Who Pays for Honeymoon? Modern Rules and Real Costs for 2025

When it comes to the honeymoon, a post-wedding trip taken by the newly married couple to celebrate their union. Also known as wedding trip, it’s no longer a gift from parents—it’s a shared responsibility. The old rule that the groom’s family pays for the honeymoon? That’s mostly gone. In 2025, most couples in the UK and Ireland are paying for it themselves, often using wedding savings, cash gifts, or even a little help from both sets of parents.

The wedding budget, the total amount a couple plans to spend on their wedding day and related events doesn’t stop at the venue or the dress. The honeymoon, a post-wedding trip taken by the newly married couple to celebrate their union is a major part of it. Many couples now treat it like a second big expense after the ceremony—sometimes even bigger. A recent survey showed that the average UK couple spends between £3,000 and £7,000 on their honeymoon, depending on the destination and length. That’s not small change. And when families offer to help, it’s usually not because they’re expected to—it’s because they want to.

It’s not about who should pay. It’s about who can and who wants to. Some parents still give a lump sum toward the honeymoon as a gift. Others chip in for a specific part—like flights or a luxury resort stay. But the trend is clear: couples are taking control. They’re planning trips that fit their style, not tradition. A beach getaway in Portugal? A road trip through Scotland? A week in Bali? All valid. And if your parents say, "We’ll pay for your honeymoon," don’t assume it’s automatic. Talk about it. Ask what they mean. Maybe they’re thinking £1,000. Maybe they’re thinking £5,000. Don’t guess.

And what if neither side can afford it? No problem. Many couples are saving for a year or two before the wedding just to fund their trip. Others use a honeymoon registry—where guests give money toward the trip instead of physical gifts. It’s practical, personal, and growing fast. There’s no shame in it. In fact, it’s smarter than going into debt for a week away.

There’s also the question of timing. Some couples take the honeymoon right after the wedding. Others wait months—or even a year—until they can afford it. That’s fine too. The point isn’t when you go. It’s that you go, together, on your terms.

What you’ll find below are real stories and practical guides from couples who’ve been there. How one pair saved £4,000 on their honeymoon by choosing off-season travel. How another used wedding gifts to fund a two-week trip across Europe. How some families still pay, but only after a calm, honest conversation. You’ll see what’s working now—not what old books say.