Wedding budgets today are climbing higher than ever, with couples now spending an average of £23,250 on their big day. With experiential travel taking centre stage, honeymoon decisions these days have become more strategic than sentimental.
Modern couples are combining wanderlust with comfort, affordability, and romance, seeking destinations that deliver both intimacy and Instagram gold.
Amidst these trends, a new study by Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive wedding venues across the UK, has revealed the best honeymoon destinations for 2025.
The research analysed 50 of the world’s most searched honeymoon destinations to allocate them a comprehensive Honeymoon Appeal Score.
They examined monthly search volumes for honeymoons in each destination, Instagram hashtag popularity, average costs for week-long trips, availability of romantic hotels, weather conditions during peak wedding season (April-October), and romantic activities offered at each location.
Top 10 Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations For 2025
| Rank | Country | Avg. Monthly Search Volume | Instagram Hashtag Volume | Avg. Honeymoon Cost | Romantic Activities Score | Honeymoon Appeal Score |
| 1 | Indonesia | 11,200 | 129,100 | £717.22 | 100 | 88.1 |
| 2 | Thailand | 8,110 | 6,100 | £1,035.65 | 100 | 65.9 |
| 3 | Maldives | 18,100 | 136,000 | £3,654.53 | 55 | 60.1 |
| 4 | Vietnam | 2,470 | 1,100 | £678.53 | 100 | 59.5 |
| 5 | Italy | 5,640 | 6,500 | £2,382.29 | 100 | 59.0 |
| 6 | South Africa | 2,900 | 1,500 | £1,108.56 | 100 | 58.8 |
| 7 | Greece | 8,100 | 1,000 | £2,586.14 | 100 | 58.8 |
| 8 | USA | 10,600 | 42,900 | £3,374.78 | 100 | 58.2 |
| 9 | Sri Lanka | 2,400 | 1,000 | £641.33 | 72 | 57.2 |
| 10 | Morocco | 1,300 | 100 | £930.00 | 100 | 55.6 |
1. Indonesia – The Perfect Balance of Luxury and Value
Indonesia takes the crown with a stunning 88.1 appeal score, proving that paradise doesn’t have to break the bank. At just £717 for a week-long honeymoon, couples get access to 1,947 romantic hotels and perfect hot weather year-round. The destination generates 11,200 monthly searches and boasts 129,100 Instagram posts, making it both affordable and highly shareable.
“Indonesia offers newlyweds the ultimate combination of value and luxury,” says Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings. “You’re getting five-star experiences at three-star prices, with countless opportunities for those picture-perfect moments that couples crave.”
2. Thailand – The Seasoned Romantic’s Choice
Thailand secures second place with a 65.9 score, attracting 8,110 monthly searches. Despite costing £1,036 for a week, couples benefit from 1,469 romantic hotels and 100% romantic activities availability. The destination offers consistent hot weather and represents excellent value for experienced travellers seeking both adventure and intimacy.
“Thailand has mastered the art of romance on a budget,” notes Bramer. “The infrastructure for couples is unmatched, with everything from floating markets to private beach dinners readily available.”
3. Maldives – Instagram Royalty with a Price Tag
The Maldives claims third place despite its hefty £3,655 price tag, scoring 60.1 overall. This traditional luxury destination dominates social media with 136,000 Instagram hashtags and generates the highest search volume at 18,100 monthly searches. However, with only 411 romantic hotels and limited activity options scoring just 55, it relies heavily on its picture-perfect reputation.
4. Vietnam – The Budget Adventurer’s Paradise
Vietnam punches above its weight at fourth place with 59.5 points. At just £679 for a week, it’s the most affordable destination in the top five. With 1,204 romantic hotels and hot weather conditions, Vietnam offers exceptional value for couples seeking authentic experiences without the tourist premium.
5. Italy – Classic Romance Meets Modern Appeal
Italy rounds out the top five with 59.0 points, balancing tradition with contemporary appeal. Costing £2,382 for a week, it offers 2,379 romantic hotels – the highest number in the rankings – and benefits from warm and hot weather during peak season. Italy generates 5,640 monthly searches, proving classic destinations still capture modern hearts.
“We’re seeing an interesting shift,” explains Bramer. “While traditional luxury spots like the Maldives maintain their appeal through pure Instagram power, destinations like Indonesia and Vietnam are winning couples over with authentic experiences at accessible prices.”
Nick Bramer, from Country House Weddings, commented:
“Couples are no longer picking honeymoon spots solely based on tradition, but choosing destinations that photograph well, feel exclusive, and offer adventure and intimacy in equal measure. What’s notable about these 2025 rankings is how they reflect this shift in priorities.
“The data shows that modern honeymooners are incredibly savvy. They want destinations that deliver on multiple fronts: stunning visuals for social media, genuine romantic experiences, and value for money. Indonesia’s top ranking perfectly captures this trend – it offers luxury resort experiences at a fraction of the cost of traditional destinations like the Maldives.
“We’re seeing couples move away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to honeymoons. Instead, they’re researching extensively, comparing costs, and prioritising destinations that align with their personal interests and budgets. The rise of Southeast Asian destinations in our top rankings reflects this more strategic approach to honeymoon planning.”