A minimoon is a way for newlyweds to celebrate their wedding without the expense and time off required for a traditional honeymoon. But what exactly is a minimoon, what are its benefits and where are the most popular minimoon destinations? This article explains all.
What is a minimoon?
A minimoon is a short post-wedding getaway – but not quite a honeymoon. Whereas honeymoons tend to be luxurious trips to faraway places that couples have saved up for, a minimoon is smaller in scale. It is usually somewhere closer to home (reachable by car, train or a very short flight) and less expensive, and it generally lasts just a few nights. Some couples take a minimoon straight after the wedding and save a longer honeymoon for later.
A minimoon can actually be likened to a staycation. The difference is that it takes place just after the wedding, and it is just for the couple.
Benefits of minimoons
There are many benefits of taking a minimoon after a wedding, as outlined below.
Spend time together
One big benefit is that it allows newlyweds to spend time together, one-on-one. Weddings are often big occasions with many friends and family members, and couples can find that they barely spend a minute together on the day because they are busy mingling with guests.
Chill out
Another benefit of a minimoon is that it gives couples the chance to relax. Planning a wedding is often described as one of the most stressful life events – from choosing a venue and managing the budget to dress fittings and family dynamics. A minimoon straight after the wedding is an opportunity to wind down after all the excitement.
Something to look forward to
A minimoon also extends the wedding experience, giving couples something to look forward to once the celebrations are over.
Affordability
A minimoon is generally much more affordable than a honeymoon. Because it tends to only be a night or two with no flying involved, it can be a fraction of the price of a villa on the beach in a sun-drenched location. This makes it a good option for couples getting married on a budget, and some see it as a ‘honeymoon preview’ while they save for a bigger trip later.
Time off
A minimoon also requires less time off work. For couples who don’t want to use up all of their annual leave on one trip, or who have limited time off, a minimoon means they can still get away.
How long is a minimoon?
There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to how long a minimoon is. It can be one night at a countryside spa, or a long weekend at a log cabin, or two nights at a plush hotel in the city. The idea is that it’s a short trip, so anything longer than around four days would probably be considered a honeymoon.
What do you do on a minimoon?
A minimoon can involve anything the couple wants. It is a chance to relax after all the hard work and excitement surrounding the wedding, so many couples simply rest, reflect on the big day and enjoy time together.
A minimoon is about the couple, so many choose activities they enjoy together – for example, a beach break for keen surfers, a self-catering cottage for couples who love cooking, or a city break for those who enjoy food, culture and nightlife.
Popular minimoon destinations
It is hard to pinpoint the most popular minimoon destinations, because minimoons usually take place in the couple’s home country or nearby. Some examples of popular minimoon ideas in various countries are outlined below.
UK minimoon destinations
Chewton Glen, Hampshire. Stay in a luxury treehouse in a forest, complete with your very own hot tub!
Supernova, Isle of Skye. This converted chapel has its own sauna, and loch views.
The Hoxton, London. This chic and modern hotel is the perfect location for a minimoon in the big smoke, for couples who prefer the city.
Carbis Bay Hotel, Cornwall. This hotel can feel like being abroad, especially in summer. There’s acres of private beach, an infinity pool, and floor-to-ceiling windows in all the rooms with a stunning view of the coastline.
The Balmoral, Edinburgh. With views of the castle, this is a relaxing city option, and couples can even book the Gaelic poet in residence to create and perform a bespoke poem.
Minimoon destinations in France
La Réserve Hotel & Spa, Paris. This luxury hotel in the city of love is ideal for a minimoon. Paris is often described as the most romantic city in the world, and the hotel has a spa.
Cap Estel, Côte d’Azur. This A-list hotel, on a secluded peninsula, has spectacular sea views.
Château de la Gaude, Provence. A luxurious château stay in the beautiful Provence countryside.
US minimoon destinations
Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas. A popular option for couples within easy reach of Las Vegas who want an action-packed minimoon.
Disneyworld, Florida. A long weekend at Walt Disney World is a popular minimoon for Disney fans.
The Chloe, New Orleans. A chic boutique hotel in the vibrant city of New Orleans.
Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley. This California destination is ideal for a minimoon for couples within travelling distance. And this adult-only hotel is surrounded by the breathtaking greenery this part of the state is famous for.
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Bozeman. This is an amazing Montana-based minimoon destination. Its peace and quiet are ideal after the buzz of a wedding.
Minimoon destinations in Italy
The St. Regis, Venice. A luxury hotel in one of the most beautiful cities in the world? A luxurious option for couples within easy reach of Venice.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como. The Italian lakes are another level of beautiful, and are great to drive to/around. This spa hotel, located on the waterfront, is steeped in history and has fine-dining options to boot.
Minimoons: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about minimoons.
What is a minimoon?
A minimoon is a short trip taken by newlyweds straight after their wedding, usually lasting a few nights and close to home, instead of or before a longer honeymoon.
How long is a minimoon?
There is no fixed length, but a minimoon usually lasts between one and four nights. Anything longer is generally considered a honeymoon.
What is the difference between a minimoon and a honeymoon?
A honeymoon is usually a longer, more expensive trip, often abroad, while a minimoon is shorter, cheaper and closer to home.
Why do couples choose a minimoon?
Couples choose minimoons to relax and spend time together after the wedding, save money, use less annual leave, or because they plan to take a longer honeymoon later.
Where should you go on a minimoon?
Popular minimoon ideas include countryside spa hotels, coastal resorts, cosy cottages and city breaks within easy reach of home.
Minimoon: Further reading
If you found this article on minimoons useful, these articles may also be of interest:
- Staycation explained: what, why and where?
- What is glamping and how does it work?
- 20 popular types of hotels around the world
- What is special interest tourism?
- How to find clients as a travel agent
