Honeymoon Traditions: What Really Happens After the Wedding

When people talk about honeymoon traditions, the customs and rituals couples follow after their wedding to celebrate their new marriage. Also known as post-wedding getaways, these practices vary wildly across cultures and have evolved from symbolic journeys to personal escapes. It wasn’t always about luxury resorts and Instagram photos. In the 1800s, British couples would travel to the seaside just to prove they could afford a break. Today, it’s less about proving anything and more about connecting—before real life kicks in.

Many wedding traditions, customs tied to marriage ceremonies and post-wedding rituals across cultures still influence how people plan their first trip as a married couple. In India, it’s common for newlyweds to visit a holy site like Rameshwaram or Tirupati, blending spiritual blessings with relaxation. In Japan, couples might stay in a ryokan and wear matching yukatas, while in parts of Europe, it’s still traditional to give the couple a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine for their new home. These aren’t just customs—they’re emotional anchors. And while some couples stick to them, others are rewriting the script. One couple we spoke to skipped the beach entirely and hiked the Himalayas instead. Why? Because their love story isn’t about perfection. It’s about adventure.

Then there’s the money side. honeymoon cost, the total expense of a post-wedding trip, including flights, lodging, meals, and activities isn’t just a number—it’s a decision point. The average honeymoon in 2025 runs between $3,500 and $20,000, but what you spend doesn’t define its value. Some couples save for years. Others use wedding gifts. A few even skip it altogether and use the cash for a down payment. The real tradition isn’t the destination. It’s the choice to take time together. That’s what lasts.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of ‘shoulds.’ It’s a collection of real stories, costs, cultural twists, and modern takes on what comes after ‘I do.’ Whether you’re planning a quiet temple visit in South India, a luxury train ride across the country, or just a weekend away, these posts show you how others are doing it—and why it works.