So, you’ve planned your wedding—picked out your design ideas, chosen a cake flavor, assembled your dream squad, and said “yes” to the dress. Now what?
It’s time to plan your honeymoon! Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical escape, a mountain retreat, or a city adventure, I’ve rounded up some incredible honeymoon destinations to inspire your travels. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the chance to visit some of these places and highly recommend them!
Top Honeymoon Destination Ideas
HAWAII
I chose Hawaii for my honeymoon, and let me tell you—it’s more doable than you might think! While it has a reputation for being pricey, a little planning can go a long way in keeping costs manageable.
Money-saving tips:
-
Stay in an Airbnb instead of a resort.
-
Stock up on groceries at Costco to cut down on dining costs.
-
Pick one island to explore to avoid extra travel expenses.
Hawaii offers four main islands, each with its own vibe:
- Kaua’i – Secluded with lush trails and gardens. Ideal for nature lovers!
- Maui – Known for stunning beaches and hiking. A perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
- Big Island (Hawai’i) – Home to volcanoes and diverse climates, great for outdoor enthusiasts.
- O’ahu – A lively mix of city life and attractions, including Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor.
👉 Planning to visit Maui? Check out my guide: ‘Hawaiian Honeymoon in Maui!’
The Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
For couples who love the outdoors, the Smoky Mountains are a dream honeymoon spot! Matt and I stayed in the cutest Airbnb here and loved every second of it.
🥾 Top hiking trails in The Smoky Mountains:
-
Charlies Bunion (Hard)
-
Clingman’s Dome (Moderate)
-
Alum Cave Trail (Moderate)
-
Grotto Falls (Moderate)
-
Laurel Falls (Easy but busy!)
Other fun activities in The Smoky Mountains:
-
Watch the sunrise over the mountains.
-
Visit Gatlinburg (though it’s touristy, so be prepared!).
-
Take a scenic drive through Cades Cove for amazing wildlife views.
Pro Tip: Download the app All Trails. This app can help you guide your way, view the length as well as the difficulty!
Charleston & Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Ah, South Carolina—one of my favorite places! If you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway with charming streets, stunning beaches, and incredible food, Charleston and Hilton Head Island should be on your list.
Why visit?
-
Relax on the beach or take a boat cruise.
-
Explore Charleston’s historic streets and pastel-colored homes.
-
Jet ski, shop, and unwind in Hilton Head.
-
Bonus: Take a day trip to Savannah, Georgia, for its gorgeous landscapes and rich history!
👉 Planning to visit Charleston? Check out my guide: Charleston Planning Trip Guide
Jackson, Wyoming & The Tetons
This destination is unlike anything I had ever seen before. If you love breathtaking landscapes and a mix of adventure and relaxation, this is the place to be.
What to do in Jackson Hole?
-
Explore Grand Teton National Park.
-
Stroll through the charming downtown area.
-
Take in the views from scenic pull-offs.
-
Eat—seriously, the food here is next-level!
-
Visit Mount Rushmore and the Badlands in South Dakota if you’re up for a road trip.
Arizona & The Southwest
Oh man the love I have for Arizona…this place is one of the coolest places I’ve visited on my bucket list.
My fave hiking trails in Sedona:
-
Sugarloaf Trail (Moderate) – An underrated hike with breathtaking panoramic views.
-
Cathedral Rock Trail (Hard) – A short but steep climb with rewarding panoramic views.
-
Devil’s Bridge Trail (Moderate) – Hike to the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona.
-
West Fork Trail (Easy/Moderate) – A scenic trail through a lush canyon with creek crossings.
-
Bell Rock Pathway (Easy) – A great beginner-friendly trail with iconic red rock views.
-
Soldier Pass Trail (Moderate) – Features the famous Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools.
🎉 Other fun activities in Arizona:
-
Watch the sunset over Sedona’s red rocks.
-
Take a scenic drive to Page, AZ, for even more desert beauty.
-
Explore Sedona’s arts scene and charming local shops.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
-
Big Sur, California – Stunning coastal views.
-
Lake Tahoe – A mix of beaches and mountains.
-
Seattle, Washington – Coffee, culture, and waterfront views.
-
Nashville, Tennessee – Music, nightlife, and amazing food.
-
Orlando, Florida – Disney World & Universal Studios!
-
Bar Harbor, Maine – A charming, coastal escape.
How to Save Money on Your Honeymoon
Stay in an Airbnb or VRBO – More budget-friendly than resorts!
Book in advance – Plan 10–12 months ahead to score the best deals.
Be flexible with your dates – Traveling in the off-season can save you big.
Limit dining out – Buy groceries and cook some meals to save on food costs.
Find cheap flights – Use Google Flights and browse in incognito mode to avoid price hikes.
Whether you’re planning a tropical escape, a cozy mountain retreat, or a city adventure, your honeymoon should reflect your love story. As a destination wedding photographer, I love capturing love in the most beautiful places—so if you’re planning a wedding destination photography session or even a surprise proposal, let’s chat!
READ NEXT:
The Benefits Of Hiring A Destination Wedding Photographer
Our Fall Adventure in the Upper Peninsula
Our 2-Week Hawaiian Honeymoon
