How Long Is a Honeymoon According to Real Couples

After months, maybe even years, of planning your wedding, the day comes along and it's as brilliant as you could have dreamed. Up next: a dreamy getaway to soak it all up with your (eek!) new spouse! But how long is a honeymoon supposed to be, anyway? There's no right or wrong answer since every couple and situation is unique, but we can point to some average honeymoon lengths to help inform your decision.

We asked real couples across the country about their honeymoon to find the average duration. Keep reading for all the data in The Knot 2024 Honeymoon Study and get advice for deciding how long your honeymoon should be.

In this article:

• How Long Is the Average Honeymoon?
• How Long Is the Average Mini-Moon?
• How Long Should Your Honeymoon Be?
• What to Consider When Choosing Honeymoon Length

How Long Is the Average Honeymoon?

According to data collected in The Knot 2024 Honeymoon Study, 70% of couples enjoyed a honeymoon that was one week or less, with 56% of couples saying their honeymoon was five to seven days long. Just 28% took a honeymoon that lasted one to two weeks, and only 1% of couples polled said their honeymoon lasted two to three weeks. The most common honeymoon length—accounting for 33% of couples—was exactly seven days. The second highest length was five days, with 17% of couples saying this was the length of their honeymoon.

We also spoke with several resorts, hotels and travel companies that specialize in honeymoon packages, and our findings align with their experience, as well. InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef said that four to five day honeymoons are common at their hotel, and the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, InterContinental Phuket Resort and Go2Africa team all said they typically see honeymoons between five and seven days.

How Long Is the Average Mini-Moon?

A mini-moon is essentially a short, relaxed trip that takes place right after the wedding versus a big and elaborate honeymoon, and The Knot 2024 Honeymoon Study found that the average length was between two and five days. Specifically, 24% said their mini-moon was four days, 20% said three days, 16% said two days, and 14% said it was five days.

"A mini-moon is more like a chance to catch your breath after everything, spend a few days together and just soak in that 'we're married' feeling," explains Charlie Neville, travel expert and marketing director at JayWay Travel. "After all the stress of planning a wedding, it feels amazing to just get away for a few days without having to think too much about logistics or cost."

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The idea is that you don't have to travel too far, pack for a long trip or take a ton of time off work. Neville says it's appealing to a lot of newlyweds because it's an affordable honeymoon, less pressure and still feels really special. "Plus, if you're planning a bigger honeymoon later, this gives you something to enjoy in the meantime without rushing into a huge trip you're too tired to fully enjoy," he says.

How Long Should Your Honeymoon Be?

How long your honeymoon is depends entirely on your own preferences and logistics. In other words, there's no right or wrong answer. If you want to stick to averages, then five to seven days is an excellent length, long enough to relax after your wedding without feeling like too much pressure or time away.

Those who want a quick getaway may want to consider a two to five day mini-moon. Then, if desired, they can plan for a larger, longer trip down the line once they've recovered from all the wedding planning and festivities.

What to Consider When Choosing Honeymoon Length

Every set of newlyweds has their own list of factors to consider. Here's what to keep in mind as you plan your honeymoon.

Your Budget

No escaping the realities of a honeymoon budget! Every day away from home comes with expenses, including lodging, dining and honeymoon activities. Neville says, "After paying for the wedding, the idea of jumping straight into an expensive trip might not make sense. A shorter trip, like a mini-moon, is way easier to manage financially. You can still have a great time, just on a smaller scale."

Your Travel Style

Thinking about your individual travel style is very important. "If you like high-energy, action-packed itineraries, a long weekend city break mini-moon could be perfect, while a longer honeymoon allows you to have a more balanced itinerary with a mix of exploration and relaxation," notes Justin Chapman, travel expert at Go2Africa.

Your Job's PTO Policy

How much time you can get off can directly impact the length of your honeymoon. "A lot of people can't disappear for two weeks right after their wedding," Neville says. "A shorter trip makes it easier to relax without stressing about missing too much work or using up all your PTO."

Distance and Time Zone Switches

If you're traveling a long way, then you'll need to factor in travel days and jet lag. Some destinations—like going from the US to Asia, Australia or Africa—can easily require 24 hours of travel time, and then you'll have a couple of days of adjusting to the new time. Chapman says, "Save trips to the other side of the world for a longer honeymoon and stay a little closer to home if you're choosing to go for a shorter time."