When all the excitement and chaos involved in planning your wedding is over and the two of you have said, ‘I do’ and partied with your family and friends, many couples embark on their first journey together as a married couple in the form of the honeymoon. It’s a way for the two of you to unwind after a hectic year or more of planning, and spend time in each others’ company while soaking in some sun, being pampered and enjoying some delicious food.
But, with a wedding already costing so much money, how much is a romantic honeymoon going to add to your overall cost? In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much couples spend on their honeymoon, what it costs to visit some of the most popular honeymoon destinations and why many couples are opting for a far more affordable minimoon.
What’s the average cost of a honeymoon?
The average amount spent by couples on their honeymoon in the UK is £4,329. While this is an average, many couples can spend far less than this – or far, far more. It all depends on what you’d like to do on your honeymoon, how far you’d like to go and whether you want to splash out on luxuries such as the honeymoon suite or first-class flights.
This is by no means a cheap getaway – it is your honeymoon, after all, and a great reason to treat yourself and your new spouse. It’s especially expensive when you take into consideration the average costs involved with the rest of your wedding, which, as set out in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, is £20,775. That means, together with the honeymoon, you could be looking at a total cost of £24,069.
But how much should you spend on a honeymoon? Well, that’s another question entirely, and one that only you and your partner can answer. There is no right or wrong amount to spend on a honeymoon, it’s simply down to your tastes and what’s possible within your budget.
Once upon a time, almost immediately after the reception, newlyweds would jump on a plane in search of sun and sand. But, that’s becoming something of a rarity these days. In fact, the majority of couples now postpone their honeymoon, with 76% waiting at least four months after their wedding before jetting off. Of course, this is understandable, as not many couples have the budget to go on an expensive holiday right after throwing the most lavish and expensive bash of their lives.
That being said, the biggest wedding splurge is undoubtedly their honeymoon, with 40% of couples having a post-wedding getaway as their biggest expense.
How long is the average honeymoon?
The average amount of time couples are away on their honeymoon is seven days, but many go away for two or even three weeks. It all depends on where you want to travel to and the budget you have available.
When should you start planning your honeymoon?
You should start planning your honeymoon around the same time you start planning your wedding. This will give you a good idea as to how much your dream honeymoon will cost, and whether or not you’ll be able to go on it immediately after your wedding or a few months later.
Whether or not you book your honeymoon early is purely down to your budget. On one hand, if you book your honeymoon early you’ll be able to pay it off in chunks or set up a direct debit to pay monthly. On the other hand, if you wait until a few weeks before your wedding you may be able to secure a last-minute deal which is much cheaper. But, the risk with that is you might not be able to go to your first-choice destination.
How much do popular honeymoon destinations cost?
If you’re keen on rewarding yourself with a honeymoon after months of busy wedding planning, what are some of the most popular honeymoon destinations for couples from the UK, and how much do they cost? Here are 10 of the most popular destinations and a rough guide to how much you might spend (based on two weeks during the summer in a standard room with economy flights).
The Maldives
A collection of islands located in the Indian Ocean, over 100,000 Brits visit the Maldives every year. With crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and stunning coral reefs, it’s a slice paradise that is perfect for honeymooners. Costs for a couple start from around £5,000.
Mauritius
Sharing the same ocean as the Maldives and not too far from South Africa, Mauritius has fabulous beaches, towering mountains, and luscious forests and gardens. Costs start from around £4,000.
Thailand
For a real adventure, Thailand is just about as far as a couple can travel from the UK, and offers a chance to see incredible sights and get immersed in a new culture. Costs start from around £3,200.
Seychelles
The ultimate luxury honeymoon destination where your comfort is always a priority. There are also a few private island resorts in the area if your budget allows. Costs start from around £5,500 but can easily exceed £10,000.
Caribbean
With fabulous food and culture, the Caribbean has plenty of options for an idyllic honeymoon, on islands such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Costs start from around £4,500.
Mexico
If you’re looking for a balance of great beaches, rich history and delicious food, you really can’t go wrong with Mexico. Costs start from £3,600.
Greece
Not only does Greece have a huge selection of fabulous resorts and beaches, but it also has a rich history and plenty of culture to keep you busy exploring. Greece is always a great spot for couples on a budget, with costs starting from around £2,000.
Italy
Great food, great wine and great sights. There’s something for everyone in Italy, and costs can be reasonable for a two-week stay, starting at around £2,500.
Kenya
For a honeymoon on the wild side, a trip to Kenya or Tanzania combines relaxation with the chance to explore breathtaking landscapes in search of incredible wildlife. Costs start from around £3,500.
Dubai
A relative newcomer on the honeymoon scene, Dubai has fabulous weather, clear seas and world-renowned entertainment. Costs start from around £4,000.
For a little more inspiration, check out our post featuring nine romantic honeymoon destinations.
What factors can affect the cost of a honeymoon?
While many of the above costs are approximations, there are plenty of factors that can influence how much your honeymoon might cost, much like any other holiday you might book.
- Location – The more popular the destination, the more you’re likely to pay.
- Date – If you’re travelling at peak times, such as during the summer (and especially during school holidays) then expect costs to be way (way) higher.
- Hotel/resort – The more premium the resort, the more it’ll set you back.
- Upgrades – Because you’re going on your honeymoon you may be keen on a room or flight upgrade, but the costs involved can be eye-wateringly high.
- Board – Whether you stay full board, half board, all-inclusive, or room only will affect the cost.
- Activities – An adventure-packed honeymoon will cost more than a honeymoon spent lazing by a pool or on the beach.
- Spending money – If you plan on eating a three-course meal every evening the costs will add up. Similarly, if you know you like to buy a lot of souvenirs you’ll need to budget accordingly.
If you want to get away on your honeymoon but don’t have a huge budget, check out our post on how to save money on your honeymoon.
How much does a minimoon cost?
If you want to get away after your wedding but don’t have the budget to spend on a two-week honeymoon, a minimoon might be exactly what you need.
A minimoon is a shorter, more budget-friendly way of getting away after your wedding until you’re able to save and get away from a longer honeymoon. There are no rules for what’s classed as a minimoon, but they’re often a few nights and will cost less than £1,000. It’s purely a means to get away, relax and decompress after a year or more of planning your wedding.
If you’re looking to stay in the UK, some popular minimoon destinations include the Cotswolds, Cornwall, the Lake District and the Peak District.
If you’d prefer to hop on a plane to somewhere a little further afield, great international minimoon destinations include Paris, Bruges, Mallorca and Venice.
Wherever you choose to go, and for however long you choose to go, it’s a great way for you and your new spouse to enjoy some well-earned time together.
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