The wedding is over, the last dance has been danced, and now it is time for the two of you to escape and celebrate your new life together. Honeymoon planning can feel like yet another item on an already overwhelming to-do list, but with the right approach, it becomes one of the most exciting parts of the entire wedding journey. Here is your comprehensive guide to planning the perfect post-wedding getaway from Portland.
When to Start Planning
Ideally, begin honeymoon planning 8 to 10 months before your wedding. This gives you time to research destinations, compare prices, and take advantage of early booking discounts. If you are working with a travel agent, they can often access deals and upgrades that are not available to the public.
Key timing tips:
- Book flights early ā prices from Portland International Airport (PDX) are lowest 2 to 3 months before departure for domestic trips and 3 to 5 months for international
- Consider shoulder seasons ā traveling just before or after peak season saves money and avoids crowds
- Leave a buffer ā do not fly out the morning after your wedding. Give yourselves at least one recovery day
Destinations From Portland
Close to Home: Pacific Northwest Escapes
If you want to minimize travel time and maximize relaxation, the Pacific Northwest offers world-class honeymoon options.
- Oregon Coast ā Cannon Beach, Bandon, and Yachats offer dramatic coastline, cozy inns, and incredible seafood. Just 90 minutes to 4 hours from Portland.
- Bend and Central Oregon ā mountain adventures, hot springs, craft breweries, and stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the state.
- San Juan Islands, Washington ā accessible by ferry from Anacortes, these islands offer kayaking, whale watching, and charming bed-and-breakfasts.
- British Columbia, Canada ā Victoria and Tofino are just a short flight or drive north, offering a taste of international travel without the long haul.
Tropical Getaways
- Hawaii ā direct flights from PDX to Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island make Hawaii one of the most accessible tropical destinations for Portland couples. Flight time is about 5.5 hours.
- Mexico ā Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas offer all-inclusive resorts, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Direct flights from PDX are available seasonally.
- Costa Rica ā adventure and relaxation in one package. Zip-lining, surfing, hot springs, and wildlife reserves make this a honeymoon favorite.
European Adventures
- Italy ā the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and Venice are classic romantic destinations. Plan 10 to 14 days to do Italy justice.
- Greece ā Santorini and Mykonos are iconic for a reason, but Crete and the Peloponnese offer stunning beauty with fewer crowds.
- Portugal ā Lisbon and Porto offer incredible food, wine, and culture at a fraction of the cost of other Western European destinations.
Budgeting for Your Honeymoon
The average American couple spends $4,000 to $6,000 on their honeymoon, but your trip can be as lavish or as simple as you want it to be.
- Set a separate budget ā do not dip into your wedding budget for the honeymoon. Treat them as two independent line items.
- Use a honeymoon registry ā instead of traditional gifts, ask guests to contribute to experiences like dinners, excursions, or hotel upgrades.
- Travel rewards ā if you are paying for wedding vendors with a credit card, use one that earns travel points. Those vendor payments can fund a significant portion of your trip.
- All-inclusive resorts ā for couples who want to avoid nickel-and-dime charges, all-inclusive packages offer predictable pricing and stress-free planning.
Packing Tips for the Honeymoon
- Pack light ā you will want room in your luggage for souvenirs
- Bring a copy of your marriage certificate if traveling internationally, as some resorts offer newlywed perks
- Pack a portable charger, universal adapter, and waterproof phone case
- Include one nice outfit for a special dinner out
- Do not forget sunscreen, regardless of destination
The Mini-Moon Option
Not every couple can take two weeks off right after the wedding. A mini-moon, a short getaway of 3 to 5 days, lets you decompress and celebrate without the commitment of a full trip. Plan a longer honeymoon for a few months later when you have more time and energy.
Great Portland mini-moon ideas:
- A weekend at a Willamette Valley wine estate
- A cabin retreat in Mount Hood or the Columbia River Gorge
- A coastal escape to Cannon Beach or Pacific City
- A city getaway to Seattle, San Francisco, or Vancouver
Some of our favorite couples have told us their mini-moon was actually more enjoyable than a longer trip would have been, because they were relaxed, close to home, and fully present with each other.
Honeymoon Photography
Your honeymoon is an extension of your love story, and the photos from this trip will be treasured for decades. Consider hiring a local photographer at your destination for a one-hour couples session against a stunning backdrop. It is more affordable than you might think and produces gallery-worthy images.
From the Wedding to the Adventure
At MZ Photography, we love hearing about our couples’ honeymoon plans. Your wedding photos tell the story of one incredible day, but your honeymoon photos continue the narrative of your new life together.
Contact us if you would like recommendations for destination photographers, or visit our shop for wedding packages that include engagement and post-wedding sessions.