there’s a venue that fits.
Yes it’s a splurge, yes planning a wedding abroad has extra hurdles, but Bali gives you sunsets, culture, and hospitality that’s hard to beat.
So if your heart’s set on a destination wedding, Bali really does tick the boxes. Just plan early, know your numbers, and let the island do the magic.
