First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes—the honeymoon! It’s a way for the two of you to relax and spend time away after planning and socializing. If you’re looking for romantic honeymoon destinations that are off the radar, check out our list!

This is an updated republish of a post by Patricia Mitchell.

Why consider romantic honeymoon destinations?

For many of us, getting married presents one of the biggest opportunities you’ve had to indulge our inner superstar. You can host a wedding worthy of the society pages! Whether you decide to go traditional or get modern and funky, couples labor over every detail.

You want to make sure their big day is one that reflects creativity and personality while celebrating your unique love. Don’t stop the creative planning with the reception! Honeymoons are a chance for you both to go someplace uniquely suited to your tastes.

Not that Hawaii and Paris aren’t unforgettable honeymoon destinations (they are!). However, if you look around, you’ll find there are a lot of unexpectedly romantic honeymoon ideas for spending your first days as a couple. You may even consider one of these lovely places for a destination wedding!

Here are five places that would make stunning, yet relaxing, honeymoon destinations.

5 Romantic Honeymoon Ideas

1. Kamakura, Japan ~ Active Honeymoon Destinations

With sandy beaches, hiking trails, and beautiful temples and shrines, Kamakura is a tranquil getaway. Nearby Enoshima Island has more active attractions like an aquarium, an observation tower, and the stunning Iwaya Caves.

Also, be sure to visit Love Bell. They say if you and your sweetheart ring the bell together, then put your names on a padlock and hang it, you’ll stay together forever!

Active couples would greatly enjoy a honeymoon in Japan.

2. Pawleys Island, South Carolina ~ Honeymoon at the Beach

Pawleys is extra romantic to me because it’s where my husband proposed! The perfect day here is kayaking through the marshes, then relaxing with an iced tea on a porch swing with a view of the ocean.

Attractions include Brookgreen Gardens, with its thousands of flowers, trees, and sculptures, and Myrtle Beach, which offers everything from museums to mini-golf.

You can never go wrong by relaxing on the beach after your wedding day.

3. Dahab, Egypt ~ Unforgettable Honeymoon Destinations

Part of the “Red Sea Riviera,” Dahab is great for windsurfing, snorkeling, and other beachy fun. It’s also an internationally renowned SCUBA-diving destination.

All the perks of a Caribbean vacation, plus, with an inexpensive 3-hour flight, you can take a day trip to the Pyramids of Giza and contemplate the timelessness of your love.

Heading to Egypt would definitely make for unforgettable honeymoons!

4 . Galway, Ireland ~ Scenic Honeymoons

Galway, Ireland is so welcoming, it’s easy to feel right at home. The pedestrian plaza has shops, pubs, and great street performers. Everything from fish and chips shops to Michelin-starred restaurants is within walking distance.

And you can rent a car and take a drive on the Wild Atlantic Way to view some of the most dramatic natural beauty you’ll see in your life.

Galway, Ireland is coastal and filled with scenery and natural beauty for your honeymoon.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico ~ Luxury Honeymoon Destinations

Georgia O’Keeffe was on to something when she decided to live in Santa Fe. The place is beautiful and has so much variety! With a Santa Fe base, you can explore the desert. Go river rafting. Check out pre-Columbian petroglyphs. Marvel at both adobe architecture and a gothic cathedral.

It’s an artists’ paradise and you can see works in galleries all around the city. Stop in at the Meow Wolf art collective for an immersive southwestern experience. Favorite Santa Fe attractions include the cave paintings at Bandelier National Monument, the O’Keeffe Museum, and the Tesuque Pueblo.

Art and architecture abound in the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Explore it after your big day!

What are your favorite spots for honeymoons?

Are you considering straying from the traditional path with your honeymoon? There are so many places to consider. No matter what there are many unique honeymoon destinations—on a budget, too—that are worth exploring. The world awaits!

Photos by: Olya Kobruseva, Berk Ozdemir, William Rouse, Flo P, Clive Kim, Taylor Simpson, Asad Photography