8 Dreamy Destinations for Your Mini-Moon

Romantic spots around the continental United States.

8 Dreamy Destinations for Your Mini-Moon

By Emily Lasnier

mini-moon-destinations-in-the-u-s-local-mini-moons-for-weekend-getaway
Photo: Brian Leahy Photography

Whether it’s a matter of not having enough vacation time off work, going over budget on the wedding, having small children you’re not ready to leave for two weeks, or any other number of reasons, the mini-moon has become increasingly popular with newlyweds. This smaller trip does not necessarily replace the honeymoon, but allows you and your beloved to enjoy a short getaway to soak in your new marital status before taking a longer trip months or even a year later. 

Shorter vacations usually lead to a desire for less travel time, so below are our suggestions for destinations easily accessible from different regions in the continental United States. As you will only have a few days, we recommend not exploring a large city you’ve dreamed of visiting, as you may not have the time to fully experience it. Instead find a charming town to relax in luxury with your spouse.

best places in the continental united states for a mini-moon

Photo by Brian Leahy Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events

Santa Cruz, California
On the north coast of the Monterey Bay, this surf town offers miles of beaches as well as beautiful hikes through redwood forests.  

Sedona, Arizona
Stunning vistas of the red rocks pair perfectly with luxurious spa resorts for a relaxing start to your marriage.

Savannah, Georgia
Stay in a bed and breakfast in the historic district and check out a ghost tour with your beloved.

Nantucket, Massachusetts
Dirty limericks aside, you’ll love the stunning scenery on the island. Grab your sweetheart and take a sailboat along the shore or ride a tandem bike by the beach. 

Bozeman, Montana
Explore the charming town for shops without sales tax, go on an adventurous white-water rafting trip, or travel in the winter for excellent skiing.

Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario
What was once a classic honeymoon destination for mid-century couples is still an amazing site to see. Just be sure to don a poncho if you take a ferry for a closer look.

Mackinac Island, Michigan
Cars are not allowed on the island, so if you don’t want to walk or ride a bike, you and your new spouse can travel by horse-drawn carriage. How romantic!

Telluride, Colorado
Enjoy hiking in the summer or skiiing in the winter – or look down at the mountains from a hot air balloon before enjoying natural spa treatments. 

For more on these shorter vacations with your newly minted spouse, learn why you should take a mini-moon or even an "earlymoon."

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