Love (and Luggage) in the air; 2026 Honeymoon Trends Unpacked
But forget the traditional two weeks on a beach with nothing but sunburn and overpriced cocktails—honeymoons in 2026 are getting a glow-up.
From the rise of eco-conscious escapes to bringing your mum along (yes, really), we’re breaking down what British couples are actually doing with their precious post-wedding time—and what it’s all costing.
What’s the Damage? Let’s talk money. In 2026, the average UK couple is spending around £4,500–£5,000 on their honeymoon. That’s roughly the cost of a decent second-hand car or about three Taylor Swift tickets, depending on your priorities. That said, there’s a wide range depending on the couple's style:
Budget-friendly minimoon: £500–£1,500 (typically 2–4 nights in the UK or Europe) Mid-range honeymoon: £3,000–£5,000 (popular European spots, boutique hotels, and some extras) Luxury/multi-destination honeymoons: £7,000+ (Maldives, South Africa, Japan, etc.)
Interestingly, more couples are choosing to split their wedding and honeymoon budgets entirely—some even pushing the honeymoon several months down the line to avoid going straight from vows to overdraft.
The “minimoon” is having a serious over-haul. Forget muddy fields and dodgy Wi-Fi—today’s minimoon is a chic, perfectly packaged luxury break for two. It’s the champagne toast after the confetti settles, giving couples a stylish pause before the big honeymoon blowout a year or so later.
Think three nights in Paris, soaking in the view from your private balcony (and your freestanding tub). Or a long weekend in Florence, strolling hand in hand between gelaterias and Renaissance masterpieces. Or perhaps a rooftop cocktail in Lisbon, followed by a sunset tram ride through its charming, cobbled hills.
These bite-sized getaways offer all the romance with less of the admin—and with boutique stays, they feel indulgent without wrecking the honeymoon fund. Minimoon? Maximum vibes.
Destination Weddings: Sunshine, Savings, and a Built-In Honeymoon Destination weddings are no longer just for celebrities and soap opera finales—they’re smarter, more stylish, and surprisingly cost-savvy. Sure, they come with Instagrammable perks—sunsets, sangria, and groomsmen who’ve overdone it on the SPF-free tanning oil—but they’re also an elegant way to turn your "I do" into a multi-day experience with your nearest and dearest.
And here’s the twist: while a Santorini soirée or barefoot Bali bash sounds expensive, many couples are actually saving money by combining their wedding and honeymoon into one dreamy trip. With smaller guest lists (only the ride-or-dies tend to hop on a plane), lower decor costs (who needs marquees when you’ve got the Aegean Sea as a backdrop?), and all-inclusive packages that bundle it all up neatly, the total can come in on par, if not less than a UK do, minus the drizzle.
Plus, let’s be honest: no one complains when the wedding invite doubles as a holiday.
2026 Honeymoon Trends Worth Packing For - So, where are newlyweds heading now? And more importantly, what kind of honeymooners are they?
The Eco-Explorer
Carbon footprint guilt is real, and couples are responding by swapping long-haul flights for eco-retreats, train travel, and nature-first holidays. Think treehouses in Wales, low-impact cabins in the Lakes, or solar-powered stays in Scotland. It’s all the romance, with less of the emissions.
The Euro-Tourist
Brexit be damned—Europe is still calling. Rail passes and multi-city itineraries are booming in 2026, with couples hopping from Paris to Porto like seasoned Interrailers (except with better luggage and fewer pot noodles). It’s the perfect blend of food, culture, and strategically chosen wine regions.
The Buddymooner
Here’s a twist: more couples are inviting friends along for the ride. It turns out some people actually like their mates enough to share a honeymoon. Whether it's a week in Ibiza with the crew or a safari with siblings in tow, the line between honeymoon and group holiday is increasingly blurred.
The Wellness Wanderer
After months of wedmin-induced stress, some couples are opting to detox rather than retox. Cue silent yoga retreats, digital detoxing lodges, and spa resorts so serene they make your in-laws' house feel like a nightclub. Namaste, indeed.
The Luxe Camper
Glamping is still going strong, but in 2026 it’s less bell tent and more boutique pod with underfloor heating, a hot tub, and a concierge who can deliver a flat white. The UK countryside has never looked more appealing—or less muddy.
The Mega-Mooner
Go big or… well, just go very big. With remote working now second nature, some couples are taking extended trips and working from their honeymoon locations. Picture morning emails with a view of the Alps, or Slack messages sent poolside in Thailand. Why rush home when your Wi-Fi works just as well in Bali?
Final Thoughts - - The 2026 honeymoon isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some couples want simplicity; others want adventure. Some are saving up for a dream safari; others are happy with a romantic weekend in Devon (preferably with a claw-foot bath and a good pub nearby).
But no matter where you go or how much you spend, the modern honeymoon is about experience over extravagance and meaning over mileage.
After all, the most important thing you’re taking on the trip is each other… oh, and maybe a power bank, sunscreen and that cute linen outfit.
Happy honeymooning!
Claire.xx
Why work with me?
Luxury Romance is all about helping you celebrate love and life’s big moments in serious style. I plan honeymoons, destination weddings, proposals, anniversaries, hen and stag dos, birthdays — anything worth popping a bottle for (or two).
Whether you’ve got a Pinterest board bursting with ideas or no clue where to start, I’m here to make it all feel easy, exciting, and totally personal. Let’s have a chat, swap some ideas, and maybe plan the best trip of your life.
Drop me a message at luxury.romance@travelcounsellors.com — warning: may cause extreme wanderlust.
