The Best Honeymoon Destinations in December

Snow-topped centerpieces, shades of blue that serve as your color palette and your good luck charm, frosty champagne glasses: there are plenty of reasons to consider a December wedding. Though it’s a hectic time of year as your friends and family manage the holidays and end-of-year demands, the month also presents a whimsical, romantic magic. Depending on what part of the country you call home, the dropping temperatures might entice you to flee the frigid air in search of a more tropical oasis, near and far away—the best honeymoon destinations in December.

From Hawaii to Costa Rica and beyond, work up some warmth together while visiting the best honeymoon destinations in December.

Nevis

Take a look at your last few emails and text messages—who are they from? Likely, everyone from your mother-in-law to your baker—and plenty of questions from your bridesmaids. That’s why after you’ve made your grand post-ceremony entrance, there’s nothing more you want to do than to escape to a private island—just the two of you. Like, say, Nevis in the Caribbean! While plenty of spots in this region of the world are ripe with tourists during winter, Nevis is different, since it’s a little further away. It features less-crowded beaches, including Pinney, which is decorated with palm trees. As a bonus, you can have a bit of beach and a bit of city, if you make a trip out to the island’s capital of Charlestown, with Georgian-style and British colonial buildings.
Where to Stay: Paradise Beach Nevis
You know those jaw-dropping Instagrams where bungalows rest above the water? There’s no better excuse to splurge on one than for your honeymoon at this recommended resort. Here you’ll have all the privacy and 5-star service you want out of your honeymoon, as well as some of the best dining in the region.

The Maldives

Truth be told, the weather is always picture-perfect in the Indian Ocean, but this is especially true during December at the Maldives. Made of more than one thousand islands, you’ve likely double-tapped a photo (or ten) featuring the gorgeous beaches, blue lagoon, reefs, fish markets and white coral. Since it’s your honeymoon and all, why not finally make the trek? With beauty, privacy and sunsets that you won’t believe, those six-foot piles of snow back home will be a distance memory.
Where to Stay: Soneva Jani
There are two features that set this resort apart from others: it’s not only completely over-the-water, but it’s eco-resort on the uninhabited island of Medhufaru, part of the five-island cluster of Noonu Atoll. Every water villa here has its own private pool and private stretch of lagoon, meaning you can truly escape away from it all. A bonus? Each also has a retractable roof, so you’ll not only get lost in one another, but in the stars. With top-notch service, Soneva can also arrange astronomical dinner cruises, private movie screenings, picnics, sunset dolphin cruises and more.

Maui, Hawaii

Even if you didn’t get ‘mauied’ in Maui, you can still journey here for your big adventure—it’s certainly one of the best honeymoon destinations in December. There’s no passport required to visit this island in the Central Pacific that’s part of the Hawaiian archipelago. When you’re not busy de-stressing from wedding planning on the beach, you can tour through the nearby Haleakala National Park and spot a volcano, climb waterfalls and take a scenic drive through the infamous, winding Hana Highway. And hey, with 30 beaches to pick from, one thing's for sure: you need to pack sunscreen and you definitely won’t be bored!
Where to Stay: Hyatt Regency Maui
When you book the honeymoon package at this hotel, you’re given a daily car rental with parking, buffet breakfast, a culinary class and other sweet surprises as you celebrate your nuptials. You can also buy tickets for several shows on the property, go on a snorkeling expedition and other fun experiences that take your trip beyond romance and thoroughly committed to the adventure of starting a life together.

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

If you’ve already toured through the rainforests, you might not be as inspired to visit Costa Rica again, but consider this: there is a whole region of this country that was directly created by a volcano. Introducing the Peninsula Papagayo on the north Pacific coast in the northwest province of Guanacaste. Here, you’ll truly be fully immersed in a healthy mix of nature and luxury, as you explore beaches and learn more about the wonders of earth. (And of course, of one another.)
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
At the center of this resort is biodiversity and authentic local culture, making both the experiences and the culinary options unique. Here, you can spend your time exploring the property and area, indulging in a spa escape for two and savoring every last sunset from their private, luxe honeymoon suites.

Lake Placid, New York

For couples who choose to wed in December because they love the winter season, consider staying where it’s cold outside but toasty inside. Head north to Lake Placid, a small village tucked away in the iconic Adirondack Mountains for a Northeastern U.S. honeymoon. Though it was once a Winter Olympics hub and training center for athletes, it’s also home to country cabins, trails and of course, lakes. If a bottle of wine by a fireplace after a day of exploring the great outdoors is what get you and your spouse going, this is one of the best honeymoon destinations in December.
Where to Stay: Whiteface Lodge
As the only all-suite property in the area, you’ll feel catered to from the moment you walk in to this resort. It’s in the woodlands of High Peaks and was named a Forbes Four Diamond property, featuring an 8,000 square foot spa. Each suite comes with a roaring fireplace, so if you never want to leave, you don’t have to. Another fun perk of a December visit is their on-property ice rink and s’more delivered straight to your door.