You’ve planned the wedding, tossed the bouquet, and danced your face off. Now comes the real celebration: the honeymoon. But before you start booking beachfront villas and jungle safaris, there’s one not-so-sexy question that needs answering: How long is the average honeymoon, anyway?
Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury escape or a cozy cabin in the woods, this guide breaks down honeymoon lengths, helps you choose what works best for your lifestyle and budget, and throws in some spicy planning tips along the way.
So, How Long Is the Average Honeymoon?
Drumroll, please…
In the U.S., the average honeymoon lasts about 7 to 10 days.
That’s enough time for most newlyweds to travel, unwind, make some memories, and maybe get a little tan (or cozy in colder climates—hey, ski bunnies!).
But averages don’t tell the whole story. Some couples opt for a weekend mini-moon, while others pack their bags for a 3-week global getaway. So how long should your honeymoon be? Let’s break it down.
The Quick Breakdown: Honeymoon Lengths by Type
| Honeymoon Type | Duration | Who It’s For |
| Mini-Moon | 2–4 days | Budget-conscious, busy professionals, quick escapes |
| Classic Honeymoon | 7–10 days | Most U.S. couples; good balance of time and cost |
| Extended Honeymoon | 11–21+ days | Wanderlusters, digital nomads, big-budget travelers |
| Honeymoon Sabbatical | 1–3 months | Remote workers, travel influencers, #YOLO types |
Budget vs. Bliss: Does Longer Mean Better?
Here’s the thing—longer doesn’t always mean better, but it can if you plan wisely. A 10-day honeymoon in Bali can cost less than a 5-day honeymoon in Hawaii, depending on how you book and what you splurge on.
Budget Tips Based on Length:
- Mini-Moon: Book locally or road-trip style. Splurge on the room.
- 1 Week: Fly off-peak, book early, or go all-inclusive to save big.
- 2 Weeks or More: Consider countries with favorable exchange rates (Thailand, Mexico, Portugal).
- Luxury on a Budget: Use points/miles. Travel Tuesday deals are real.
Pros & Cons of Different Honeymoon Lengths
1. Mini-Moons (2–4 Days)
Pros:
- Less time off work needed
- Budget-friendly
- Great for decompressing right after the wedding
Cons:
- Not enough time to travel far
- Can feel rushed
- May leave you craving a second honeymoon (which isn’t always a bad thing!)
2. Average-Length Honeymoons (7–10 Days)
Pros:
- Enough time to relax and explore
- Fits most work schedules and PTO plans
- Ideal for a mix of adventure and lounging
Cons:
- Mid-range budgets required
- Jet lag can bite if you’re flying far for just a week
3. Extended Honeymoons (11–21+ Days)
Pros:
- You can slow down and really connect
- More destinations = more adventure
- Best ROI if flying internationally
Cons:
- Bigger budgets and more PTO needed
- May require more detailed planning and travel insurance
Where You Go Affects How Long You Stay
Let’s face it—flying to Paris for 3 days isn’t the best use of time (or jet lag meds). So where you’re going should definitely influence how long your trip is.
Sample Honeymoon Destinations by Duration:
- Mini-Moon (2–4 days): Napa Valley, Charleston, Lake Tahoe, Asheville
- 1 Week: Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Hawaii
- 10–14 Days: Europe (Italy, France, Spain), Japan, Iceland
- 3+ Weeks: Southeast Asia, South America backpacking, African safaris
Real Couples Spill the Tea: “How Long Was Your Honeymoon?”
“We did a 4-day spa weekend in Sedona right after the wedding and then went to Portugal for 2 weeks six months later. Best of both worlds!” — Jordan & Maya, Arizona
“Ten days in Greece was just right. We had time to see Athens, island-hop, and still relax without rushing.” — Emma & Steve, New York
“We took a month-long campervan trip across New Zealand. We work remotely, so why not?” — Rachel & Kyle, Oregon
Timing is Everything: When to Go and for How Long
Questions to Ask Before Booking:
- How much time can you take off work?
- What’s your budget?
- How far are you traveling?
- Do you want to sightsee, relax—or both?
- Are you planning a post-wedding break or delaying the honeymoon?
Pro Tip: Some couples are delaying their honeymoons by 3–6 months to save money or wait for better weather. It’s called a “latermoon”—and it’s totally a thing now.
Smart Planning Pointers
- Book early, especially for flights and accommodations during peak seasons.
- Go off-season for major savings and fewer crowds.
- Mix locations (city + beach, mountain + spa) to keep things exciting.
- Use a honeymoon registry if you’re short on funds—guests love contributing to experiences.
- Don’t over-plan. Build in buffer days for lounging, naps, or spontaneous adventures.
The Sweet Spot Between Champagne & Chill
So, how long is the average honeymoon? Around 7 to 10 days—but the perfect honeymoon? That’s the one that fits your vibe, your schedule, and your idea of post-wedding bliss.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend or a month-long escape, your honeymoon should reflect who you are as a couple—not what tradition dictates.
The rule is: There are no rules. Just make sure there’s sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of love (and maybe a few mimosas).
Final word? Do you, honeymooners. But do it fabulously.
