Friday, 16 May 2025 | 14:00
RR Ukirsari Manggalani
The happy bride and groom, Luna Maya and Maxime Bouttier tie the knot under the Bali sun and surrounded by lush greenery land of The Gods [Instagram@/derai.studio]

TheIndonesia.co - From lush rice terraces to oceanfront sunsets, Bali has long been considered a dream wedding destination—not just for travellers and romantics, but also for celebrities from around the world. In a place where sacred tradition meets natural beauty, it’s no surprise that stars have chosen the Island of the Gods to celebrate love in its most magical form.

The latest to join this tradition?

Indonesia’s very own Luna Maya and Maxime Bouttier, who officially tied the knot on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, in a private and stunningly intimate ceremony held deep in the heart of Bali’s natural splendor.

A Star-Studded Legacy of Bali "I Dos"

Bali’s reputation as a celebrity wedding haven isn't new. The island first caught international attention as a glamorous wedding destination when Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall exchanged vows in a traditional Balinese ceremony in 1990. Though the marriage was later declared unofficial, their bold and spiritual celebration put Bali on the map for global lovebirds seeking an exotic and soulful venue.

Siraman ceremony in Javanese tradition, had been held separately for the bride and the groom. Here can be seen Maxime and his father, Patrice Bouttier. The handmade fresh jasmine garlands that wrapped the shoulders of the groom looks so beautiful [Instagram@/bouttier_maxime/iluminen]

Other notable stars have followed suit:

Yet, even among the glittering names, the wedding of Luna Maya and Maxime Bouttier brings a new spotlight to the island—a celebration that is not only elegant but also deeply personal and environmentally conscious.

Luna & Maxime: A Wedding Wrapped in Nature

The wedding festivities of Luna Maya and Maxime Bouttier began with a traditional "siraman" ceremony at the Ubud Village Resort and Hotel, a serene retreat nestled among swaying palms and emerald rice fields. The siraman, a spiritual cleansing ritual, marked the couple’s path into married life with blessing and grace, in one of Bali’s most culturally significant settings.

Here's the bride in Siraman ceremony. Fresh jasmine garlands can be seen on Luna Maya's hair and use as the cover of her traditional Javanese attire [screenshot YouTube Channel: LunaMaya]

But the true highlight came with their wedding and reception at COMO Shambhala Estate in Gianyar—an internationally acclaimed luxury wellness resort known for its harmony with nature. Located amid the verdant Balinese jungle and overlooking the Ayung River, COMO Shambhala is less a resort and more a sanctuary, offering unmatched serenity and stunning scenery.

The couple's celebration was described as intimate, lush, and green—not just in aesthetic but in spirit. Guests were welcomed into a space where chairs for the bride and groom were wrapped in tropical leaves, surrounded by jungle foliage, wooden textures, and the soft, natural chorus of birdsong and river breeze. Rather than opulence, the event leaned into organic elegance, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Why Bali Is the Ultimate Wedding Destination

Couples from across the globe come to Bali not just for the venue—but for the feeling. It’s a land where the sacred meets the sensual, and where each element of a wedding—whether religious or secular—can be tailored to reflect both personal beliefs and aesthetic desires.

1. A Landscape That Stuns

Bali’s landscape is a gift to wedding photographers. Couples can choose from:

Tegallalang rice terrace, offering sweeping views of tiered green fields in Ubud, Gianyar district of Bali [Shutterstock]

Whether it’s a small gathering or an opulent celebration, Bali’s natural backdrop adds effortless romance.

2. A Touch of Spirituality

Many couples are drawn to Bali for its deep spiritual energy. Even non-Balinese weddings often incorporate local blessings, water rituals, or incense ceremonies, adding meaning and memory to the day.

The Balinese philosophy of “Tri Hita Karana”—the balance between humans, nature, and the divine—is felt in every element, offering an experience that goes beyond ceremony into soulfulness.

3. World-Class Venues

From COMO Shambhala Estate to The Edge, Ayana Resort, Four Seasons Sayan, and Amankila, Bali hosts an impressive list of international luxury resorts. These venues often provide all-inclusive wedding packages with dedicated planners, chefs, and wellness experiences—ensuring a seamless and stress-free event.

4. Cultural Immersion

Bali allows couples to blend global wedding traditions with authentic Balinese culture. Imagine incorporating gamelan music, traditional dancers, or even a purification ceremony at a local temple into your wedding festivities. It’s a unique way to offer guests more than just a party—but an immersive journey.

Sustainability and Green Weddings in Bali

The Luna–Maxime wedding also highlighted a growing trend in Bali: green weddings. Couples are increasingly choosing to:

Marriage certificate held by happy newly wed Luna Maya and Maxime Bouttier. All decorations are so green, including table and chairs wrapped in leafy green textures [Instagram@/bouttier_maxime/iluminen]

A Growing Destination for Indonesian Celebrities

While Bali has long attracted global stars, more Indonesian celebrities are choosing to celebrate their most personal milestones here. The wedding of Luna and Maxime is perhaps the most high-profile yet, but it’s part of a wider pattern where local stars embrace Bali not just for its beauty but for the privacy and intimacy it offers.

High-end resorts provide discreet, secure, and customizable event spaces. This makes Bali ideal for public figures looking to celebrate in a way that’s meaningful yet sheltered from media noise.

The happy bride and groom, Luna Maya and Maxime Bouttier tie the knot under the Bali sun and surrounded by lush greenery at the Island of The Gods [Instagram@/derai.studio]

Planning Your Own Bali Wedding

For those inspired by Luna and Maxime—or any of the famous couples who said “I do” here—planning a Bali wedding is easier than ever:

Above all, Bali offers space to be present—to not only celebrate love, but to reflect on it, to share it, and to begin a life together in harmony with nature, community, and spirit.

Broken Beach, Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali [ANTARA FOTO/Fikri Yusuf/aww]

So, we can say that Bali it's more than a destination. It's a love story. From Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall to Luna Maya and Maxime Bouttier, Bali continues to enchant lovers of all backgrounds. With its sacred mountains, sweeping beaches, terraced rice fields, and lush jungles, it isn’t just a location—it’s a feeling. A place where vows mean more, where nature blesses your union, and where every whisper of the wind feels like a prayer.

For Luna and Maxime, it was the perfect place to start a new chapter. For countless couples yet to come, Bali remains a timeless stage for love stories to unfold—quietly, beautifully, and surrounded by the gods.