Deborah Chan
Planning a honeymoon is an exciting part of the wedding process, but it can also be daunting. The average honeymoon in the United States can range from $3,500 to upwards of $12,000 or more, depending on the location and length of the trip. The cost of a honeymoon will fluctuate based on where you go, the time of year you travel, the duration of your stay, and any upgrades you make. For example, a week-long stay at an all-inclusive resort may average around $8,000–$10,000, while a week in a city with cheaper accommodation options or a road trip can be much less. Traditionally, couples are recommended to allocate 12-15% of the wedding budget to the honeymoon, but recent trends indicate a shift towards a 2:1 ratio, with more money being spent on the honeymoon than the wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average honeymoon cost | $4,800 to $5,300 |
| Average honeymoon cost in 2022 | $5,100 |
| Average honeymoon cost in 2023 | $5,700 |
| Average honeymoon cost range in the United States | $3,500 to upwards of $12,000 |
| Average honeymoon cost for a weeklong stay at an all-inclusive resort | $8,000 to $10,000 |
| Average honeymoon duration | 7 days |
| Percentage of couples travelling outside the United States for their honeymoon in 2024 | 59% |
| Percentage of couples travelling outside the United States for their honeymoon in 2023 | 62% |
| Percentage of couples travelling outside the United States for their honeymoon in 2022 | 53% |
| Percentage of couples travelling outside the United States for their honeymoon in 2021 | 41% |
| Average time taken by couples to book their honeymoons | 2 months after becoming engaged |
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What You'll Learn
Average honeymoon costs
The average cost of a honeymoon depends on several factors, including the destination, time of year, duration, and accommodations. According to wedding industry statistics, US couples spend an average of around $4,800 on their honeymoon. However, this cost can vary significantly, with some couples spending as little as $3,000 or as much as $35,000 for high-end, luxury trips.
The location of the honeymoon is typically the biggest factor affecting the budget. Popular destinations like France, Italy, or the Caribbean can be more expensive than other places. For example, a beach getaway in Mexico or Jamaica will be more affordable than a similar vacation in France or Italy. Flights also contribute significantly to the overall cost, with airfare usually being the second-biggest expense after accommodations. Couples can save money by booking flights in advance, taking advantage of mid-week deals, or opting for all-inclusive packages that combine accommodations and airfare.
The duration of the honeymoon also impacts the cost, with the average honeymoon lasting about seven days, while some couples spend up to two weeks away. The type of accommodations chosen, such as a hotel or an all-inclusive resort, can also make a difference in the overall expense. For instance, a week-long stay at an all-inclusive resort might average around $8,000 to $10,000, while choosing cheaper accommodations or going on a road trip can significantly reduce the cost.
Additionally, the time of year can affect prices, with popular vacation destinations typically having high and low seasons. For example, planning a honeymoon to Fiji from July to September will likely be more expensive than visiting in March. Couples can also consider alternative options like minimoons, which are shortened trips either as a stand-alone or in addition to a traditional honeymoon, or staycations in their hometown, which can be more budget-friendly choices.
Ultimately, the budget for a honeymoon should be determined by the couple's financial situation and preferences. By researching destinations, staying within their budget, and taking advantage of discounts, couples can plan a memorable honeymoon experience without breaking the bank.
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Location and length of trip
The location of your honeymoon is likely to be the biggest factor affecting your budget. Some popular destinations are significantly more expensive than others. For example, if you’re looking for a beach getaway, Mexico or Jamaica will be cheaper than France or Italy. Flights can also differ widely in price depending on when and where you fly from/to. Try to book flights as far in advance as possible to take advantage of lower prices. Also, consider flying mid-week instead of over the weekend.
The average honeymoon is around 7 days, with many couples spending up to two weeks away. The length of your trip will also affect the overall cost. A week-long stay at an all-inclusive resort may average around $8,000–$10,000, while spending the same amount of time in a city with cheaper accommodation options or opting for road trips can average much less.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can consider a romantic getaway within your home country or even a staycation in your hometown. You can also save money by opting for an all-inclusive package, which combines accommodations and airfare, offering both convenience and value. These packages can often be found in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Latin America.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a more luxurious experience, you can expect to pay a premium for high-end accommodations, transportation, and activities. For example, a two-week honeymoon in Cape Town, South Africa, with a safari trip, can cost upwards of $10,000.
Ultimately, the location and length of your honeymoon trip should be determined by your budget and preferences. By researching destinations, staying within your limits, and taking advantage of discounts and deals, you can plan your dream honeymoon without breaking the bank.
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All-inclusive vs self-planned
The average cost of a honeymoon is $5,300, but this can vary depending on factors such as destination, time of year, duration, and any upgrades. For example, a 15-day safari honeymoon costs around $13,000 in total, including airfare.
When deciding between an all-inclusive and a self-planned honeymoon, there are several factors to consider. All-inclusive honeymoons typically include a flat fee that covers accommodation, meals, drinks, tips, taxes, airport transfers, and activities. This can make it easier to budget and plan, as there are no unexpected costs during your stay. Many all-inclusive resorts also offer weddings, which can be free if you book a minimum number of nights. However, some expenses may not be included in the package, such as airfare and alcoholic beverages.
On the other hand, self-planned honeymoons offer more flexibility and the opportunity to explore different destinations. You can create a customised itinerary that aligns with your interests and financial situation. Self-planned honeymoons can also be more cost-effective, especially if you opt for a romantic getaway within your own country or a staycation.
It's important to consider your preferences and budget when deciding between an all-inclusive and a self-planned honeymoon. All-inclusive packages can be convenient and worry-free, but they may not offer the same level of exploration and customisation as a self-planned trip. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you value most in a honeymoon experience.
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Flights and accommodation
To save money on flights, it is recommended to book as far in advance as possible, ideally at least four months, and to consider flying mid-week instead of over the weekend. Booking return flights is also usually better value than booking one-way flights, and it can sometimes be cheaper to fly into one city and out of another. Additionally, using credit card points for flights can help bring down the cost of transportation.
When it comes to accommodation, the type of accommodation you choose (hotel vs. all-inclusive resort) will affect the cost. A week-long stay at an all-inclusive resort may average around $8,000–$10,000, while spending the same amount of time in a city with cheaper accommodation options can be much less expensive. For example, a 3-week honeymoon in the south of France and Monaco, including 5-star hotels, can cost upwards of $15,000. On the other hand, a week-long safari in Kenya, including flights and food, can cost around $2,500 per person.
To save money on accommodation, consider the type of experience you want. You may be willing to sacrifice luxury for a more unique or adventurous experience. For example, if you're planning a city and beach honeymoon, you could spend less on a city hotel and more on a beach resort. Additionally, booking a trip about a year in advance can help you get the best room availability and rates.
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Budgeting and saving
Start Planning Early
Planning your honeymoon in advance can help you secure better rates and fares, and gives you more time to save. Marsha-Ann Donaldson, a travel expert, recommends booking about a year in advance for the best availability and rates. This also gives you more time to hunt for deals and promotions on all-inclusive packages, which can help you save money.
Determine Your Priorities
Discuss with your partner what you value most for your honeymoon. Is it the destination, lodging, activities, or duration of the trip? Once you've identified your priorities, you can allocate your budget accordingly and save on the parts that are less important to you.
Utilize a Honeymoon Registry
Instead of traditional wedding gifts, you can opt for a honeymoon registry, where guests can contribute to different parts of your trip, such as romantic dinners, excursions, or spa treatments. Websites like Honeyfund and The Knot Registry are popular options for this.
Consider an All-Inclusive Resort
All-inclusive resorts typically bundle accommodations, meals, drinks, and activities into one package, so you don't have to worry about unexpected costs. They can be a great way to stick to your budget without sacrificing luxury, especially in destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean.
Save on Dining
If you're not a foodie or are looking to cut costs, consider ways to trim your dining budget. Opt for resorts that exclude dining from your per-night costs, as full-service restaurants can charge hefty premiums. Instead, explore local restaurants in town, which can offer more affordable and authentic dining experiences.
Travel During the Off-Season
Tourism-dependent businesses tend to be relatively stagnant during the off-season, so you can often find better deals on accommodations and flights during this time. This can help you save money without sacrificing the quality of your trip.
Leverage Travel Rewards
Consider signing up for travel credit cards to access sign-up bonuses, reward points, and perks. This approach, known as travel hacking, can significantly reduce your travel expenses. You can also start collecting airline miles to use for your honeymoon flights.
Remember, your honeymoon budget should reflect what feels comfortable for you, and it's important to start saving as soon as possible to make your dream trip a reality.
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Frequently asked questions
The average cost of a honeymoon in the United States ranges from $3,500 to upwards of $12,000 or more, depending on the location and length of the trip. The average honeymoon is around 7 days, with many couples spending up to two weeks away. According to wedding industry statistics, US couples spend an average of around $4,800 on their honeymoon.
The cost of a honeymoon is influenced by factors such as the location, time of year, length of stay, and type of accommodation. Flights and accommodations typically take up the largest portion of a honeymoon budget, but this can vary depending on the destination. For example, travelling to distant locations may incur higher airfare, but with more affordable accommodations.
The amount you spend on your honeymoon should be determined by your budget and preferences. It is recommended to allocate 12-15% of the wedding budget to the honeymoon, but some couples may choose to dedicate a larger portion of their budget to the honeymoon instead of the wedding.
To save money on your honeymoon, consider travelling to destinations that are cheaper, such as Mexico or Jamaica instead of France or Italy. Booking flights and accommodations in advance can also help secure better rates. Opting for an all-inclusive package can help extend your budget and simplify planning, as they often combine accommodations and airfare. Additionally, leveraging travel credit cards can provide sign-up bonuses, reward points, and perks that can reduce travel expenses.
