In 1986, Carlisle married Morgan Mason, son of the British actor James Mason, and former Special Assistant to the President of the United States. Morgan made appearances in Carlisle's videos "Mad About You," and "Heaven Is a Place on Earth". They have a son, James Duke Mason (born April 27, 1992).
She has been reported as being "deeply into Buddhist chanting", though precisely what form is unclear. In an interview, printed on March 7, 2007, the singer stated that: "I was wondering about happiness and started reading a lot of books by the Dalai Lama, and slowly embraced Buddhism" (published by Newindpress, India). On Sydney Morning Herald: "I don't smoke anymore, I don't drink anymore and I don't do drugs anymore. I am very much into my Buddhism. I found turning 40 a real passage in time for me".
She appeared nude for the cover feature of the August 2001 edition of Playboy, around the time of the Go-Go's definitive reunion tour and new studio album (the first in almost twenty years)She was 42 years of age when the photos were taken.
Belinda endorsed Hillary Clinton for President of the United States during the Democratic primaries, but then endorsed Barack Obama during the general election.
In January 2009, it was announced that Carlisle was appointed the new spokesperson for NutriSystem.