15 Romantic Mini Moon Ideas

While honeymoons have been a longstanding tradition, a new travel trend for couples is on the rise: the mini moon. If you and your spouse-to-be love traveling, consider planning a mini moon either leading up to your wedding day or right after. Check out these 15 romantic mini moon ideas to start daydreaming about where you can take your favorite person on a quick weekend getaway.

What Is a Mini Moon Trip?

A mini moon is a smaller trip couples may take before going on their honeymoon. Also known as a “micro honeymoon,” a mini moon trip is often taken the day after a wedding in a nearby destination. Mini moons can also be taken prior to the wedding day as an engagement celebration.

The differences between a honeymoon and a mini moon are primarily the length of time, distance and cost. Many couples save up for a while to plan a honeymoon that could be a week or longer. Some choose to stay in a luxurious resort or upscale hotel for their honeymoon and take advantage of amenities they may not normally enjoy on a typical vacation.

Some couples choose to plan their honeymoon weeks or even months after their wedding day. They may have to plan around work schedules or ideal weather in their destination. However, some newlyweds still want to do something special immediately following their wedding day. That’s where a mini moon comes into play.

For a mini moon, newlyweds may book a bed and breakfast in their hometown or an upscale hotel in a nearby city. The short stay following the wedding may feel more special than simply going home and waiting for the honeymoon.

15 Mini Moon Ideas

There’s no right way to take a mini moon. Each couple will have their own idea of romantic activities. To get you started, pick one of these 15 mini moon ideas that best fits you and your partner’s personalities.

1. Attend Yoga in a Crater

Deep breathing and stretching are proactive ways to battle wedding planning stress or anxiety. Take your partner to a yoga class in Utah that will give you a one-of-a-kind experience. You could practice your favorite poses while balancing on a paddleboard inside a crater. The warm waters will create instant relaxation as you have fun.

2. Visit a Ghost Town

Colorado is known for being one of the most haunted states in America. If spooky thrills are your kind of thing, you should schedule a mini moon in Dunton. The 19th-century ghost town has plenty of tours to fill your weekend, plus hiking trails and gorgeous mountain views from wherever you decide to stay.

3. Indulge Your Inner Foodie

New Orleans is the best place to go if you and your partner love trying new dishes. You could dine on Cajun and Creole meals while tasting entrees from the many food trucks within the city. Your trip will become even more exciting if you visit during one of the many seasonal festivals that make the city so much fun.

4. Go Diving in Fiji

The South Pacific is a stunning place to go scuba diving on a mini moon. See brilliant shades of coral in person and cross off the bucket list activity after swimming between fish, sea turtles and other aquatic life. Bring an underwater camera to capture every second and start your married life with fun memories.

5. Watch an Atlantic Sunrise

Known as the jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park is the perfect place to watch a romantic sunrise. You can even bring your dog for a quick hike. Fill your mini moon with guided tours, fishing and even wildlife viewing to soak in the natural beauty of the world together.

6. Try Glamping Together

Paying for a wedding can get expensive. If you want one of the top mini moon ideas for couples on a budget, try glamping. Pick a local RV site or go glamping without a tent by checking into a place like the Fireside Resort in Wyoming. You could stay in luxury while still exploring the world together.

7. Rent a Cabana

Cancun is the best place to go if you’re planning a winter mini moon. Rent a cabana and get a tan before returning for your wedding. The currency exchange rate is also great for U.S. visitors, so you can find budget-friendly activities and still have an extravagant vacation.

8. Take a Romantic Bike Ride

There’s something inherently romantic about renting a double-seater bike with your partner. Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is the perfect place to do just that. Everything is within biking distance from the beach and some rentals even include bikes as an amenity so you don’t have to pay extra rental fees.

9. Hike the Grand Canyon

There are so many things to do during a mini moon to the Grand Canyon. After hiking through the famous valley, stop by one of the many local spas for massages before dinner. The breathtaking scenery will make you feel like you’re on a different planet and cause your stress to vanish.

10. Gaze at the Stars

Stargazing apps make it easy to spot constellations with your favorite person. Visit the Cascade Mountains in Oregon to look at distant galaxies without light pollution. While you’re there, you can stop by popular breweries if IPAs and pub food are your two favorite things.

11. Attend a Wine Tasting Class

More of a wine person? Napa Valley is calling your name. Attend a Saturday afternoon wine tasting class with your fiance. It may even help you choose which wines to serve at your reception.

12. Venture Into Appalachia 

The Appalachian Mountains span 13 states, so you can find almost any destination that caters to your bucket list. Stop by Boone, North Carolina, for a cabin getaway or hike the Appalachian Trail to one of the many hostels in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Alabama.

13. Place an Order for Room Service

You don’t need to leave town to feel like you’re on a mini moon. Book a fancy hotel suite where you live and order room service. You could even stay for the weekend without leaving the property if the hotel has in-house venues like spas, restaurants or entertainment.

14. Explore a Hawaiian Island

Hawaii has 137 islands, so it’s easy to pick one and start exploring. Maui is known for its romantic scenery, while Oahu has tourist-centered resorts and fun activities. Think about what you’d like to do with your partner and you’ll likely find it on one of the many Hawaiian islands.

15. Experience an Off-Roading Trip

Some places have off-roading driving classes, like the popular destination of Manchester, Vermont. It’s an exciting experience for anyone who loves a good adrenaline rush. You’re bound to have a great time while an instructor shows you how to fly through private trails in Landrovers, Fords or Jeeps.

The Best Mini Moon Destinations

Want to focus more on the destination before planning out the activities? There are many candidates to spontaneously fly to for a quick trip. Base your mini moon plans on these options.

1. Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. It can be fun to bring your partner to the Strip and see all it offers. Capture photos of your first weekend as a married couple by the neon lights. The attractions, shows, and thrill rides will fill your itinerary before you even know it, creating a spectacular long weekend that you’ll remember for years.

2. New York

New York is called the city that never sleeps for a reason. To maximize your 24 hours, check out different establishments. A rooftop bar should be at the top of your list, as the glittering of the New York lights and the skyline can look stunning.

3. Miami

Miami is a well-rounded destination that offers both city life and nature. Book a hotel and visit landmarks like the Coral Castle or take an Art Deco walking tour. Or if you feel like being a little more lax, the beaches are just a jog away.

4. Ontario

If you feel like traveling out of the country, visit your old neighbor Canada. Ontario is pretty close enough for you to fly to for four to five days before returning. Niagara Falls or a couple’s winter getaway can be a nice change of scenery.

5. Jamaica

Another option besides the Great White North for a non-U.S. destination has to be Jamaica. This beautiful Caribbean island can give you peace of mind after a successful wedding day. Be as laidback or adventurous as you want, as the country offers it all. The food is stellar as well.

Bring the Mini Moon Plans to Life

There are so many romantic mini moon ideas for couples with all kinds of interests. Use your pre-wedding vacation to relax, have fun and come back ready for your big day. It’s a private way to celebrate your relationship before the fun everyone will have with you during your wedding.