If you’ve been searching for the average honeymoon cost, you’re probably finding a lot of different answers. Planning a honeymoon is one of my favorite parts of working with couples. The wedding is over, the guest list is behind you, and now it’s time to focus on the two of you.
But before we start talking about overwater bungalows, infinity pools, or sunset dinners on the beach, there’s usually one question that comes up first:
“How much does a honeymoon actually cost?”
It’s a fair question. And unfortunately, the answers you’ll find online are often all over the place.
So let’s talk about the average honeymoon cost, what drives those numbers, and how to figure out a budget that makes sense for your travel style.
But first, hello! Hi, I’m Dana, founder of DWD Travel. I’ve been helping couples plan honeymoons since 2015, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all honeymoon budget. Every couple has different priorities, and my job is to help you make the most of your investment while creating a trip you’ll never forget. If you’d like help planning your honeymoon, I’d love to chat!
Let’s Be Honest About Honeymoon Budgets
When people search for the average honeymoon cost, they’re usually hoping for a simple number. The reality is that there isn’t one honeymoon budget that fits every couple.
A five-night all-inclusive trip to Mexico will look very different from a two-week journey through Greece, Italy, or Bora Bora.
Your destination, travel dates, room category, flights, and overall travel style can easily swing your budget by thousands of dollars. That’s why I encourage couples to focus less on the “average” and more on the experience they want.
So, What Is the Average Honeymoon Cost?
If we’re talking about what couples typically spend for a meaningful honeymoon experience today, here’s what I generally recommend budgeting:
Mexico or the Dominican Republic
$5,000–$8,000
This is often the sweet spot for couples seeking an all-inclusive honeymoon with flights, transfers, accommodations, meals, drinks, and built-in relaxation.
Caribbean Islands
$10,000–$15,000
Think Antigua, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos, Barbados, or similar destinations. Flights are often higher, and accommodations tend to be more expensive than in Mexico.
Europe
$12,000–$18,000+
Whether it’s Greece, Italy, France, or a multi-country itinerary, a trip to Europe often includes additional transportation, hotel, sightseeing, and dining expenses.
Bora Bora or an African Safari
$20,000+
These are true bucket-list experiences. Between long-haul flights, luxury accommodations, inter-island flights or safari logistics, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, I typically recommend a minimum budget of $20,000 for couples considering either option.
The biggest takeaway? The average honeymoon cost doesn’t determine your honeymoon cost.
Your budget should reflect your priorities, travel style, and the experience you want to create together.
What Influences Honeymoon Cost?
Several factors have a direct impact on your honeymoon budget:
- Destination
- Length of stay
- Time of year
- Flight costs
- Hotel or resort category
- Room type
- Included amenities
- Activities and excursions
- Private transfers versus shared transportation
For example, upgrading from a standard room to a swim-out suite or overwater bungalow can sometimes increase your honeymoon budget more than extending your trip by a few days.
What You’re Actually Paying For
When couples think about honeymoon costs, they often focus only on the resort or hotel. In reality, your honeymoon budget is made up of several pieces.
Flights
International airfare can range dramatically depending on:
- Departure city
- Season
- Airline
- Cabin class
- How early you book
For some destinations, flights can represent 15-30% of your total honeymoon budget.
Accommodations
This is usually the largest expense.
Your cost can vary based on:
- Boutique hotel vs luxury resort
- Standard room vs suite
- Ocean view vs garden view
- Private pool or plunge pool upgrades
- Overwater accommodations
This is often where couples have the most flexibility, since room category and resort choice can significantly impact the total cost of the trip.
Food & Drinks
This is where all-inclusive resorts can offer significant value.
With a traditional hotel stay, you’ll need to budget separately for:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Snacks
In destinations like Greece, Italy, or France, food becomes part of the experience—but it also becomes part of the budget.
Experiences & Excursions
Some couples are happy spending most days at the pool.
Others want:
- Catamaran cruises
- Wine tastings
- Cooking classes
- Private tours
- Scuba diving
- Wildlife safaris
- Helicopter rides
Activities can quickly add hundreds, or even thousands, to your overall honeymoon cost.
Transportation
Don’t forget:
- Airport transfers
- Ferries
- Trains
- Rental cars
- Domestic flights
- Inter-island flights
These expenses are often overlooked during initial budgeting.
Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind
A few items frequently surprise travelers:
- Travel insurance
- Resort fees
- City taxes
- Tourist taxes
- Gratuities
- Airport parking
- Checked baggage fees
- Seat selection fees
- Spa treatments
- Premium dining experiences
I always recommend building a little breathing room into your budget so these expenses don’t catch you off guard.
Real Honeymoon Budget Examples
Here are a few examples based on the types of trips I regularly plan.
Example 1: All-Inclusive Caribbean Honeymoon
Budget: Approximately $5,500–$7,500
Includes:
- Roundtrip flights
- Airport transfers
- Five to six nights at an adults-only all-inclusive resort
- Meals and drinks
- Basic resort activities
Example 2: Greece Island-Hopping Honeymoon
Budget: Approximately $13,000–$15,000
Includes:
- International flights
- Multiple hotel stays
- Ferry transportation
- Airport transfers
- Tours and excursions
- Travel insurance
This honeymoon style offers a more immersive experience but entails additional logistical and transportation costs.
Example 3: Luxury Europe Honeymoon
Budget: $20,000+
Includes:
- International flights
- Multiple destinations
- Private transfers
- Boutique hotels
- Guided experiences
- Rail and regional transportation
These trips are often highly customized and designed around specific experiences and interests.
What Impacts Your Honeymoon Cost the Most?
When it comes to honeymoon pricing, a few factors tend to have the biggest impact: your destination, travel dates, how early you book, your length of stay, and the type of room you choose. In fact, room category is often one of the biggest budget drivers.
Two couples could stay at the same resort for the same number of nights and have very different price points simply because one chose a standard room while the other upgraded to a swim-out suite or overwater bungalow.
How to Save Without Sacrificing the Experience
Saving money on your honeymoon isn’t necessarily about spending less; it’s about spending intentionally. Booking early, traveling during the shoulder season, choosing a destination that fits your budget, and prioritizing experiences over unnecessary upgrades can help you get more value from your investment.
In my experience, the most memorable honeymoons aren’t always the most expensive; they’re the ones designed around what matters most to the couple.
Is an All-Inclusive Honeymoon Worth It?
For many couples, yes. An all-inclusive honeymoon makes budgeting much easier because many of your major expenses are bundled together:
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Drinks
- Entertainment
- Non-motorized water sports
- Resort activities
That doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone. If your dream honeymoon involves exploring multiple cities, cultural experiences, or travel between destinations, a custom itinerary may offer greater value.
The Truth About Honeymoon Budgets
The best honeymoon budget isn’t based on averages. It’s based on your priorities. Some couples would rather splurge on a private plunge pool.
Others would rather spend that money on an extra destination, a food tour, or a bucket-list excursion.
Neither approach is right nor wrong. The goal is creating a honeymoon you’ll remember long after you’ve forgotten what it cost.
How to Figure Out Your Ideal Honeymoon Budget
If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourselves:
- What destination are we most excited about?
- How important is luxury?
- Are we beach people, adventure people, or both?
- Do we want an all-inclusive experience?
- Are excursions a priority?
- How many nights do we want to travel?
Once you answer those questions, building a realistic honeymoon budget becomes much easier.
And if you’d like help figuring out what your dream honeymoon will actually cost, that’s exactly what I do.
Together, we’ll build a honeymoon that fits your travel style, your priorities, and your budget, whether that’s a relaxing Caribbean escape, a European adventure, a Fiji retreat, or the bucket-list trip you’ve been dreaming about for years.
Reach out to start planning, come say hi on Instagram, or join my newsletter for ideas and inspiration sent straight to you.
