Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Trends for 2024

The last few years have seen a resurgence of extravagant honeymoons and destination weddings. Consequently, wedding planning has become more enjoyable. Exploring various locations to celebrate your love is often the most exciting part of planning a wedding. Would you like to say “I do” on the stunning shores of Italy or among the lavender fields in the south of France? Perhaps a honeymoon road trip through the USA’s Wild West or island hopping in Fiji sounds appealing. The best part is that you can tailor your trip to fit your preferences and budget.

A Honeymoon Worth Waiting For

Whether due to the rising costs associated with weddings or the desire for a break between the ceremony and an extended holiday, many newlyweds are postponing their honeymoons.

“Gone are the days of leaving your wedding and going straight on your honeymoon,” says Lauren Goodman, a wedding expert. “I am witnessing more couples opting for a mini-moon while they continue to save for the honeymoon of a lifetime. This not only helps couples extend their savings but also allows for an extended post-wedding celebration.”

Micro-Destination Weddings

Micro-destination weddings have become increasingly popular, offering numerous benefits, including a higher chance of sunshine compared to the UK. Lavinia Stewart-Brown, a wedding planner, highlights a growing trend where couples opt for smaller weddings, which can be attributed to a desire for a more intimate celebration.

“I’ve observed couples renting villas that accommodate 15 to 20 guests, turning this into a week-long celebration. The smaller guest list allows couples to allocate more resources to create and design their ideal wedding,” she explains.

Slow Travel Honeymoons

Slow travel is one of the most cherished sustainable travel trends, now making its way into the honeymoon scene. Valentina Ring, an international event planner, notes that more couples are searching for authentic cultural experiences and meaningful connections, emphasizing immersion into the local culture.

This trend is also reflected in wedding priorities, which are increasingly centered on understated luxury—polished yet relaxed, welcoming, and thoughtfully curated.

Oft-Overlooked Locales

Europe is a treasure trove for those seeking the perfect wedding location, offering stunning options from Tuscany’s rolling hills to Portugal’s serene beaches. However, couples are now exploring lesser-known European destinations to discover unique venues for their big day.

“Montenegro has recently captured my attention due to its remarkable venues that are both beautiful and competitively priced,” notes Stewart-Brown. “I foresee this trend growing in the coming years.”

Experiential Weddings

A standout trend in recent years has been the multi-day wedding event. Many couples aspire to create memorable experiences for their guests, including themed pre-wedding parties.

“This approach involves creative dress codes for each event and the incorporation of fun elements like delicious food, captivating music, and outstanding fashion,” adds Ring.

Pack-It-All-In Honeymoons

While some couples lean towards a slow travel approach, others prefer to maximize their vacation. Modern newlyweds often seek adventurous destinations, packing multiple locations into a single trip.

“Couples tend to tire of lounging in a hotel. It’s common for them to seek honeymoon destinations where they can experience three to four different locations in one trip,” Goodman shares. Destinations like Bali, the USA, or Thailand are excellent for this purpose.

Pre-Wedding Mini-Moons

An emerging trend is couples taking mini-moons prior to their wedding, which involve two to three-day getaways to enjoy quality time with one another or their closest friends. This offers the chance to explore the chosen wedding destination in a more intimate setting.

Cold Weather Destinations

Traditionally, sunshine has been a primary factor for couples looking to host destination weddings. However, this might be changing, as Stewart-Brown points out the rising interest in winter and ski weddings, especially appealing to adventurous couples.

Inspired by the Screen

Pop culture significantly influences travel choices. Couples are increasingly drawn to destinations featured in their favorite films and TV shows, seeking to experience these romantic settings firsthand.

“Shows like *Emily in Paris* have amplified interest in the already romantic French city, while Sicily has gained attention due to its picturesque scenes in various productions,” Ring explains. Couples’ adventurous spirits drive their desires to discover locations that have captured their hearts on screen.

Surprise Elopements

Imagine being in a beautiful Mediterranean setting with loved ones and surprising them with an elopement. “The surprise aspect makes for a memorable occasion, especially when the couple has planned everything,” shares Stewart-Brown. It provides a unique opportunity to create a special event with gourmet catering and thoughtful design.

Bucket List Expeditions

Adventure travel is making a significant comeback in 2024, with couples seeking expedition-style honeymoons. This trend focuses on creating luxurious experiences around the world’s most breathtaking and untouched destinations.

A bucket-list wedding and honeymoon combined? That’s an experience couples are increasingly excited about.