Should You Plan a Separate Honeymoon After Your Destination Wedding?
One of the most common questions we hear from couples planning a destination wedding is: “Should we plan a separate honeymoon or stay where we got married?”
It’s a big decision with no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples love the idea of extending their stay, while others crave a brand-new adventure. In this guide, we’ll explore five popular honeymoon strategies to help you decide what works best for your travel style, timeline, and budget.
1. Stay Where You Are: Extend Your Destination Wedding Trip
Why It Works:
No Travel Hassle: You’re already there, so no need to board another plane or unpack again.
Built-In Romance: Destination wedding locations are often perfect honeymoon spots with luxury amenities, private suites, and stunning views.
Exclusive Perks: Many resorts offer honeymoon packages if you stay after your wedding, including spa treatments, romantic dinners, or room upgrades.
Who It’s Best For:
Couples who want to relax and enjoy extra downtime after a busy wedding weekend.
Those looking for a laid-back, all-inclusive experience.
Example: You tie the knot at a luxury beachfront resort in Jamaica—why leave when you can extend your stay in a private villa with ocean views?
2. Close But Not Too Close: Switch Hotels or Nearby Cities
Why It Works:
New Vibes, Same Destination: Experience a different part of your wedding destination without long travel times.
Fresh Perspective: Staying at a new hotel or moving to a nearby town feels like a brand-new trip.
Adventure + Relaxation: Combine a laid-back wedding stay with an adventurous honeymoon.
Who It’s Best For:
Couples who want a change of scenery but don’t want the hassle of long flights.
Those looking for an easy way to experience multiple parts of a destination.
Example: Get married in Cancun, then honeymoon in Tulum, where you can relax at a chic beachfront villa or explore the nearby Mayan ruins. Or marry in Lake Como and head to the Amalfi Coast for a luxury honeymoon experience.
3. Honeymoon Hop: Jet Off to a New Destination
Why It Works:
Ultimate Adventure: Explore a completely different destination after your wedding.
Bucket List Travel: Use this time to check off that dream destination you’ve always wanted to visit.
World Travelers’ Dream: Extend the celebration by starting your married life in an entirely new country or region.
Things to Consider:
Travel Fatigue: A wedding can be exhausting, and jumping on a long-haul flight right after can be draining.
Budget Impact: Flights to a second destination can add up, so be sure to factor that into your overall budget.
Who It’s Best For:
Couples with a serious case of wanderlust.
Those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a faraway destination.
Example: You get married in Greece, then hop on a plane to the Maldives for a luxurious, secluded honeymoon. Or say "I do" in the Caribbean and then jet off to Thailand or Bali for a second adventure.
4. Save It for Later: Plan a Honeymoon Down the Road
Why It Works:
Budget Flexibility: If wedding expenses stretched your budget, postponing your honeymoon gives you time to save up.
Less Travel Stress: Avoid post-wedding travel fatigue by relaxing at home before planning something extraordinary.
Bigger Travel Plans: You can take a longer, more extravagant honeymoon when the timing and finances are right.
Who It’s Best For:
Couples working with a tight wedding budget.
Those who want a once-in-a-lifetime trip but need more time to plan.
Example: One of our TravelBash couples, Kim & Cam, waited almost a year after their Caribbean destination wedding before heading to Africa for an unforgettable safari honeymoon. The extra time allowed them to plan the perfect luxury adventure without financial pressure.
5. Destination + Mini-Moon Combo: The Best of Both Worlds
Why It Works:
Immediate Relaxation: Spend a few extra days at your wedding destination for a mini-honeymoon right after the wedding.
Future Adventure: Plan a bigger honeymoon a few months later when schedules and finances allow.
Travel Balance: Enjoy the wedding destination now and book a more personalized honeymoon when you’re ready.
Who It’s Best For:
Couples with limited post-wedding time off.
Those wanting to extend the celebration without committing to a long trip immediately.
Example: Stay three extra nights at your wedding resort in Riviera Maya, then book a 5-day Napa Valley or European escape for a later honeymoon
Final Thoughts: Which Honeymoon Plan Is Right for You?
When deciding whether to stay at your destination wedding location or plan a separate honeymoon, consider these key factors:
Budget: Can you afford two separate trips, or does extending your stay make more sense?
Time Off: Do you have enough time off work to travel after your wedding?
Travel Style: Do you want a relaxing stay or an adventurous second destination?
Energy Level: Will you be energized or exhausted after your wedding celebrations?
At TravelBash, we specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon planning, offering personalized travel experiences tailored to your unique style. Whether you want a luxurious stay at your wedding resort, a jet-setting adventure, or something in between—we’ll handle the details so you can focus on celebrating.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
