As you set your sights on celebrating the perfect honeymoon, you may wonder, “How much does a honeymoon cost?” and “What will it take to plan one?” When you and your partner consider all the ways you may spend this wonderful vacation together, it might get tricky sorting out all the details. Luckily, we’ve created the ultimate guide that will help you set a budget and create a schedule that fits your needs. We will be discussing:
- Average honeymoon cost
- Average honeymoon length
- Paying for your honeymoon
- Planning your honeymoon
Average Cost of a Honeymoon
How much does the average honeymoon cost?
Whether you want to splurge on your honeymoon or stick to a tight budget, it's useful to know what to expect. The average honeymoon price for a trip is around $4,800. If you are planning to go abroad, rates might vary depending on how much is on your list of "must-dos."
If you and your partner have a luxury honeymoon in mind, costs can start to add up. However, if a low-key honeymoon is more your style, you could opt to stay within your area and save on travel expenses.
Because of this, it's crucial to do some preliminary research to make sure that your top options are within your budget. Some notable expenses include:
- Airfare
- Lodging
- Transportation
- Food
- Entertainment/Activities
Start by getting an idea of how much you’ll be spending in these categories in order to get a close estimate of a typical honeymoon cost.
How To Understand Where The Money Goes
For the average 7 to 10-day honeymoon, your expenses will generally fall into a predictable allocation. Knowing this helps you understand where you have the most flexibility to save or splurge.
- Accommodations (35% - 50%): This is, without question, the single largest expense. The choice between an overwater bungalow, a five-star hotel, a charming local Airbnb, or a budget-friendly resort dictates the total cost more than any other factor.
- Flights and Transportation (20% - 35%): Long-haul, international, or first-class flights will push this percentage up significantly. Don't forget to factor in ground transportation, which includes airport transfers, taxi fares, train tickets, or the cost of a rental car and gas. For long trips, regional flights between countries or islands will also add up.
- Food and Drinks (15% - 30%): This category has a massive variable range. Are you planning romantic, three-course dinners every night, or are you happy grabbing local street food and cooking a few meals? If you don't choose an all-inclusive package, budget $150-$300 per day for fine dining in a major city like Rome or Paris, or $75-$150 per day for more casual dining, depending on where you go.
- Activities and Entertainment (10% - 25%): This covers everything that makes the trip memorable: guided tours, museum tickets, scuba diving or snorkeling excursions, private boat charters, ski lift passes, or a much-needed couples spa treatment. Prioritize the must-do activities early in your budgeting process.
- Miscellaneous and Contingency (5% - 10%): This vital portion covers travel insurance if applicable, currency exchange fees, visa or entry fees, and tips/gratuities. Always set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses or last-minute splurges.
Who pays for the honeymoon?
These days, traditions come and go. Historically, we would see the family of the groom cover the cost of the honeymoon. Things look a little different, however, as loved ones now contribute what they can and what they’re comfortable with. This goes for both the wedding and gifts that are given to the couple.
Oftentimes, couples who already live together have no need for traditional wedding registry items. If you are one of those couples, sign up and create a dedicated honeymoon registry. Celebration.com is a great resource for additional funding for your dream honeymoon.
Similar to a traditional wedding registry, loved ones are able to gift experiences, as well as accommodation upgrades, towards your honeymoon. This way, you and your partner are able to enjoy the best possible getaway. Even if you decide to pay yourselves, setting up a registry may help alleviate the total cost of your honeymoon and give you more opportunities to create the perfect trip.
Setting Up Your Celebration.com Registry Is Simple
Similar to a traditional wedding registry, with a celebration.com registry, your loved ones are able to gift experiences and accommodation upgrades, towards your honeymoon. This way, you and your partner are able to enjoy the best possible getaway. Even if you decide to pay yourselves, setting up a registry may help alleviate the total cost of your honeymoon and give you more opportunities to create the perfect trip.
The platform walks you through creating your personalized honeymoon page in minutes. You can add specific experiences you've researched, upload photos of your destination, and write descriptions that help guests understand exactly what they're contributing to. The interface is intuitive, mobile-friendly, and designed specifically for modern couples who want more than toasters and towels.
Unlike awkward money requests, Celebration.com specializes in experience-based gifting with registries. Your registry becomes a visual story of your upcoming adventure, complete with photos and descriptions that excite your guests about contributing. Plus, funds are managed securely and transferred directly to you, eliminating any awkwardness about collecting money from relatives.
The registry solves the most common funding challenge couples face: having guests who want to be generous but don't know how to contribute to a honeymoon. With Celebration.com, guests to your wedding can simply visit your personalized registry, browse your curated list of experiences, accommodations, and activities, and contribute what feels comfortable. Your guests get the satisfaction of giving a tangible gift, while you get the honeymoon you want.
How to Maximize Your Registry Success
Make sure to start building your Celebration.com honeymoon registry early in your engagement period, ideally when you send save-the-dates. Include a range of options from smaller experiences like a couples massage ($150-$300) to bigger ticket items like hotel upgrades ($400-$800), giving a variety of options for your guests to choose from.
The Emotional Value
There's something special about snorkeling in crystal-clear waters knowing your best friend gifted that excursion, or enjoying a wine tasting your grandparents made possible. Your honeymoon becomes a tapestry of love and support from your community, making each experience even more meaningful. When you return and share photos, you can personally thank the people who made specific moments possible.
Expert Tips for a Luxury Honeymoon on a Smart Budget
Achieving a high-end experience without draining your bank accounts is possible by employing strategic financial planning:
1. Embrace the Shoulder Season: Travel during the time just before or just after the peak season (e.g., May or September for Europe; November or April for the Caribbean). You’ll still get fantastic weather but can often save up to 30% on flights and hotels. This also means fewer crowds, which enhances the romantic atmosphere.
2. Travel Hacking with Points and Miles: If you have been saving up credit card points or frequent flyer miles, now is the time to cash them in. Using miles to cover one first-class ticket or a few nights at a luxury hotel is the easiest way to experience a significant splurge for "free."
3. Book All-Inclusive Strategically: All-inclusive resorts, common in Mexico and the Caribbean, provide fantastic cost certainty. While the upfront price is high, knowing that all your food, drinks, and non-motorized water sports are covered allows you to relax without worrying about the final bill. Just ensure the resort’s quality meets your expectations.
4. Balance Accommodation Choices: Splurge on your dream accommodation for the first half of the trip, then shift to a more budget-friendly but charming local option for the second half. This split-stay strategy allows you to enjoy the luxury experience without paying for it for two full weeks.
5. Be Honeymoon Vocal: When booking or checking in, politely mention that you are on your honeymoon. Hotels and airlines often have unadvertised perks they can offer to celebrating couples, such as a complimentary room upgrade, a bottle of champagne, or a late check-out. It never hurts to ask!
Average Length of a Honeymoon
How long should a honeymoon be?
This actually may vary on your personal schedule and budget. In general, honeymoons should never feel rushed or put under a time constraint. This way, you and your partner can participate in all your exciting adventures and excursions. We recommend planning in advance to ensure you can accommodate any work schedules or other commitments.
How to start planning your honeymoon
Planning and budgeting for your dream getaway can take some time in order to ensure the best experience. After all, there are many things that are needed to ensure you have everything checked off. We recommend preparing for a honeymoon one year prior to your wedding. This way, you’re able to make multiple decisions with time to spare, including:
- Dates
- Location
- Booking activities
Your Honeymoon Planning Timeline:
- 12 Months Out: Set Your Vision and Budget. Sit down with your partner and decide on the "style" of trip you want (e.g., beach, adventure, city) and establish a firm budget range. Start a dedicated savings account.
- 8-10 Months Out: Book the Big Items. Once you have your destination, book your international flights and your primary accommodations immediately. This is the period when prices are typically most favorable.
- 4-6 Months Out: Secure Your Documents and Insurance. Confirm both of your passports are valid for at least six months past your return date. Purchase travel insurance and check if a visa is required for your destination. Book any major excursions or tours.
- 1-2 Months Out: Finalize Details. Confirm all existing reservations. Book any essential internal transportation (trains, ferries). Research and make dinner reservations at highly sought-after restaurants.
Your honeymoon should be as enchanting as your wedding, if not more. Discuss your preferences with your partner to determine a mutually agreeable honeymoon destination. Strive for a destination that fits both of your interests, and decide afterward how it can fit both of your schedules.
How To Help Your Honeymoon Match Your Vibe
The perfect honeymoon is one that reflects your unique relationship and travel style. Use these categories to help guide your destination choice:
- The Relaxation Seekers: After months of wedding planning, you deserve to unwind. A relaxation-focused honeymoon is all about rest, luxury, and connection. Think Maldives or Bora Bora, where you can float in turquoise lagoons, enjoy spa treatments, and savor long, lazy days on private beaches with nothing on the schedule but each other.
- The Global Explorers: If you’re happiest discovering new places, a global honeymoon might be your cup of tea. Picture strolling through Tuscany’s vineyards, exploring the ruins of Greece, or eating your way through Japan’s cities. You’ll dive into history, taste local flavors, and find romance in every cobblestone street and sunset view.
- The Thrill Adventurers: For couples who thrive on adrenaline and nature, an adventure-packed honeymoon offers excitement and unforgettable memories. You might go on safari in Tanzania, zip-line through Costa Rica’s rainforests, or road trip across New Zealand. Days are active and exhilarating, ending in cozy luxury lodges where you can unwind and relive your adventures.
- The Blended Travelers (The most popular choice): Can’t choose between exploring and relaxing? Combine the best of both. Start your journey with city sights or a cultural experience, then unwind on a beach or in the countryside. Explore Bangkok before retreating to Thailand’s islands, pair a South African safari with vineyard days, or experience Bali’s temples before heading to the coast. It’s the perfect mix of energy and ease.
Create A Honeymoon Registry Today!
Once a decision for your dream honeymoon has been made, create your Honeymoon registry and list all the adventures and activities you’ll want to experience at your dream destination. The possibilities are all up to you and your partner!
