The Best Places to Honeymoon for Couples on a Budget

Most American couples will spend between $25,000 and $50,000 on their wedding, and that's just on the low end. With the economy being in the position it has been for the past year many young newlyweds are looking for ways to save money on their honeymoon. Honeymoons are slowly being put off by newly married couples due to the cost associated with it and the wedding.

If you can't afford London or Paris for your honeymoon think about trying a destination closer to home. The following 5 places are some of the best for budget-minded newlyweds.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts -

Known for it classic American summers and cool Atlantic breezes, Cape Cod has become a popular honeymoon destination with the New York newlyweds other couples from the Northeast. Picture children on bicycles, old-fashioned streets and romantic strolls along the beach at night. You can find discounts in Cape Cod and all along Massachusetts Atlantic Coast and the owners of the local motels and hotels will tell you the best places to eat and sight-see while you're on vacation.

Don't miss a day on the high seas on a whale watching trip or a charted sunset sail around Cape Cod Bay. Many companies cater to newlyweds and you can get a champagne evening cruise or Mimosa breakfast cruise.

Florida's Gulf Coast -

Anywhere along Florida's Gulf Coast, from St. Petersburg to Fort Myers, you will find hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This area of Florida is very newlywed friendly and you can find lots of discounts and bargains for hotels, motels, restaurants and nightclubs along t he beaches.

Don't miss the Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa or the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota. You can also visit Honeymoon Island off the coast of St. Petersburg that offers sun bathing fun and pontoon boats you can sail around the Gulf for hours on. Also play a round of miniature golf at any of the numerous courses along the coast.

Santa Fe, New Mexico -

Known for its amazing Adobe architecture, Native American arts and crafts and open-air opera performances New Mexico is a great place for the budget conscious couple to visit on their honeymoon. You will find many hotels offering discounts in Santa Fe and the employees can direct you to the best places to eat, find entertainment or get the best view of a hot air balloon taking off in the early morning.

While you're here don't miss the numerous different types of chilies that make this state famous. You will find the chillies are plentiful in New Mexico and have been added to almost everything on local restaurant menus.

Sonoma County, California -

If you are looking for a romantic honeymoon surrounded by beautiful vineyards, and plenty of wine, travel to Sonoma County for your honeymoon. The area is known for budget friendly inns and bed-and-breakfasts, vineyard tours along miles of grapes and restaurants that have become known for their fresh and organic food menus.

While here don't forget to take a drive along the coastline, where the waves pound the shore and seals outnumber the tourists on the beaches.

Charleston, South Carolina -

Known for its Old Southern style from a bygone era, plantations and ancient streets Charleston is a great choice for couples on a budget. The nice thing about staying in a city that has a high tourist population is the discounts that go with staying at area hotels. Charleston is no exception and you will find good deals here for extended stays.

While you're here take a stroll down King Street through the city's historic district which was built by British transplants in the 17th century. Also take a drive to the beach area's and enjoy the restaurants and the Charleston nightlife. If you want to venture outside the city take a day trip to Savannah, Georgia which is another historic newlywed destination.