Planning the perfect honeymoon can be tricky. You want everything to be absolutely magical on this once-in-a-lifetime getaway. With a limited budget, this can seem like an impossible task. Don’t worry, though! Going on a cheap honeymoon is entirely possible and will allow you to save money for the next phase of your life together.
When trying to come up with honeymoon ideas (cheap ones at that), you’ll have many factors to consider, including location, time of year, activities, and budget. Well, we’re here to help you out! We’ve compiled a list of top cheap honeymoon ideas for couples, including everything from scuba diving to couples massages, hiking, and more.
You’ll notice that most destinations on our list are within the United States to eliminate the high costs of international airfare. However, there are a few international destinations that we just had to add due to their affordability and range of activities that you can enjoy even on the smallest of budgets. So pack your bags and get ready for the honeymoon of a lifetime!
Top Cheap Honeymoon Ideas for Couples
1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
It’s probably surprising that Jackson is on the list, because the city itself has the most expensive real estate in the country, and it’s known to be a hot-spot for millionaire and billionaire travelers. It’s true, though, that the entire Jackson Hole valley is one of the most versatile, affordable honeymoon destinations in the US. There is a plethora of amazing things to do in the area, and you can easily make this honeymoon as cheap or expensive as you’d like based on the types of activities you do here.
Jackson Hole makes the dreamiest winter honeymoon destination. Instead of opting for this pricey snowmobiling excursion, you can enjoy this dogsledding adventure for nearly half the price. Both are thrilling and can make for an unforgettable honeymoon trip, but one is almost half the price of the other. For something even less expensive, wildlife sightseeing tours from Jackson Hole Eco Tours are budget-friendly and incredible to experience. Of course, you can also rent snowshoes for just a few dollars and head out to walk through the park’s winter roads if you want to go it alone! Dress warm, take the broken-out trail to Taggart Lake, and stop by Dornan’s for lunch or dinner on your way back.
If you’re planning your honeymoon for the warmer months, the Jackson Hole area is still a great option. Grand Teton National Park is perfect for nature lovers. To save money, instead of going on a guided tour, rent or buy a national park guide and plan your trip yourself! It’ll allow you to customize your time in the park and see everything you and your partner want to see. Many campgrounds in the park offer cheap accommodations, though they do sell out quickly. Want to find a blend of camping and glamping? The Grand Teton Climber’s Ranch might be exactly what you’re looking for – and it’s incredibly wallet-friendly.
Best Cheap Hotel in Jackson Hole for Couples: Elk Country Inn
See Related: Best Cheap Places to Travel in the US
2. Scenic 30A, Florida
If your idea of the perfect honeymoon destination consists of pristine beaches, palm trees, and a romantic destination, you’re not alone. While thousands flock to the beautiful beaches of the Florida Keys and Waikiki Beach for their honeymoon, that might not be in the cards for everyone. Hotel rooms in Key West can often cost upwards of $600 per night, leaving not much left in the budget for activities. This is where 30A in Florida comes in!
30A is a highway that stretches along Florida’s panhandle between Destin and Panama City. Along it, you will find the most stunning little beach towns, including Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Alys Beach. These charming towns are the perfect inexpensive honeymoon destinations and alternatives to an expensive beach honeymoon.
You can find whole beachfront cottage vacation rentals here for under $250 per night. For even cheaper accommodations, stay in Panama City. Fun activities for budget travelers include a beautiful sunset catamaran cruise, a couples massage at Vivo Spa 30A, and axe throwing.
Best Cheap Vacation Rental in 30A for couples: Beachwood Villas
3. San Juan Islands, Washington
If you’re looking for cheap honeymoon ideas that incorporate a little bit of history with a lot of beautiful nature, check out the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington state. While over 170 islands and reefs make up the San Juan archipelago, the most popular islands to visit are Lopez Island, Orcas Island, and San Juan Island.
Each island is a nature lover’s dream, filled with miles of hiking trails, scenic shorelines, and gorgeous forests. San Juan Island is a National Historical Park where the US and Great Britain almost went to war over possession of the island. The rich history and preservation of the islands’ natural beauty make the San Juan Islands one of the best budget honeymoon destinations.
Instead of paying for expensive hotels and excursions, you can spend some time out in nature with the person you love the most. Enjoy a three-hour kayak tour of the islands, followed by a wine tasting at Doe Bay Wine Company on Orcas Island.
Best Cheap Hotel in the San Juan Islands for Couples: The Edenwild Boutique Inn
See Related: Best Winter Destinations in Washington State
4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
If you and your partner want to spend your honeymoon exploring the great outdoors, consider choosing Rocky Mountain National Park as your destination! Located in northern Colorado, the Rocky Mountains are indeed a spectacular sight to see if you haven’t been before, and they can be visited any time of year.
A guided tour of the national park is essential if it’s your first time. This Rocky Mountain National Park tour includes a picnic lunch and is an excellent value for a full-day tour.
If you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter, I recommend this sledding tour in Hidden Valley in the nearby town of Estes Park. Speaking of Estes Park, you’ll get the most bang for your buck there when it comes to accommodations.
Best Cheap Hotel near Rocky Mountain National Park for Couples: Blue Door Inn
5. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains but is quite the tourist destination in and of itself. It’s one of the best cheap honeymoon destinations in the US if you’re looking for somewhere that has no shortage of tourist attractions and fun things to do.
There are so many ways to take in the natural beauty that surrounds Gatlinburg in addition to exploring the scenic Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is a romantic escape featuring striking mountain views all around. There are dozens of hiking trails in the surrounding mountains ranging in difficulty from easy to intense for couples that are more adventurous.
You can also head a few minutes north to Pigeon Forge for even more fun. Try the thrilling Rocky Top Mountain Coaster or for moonshine connoisseurs, join this Pigeon Forge wine and moonshine tour.
Best Cheap Hotel in Gatlinburg for Couples: Baymont by Wyndham Gatlinburg On The River
See Related: Where to Stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee: 3 Best Areas
6. Lake Tahoe, California
If you’re looking for the best honeymoon destinations on a budget in Northern California, check out Lake Tahoe. It’s just over a three-hour drive from San Francisco and sits right on the California-Nevada border. South Lake Tahoe and Incline Village are both beautiful resort towns on either side of the lake. I highly recommend a hybrid bike rental to really take in all the beautiful sights around the lake.
Appreciating nature is one of the best and most affordable ways to spend time on your honeymoon. Being on this gorgeous lake with no one else but your significant other is so dreamy and romantic.
If you want to splurge just a little while experiencing world-class dining, reserve a table at Edgewood Restaurant in Stateline, Nevada, just a few minutes away from South Lake Tahoe. The restaurant boasts the most stunning views of the lake and is one of the most romantic restaurants in Northern California, especially during sunset.
Best Cheap Hotel in Lake Tahoe for Couples: Tahoe Seasons Resort
7. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, is a city filled with old-world charm, amazing restaurants, and beautiful scenery. This is a great affordable honeymoon option for those that live on the east coast and don’t want to spend money on an expensive international flight to enjoy warm weather.
It’s also a fantastic spot for foodies! The restaurant scene of Charleston is nothing like I’ve ever seen before. You can find everything from Southern soul food to French fine dining, farm-to-table restaurants, raw bars, and more.
Get to know this charming city better by going on this historical sightseeing tour. You can discover some of South Carolina‘s most historic buildings, and it will give you a better appreciation of this wonderful honeymoon destination. Charleston is also just a short drive away from some beautiful beaches like Folly Beach and Sullivan Island.
Best Cheap Hotel in Charleston for Couples: Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston
See Related: Best Charleston Tours | Walking, Boating & Food Tours
8. Upstate New York
While New York City can be a fabulous and magical place to spend your honeymoon, it’s decidedly pricey. Instead, head upstate and take in the natural beauty that the rest of New York has to offer.
You can find so many gorgeous places to spend your days, maybe with a romantic picnic or a fun hike. Some of my favorites include Taughannock Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park.
If you’re looking for honeymoon ideas on a budget with a snowy atmosphere, head to Lake Placid in the winter. My husband and I went here a few years back, just before Christmas, and the cozy vibes are simply unmatched. It’s a great romantic destination in the winter and one of my favorite places in Upstate New York. You can zoom down the exciting Lake Placid Toboggan Chute, go ice skating, or just cozy up with your partner next to the fireplace.
Best Cheap Hotel in Upstate New York for Couples: Crowne Plaza Lake Placid
9. Albuquerque, New Mexico
You may not have considered New Mexico as a prime honeymoon spot, but it’s actually one of the best budget honeymoon destinations in the West! There’s nothing more romantic than an early morning hot air balloon ride, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rio Grande Valley.
In addition to hot air balloons, Albuquerque has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to food and history. For a unique experience, have dinner at The Dinner Detective, a murder mystery dinner show. Enjoy a four-course meal while trying to solve the crime!
Albuquerque is comparatively less expensive than Santa Fe when it comes to hotel room rates, but it’s only just an hour away, so you can always make a day trip to visit Santa Fe’s famous art galleries. This gourmet brunch is affordable and will truly give you a taste of Santa Fe and the Southwest.
Best Cheap Hotel in Albuquerque for Couples: Isleta Resort & Casino
See Related: Best Things to Do in New Mexico & Places to Visit
10. Yellowstone National Park
If you and your partner are a pair of adventure lovers, some of our favorite cheap honeymoon destinations to consider are national parks. Yellowstone National Park is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful. If Yellowstone has been on your bucket list for a while, it could make for an incredible (and affordable) honeymoon!
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited national parks in the US for a reason. It is absolutely breathtaking, and due to its location in a secluded part of the country, it’s still able to hold on to all of its natural beauty. If it’s your first time visiting, you’ll definitely want to splurge a bit on activities that will make this a honeymoon to remember.
At the minimum, I definitely suggest a Yellowstone whitewater rafting experience. If you prefer a guided tour over going it on your own, this tour by Yellowstone Day Tours is an awesome full-day option.
When visiting a national park as your honeymoon, you can definitely save in categories like food and accommodations. Camping is totally an option, but you can also find some discounted hotel rates in and around the park, especially when you visit during the off-season, like early fall.
Nearby Cody, Wyoming makes for an excellent base camp and is close enough for day trips into the park. West Yellowstone is another gateway to the park, and offers plenty of lodging.
Best Cheap Hotel in Yellowstone for Couples: Clubhouse Inn
11. New Orleans, Louisiana
For an unforgettable honeymoon trip filled with fun, music, romantic restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, head to New Orleans, Louisiana! Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans, or NOLA, is most famous for its jazz roots and exciting Mardi Gras festivities. Oh, and don’t forget the beignets! This lively city has no shortage of affordable entertainment options; you’ll never run out of things to do.
An affordable and fun way to feel the vibe of the city is through an evening jazz cruise on a steamboat. Cruise down the Mississippi while you enjoy a delicious buffet and live music. Alternatively, a ghosts, vampires, and voodoo tour of the French Quarter will take you through one of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhoods as you learn about the city’s darker side.
New Orleans makes an awesome alternative to international party destinations like Bangkok and Barcelona without having to spend a ton of money on airfare. Spirits on Bourbon Street is a must when visiting and is considered one of the best bars in town. For a romantic date night, book a table at Gautreau’s Restaurant to enjoy the romantic ambiance and inventive menu.
Best Cheap Hotel in New Orleans for Couples: The Mercantile Hotel
See Related: Best Restaurants In New Orleans French Quarter
12. Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, which was once a hidden gem, has recently become one of the hottest ski towns in America. It’s located just on the outskirts of Glacier National Park, and besides being a great base for the surrounding slopes, it’s also known for its fabulous array of restaurants, boutique shops, and cafes. So be sure to add Whitefish to your list of honeymoon budget ideas if your ideal honeymoon consists of cozying up by the fireplace and being out in nature.
I highly recommend spending at least one day of your honeymoon exploring Glacier National Park, though three days would be best. This picturesque Montana park is made up of breathtaking mountain ranges created by prehistoric ice rivers.
You can explore glacial lakes, stroll through scenic hiking trails, and take in the incredible views of the snowcapped mountains. Rent an e-bike to ride on the famous Going to the Sun Highway for an unforgettable experience while it’s closed to vehicle traffic.
While Whitefish may be soaring in popularity, hotels and lodges in the area are still pretty affordable. It’s a wonderfully affordable honeymoon alternative to ski destinations such as the French Alps, Switzerland, and Aspen.
Best Cheap Hotel in Whitefish for Couples: Apres Whitefish
13. Grand Canyon National Park
I know what you’re thinking… another national park on this list? Well, yes.
If you’re looking for budget honeymoon destinations, the best bang for your buck is going to be a beautiful national park. They’re full of natural beauty, offer a ton of activities that you can choose based on your preferences, and visiting them won’t break the bank.
Grand Canyon National Park has so much to offer in terms of activities and places to visit. There’s Grandview Point, which undoubtedly offers the most spectacular views of the canyon. There’s also Glen Canyon Dam, Yaki Point, and the Black Suspension Bridge over the Colorado River.
One of the most jaw-dropping spots in the area has to be Havasu Falls. It’s technically not part of the park, so you’ll have to get a permit from the Havasupai Indian Reservation in order to visit.
There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodations in and around the national park. The cheapest way to do it is by camping.
Glamping, or glamorous camping, has also become increasingly popular, and you can choose to stay in a luxury tent, converted wagon, or yurt. But if you’re not looking to camp on your honeymoon, there are a ton of affordable hotel options surrounding the park.
Best Cheap Hotel near Grand Canyon National Park for Couples: Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn
See Related: How to Take an Epic Grand Canyon Road Trip
14. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Located on the Northern Oregon coast, Cannon Beach is one of the ultimate romantic getaways for lovers in the Pacific Northwest. This quaint coastal town is best known for its iconic landmark, Haystack Rock, and is an awesome place for photography and those who crave some gloomy day vibes. You might even get a glimpse of sea lions and seals playing just off the coast.
Cannon Beach is full of art galleries, cool cafes, and amazing seafood restaurants. For a perfect day, start off with brunch at Pig ‘N Pancake before strolling down the beach to Haystack Rock.
For a light lunch, grab a savory crepe from Crepe Neptune before browsing the galleries and vintage shops along Hemlock Street. For dinner, pop into Newmans at 988 for some French and Italian-inspired seafood dishes. If the weather is nice, you’ll definitely want a table on the outdoor deck.
Cannon Beach makes for a spectacular and affordable honeymoon option because it’s secluded, romantic, and a small town. You won’t have to worry about paying for overpriced hotel rooms or dealing with drunken vacationers.
Best Cheap Hotel in Cannon Beach for Couples: Inn at Haystack Rock
15. Ojai, California
If you love the stunning beaches of Santa Barbara but don’t love the expensive price tag on hotel rooms there, consider the nearby town of Ojai, California, for a more affordable honeymoon destination. Ojai is known as an eclectic little town filled with art galleries, outstanding restaurants, and dramatic views of the Topatopa Mountains.
Ojai is definitely for couples who want to be completely free of any connections to the outside world and just want to relax and unwind. There are several easy and relaxing hiking trails in the area, like Rose Valley Falls and the Wills-Rice Loop Trail. If you want to spend the day being pampered, there are a ton of day spas that offer everything from a simple foot massage to full-day experiences.
A perfect activity to connect with your spouse would be this Ojai pottery workshop. It’s a fun activity that could develop into a new hobby you can do together. You may also want to spend a day down in Santa Barbara, especially to visit Mission Santa Barbara, which was founded in 1786.
Best Cheap Hotel in Ojai for Couples: Chantico Inn
See Related: Most Famous Landmarks in California to Visit
16. Curaçao
If you’re looking for cheap honeymoon destinations that are outside of the US, consider going to Curaçao! This Caribbean island is known for its pleasant weather, friendly people, and world-class scuba diving.
It’s a lot cheaper than many other Caribbean destinations and is just a short flight from the US mainland. To get the best deal, check out Skyscanner to compare flight prices out of different airports near you. Don’t forget to turn on price alerts so that you’re notified when flight prices decrease!
The tropical island of Curaçao is a perfect place to have an amazing honeymoon surrounded by sandy beaches while on a budget. One thing you must do while on the island is to take a Jeep safari tour of the northwest coast. On this tour, you’ll soak in a natural jacuzzi, visit impressive caves, observe the beautiful flamingos of Jan Kok, and so much more! Curaçao is also home to several affordable honeymoon resorts.
Best Cheap Hotel in Curaçao for Couples: Scuba Lodge & Suites
17. Riviera Maya, Mexico
There’s a reason many travelers can’t get enough of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, it can be an expensive place to honeymoon, but not if you know where to look – like the shores of Riviera Maya in Mexico. This sandy stretch of coastline has long been a top romantic getaway for a relaxing honeymoon.
Just south of busy and buzzing Cancun, the Riviera Maya includes popular resort areas like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Visitors love the white sand beaches that beg you to lie there and do nothing but drink margaritas. Snorkeling around coral reefs and doing yoga at sunrise are some of the best free attractions there are.
If you’ve had enough relaxation, there’s plenty more to do: take a ferry to Cozumel or do a jungle ATV tour with ziplining and cenote swimming. The Riviera Maya is known for its numerous all-inclusive resorts, so you’ll always be coming back to a great meal every day.
Best Cheap Hotel in the Riviera Maya for Couples: Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya – Adults Only
Related Resources
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