Junior Rasmussen
The 1950s marked a shift in honeymoon destinations, with couples from the US and UK choosing different spots to those popular today. While Hawaii, Mexico, and the Bahamas are now go-to honeymoon spots, in the 1950s, newlyweds sought out different locations to celebrate their nuptials. From the natural wonder of Niagara Falls to the beaches of Jersey, the 1950s honeymoon was a far cry from the tropical islands of today.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon Destinations in the 1950s | Jersey, Niagara Falls, Poconos, France, Italy, St Tropez, Venice, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean |
| Honeymoon Destinations in the 1950s for US and UK couples | Jersey, Niagara Falls, Poconos |
| Honeymoon Resorts in the 1950s | Cove Haven Resort, Penn Hills Resort |
| Purpose of Honeymoon | To help newlyweds adjust to their new roles as husband and wife, to give them a sense of what to expect in their marriage, to enable them to express their sexuality privately and discreetly, to deepen their connection, to create everlasting memories |
| Honeymoon Planning | Brides took the primary role in planning honeymoons, although grooms typically selected the location and paid for the trip |
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What You'll Learn
Niagara Falls
In the 1950s, Niagara Falls was a popular honeymoon destination for several reasons. Firstly, it offered a stunning view that was easily accessible by train. The availability of cars in the 1950s also made the trip more affordable for many couples. The natural beauty of the falls, with its powerful cascade of three waterfalls, provided an anonymous setting where bashful couples could blend in with other honeymooners.
The area's reputation as the \"Honeymoon Capital of the World\" was further solidified by subsequent visits from famous honeymooners, such as Jerome, Napoleon Bonaparte's brother, who reportedly travelled to Utica, New York, and then to Niagara Falls by stagecoach, horseback, and camping. The opening of the Erie Canal and the development of inns and tourism in the area also contributed to its appeal.
The natural wonder of the falls, with its majestic views and powerful waters, mirrored and enhanced the intensity of couples' romance. The falls are located on the Niagara River, which flows between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA, providing a unique setting on the international border.
Today, Niagara Falls remains a popular destination for couples, with over 50,000 newlyweds still choosing to honeymoon there. The area offers a range of attractions, including the Falls Illumination Cruise, the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and numerous restaurants and sightseeing options.
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Jersey, Channel Islands
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, became a popular honeymoon destination for British couples after World War II. The island, a British Crown Dependency, is located off the coast of Normandy, France, and is known for its beautiful beaches, French flair, and stunning coastal drives.
In the post-war period, air travel became more affordable, and many honeymooners travelled to Jersey by plane, adding a touch of glamour to their holiday. The temperate climate, easy flight connections, and continental atmosphere also made Jersey an attractive option for newlyweds.
Local hotelier George Frederick Seymour of Seymour Hotels played a significant role in promoting Jersey as a honeymoon destination. In April 1946, he noticed that 11 honeymoon couples were staying at his principal hotel, The Merton, and he began a campaign to attract more newlyweds to the island. Soon, Jersey became known as the 'Honeymoon Isle'.
During 'Peak Honeymoon Season', hotels in Jersey offered various activities and events tailored to appeal to newlyweds, such as 'Champagne Tea Party and coach drive', 'Honeymoon Ball', and 'Island-wide Treasure Hunt'. The Merton Hotel, in particular, was a popular choice for honeymooners, with its indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centre, restaurants, bars, and live entertainment.
Jersey's natural beauty, including its picturesque cliffs, sandy bays, and ancient ruins, provided the perfect backdrop for romantic getaways. The island's reputation as the ''island of love' endured, and even today, it remains a popular choice for couples seeking a romantic escape.
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Poconos, USA
Nestled in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania, the Poconos is a four-season destination that offers breathtaking views and waterfalls across an area of 2,400 miles and four counties. The Poconos became a hot spot for romantic getaways shortly after World War II, attracting couples with its natural beauty and relative seclusion. The area's mountainous terrain, serene lakes, and lush forests provided the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway or the start of a couple's new life together.
The first honeymoon resort in the Pocono Mountains, called The Farm on the Hill, opened in 1945, and more plush resorts followed in the 1940s and 1950s, spurring the growth of the resort business in the region. The introduction of heart-shaped bathtubs at Caesars Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville, Pennsylvania, in 1963 further solidified the Poconos' reputation as a romantic destination. The region's resorts also offered a range of activities and amenities, including romantic dinners, couples' massages, outdoor adventures, and scenic drives, ensuring that it catered to the desires of newlyweds.
The Poconos' popularity as a honeymoon destination was also influenced by its proximity to major metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia and New York. With the advent of interstates 80 and 81 in the late 1950s and 1960s, the Pocono Mountains became even more accessible to visitors from other areas, particularly those interested in winter sports. The ski industry in the Pocono Mountains thrived during this period, with new ski areas opening up and attracting skiers and winter sports enthusiasts.
The Poconos' reputation as a romantic destination was further enhanced by its association with love and marriage. It became known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, a title previously claimed by Niagara Falls, another popular honeymoon destination of the 1950s. The Poconos offered couples the opportunity to escape prying eyes and provided a space for them to develop emotional bonds, free from the anxieties and expectations associated with the traditional notion of the honeymoon as a critical sexual rite of passage.
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France and Italy
France
Honeymooners from the UK and the US were drawn to the French Riviera in the 1950s. The coastal region of southeastern France was known for its beautiful beaches and quaint inns. The island of Jersey, a UK dependency off the coast of Normandy, was another popular choice. With its French flair, stunning coastal drives, and beautiful beaches, it became known as "Honeymoon Island" in the 1950s.
Italy
Classic Italian cities such as Rome, Venice, and Verona were popular honeymoon destinations in the 1950s. Rome, in particular, gained popularity as a honeymoon destination after the 1960 film "La Dolce Vita" reignited a passion for the capital. Venice, with its romantic canals and historic architecture, was also a favourite among newlyweds. Verona, the setting of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," held a special appeal for couples who could visit Juliet's famous balcony at Casa di Giulietta.
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Camping and road trips
After World War II, honeymoons were often low-key, with couples celebrating on road trips or camping holidays. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh took a relatively understated honeymoon after their 1947 wedding, heading to the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
In the 1950s, the island of Jersey was a popular post-wedding spot, earning the nickname "Honeymoon Island". The Channel Island, off the coast of Normandy, attracted honeymooners with its beautiful beaches, French flair, and stunning coastal drives. The island was also easily accessible by plane, and hotels catered to couples with double beds and honeymoon balls.
In the United States, the Poconos in Pennsylvania became a hotspot for romantic getaways, with inexpensive inns and hotels offering features like heart-shaped hot tubs and round beds. Niagara Falls was also a popular destination for its natural beauty and the anonymity it provided to couples who could blend in with other honeymooners.
For those who preferred a more active honeymoon, options included canoe trips, sailing trips, or bicycle tours. These settings allowed couples to disconnect from their community and focus on each other.
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Frequently asked questions
In the 1950s, people honeymooned in a variety of places, including:
- Niagara Falls, which was known as the 'Honeymoon Capital'
- Jersey, which became known as 'Honeymoon Island'
- The Poconos, a mountainous region that later became known as 'The Honeymoon Capital of the World'
- France and Italy, the most sought-after destinations
Niagara Falls was a popular honeymoon destination in the 1950s because of its natural beauty and the anonymity it provided to bashful couples. The Falls were easily accessible by train, and the surrounding area provided a romantic setting for newlyweds.
Jersey, a UK dependency off the coast of Normandy, attracted honeymooners in the 1950s with its beautiful beaches, French flair, and stunning coastal drives. With most young couples having never left mainland Britain, the Channel Island seemed exotic.
Shortly after World War II, the Poconos became a hotspot for romantic getaways due to its relative seclusion and natural beauty. Inexpensive inns and hotels catered to honeymooners with features like heart-shaped hot tubs and round beds.
