How Much Does the Average Honeymoon Cost?

Honeymoons are so much more than your average vacation. Many couples treat their honeymoon as their dream getaway, and after months (for some even years) of wedding planning, they certainly deserve it. As weddings have become more elaborate and extravagant, so have honeymoons. After saying “I do,” many couples jet set to romantic destinations around the world to relax and enjoy each other’s company as newlyweds before they head home to officially begin their new life together.

If you’re curious about the cost of the average honeymoon and the different factors that impact the total amount most couples can expect to spend, we’ve got you covered. We spoke with expert Laura Frazier to demystify the average cost of a honeymoon and help couples plan for this important investment.

Meet the Expert

Laura Frazier is a destination wedding and honeymoon expert at Bliss Honeymoons, an award-winning travel agency located in Columbus, Ohio. Bliss Honeymoons has planned hundreds of honeymoons for couples in exotic locations all over the world and has been a Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Award Winner from 2008-2020.

Many couples spend months or years planning and saving for the occasion. A honeymoon is the culmination of all the hard work put into planning a wedding that reflects the couple’s personalities and unique love story. In many cases, the wedding is a public celebration of their love put on display for the couple’s friends and family—the honeymoon is just for them. “They are frequently going places they have never traveled to before and willing to splurge a little,” says Laura. “They frequently travel to bucket-list destinations.”

Average Honeymoon Cost

According to wedding industry experts, couples spend an average of $4,466 on their honeymoon. That cost skyrockets to $8,200 for couples planning a destination wedding. “Honeymoons in the Caribbean and Mexico cost between $5,000 to $7,500,” Frazier says. “[Couples] spend anywhere from $6,000 to $25,000 for trips to Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, etc. We have had couples spend as much as $35,000 for really high-end, luxury trips.”

What Affects the Cost

The cost of the average honeymoon varies widely depending on the following factors: seasonality, location, and amenities. Many popular vacation destinations have high and low seasons, so planning a honeymoon to Fiji from July to September will cost you more than if you visit in March.

Location also plays an important factor in terms of cost. Americans honeymooning stateside will end up paying far less than couples who choose to go across the pond to Europe to celebrate their nuptials. Not every honeymoon has to be a jet-setting adventure to an exotic destination far, far away. Couples that want to save money on airfare might opt for a road trip to the coast or a visit to one of the country’s many national parks.

Amenities and excursions can increase the amount a couple spends on their honeymoon. Some couples like to relax and unwind at an all-inclusive resort, while others choose to take guided tours to epic destinations and seek out adventure along the way. Depending on how much you want to do and see on your honeymoon, the cost can vary widely. No matter where you fall on the thrill-seeking spectrum, there’s no wrong way to experience your honeymoon.

Honeymoon FAQs

Who pays for the honeymoon?

In most cases, the couple pays for the honeymoon. Many couples choose to register for their wedding at honeymoon registry sites as an alternative to traditional wedding registries.

What percentage of the wedding budget goes toward the honeymoon?

On average, the honeymoon will cost 14 percent of the wedding budget.

What’s the best way for couples to save money on their honeymoon?

Frazier recommends using credit card miles to purchase things like airfare and accommodations to save significantly on the total cost of the honeymoon. Avoid traveling during the Christmas season, as rates can be three to four times higher than usual.

Take advantage of the benefits of using a travel agent. “They know the best routes to take, use reputable suppliers, and can save you countless hours of work,” suggests Frazier.

How long is the average honeymoon?

The average honeymoon is 8 days, with many couples spending up to two weeks away.

How early should couples start planning their honeymoon?

It’s never too early to plan ahead for your honeymoon. Start looking into locations a year before your wedding so you can figure out the best places to visit around your wedding date. On average, couples book their honeymoons four months prior to the wedding.