How Far Ahead Should You Book Your Honeymoon for the Best Deals?

Two weeks after your wedding, you discover your dream honeymoon resort is on a waitlist for nine months. That’s the stuff of nightmares, right? Booking a honeymoon isn’t like reserving a dinner for two. If you want perfect weather, killer deals, and that private overwater bungalow, you need more than luck — you need timing.

Why Timing Matters More Than You Think

You might think booking a honeymoon is as simple as picking a place and slapping down your credit card. But here’s the kicker: the best destinations—think Santorini, Maldives, Bora Bora, Maui—book up faster than you’d believe, especially right after wedding season. According to data from Expedia, honeymoon bookings spike from January through April as couples race to snag the choicest rooms. And it’s not just luxury spots — even charming boutique hotels in Italy or Thailand start filling up a year in advance.

The timing isn’t just about availability. It can also mean huge swings in price. Elite honeymoon resorts sometimes drop early-bird deals or promotions, but only if you’re looking months ahead. Miss that window and you’re forced to grab what’s left—and pay top dollar for it. Then there’s airfare; a 2023 Hopper report found that booking international flights six to nine months out often saves $250 per ticket compared to last-minute buyers.

Different destinations have unique booking rhythms. Caribbean islands? Book extra early for winter trips, as that’s peak season. Southeast Asia? You can sometimes wait longer unless it’s over a holiday. So the "perfect" timeline can depend a lot on where your honeymoon daydreams take you.

The Sweet Spot: When Should You Lock In Plans?

If you want everything—the best destinations, dream hotels, and the lowest prices—you can’t just wing it. Most travel professionals point to the 6-to-12-month range as peak honeymoon booking season. But it isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. For instance, if you’re aiming for an overwater villa in French Polynesia during their dry season (May-October), you’ll want to put your deposit down at least 10 months ahead. Italy’s Amalfi Coast in July? You’d better start looking 12 months out or risk scraping the Airbnb barrel.

Flights can get tricky, too. Airlines typically release schedules about 11 months in advance. If you have airline points or want the best seat selection, hit “book” early. But if you’re flexible and watching fares, peak deal windows for international travel are 4-6 months out, according to Google Flights’ latest insights. Domestic U.S. flights? Best fares show up about 2-5 months out, with slim averages for savings after that point.

Here’s a pro tip: if you’re marrying during a popular wedding month (like September or October), remember that tons of couples are booking honeymoons at the same time. If you wait too late, you’ll trade killer sunsets for last-choice rooms.

The Not-So-Sexy Stuff: What Else Affects Booking Windows?

Pandemic-era travel drama proved one thing — even the "usual" advice is always changing. Supply chain issues, labor shortages, and airline route changes still affect travel in 2025. Some hotels and resorts now release inventory much earlier to lock in business. That means those 6-month windows can be risky — if you have your heart set on a specific room type or honeymoon suite. Some couples are booking major trips a whopping 14 months out.

But booking too early sometimes means locking in higher rates or risking changes in plans. Want to try your luck on last-minute deals? That can work—especially for less-trendy destinations or right after high season—but gambling on deals for high-demand spots often backfires.

Seasonality also makes a big difference. If you’re set on a summer honeymoon in Europe, you’ll compete with regular vacationers. Fall in New England? Same story. Shoulder seasons (the in-between months) sometimes give you a little more wiggle room, but they’re not a guarantee. Then there’s weather: monsoon season in Southeast Asia or hurricane risk in the Caribbean could affect your plans, and should influence when you search and book.

Don’t forget special events, either. Planning Italy during the Venice Carnival or Rio during Carnival week means bumping your search out by at least 15 months and bracing for double the usual crowds.

How to Nail the Perfect Booking Timeline

Busting honeymoon planning myths is half the battle. You don’t have to plan every detail years in advance — but you do need to move faster than you expect. Here’s how to get it right, without stress or FOMO:

• Start with a vision: Nail down what matters most. Is it the hotel, the destination, upgrades, experiences, or budget?
• Research high and low seasons for your dream locations. This helps avoid bad weather and crowds.
• Search for deals, but once you see a good one, don't hesitate—especially for high-demand honeymoon resorts and unique room types.
• If using points or miles, book as soon as the airline calendar opens. Those saver seats go fast.
• Talk to recentlywed friends. If they struggled with availability, book even earlier than you planned.
• Don’t just focus on flights or hotels; activities, dinner reservations, and spa treatments at resorts need early bookings too.
• See if your destination is hosting major events that will drive up crowds and prices.
• Book refundable rates or travel insurance where you can, just in case your plans—or flights—shift later.
• Set alerts for price drops, but don’t let “deal chasing” derail booking when something you want is available.
• If you’re aiming for adventure (like a safari or remote island), work with reputable operators—those spots fill two years out for prime dates.

If you want to live that Instagram-worthy honeymoon planning dream—not a last-resort Plan B—planning ahead is your ticket. Lock in your favorites, score the best rates, and give yourself something to look forward to once the wedding whirlwind is over.