When you’re planning a wedding, your decisions must account for your guests’ comfort and experience. But your honeymoon? That’s entirely up to you and your partner! You can go, do, and see whatever you’d like — whether it’s a seaside resort on the Pacific or a historic tour through Europe.
For the vintage lovers out there, you’ll likely want a taste of old-world charm as you gallivant with your soon-to-be spouse and celebrate your newly-married status.
So where do you go?
We asked industry experts for honeymoon destinations that are sure to satisfy your appetite for all things vintage, so pull up a map and start planning!
Hudson Valley, NY
Upstate New York is known for its natural beauty, but believe it or not, it’s also a popular destination for vintage lovers! Betsy Scott of Hudson Valley Weddings at The Hill confirms as much, stating, “The Hudson Valley is a vintage collector’s paradise.”
“You’ll find treasure troves in every town along the Hudson River,” she says. “For example, the Annex Antiques Center in Red Hook has more than 30 dealers alone under one roof. And the town is also home to Hudson Valley Vintage. Over in Rhinebeck, the Beekman Arms Antique Market houses its vintage wares in a classic two-story red barn.”
As for accommodations, “there’s a wide selection of charming B&B’s and plenty of restaurants for intimate dining,” Scott notes. “From Westchester County to Albany, couples can enjoy year-round recreation and culture and history.”
Since the Hudson Valley is a short two-hour train ride from New York City, it’s the perfect destination for couples who want to take in the Big Apple’s culture with a side of vintage vibes.
San Diego, CA
Fun in the sun isn’t all San Diego has to offer — there’s also plenty of vintage shopping to explore, as Steven Feinberg of Bunn DJ Company – San Diego explains.
“The monthly San Diego Vintage Flea Market is home to mid-century housewares and curios and clothing from the 1900s through the 1980s,” he shares. “Swap meets are very popular in Southern California and fertile ground for vintage hunting. Kobey’s Swap Meet alone can host up to 1000 vendors. San Diego is also big on thrift stores that feature curated vintage clothing collections.”
Of course, there’s far more to do in San Diego to fill up the rest of your honeymoon itinerary. “San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful resorts in the country,” Feinberg says. “The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its nightlife and great restaurants. And the beaches can’t be beat.”
In San Diego, you can get it all sans passport: relaxing beaches, vintage shopping, culinary experiences, and vibrant nightlife.
Italy
For those who want an international experience, there’s no better destination for vintage lovers than Italy! Consider hitting several cities throughout the country to take in the sights, sounds, and flavors you can only get in the Bel Paese (yes, it literally means “beautiful country” – sign us up!).
“If you love vintage finds and the history that comes with them, you will love traveling through Italy with your spouse,” assures Sterling Lewis of C&D Events. “First, take a trip to Venice, considered one of the most romantic cities in Italy. You can add your love lock to one of the hundreds of canal bridges in the city. Then travel south to the island of Sardinia for some romantic Mediterranean relaxation. You can find amazing markets filled with vintage finds and delicious local fare.”
There’s a reason Italy is known as a couples’ destination. Ancient history, unmatched cuisine, shopping galore, and countless sites to stir up the romance — it’s sure to be a honeymoon filled with new experiences!
Europe
If you have a longer honeymoon in mind, Italy may only be one stop on your trip! Europe is filled with destinations for art, history, culture, food, and relaxation — perfect for an unforgettable honeymoon.
“If you like vintage old-world elements, Europe is one of the best places to honeymoon,” promises Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events. “And of course, within Europe, there are so many countries and so many areas within each country.”
Chang elaborates, offering up suggestions to fill your schedule: “The biggie cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Lisbon, Florence, Rome, and Prague are obvious choices, but there are so many smaller areas too, such as Loire Valley, Bruge, Seville, Dubrovnik, and the list goes on.”
And since Europe’s public transportation makes it easy to navigate by train, bus, subway, or tram, you don’t have to worry about driving — so you and your partner can sit back and take in the views while traveling!
So the next time wedding planning starts feeling stressful, switch gears and start thinking about your dream vacay. It will be a well-deserved reward to kick off your new chapter as newlyweds!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
