12 Affordable Honeymoon Destinations That Inspire Romance Without Breaking the Bank

Your honeymoon should be an opportunity to decompress after months of wedding planning. In reality, however, doling out a small fortune for your first vacation as a married couple — after spending a pretty penny on the wedding itself — can be just as stressful.

According to a study by The Knot, newlyweds dropped an average of $5,100 on the trip in 2022 (after spending tens of thousands on the wedding, in most cases). So it would be understandable for couples to feel hesitant about booking the dreamy multi-country European tour or lavish overwater villa they've always dreamed of. But fret not, frugal lovebirds — there are plenty of luxurious honeymoon destinations, even for couples on a budget.

Booking a honeymoon on Oahu rather than Maui or Kauai, for instance, can deliver a classic Hawaiian experience for less. As another example, if you love Spain but don't want to pay Spain prices, neighboring Portugal is a little more affordable. Traveling during a destination's off-season means cheaper lodging (and fewer people), while tracking flights on Hopper will ensure you buy tickets when prices are at their lowest.

Ready to celebrate a lifetime together somewhere spectacular? Here are 12 cheap honeymoon destinations on our radar.

Belize

Honeymooners love Belize, a gorgeous slice of Central America that serves up idyllic beaches with a side of tropical forest. Belize City, the nation's largest urban area, is perfect for active couples. You can go kayaking or snorkeling and visit the nearby Mayan sites Xunantunich and Cahal Pech or the jaguar preserve at Cockscomb Basin.

Belize is also home to many resorts that offer all-inclusive packages — such as Chaa Creek and Belizean Dreams — which help couples save money on food and drinks. Though not all-inclusive, Xanadu Island Resort on Ambergris Caye, overlooking the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea, offers an array of complimentary activities, such as kayaking, bird-watching, paddleboarding, and bicycle rentals.

Key Largo, Florida

If you're looking for somewhere warm to spend your honeymoon that doesn't require an international flight, head to Key Largo (you can even reach this Florida destination by road). The long, skinny piece of land in the upper Florida Keys has plenty of beach and water sports from snorkeling to paddleboarding. It's also a 45-minute drive from Everglades National Park, where you can try to spot the park's resident manatees and crocodiles.

Book your honeymoon adventure at the Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton, which stretches along the scenic Florida Bay, or check out the highly rated Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, which has an ocean-view pool and a private beach area.

Bermuda

If you want to get out of the U.S., but don't want to travel far, Bermuda is the perfect destination. Flights from NYC are just over two hours long, and upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the island's famous pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Stay at The Reefs Resort and Club, which has three restaurants and bars, two tennis courts, and complimentary kayaks and snorkel gear. Up the ante with the resort's romance package, which includes an ocean view room for four nights, a welcome cocktail, four gourmet dinners (one on the beach), a 60-minute couple's massage, and champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival.

On the other side of the island, you'll find Rosewood Bermuda, a property with multiple restaurants and lounges and an unbeatable location on the coastline of Castle Harbour. With plenty of free or affordable things to do in Bermuda, like walking the Royal Naval Dockyard or visiting the Unfinished Church, couples don't have to feel guilty splurging a little bit on their accommodations.

Jamaica

Jamaica is the land of good vibes, mountains, rain forest, and beautiful beaches — but budget-conscious honeymooners will also appreciate the typically affordable flights to the island and the low cost of living. Save money by exploring the island on your own and hanging on the beach (which, let's be honest, never gets old), so you can splurge on accommodations at the GoldenEye resort, where Ian Fleming wrote all 14 James Bond novels. Today, the property is a honeymooning couple's dream, with a lagoon, secluded beaches, and stand-alone villas, cottages, and beach huts.

The island is also home to plenty of all-inclusive resorts, where you can pay upfront, then enjoy your honeymoon without stressing about that second round of drinks or late-night room service order. For the ultimate all-inclusive experience, check out the Azul Beach Resort Negril or one of the island's seven adults-only Sandals.

Napa and Sonoma, California

There's no lack of luxury in California's Napa and Sonoma valleys, but you can keep the costs down by experiencing it on your own terms. Kick the celebration off with a flight of sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros winery, a French chateau-inspired spot with beautiful formal gardens perfect for photo ops.

Stay at the Carneros Resort and Spa, where you can book a luxury suite or retreat from the world in a spacious cottage. With delicious food options on-site and an extensive spa, you'll never have to leave the compound. But it's worth venturing out for a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train to take in the sights with lunch and wine included. Compare tour options for the best price.

Head to the Sonoma Plaza for a quaint shopping experience at local boutiques and to check out a Spanish-style mission. Save a few bucks by bringing your own wine, cheese, and blanket for a romantic moment in the park on the square, or indulge in a French meal on the rustic outdoor patio at The Girl & the Fig.

Mexico

Flights from the U.S. to Mexico are generally short and inexpensive even though the sunny destination feels a world away. The country continues to lure American honeymooners with its endless beaches, Mayan ruins, high quality of life, and low prices.

Head to Tulum, on Mexico's Riviera Maya, for a honeymoon that offers both relaxation (hello, Caribbean waters!) and adventure. Make sure you spend at least a couple days exploring the area's Mayan ruins: the Playa Ruinas in Tulum and Chichén Itzá two hours northwest. Stay at the boutique Jashita Hotel, a white-sand oasis that beckons you to relax on the beachfront lounge chairs with a cocktail in hand. You can book one of its oceanfront honeymoon suites and pass the time at the rooftop bar and adults-only infinity pool.

Vietnam

Offering less expensive alternatives to Thailand's famous tourist destinations, Vietnam has a little something for every kind of honeymooner. Like to hike? Visit the Valley of Love in Dalat or enjoy scenic views of the Muong Hoa Valley or Fansipan mountain in Sapa. Looking for a honeymoon filled with food and culture? Book a stay at the luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole in Hanoi, an oasis in the center of a buzzing city.

Honeymooners interested in beaches, spa treatments, and relaxation can head to Côn Đảo, an archipelago off the coast that makes an affordable honeymoon filled with white-sand beaches and scenic trails possible. Check out Côn Đảo's Six Senses resort, which is also a protected national and marine park with plenty of beachfront.

Honolulu, Hawaii

If Hawaii tops your honeymoon list but doesn't seem feasible when it comes to cost, consider bustling Honolulu on the island of Oahu. It's a city that sits practically on the sand, providing access to the stunning (and wonderfully surfable) coast of Waikiki Beach; you can rent a board from Moku, just a block from the beach, for $30 a day (less if you keep it longer than three days). Or hop on one of the city's easy-to-use Biki bicycles to cruise the canals and coastline.

As you'd imagine, the city has hotels that fit various budgets. Honeymooners looking for direct beach access will love the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, while those looking for a refined, modern hotel should check out the 'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach across the street from the sand. An upscale stay can be found at the five-star Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach. You might be able to justify the extra cost by cooking meals in the in-room kitchenettes instead of dining out.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica may be known for its lush rain forests and diverse wildlife, but the country also delivers a honeymoon-perfect beach vacation. Book your own house, condo, or studio in the coastal towns of Playa Pelada or Playa Guiones (near Nosara) through Rent Nosara. Or check out the adults-only Hotel Makanda by the Sea, which has suites and villas with ocean views and an on-site restaurant.

When you're ready to explore beyond the beach, take a yoga class in Nosara, book a zip-lining adventure, or visit Manuel Antonio National Park near Hotel Makanda.

Portugal

Portugal is often overshadowed by the popular honeymoon destination on its border (Spain, of course), but it has the warm weather, beaches, and culture many couples are looking for at a fraction of the price.

For an easy, accessible trip, head to Lisbon, where you can spend your days exploring the city on foot (or by tram) in search of the city's best pastel de nata, a Portuguese egg custard tart. Stay at The One Palácio da Anunciada and book a romantic dinner at Belcanto, the first restaurant in Lisbon to earn two Michelin stars.

If you've got it in your budget for a second flight, head to the Azores islands off the coast to try your luck at spotting whales and dolphins aboard the Moby Dick.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada

Just across the Canadian border and about half an hour from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls is the quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake. Nicknamed "The Loveliest Town in Canada," it truly lives up to the hype. With a plethora of outdoor cafes and independent shops housed in colonial-style buildings, this small town is the perfect spot for a romantic stroll. It's also nestled in the heart of Canadian wine country, where you can sample ice wine and wines made from local produce like peaches.

Spend an afternoon tasting at Peller Estates followed by a romantic dinner for two among the grapes. Stay at the town's landmark hotel, Prince of Wales, a Victorian-style property that boasts an award-winning restaurant, an elegant tea room, and a full-service spa with an indoor saltwater pool.

Guatemala

Flights to Guatemala tend to be affordable, and once you're there, the low cost of living will keep your wallet happily padded. Prices for dining, activities, and luxe hotels are a fraction of what you'd pay in the U.S. All that aside, the country is home to volcanos, ancient Mayan sites, and lush rain forests, so there's plenty to see and do.

For a remote and romantic trip, book a stay at La Casa del Mundo on Lake Atitlan, a hotel built into the cliffs that's only accessible by foot or boat and has stunning volcano views — all for an affordable price. From La Casa del Mundo, you can hike around the lake to neighboring villages, book a boat tour, or take a day trip to the bustling Chichicastenango Market to pick up a couple of treasures to bring home.