Junior Rasmussen
Honeymoons are a \$12 billion a year industry, with 1.4 million honeymoons taken annually in the US alone. The custom of honeymooning originated in early-19th-century Britain, where upper-class couples would take a bridal tour, sometimes accompanied by friends and family. Today, the average honeymoon is 7 days, with couples spending an average of $4500 in the US and between \$2,500 and \$3,500 elsewhere. The length of the average honeymoon is a contentious topic, with some saying a week, others two weeks, and some claiming a month or more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of honeymoons taken each year | 1.4 million in the US |
| Average duration | 7 days |
| Average cost | $2,500 to $3,500 |
| Average cost (luxury) | $9,950 |
| Average spend in the US | $4,500 |
| Global honeymoon industry value | $12 billion |
| Percentage of couples taking a honeymoon | 75% |
| Average time taken to plan a honeymoon | 5.1 weeks |
| Average time taken to book a honeymoon after engagement | 8 weeks |
| Average time spent at each destination during a honeymoon | 3 days |
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What You'll Learn
1.4 million honeymoons are taken annually in the US
Honeymooning is a custom that originated in early-19th-century Britain, where upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour", sometimes accompanied by friends and family, to visit relatives who couldn't attend the wedding. The tradition has evolved and spread, and today, 1.4 million honeymoons are taken annually in the US alone. This number represents a significant portion of the $12 billion spent on honeymoons each year in the country.
The average cost of a honeymoon in the US is estimated to be around $5,300, though this can vary depending on factors such as destination, time of year, length of stay, and type of accommodation. For example, the average cost of a honeymoon was $5,700 in 2023 and $5,100 in 2022, with fluctuations influenced by inflation and travel costs. The cost of a honeymoon is in addition to the average cost of a wedding, which is estimated to be around $27,000 to $33,000.
The US offers a diverse range of honeymoon destinations to suit different preferences. For those seeking tropical experiences, Key West offers beautiful beaches for both daytime exploration and intimate sunset walks. Savannah, with its historic charm and Southern hospitality, provides a relaxing escape. Hawaii, with its exclusive islands like Lāna'i and Maui, is also a popular choice for its breathtaking views, tropical foliage, and romantic resorts.
For couples who enjoy the outdoors and nature, the US National Parks offer stunning honeymoon destinations. Glacier National Park, straddling the US-Canada border, provides breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Lincoln, nestled in the White Mountains, offers mountain vistas, scenic highways, and nearby Boston and Maine for city explorations. Big Sur in California boasts towering cliffs, serene waters, and a secluded location for peace and quiet.
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Couples spend $4500 on average
Honeymoons are a $12 billion a year industry, with 1.4 million honeymoons taken annually in the US alone. Couples spend an average of $4500 on their honeymoon, which is around 15% of their wedding budget. This figure has been rising in recent years, and the cost of honeymoons can be a daunting prospect after the expense of a wedding.
There are ways to save money, however, such as travelling in the off-season when prices are lower and crowds are smaller. Couples can also save by choosing a honeymoon location closer to home, cutting down on travel costs, or by planning a shorter trip. A "mini-moon" is a great option for couples on a budget, or those with limited time, offering a quick escape that still provides the essential elements of a honeymoon.
The length of a honeymoon can vary, with some couples taking a week, and others taking two weeks or more. It is recommended that couples spend one full day at their destination for every two hours of travel, to ensure they feel rested and that the journey is worthwhile. Couples should also factor in some recovery time at the start of their trip to ensure they are not too fatigued to enjoy the beginning of their honeymoon.
Planning a balanced itinerary is also important, with a mix of activities, relaxation, and spontaneity. Couples should also be mindful of not over-scheduling, especially if they are visiting multiple destinations, to ensure they have enough time to enjoy each location and do not feel rushed.
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Beach resorts are the most popular
The appeal of beach resorts as a honeymoon destination is clear. Newlyweds often seek exotic or romantic locations to celebrate their marriage, and beach resorts typically offer sun-soaked getaways in beautiful, relaxing environments. The beach is a classic setting for romance, providing a picturesque backdrop for couples to enjoy quality time together.
In addition, beach resorts often provide all-inclusive packages, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. Couples can opt for luxurious, adult-only resorts or more budget-friendly options, depending on their financial situation. The availability of different accommodation types makes beach resorts accessible to a wider range of couples.
Furthermore, beach resorts offer a range of activities to suit different interests. Some couples may prefer a relaxed itinerary, spending their days lounging on the beach or enjoying spa treatments. Others may seek more adventurous pursuits, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, or exploring local sights. Beach resorts often provide a mix of options, allowing couples to create a balanced honeymoon experience tailored to their interests.
The popularity of beach resorts as honeymoon destinations is also influenced by practical considerations. Couples may choose to hold their wedding at the same resort, eliminating travel costs and providing a seamless transition into their honeymoon. Additionally, the proximity of beach resorts to home can be advantageous, especially for those with limited time or budget constraints. A shorter journey reduces travel expenses and allows couples to maximise their time at the resort, enjoying a brief but meaningful escape.
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Mini-moons are shorter, cheaper honeymoons
Honeymoons are big business, with newlyweds spending around $12 billion a year on their post-nuptial vacations. In the US alone, 1.4 million honeymoons are taken each year, with couples spending on average between $2,500 and $3,500, although luxury honeymoons can cost as much as $9,950.
However, not all couples can afford to take an extended, expensive honeymoon, and this is where the 'mini-moon' comes in. A mini-moon is a shorter, cheaper honeymoon, often taken closer to home. Typically lasting between three and five days, a mini-moon is perfect for couples who want a brief, meaningful getaway without the cost and pressure of planning a longer trip. They are also ideal for those who need to recharge after their wedding but can't commit to a long vacation. By choosing a nearby destination, couples can avoid the stress of long-haul travel and focus on relaxation and romance.
Mini-moons are also a great option for couples who plan to take a longer, more elaborate honeymoon at a later date when they have more time and resources. They can be a good way to balance personal preferences, budgetary constraints, and practical considerations like travel time and destination choice.
When planning a mini-moon, it's important to keep the trip short and sweet, focusing on destinations that can be reached in three hours or less by car or plane. It's also a good idea to keep the schedule relatively clear, planning just two or three activities and leaving the rest of the time free for spontaneity and romance.
For couples who are feeling stuck because they've used all their paid time off on wedding planning, a mini-moon can be a great solution, with the longer, extended getaway saved for when vacation days are refreshed.
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Honeymoons are a $12 billion industry
The cost of honeymoons has been rising in recent years, and the length of honeymoons varies, with some couples taking a week or two off, and others claiming the average honeymoon is seven days. However, there is a growing trend for mini-moons, which are shorter honeymoons of three to five days, often taken close to home, with a longer, more elaborate honeymoon at a later date.
The time of year is a crucial factor in determining the cost and experience of a honeymoon. Travelling during the off-season, when prices are lower and crowds are smaller, can offer significant savings. Couples should also consider the travel time to their destination, with experts recommending spending one full day at the destination for every two hours of travel.
Honeymoons in the modern sense—a pure holiday voyage undertaken by the couple—became widespread during the Belle Époque in the late 1800s. Upper-class couples would take a "bridal tour", sometimes accompanied by friends or family, to visit relatives who had not attended the wedding. This practice soon spread to the European continent and was known in France as a "voyage à la façon anglaise" ('English-style voyage').
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Frequently asked questions
According to the 2023 Global Wedding Report, among the 15 countries surveyed, an average of 75% of couples took a honeymoon. This equates to approximately 1.4 million honeymoons taken each year in the US alone.
The average cost of a honeymoon is between $2,500 and $5,300. However, this varies depending on factors such as location, time of year, and length of stay. Luxury honeymoons can cost up to $9,950 on average.
The average length of a honeymoon is around 7 days, with many couples spending up to two weeks away.
More than 75% of newlyweds set out on their honeymoon within the first week of marriage. However, a modern trend is to delay the trip up to a year after the wedding celebration.
Popular honeymoon destinations include beach resorts, exotic locations, and bucket-list destinations. Some specific places include Bora Bora, Jamaica, Paris, and South Africa.
