Did someone say honeymoon on a budget? If you’re getting married then you are probably counting down the minutes until your wedding. Sure, you’re excited about the actual event and you’re thrilled to be married, but let’s be real, what you’re really excited for is the honeymoon. Your honeymoon is a chance to disconnect from reality, to relax and to connect as a newly married couple. It’s a chance to focus on your relationship and your future. As Psychology Today reports, according to Barton Goldsmith Ph.D., psychotherapist and author of The Happy Couple: How to Make Happiness a Habit One Little Loving Thing at a Time, the 4 major building blocks of any healthy relationship are love, intimacy, romance and sex. As he explains, “making sure that the cornerstones of your love are solid will give you the ability to weather the storms of real life.” Which is exactly what you work towards on your honeymoon—developing a strong foundation for a fulfilling relationship that will last a lifetime.
But what happens if you can’t afford to make your honeymoon experience as memorable as you might like? Have no fear. The good news is that there are tons of amazing honeymoon options, even if you’re on a budget. You just need to know where to look, what to book and how to save. And never forget that you don’t have to fund your honeymoon on your own. These days tons of couples opt to register for honeymoon experiences rather than objects like china or flatware. Here are 7 amazing inexpensive honeymoon ideas that you can actually afford.
1. Belize
Located on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize is a Caribbean paradise that is also packed with adventure and fun. There is a jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, flawless beaches, a barrier reef and more. The Matachica resort and spa is on a secluded beach, offers gorgeous bungalows, luxurious linens, a spa and more. During low season rooms start at just $225 a night, plus they offer all-inclusive honeymoon packages. Or the Gaia Riverlodge in Belize City offers breathtaking views of the Five Sisters waterfalls, and rooms start at $165.
Read Related: 20 Honeymoon Ideas for the Eco-Couple
2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you’re interested in a more outdoors-y trip then Jackson Hole is the place for you. Depending on when you go, you can ski, hike, bike, raft, explore town, or just relax and take in the views. The Snake River Lodge and Spa has an outstanding spa, and the views are pretty outstanding too. Plus rooms start at $159 a night and they offer honeymoon specials.
3. Nicaragua
If Costa Rica is on your list of must-visit destinations, but it’s a little pricey, check out its equally intriguing neighbor Nicaragua. This is a tropical vacation with a bohemian spin. Think yoga, rainforests, outdoor casual cafes, sea kayaking, surfing, spa treatments and more. At the Tribal Hotel rooms start at $95 and at the Aqua Wellness Resort rates start at $145. If that’s not a honeymoon on a budget, we don’t know what is.
4. Dublin, Ireland
If you want to explore a city and you’ve got your eye on Europe, consider hopping across the pond to Ireland and checking out all that Dublin has to offer. Aside from the gorgeous green hillsides, tasty food and historic sites, you’ll also get to visit the Guinness Storehouse for the ultimate brewery experience, and sneak in a golf game or two at some of the most scenic courses in the world. For a romantic place to stay, check out the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel (rooms start at $130 a night), which is an actual 18th century castle. Talk about luxury and old-world romance.
5. Eleuthera, The Bahamas
Eleuthera is an island in the Bahamas, about 50 miles east of Nassau, and far more mellow than some other destinations nearby. Located on this small island, The Cove is the ultimate luxurious destination with breathtaking views, gorgeous accommodations, amazing food and a long secluded stretch of beach unlike any sand you’ve ever seen. And the best part is, they offer special packages and deals so you can really make your money count (and even get an extra night stay for free!)
6. Las Vegas
Sure, Las Vegas has a reputation of being a destination for a quickie wedding or a wild bachelor party, but it’s also a great place for a honeymoon. This city is bustling with some of the best shopping, tastiest food and most impressive shows in the world. Hotels also boast gorgeous pool scenes, elaborate spas and beautiful rooms. You can leave the strip and travel a short distance to enjoy awesome hikes. We love the Palazzo hotel, which is an all-suite resort that also contains Canyon Ranch spa, so you can get the action of Las Vegas if you want it, or the relaxation of a spa trip if that’s what you need.
7. Jamaica
A true treasure on the southern coast of Jamaica (aka Treasure Beach), Jake’s is a dream destination for those looking to experience a low-key beach paradise. This inexpensive honeymoon idea offers fitness trips and yoga retreats, as well as adorable villas and local dining experiences. There are movie nights to honor Perry Henzell—the patriarch of the family that created Jakes and also co-wrote and directed Jamaica’s first major motion picture—and there is also live music, reggae dance parties, Jamaican cooking classes and more.
