Your honeymoon is supposed to be about soaking up quality time with your brand-new spouse and celebrating this new milestone you’ve embarked on together. But let’s be honest, that can be a little tough if you’re both stressing out about how much money you’re spending on it all. The good news? You CAN have an unforgettable honeymoon without breaking the bank… here are 10 budget honeymoon destinations in the USA:
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How to save money on your honeymoon?
A honeymoon is going to cost you a little bit of moolah no matter what. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to save money where you can! Here are a few ideas for saving money on your honeymoon no matter where you decide to go:
- Book off season (or at least during shoulder seasons). Not only will you save money on hotels, flights, and even food, but you’ll also get the destination to yourself! Of course, take this tip with a grain of salt—some destinations are really only enjoyable during their high season. I don’t blame you for not wanting to honeymoon with awful weather!’
- Spend your time outdoors. The more free activities you can fit in, the better. Get creative—go for hikes, strolls around town, pack a picnic for the beach or park, you name it. Save your money for the activities you really want to do, and fill the rest of your time just soaking up that newly-married bliss with simple time spent together.
- Consider all inclusives and other honeymoon deals carefully. Sometimes, it just makes sense to splurge for the all-inclusive package. And often, you will catch a good deal this way. But if you’re going to sign up for some sort of costly package, really consider if you and your partner are going to make the most of it or if you’re better off going the DIY, pay-as-you-go route.
- Start a honeymoon fund. If you’re really feeling the pressure trying to afford your honeymoon, you can always forgo gifts at the wedding and ask for contributions to a honeymoon fund!
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10 Romantic Budget Honeymoon Destinations in the USA
Alright, now that we have top tips in place, let’s dig into 10 ideas for Budget Honeymoon Destinations in the USA. From natural wonders to sleepy mountain towns, read on to figure out where you and your new spouse should celebrate your nuptials!
St. Augustine, Florida - Beach Budget Honeymoon in the USA
This Floridian honeymoon destination surprisingly brings its own unique romantic flair to this list. As the oldest city in the US, St. Augustine has quaint cobblestone streets and colonial architecture that’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported to another time and place. You’re best off honeymooning here between March and May, when the weather is pleasant but there aren’t massive crowds to deal with.
What to do on your honeymoon in St Augustine:
- Pack a romantic picnic and head to St. Augustine beach for a fun afternoon in the sun with your boo.
- Wander down St. George’s Street for the best shopping and dining in the city.
- Explore the beautiful 40 waterfront acres of Fort Mose Historic State Park, where the very first free African American settlement in the US was created.
Finger Lakes, New York - East Coast Budget Honeymoon Destination
The Finger Lakes region in upstate New York is a great option for outdoorsy couples who also like to indulge in some good vino—after all, there are over 100 wineries in the Finger Lakes region! This destination is best for summer and early fall, when the weather is crisp and clear and relatively warm.
What to do on your honeymoon at the Finger Lakes:
- Go hiking through one of the many state parks in the area to see cavernous gorges and cascading waterfalls.
- Sample some Finger Lakes wine: local favorites include Keuka Springs Vineyards and Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery.
- Go for a scenic drive and do some leaf peeping in the fall—don’t forget to bring a tasty beverage!
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Explore the Grand Canyon - Adventure Budget Honeymoon
Technically speaking, you could visit the Grand Canyon for your honeymoon and only pay for the national park entrance fee and the gas it takes you to get there! This national park is filled with natural beauty and ideal for honeymooners visiting in spring or fall, as the weather is lovely but you won’t be competing with all the families and tourists that summer brings.
What to do on your honeymoon in the Grand Canyon:
- Hike the Rim Trail for an intense workout and incredible views of the longest canyon in the world.
- Camp on the north rim for your own isolated stretch of canyon away from other tourists at the more highly trafficked south rim.
- Make the trek to the stunning Havasupai Falls—a 10 mile journey each way but well worth it!
Asheville, North Carolina
This hippie mountain town in North Carolina is a real undiscovered gem for romantic yet affordable honeymoons. This destination is ideal for both outdoorsy types and indoorsy types. You’ll find plenty of great hiking and crisp mountain air in Asheville, as well as boutique-y restaurants, nice bars, and plenty of museums and cultural activities. The best time to visit is the spring or fall, where you’ll enjoy comfortable weather and beautiful foliage.
What to do on your honeymoon in Asheville:
- Take a day trip to the Biltmore Estate to tour the manicured grounds of the largest home in the US and take part in a wine tasting at their vineyard.
- Hop in the car for a romantic road trip through the Blue Ridge Parkway, rated one of the most scenic stretches of road in the world.
- Indulge in fancy food and drink in downtown Asheville without breaking the bank: the Montford Rooftop Bar is always a favorite.
Glacier National Park - Adventure Budget Honeymoon in the USA
Largely considered one of the most beautiful national parks in the lower 48, Glacier National Park makes for a stunning honeymoon location if you and your S.O. love the great outdoors. Glacier is best for fall budget honeymooners, who can take advantage of lodging discounts as the busy season comes to a close. Just be forewarned that some businesses shut down after Labor Day, so a honeymoon later in the season will be particularly quiet.
What to do on your honeymoon in Glacier National Park:
- Take the epic drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road for unmatched vistas of all the ancient glaciers that call this park home.
- Try your hand at the challenging Grinnell Glacier hike — it’s super strenuous, but offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park.
- Take a dip in Lake McDonald with your honey after a long day of hiking.
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Sedona, Arizona - Desert Honeymoon USA Destination
If you dream of a desert honeymoon, you need to head to Sedona, Arizona. It’s cheaper than other desert hotspots like Palm Springs or Taos, but still has lots of entertainment and beautiful nature to offer. Sedona has balmy weather year round, but the low season is in January and February, when you’ll have restaurants and hiking trails largely to yourself.
What to do on your honeymoon in Sedona:
- Pack a picnic to watch the sunset from Cathedral Rock. The hike is intense but short, and the view is drop-dead gorgeous!
- Treat yourselves to spa services. Sedona is home to a whole host of luxury spas that won’t break the bank as much as other desert locations. Sedona’s New Day Spa is always a good choice!
- Go stargazing in the Arizona desert—just make sure to drive out of town first! Pack a blanket and some tasty treats and see if you can spot any shooting stars.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Surprise—another national park! However, the Rockies have something for everyone, even if you’re not so into hiking. Located alongside the Colorado resort town of Estes Park, this national park is best to visit in spring and fall. You’ll have great weather for enjoying the outdoors but can avoid the snow fanatics that come in the winter and the hordes of visitors that descend on the park in summer.
What to do on your honeymoon in the Rockies:
- Stay in a cute bed and breakfast in Estes Park for a homey feel—or the spooky Stanley Hotel if you’re so inclined (it was the inspiration for the hotel in The Shining!).
- Embark on a romantic full moon hike with your S.O.—a super special experience, and you won’t even need your flashlight!
- Head to the Snow Peaks Winery for a glass of vino with gorgeous surroundings.
Monterey, California - California Budget Honeymoon Destination
An abundance of seafood restaurants, whale watching, great golfing, and stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean? Yes please, sign me up! Honeymooning in Monterey, California can absolutely be done on a budget, especially if you and your partner enjoy the simple things in life. Plus, when you visit in the spring, you can avoid the overblown prices that come with high season.
What to do on your honeymoon to Monterey:
- Save some serious cash and think outside the box by taking a glamping honeymoon in Monterey. It’s a great way to elevate your average camping experience while still not blowing thousands on accommodation!
- Take the gorgeous 17-Mile-Drive to enjoy vistas of stunning coastline, old-growth forests, and white sand beaches.
- Eat to your heart’s content at one of Monterey’s famous seafood joints—local hot spots include Monterey’s Fish House and Sandbar & Grill.
Oahu, Hawaii
I know I know, a Hawaiian honeymoon usually doesn’t qualify as anyone’s idea of affordable. But! Oahu is by far the cheapest island to visit if you’ve got your heart set on Hawaii, plus there are plenty of ways to keep your bill low as long as you think creatively. For one, book your Oahu honeymoon between mid-April and June or September and mid-December. While Hawaii doesn’t exactly have a low season, these brief shoulder seasons will give you the best hotel and airfare rates and you’ll deal with less crowds!
What to do on your honeymoon in Oahu:
- Take a romantic sunset cruise to do some whale watching with your boo.
- Stroll along the sand, play in the waves, and soak up some sun at Waikiki Beach.
- Rent a snorkeling mask to see all the gorgeous wildlife Oahu has to offer without having to pay for an expensive SCUBA session.
Go “international” in Puerto Rico
Surprise, surprise! Did you know you don’t need your passport to travel to Puerto Rico as a US citizen? If you’re really itching for a tropical honeymoon in the Caribbean but you don’t want to spend a fortune, Puerto Rico is a fabulous option. Travel here between March and July for good weather while avoiding the price hikes that come between November and February!
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What to do on your honeymoon in Puerto Rico:
- Take a romantic sunset horseback ride along the beach with your new spouse.
- Stake out a spot at Flamenco beach and watch the day go by: play in the waves, people watch, pack a picnic, it’s up to you!
- Take a trip to Mosquito Bay—it may not sound very appealing, but this gorgeous spot is home to the brightest bioluminescent plankton in the world!
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There you have it — 10 Budget Honeymoon Destinations in the USA. No matter where you go, I hope you have an incredible time with your new spouse!! Now tell me: which honeymoon destination is at the top of your list? Drop a comment belowor send me a DM on Instagram!
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xx Chels
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