When you’re getting married, there are tons of expenses to cover, which add up quickly. The wedding day usually costs well into the thousands, so you may be on a tighter budget when planning the honeymoon for after the wedding.
Nowadays, everyone planning a honeymoon tends to look only at international destinations. However, while there are plenty of unique places to travel to around the world, many couples overlook some fantastic options in the US.
The best part of staying stateside for your honeymoon is that there is a wide variety of more budget-friendly options that are just as exciting and beautiful as international hot spots. In addition, you’ll save money on cheaper flights and not have to pay to get a passport.
We’ve compiled a list of the best and most affordable honeymoon destinations in the United States so you can plan the honeymoon of your dreams.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
The first location on our list is perhaps one of the most popular for adventure enthusiasts. Lake Tahoe, one of America’s most famous lakes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, has long been a hot spot for winter sports, summertime outdoor hikes with breathtaking views, and lake activities.
Honeymooners will have their pick of stunning places to stay, some of the country’s best restaurants, and plenty of activities to partake in. If you’re honeymooning in the summertime, you can:
- Lounge on the beaches,
- Take a paddle board out for a spin on the lake,
- Rent a boat for the day, or
- Walk around the town for shopping and dining.
If you are heading out for a winter honeymoon, you’ll have access to one of the best ski resorts in the country, with miles and miles of ski and snowboard runs to be explored. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your things, there will still be plenty of fun things to do to make your honeymoon special.
Key West, Florida
Key West is the perfect destination for those honeymooners who may have wanted a Caribbean vacation, but it wasn’t in the budget. Located as far south as you can go in the United States, you are essentially in the Caribbean without actually leaving the country. No passport is required.
The island is full of fun things to do in a tropical setting, making it feel like you’re far away from home. There are plenty of fun bars and restaurants to explore, and with that comes plenty of exciting nightlife. During the day, you can also do plenty of snorkeling, relax on the beach, and watch dolphins.
Key West will be a stunning and affordable place for any newlywed couple, and the drive there is also beautiful. It spans over 100 miles through all of the keys, so you’ll have picturesque ocean views for the duration of the journey.
Budget Savvy Bride has more great destinations to check out.
Martha’s Vineyard
This quaint and charming destination makes for the perfect affordable honeymoon getaway. This island is about eight miles off Cape Cod, on the Massachusetts coast, and has plenty to do and see.
Although it may be known as a summer escape for the rich and famous, there are more affordable and charming accommodations, and the island’s laid-back lifestyle draws visitors into the Vineyard.
Here, you can partake in sailing and other marine activities or stroll through the quaint little towns, shopping and dining all day and night. Martha’s Vineyard is the perfect honeymoon spot if relaxing and taking it easy is your idea of a good time.
Monterey, California
Back in California, along the coast, Monterey is known as one of the most beautiful and romantic places to visit along the Pacific coastline’s scenic drive. This destination is excellent for newlyweds as it is drivable from a large airport, LAX, and the drive is part of the fun of vacationing here.
There is plenty to do and see once you arrive in Monterey. First, you can pay a visit to the many beaches in the area, most notably the white sand beaches of Carmel. Second, you can also explore Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and Point Lobos Natural Reserve, all free and fun things to do for a few afternoons.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you’re looking for an affordable honeymoon spot in the middle of the country, look no further than Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountain region. Gatlinburg is an excellent spot to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as it has three different entry points to the park.
You’ll have plenty of scenic hikes to complete throughout your honeymoon, and you can even find affordable cabins to rent that are surrounded by the beauty of the mountain range.
Gatlinburg is also ideally situated near plenty of entertainment, such as Dollywood and the famous tourist town of Pigeon Forge – Click here to discover more places.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine has got you covered if you want your honeymoon filled with romantic walks among cobblestone streets, surrounded by history. It is America’s oldest city and has stunning architecture, fun tours, and beautiful beaches to lounge on.
If you and your new husband or wife are into the paranormal, this destination also offers plenty of tours and excursions that lead you to some of the city’s spookier spots.
These tours are readily available and can usually be booked for cheap. The town also has fantastic dining and shopping for the afternoon or evening perusing.
Conclusion
If you’re getting married, the last thing you want to be worrying about is how you will afford an expensive overseas honeymoon that will leave you stressed out over finances.
The US has many inexpensive and excellent honeymoon spots, so going overseas is not the only option you have to consider if you’re on a tight budget. Your perfect and affordable honeymoon destination could be the next state over!
Image by [Josh Haynam]
