George Boyle
A honeymoon is a special time for newlyweds to celebrate their marriage and share their lives together. While some couples opt for a single destination, others choose to visit multiple places, experiencing different cultures and activities. The timing of a honeymoon is also flexible, with some couples waiting a few weeks or even months after their wedding to suit their schedules or budgets. The honeymoon phase refers to the early period of a relationship when partners are deeply infatuated, and this eventually gives way to a more sustainable dynamic as couples face challenges and adjust to reality. Interestingly, some couples choose to take a second honeymoon later in their marriage to celebrate milestones or reconnect, proving that romance and adventure can be rekindled at any time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To get to know one another, become sexually intimate, spend time together and relax, create shared memories, adjust to married life, deepen emotional connections, and explore individual and shared identities. |
| Timing | Traditionally, honeymoons lasted a month, but now they can range from a few days to several weeks. |
| Destinations | Tropical paradises, serene countryside, urban retreats, exotic or romantic destinations, beach resorts, or multiple locations. |
| Activities | Walks, picnics, stargazing, bike rides, exploring local attractions, trying new foods, creating traditions, and engaging in fun activities and romantic gestures. |
| Cost | In the US, couples spend an average of $4500 on their honeymoon. |
| History | The honeymoon tradition originated in the 5th century during medieval times, stemming from the practice of "'marriage by capture'". It became widespread during the Belle Époque in the late 1800s. |
| Variations | Buddymoons (including friends and family), solomoons or unimoons (solo honeymoons), and stack honeymoons (multiple vacations in one trip). |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoons are a chance for couples to relax, bond, and explore
For couples seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation, St. Lucia in the Caribbean offers idyllic beaches, lush mountains, and boutique resorts with open-air rooms and private plunge pools. Bora Bora, with its white sand beaches and lagoons, is another popular choice for sunbathing, snorkelling, and sailing. Those looking for a sustainable option might consider Costa Rica, with its stunning natural beauty and award-winning ecolodges.
For a more cultural experience, the Hawaiian Islands offer a unique blend of nature and tradition. Couples can hike along the Nāpali Coast, explore Waimea Canyon, and experience the local culture. Similarly, Bali, Indonesia, provides an unforgettable backdrop with its towering volcanoes and stone temples. Couples can visit Uluwatu Temple, explore the rice terraces of Ubud, or relax on Nyang Nyang Beach.
The Amalfi Coast in Italy offers colourful villages, azure waters, and a rugged shoreline for couples to explore. Fiji, on the other hand, provides serene beaches and luxury resorts for postnuptial relaxation. Couples can also snorkel with manta rays in the Yasawa Islands and surf near the Mamanuca Islands.
In addition to these destinations, some couples might opt for a "solomoon" or "unimoon", a separate holiday taken by each newlywed without their spouse. This trend is particularly suited for couples who cannot agree on a destination. Ultimately, the chosen destination should provide a supportive atmosphere and mood for couples to bond and create memorable experiences together.
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The honeymoon phase can last from six months to two years
A honeymoon is a holiday taken by newlyweds after their wedding to celebrate their marriage. Today, honeymoons are often celebrated in destinations considered exotic or romantic. In some cultures, it is a time for the couple to get to know each other, relax, and create shared memorable experiences.
The honeymoon phase is an early part of a couple's relationship where everything seems carefree and happy. It usually lasts from six months to two years, and can be marked by lots of laughs, intimacy, and fun dates. For most couples, the honeymoon phase occurs right at the beginning of a relationship. Michelle Mouhtis, a licensed therapist and dating and relationship coach, explains that "it's when every part of the person you're dating is fascinating, down to the minute details and weird quirks".
Mouhtis encourages her clients to see the honeymoon phase as just one of the many phases their relationship will go through. She says, "Just because the honeymoon is over, doesn't mean the relationship is over". Mouhtis also advises that if a couple is not yet married during their honeymoon phase, they should avoid making any significant decisions, such as buying property together or getting engaged.
The length of the honeymoon phase is unique to each couple. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that the feelings of early love are maintained by specific dopamine- and oxytocin-rich regions of the brain. Another study from New York University in 2015 found that the honeymoon phase can last up to two and a half years. However, there is no set amount of time before those intoxicating feelings start to shift.
The end of the honeymoon phase can be a difficult time for couples, as it may feel like a bubble pop. This is when conflict may start to creep in, and couples might need to put in more effort to prolong the passion and happiness. Nevertheless, the end of the honeymoon phase can also be positive, as it allows both partners to see each other openly and honestly, and decide if the relationship is worth continuing.
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Honeymoons are a $12 billion a year industry
The custom of newlywed couples going on a holiday together, or a "bridal tour," originated in 19th-century Britain among the upper classes. These couples were sometimes accompanied by friends or family and would visit relatives who couldn't attend the wedding. The practice soon spread to the European continent, known in France as a "voyage à la façon anglaise" or "English-style voyage." Honeymoons in the modern sense, as pure holiday voyages, became popular during the Belle Époque in the late 1800s.
While the tradition has ancient roots, the term "honeymoon" itself has interesting etymological origins. The first recorded use of the word to refer to a post-wedding vacation appeared in a translation of German folk stories in 1791, with the first native English use in 1804. The term may allude to the idea that the first month of marriage is the sweetest, like the changing moon, which is no sooner full than it begins to wane.
Today, the honeymoon industry is influenced by social media and digital platforms, with Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook playing a significant role in driving couples to plan extravagant honeymoons. The rise of travel influencers and bloggers sharing their luxurious and exotic honeymoon journeys further fuels the industry's growth. The market size of the global honeymoon tourism industry was estimated at USD 131.56 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2025 to 2030.
The industry is also witnessing a shift towards local and domestic travel, with many couples opting for destinations within their own country or nearby regions. This trend gained prominence due to global travel restrictions and the desire to support local tourism. Additionally, younger couples are leaning towards shorter trips, such as road trips and minimoons, with social media playing a pivotal role in their destination choices.
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Honeymoons originated from the practice of marriage by capture
The honeymoon, a holiday taken by newlyweds to celebrate their marriage, has its roots in the practice of "'marriage by capture'. This tradition, which originated in the fifth century during medieval times, involved the groom kidnapping his bride and holding her captive with the intention of impregnating her. The groom would keep the bride hidden until either her family gave up the search or she became pregnant, making it impossible for her to return to her family. With either outcome, the couple's marriage could not be nullified.
The term "honeymoon" is thought to have originated from the Old English "hony moone", with “honey” symbolising the sweetness of early marriage and “moon” referred to its fleeting nature, like the phases of the moon. The "honeymoon period" is now often used to describe the early, happy period of a couple's relationship, before the challenges of everyday life set in.
In the early 19th century, wealthy couples in Britain would take a "bridal tour" after their wedding, travelling to visit relatives who were unable to attend the wedding. Friends and family often joined these trips, which were a way to celebrate the marriage. By the late 1800s, during the Belle Époque, honeymoons became more about indulgent, romantic getaways for just the couple, marking the beginning of modern mass tourism.
Today, honeymoons are often seen as a chance for couples to spend uninterrupted time together, relax, and create shared memories. They are also a significant industry, with an average couple in the United States spending $4500 on their honeymoon. While the tradition has evolved from its deceptive roots, it continues to be an important ritual for many newlyweds.
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Couples can choose to go on a solomoon or unimoon instead
Honeymoons are often celebrated in destinations considered exotic or romantic, such as beach resorts or Niagara Falls, which was a popular choice for Americans in the 1980s. However, an emerging trend in the 21st century is the "solomoon" or "unimoon", where newlyweds take separate, solo holidays without their spouse. This trend is particularly suited for couples who cannot agree on a destination and value their independence.
For example, one person may choose to go to the Maldives, a popular destination for honeymooners, to enjoy the luxury resorts, the beach, and water sports. They can spend time reflecting and discovering their own feelings in solitude, without having to compromise. This can be a great opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and relax, with the added benefit of not losing out on any alone time, which is a departure from the early days of honeymooning in the 1800s when couples would visit relatives.
Another person may opt for a different destination, such as Iceland, to experience nature and adventure. They can explore the country's famous landscapes, go hiking or try local cuisine. This type of trip can provide a sense of freedom and appreciation for those who enjoy travelling on their own.
While some may argue that a honeymoon should be a romantic trip for two, couples who choose to solomoon or unimoon can still benefit from the positive effects of taking a trip together, such as reigniting the spark in their relationship, by going on a separate but simultaneous trip. This alternative option allows each person to choose a destination that fits their interests and lifestyle, creating memorable experiences that can strengthen their bond.
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Frequently asked questions
A honeymoon is a holiday taken by newlyweds after their wedding to celebrate their marriage. It is a time to relax, bond, and explore, and to create lasting memories.
No, a honeymoon does not have to be extravagant or involve travel. While many couples choose to go on a romantic getaway, the essence of a honeymoon lies in the celebration of love, unity, and quality time together.
The term 'honeymoon' usually refers to the first holiday taken by a couple after their wedding. However, there is also the concept of a solomoon or unimoon, where newlyweds take separate, solo holidays.
