Who Pays for the Honeymoon? Who Covers Costs and How Couples Split It

When it comes to the honeymoon, a post-wedding trip taken by newly married couples to celebrate their union. Also known as bridal trip, it’s not just a vacation—it’s a shared experience that often brings up real questions about money. There’s no rule that says one person must pay. In fact, more couples today are choosing to split the cost based on what works for them, not tradition.

Some still follow the old idea that the groom’s family pays, but that’s fading fast. Today, it’s common for couples to pay together, use wedding gift money, or even let one partner cover part while the other handles flights. The key isn’t who’s supposed to pay—it’s who can afford what. One couple we spoke to saved for two years, putting aside $200 a month from their joint account. Another used $5,000 from wedding gifts and added $3,000 from their savings. No one felt pressured. No one felt guilty. They just planned what fit.

Money stress is one of the biggest reasons couples fight after the wedding. That’s why setting a budget before you even pick a destination matters. A honeymoon budget, a planned spending limit for a post-wedding trip based on income, savings, and gifts doesn’t mean you have to go cheap—it means you avoid debt. You can have a beach getaway in Goa for under $1,500 or a luxury resort in the Maldives for $5,000. Both are valid if they match your finances. Tools like shared Google Sheets or budgeting apps help track who’s paying for what—flights, hotels, meals, activities. One partner might book the hotel, the other handles the flights. Simple. Fair.

And don’t forget: your honeymoon doesn’t have to be overseas. A quiet weekend in Mysore, a road trip through Kerala, or even a staycation with a fancy dinner counts. The goal isn’t the price tag—it’s the time together. Many couples who skipped expensive trips say they still felt the magic because they focused on connection, not cost.

What you’ll find below are real stories and practical guides from couples who’ve been there. From how to talk about money without awkwardness, to how to use wedding gifts wisely, to how to pick a destination that fits your bank account—you’ll see there’s no one right way. Just the right way for you.