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Picture this—you just got married to the love of your life and you’re ready to celebrate this new chapter one-on-one. Everyone’s asking where you’re going and what you’re doing for the vacation. One question that may stump you is how long you’re going out for, because who actually knows how long a honeymoon should be?

Learn about the most common honeymoon lengths and the true answer to how long it should be. 

What People Say About Honeymoon Length

If you run a quick Google search, everyone has a different answer as to how long a honeymoon should be and what their experience is like. Here’s a narrowed-down version of what you’ll find and the pros and cons of each one:

One Week or Less

Some prefer a five-day honeymoon to a week-long one. A 2024 survey found that 33% of couples had a seven-day honeymoon, which is the average honeymoon length. Mini-moons of one to three days have also been a popular option when the newlyweds need to delay the actual honeymoon. 

• Pro: One week or less will require a smaller budget and less vacation time. 
• Con: Some couples may feel like a week’s vacation isn’t enough for the desired celebrations. 

Two to Three Weeks

Two weeks is another sweet spot for some couples’ honeymoons, with some even stretching it out to three weeks. This kind of timeline rewards you for getting through all the wedding preparations and lets you savor the downtime. Plus, if you’re eyeing a destination wedding, you get ample time to explore a new city or country. 

• Pro: Two to three weeks allow you to connect deeply with your partner as you explore.
• Con: This long vacation takes up a lot of time on your schedule and responsibilities. 

A Month or More

While a month-long honeymoon isn’t as common anymore, there are still couples that want to practice this much self-indulgence. Plus, it was actually a tradition back in the fifth century. Guests would provide the newlyweds with 30 days’ worth of mead and fermented honey so they could savor the alcoholic drink for a whole month. 

• Pro: A honeymoon that lasts a month or more will definitely revitalize you and allow you to make memories for the first full month of being a married couple. 
• Con: Along with schedule and responsibilities, sustaining this long a vacation takes a toll on your wallet. 

Factors That Should Affect Your Decision

With an array of options ahead, it’s essential to narrow down how long your honeymoon should be. Here are several factors you should keep in mind. 

1. Budget

As romantic as a honeymoon should be, you have to be practical. Some honeymoon destinations can cost under $2,000 for couples, which makes for a relaxing and memorable experience without completely breaking the bank. However, there are also destinations that can warrant higher expenses. 

The longer a honeymoon is, the higher the costs will rise. Try to understand where you’re pulling the funds from and whether they can accommodate your dream honeymoon plans.

2. Schedule

Going on a honeymoon means having to take time off from work and any other responsibilities that you’re dealing with. Ideally, you’re filing for paid leave so that you can still maintain your earnings while enjoying a vacation with the love of your life.

Keep in mind that some couples prefer to wait a couple of months or up to even a year before they take time off for the honeymoon, especially when their honeymoon celebration is around the two-week mark. You need to save up and spread out your PTO. 

3. Activities

Your chosen activities can also influence how long the honeymoon should be. Here are some dream plans that couples may want:

• Cruise: If you’ve wanted to go on a cruise, five to seven days is pretty good. It’s not exactly feasible to be on the water for more than a week unless you and your partner are used to it and you want a total voyage. 
• RV traveling: Some couples would rent an RV to use as a basecamp when backpacking around the country. You could definitely have a month-long honeymoon so you can take your time exploring different states. 
• Hotel getaway: A comfy hotel bed and a breakfast buffet can be the ultimate dream for honeymoon couples who love staying inside. Get through all the amenities in around two weeks or less. 

4. Overall Lifestyle 

The length of your honeymoon can also depend on your overall lifestyle. For example, if you and your partner already frequently travel somewhere for longer periods, an extended honeymoon destination may seem less appealing. 

That said, going on a honeymoon is all about getting into the mindset of celebrating your marriage with your life partner. If a week-long trip is centered around that connection, it will be different from all your other trips. 

5. After-Wedding Energy Levels

If you’re having your honeymoon immediately after the wedding, it’s worth considering your energy levels. A 2023 report found that 59.28% of couples would describe wedding planning as overwhelming, while 52.78% say it’s stressful. 

Going on a three-day trip where you’re expected to be running around can take the wind out of you when you’re already running through the wedding events with adrenaline. Give yourself enough time and grace to relax. 

So, How Long Should a Honeymoon Be?

To be honest, only you and your partner have the final say. Many couples feel too pressured about what the perfect honeymoon length should look like to others, instead of considering what actually works for their own personality and preferences. 

Take a step back from focusing on what other couples are doing, those online who are of different wealth and lifestyle. Stop and just ask yourself and your loved one what you both want to do for your honeymoon and how long you genuinely want it to be. You’ll get a more authentic answer that simply feels right. 

Celebrate Your Honeymoon Your Way

Answering how long a honeymoon should be can vary from couple to couple, and it’s up to you and your partner to decide the final timeline for this intimate celebration. Have a conversation with your partner and relish these first moments as a married couple, your way.