In one sense, a honeymoon is not the most important focus for an engaged couple to be thinking about and planning. A honeymoon is certainly not essential for a marriage. 

There is nothing in the Bible that describes a honeymoon, at least as we have come to think of the term. Historically, in the 1800s, British couples began taking a customary “bridal tour” following their wedding. Wedding trips were not necessarily a part of ancient Hebrew culture. In those days when travel was difficult and dangerous, few newlyweds would ever embark upon a long journey. 

In our own time, a honeymoon can be a nice opportunity for a newly married couple to leave the busy routine of work and take a few days to enjoy and focus on each other. A well-planned honeymoon can set a good pattern for marriage.

A honeymoon should not be egocentric

A groom should be considering the interests of his bride before his own interests when planning their first trip as a married couple. For example, a man who loves fly-fishing in the high mountain streams of the American West would tax his precious bride by making her hike up to the streams where the trout flash in the sun. Or a man who enjoys snorkeling among the coral reefs would be foolish if he took his beloved bride on a trip involving such water activities if she was afraid of water and water creatures, such as jellyfish, sharks, and the like!

A honeymoon should not be extravagant

Many brides and grooms who enjoyed an expensive, lavish honeymoon in a dazzling location have come home to everyday life and become disappointed by the realities of the ordinary. To take a nice trip, even including comfort and luxury as God provides is fine—as long as expectations are not built that are unrealistic in everyday living. This point is especially important early in marriage when experience together as a married couple is so limited. A wise bride might appreciate a stylish, functional kitchen even more than an equally expensive stay at a five-star resort. Couples can look back and have fond memories of a simple meal consisting of a bologna sandwich shared together on a delightful honeymoon. The focus of the honeymoon is not its extravagance but on the two people having quality time together in this set-apart time.

A honeymoon should not be exhausting

After the busy days of wedding preparation, a newly married bride and groom could benefit greatly from a few days of physical and emotional rest. Some couples find it very rewarding and refreshing to attend their own local church on their first Sunday as a married couple and to show their appreciation of the local congregation. 

While planning a packed itinerary of sightseeing, activities, and adventure, be sure to incorporate some quality rest time in the schedule too. An evening spent side by side watching the sun set over a lake or viewing a lightning show over the mountains is memorable and restful. Being together is more important than doing things. 

Couples who plan a honeymoon thoughtfully and wisely will be able to look back on those early days together with fond memories. The honeymoon is the set-aside time when physical intimacy can be cultivated, mutual trust can be built, and patterns of love, companionship, and respect are formed. This important foundation can then be strengthened and nurtured in days to come. Truly, if carefully planned, a honeymoon can last a lifetime!