4 Carolina Spots Voted Among the Top Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations in America

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As the wedding bells start ringing across the country, the euphoria of newlywed bliss is closely shadowed by the daunting expenses that weddings and honeymoons entail. Living the high life in 2023 isn’t exactly a cakewalk, with that pesky thing we call inflation still sticking around and most couples starting their wedded adventure with a ‘something borrowed’ bank balance. Given that the average honeymoon cost in the U.S. hovers around $4,500, it’s no surprise that the astute couples of today want to make every cent count, without compromising on an unforgettable experience.

America is bursting with under-the-radar beautiful destinations that don’t require going into debt (or selling grandmother’s antique brooch). Experts at HoneymoonAlways.com commissioned a survey of 3,000 couples which identified the top 150 beautiful honeymoon destinations that are easy on the wallet, allowing couples to kick off their married life with a delightful getaway that doesn’t break the bank. From cozy beach towns to vibrant city escapes, these lesser-known gems offer a refreshing twist to conventional honeymoon narratives, proving that romance and budget can indeed coexist harmoniously.

The Carolinas had 4 budget-friendly honeymoon destinations in the top 150:

#3

Edisto Island (SC) was voted in 3rd position. This charming coastal haven is renowned for its untouched beauty, with miles of pristine beaches, lush marshlands, and ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Edisto Island offers affordable vacation rentals and cozy bed and breakfasts, providing comfortable accommodations for honeymooners on a budget. The island’s local seafood restaurants and casual eateries serve up delicious Lowcountry cuisine at reasonable prices, allowing couples to experience the rich flavors of the region without overspending.

#79

Edenton captivates with its historic charm, scenic beauty, and affordable allure. Nestled along the Albemarle Sound, this picturesque town offers a wealth of low-cost activities for a memorable romantic escape. Couples can explore the historic downtown, take leisurely walks along the waterfront, or enjoy a peaceful picnic in the town’s lovely parks without spending a fortune. Edenton’s welcoming atmosphere extends to budget-conscious accommodations, including cozy bed and breakfasts and affordable inns, ensuring couples have a comfortable and intimate stay within budget. The town’s historic landmarks and scenic vistas offer free opportunities for romantic strolls and picturesque views.

#85

Blowing Rock offers a plethora of low-cost activities for an unforgettable romantic escape. Couples can savor the stunning panoramic views from Blowing Rock itself, a natural wonder without an entry fee, or take leisurely hikes through nearby trails immersed in nature’s beauty. The town’s welcoming atmosphere extends to budget-conscious accommodations, including cozy bed and breakfasts and affordable lodges, ensuring a comfortable and intimate stay without breaking the bank. Blowing Rock’s downtown exudes a rustic charm, inviting couples to explore unique boutiques, local galleries, and affordable eateries, where they can relish in the flavors of the region.

#96

Chimney Rock stands out as a top-notch yet economically-friendly honeymoon spot, drawing couples with its stunning landscapes, adventurous outdoor activities, and cost-effective appeal. Set within the Blue Ridge Mountains, this picturesque locale has an abundance of budget-friendly adventures for a lasting romantic getaway. Couples can set out on picturesque trails, reaching the famed Chimney Rock together, and be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas, all without straining their budget. Accommodations in Chimney Rock cater to the budget-savvy, with offerings from quaint cabins to value lodges, guaranteeing a snug and personal experience. The town’s delightful Main Street is lined with local boutiques, art spaces, and reasonably priced eateries, ensuring couples can wander and feast without any financial worries.

The complete ranking includes:

Ranking Town State
1 Cedar Key Florida
2 Molokai Hawaii
3 Edisto Island South Carolina
4 Cumberland Falls Kentucky
5 Apalachicola Florida
6 Skagway Alaska
7 Williamsburg Virginia
8 Bay St. Louis Mississippi
9 Cooperstown New York
10 Solvang California
11 Peterborough New Hampshire
12 Lexington Virginia
13 Port Aransas Texas
14 Eufaula Alabama
15 Mount Dora Florida
16 Cumberland Maryland
17 Springdale Utah
18 Jekyll Island Georgia
19 Yellow Springs Ohio
20 Rugby Tennessee
21 Eastport Maine
22 Valdez Alaska
23 Truth or Consequences New Mexico
24 Rockport Massachusetts
25 Wickenburg Arizona
26 Cape Charles Virginia
27 Abingdon Virginia
28 San Juan Islands Washington
29 Grand Forks North Dakota
30 Brownville Nebraska
31 Magnolia Springs Alabama
32 Litchfield Connecticut
33 Lindsborg Kansas
34 Hana Hawaii
35 Weston Missouri
36 Berkeley Springs West Virginia
37 Shawnee National Forest Illinois
38 Deadwood South Dakota
39 Mentone Alabama
40 Moab Utah
41 Sandpoint Idaho
42 Salida Colorado
43 Virginia City Montana
44 Abita Springs Louisiana
45 Wickford Village Rhode Island
46 Grafton Vermont
47 Garrison North Dakota
48 Red Lodge Montana
49 Finger Lakes New York
50 Greenville South Carolina
51 Lewiston Idaho
52 Old Saybrook Connecticut
53 Walla Walla Washington
54 Petoskey Michigan
55 Silver City New Mexico
56 Rangeley Maine
57 Ruidoso New Mexico
58 Burlington Vermont
59 Ka’u Hawaii
60 Beaufort South Carolina
61 Rocheport Missouri
62 Julian California
63 Put-in-Bay Ohio
64 Green River Wyoming
65 Simsbury Connecticut
66 Seneca Falls New York
67 Lititz Pennsylvania
68 Harpers Ferry West Virginia
69 Mountain View Arkansas
70 Berlin Maryland
71 Denton Texas
72 Ferdinand Indiana
73 Havre de Grace Maryland
74 Erie Pennsylvania
75 Broken Bow Oklahoma
76 Helen Georgia
77 Bigfork Montana
78 Cody Wyoming
79 Edenton North Carolina
80 Jonesborough Tennessee
81 Cripple Creek Colorado
82 Castine Maine
83 Dahlonega Georgia
84 Methow Valley Washington
85 Blowing Rock North Carolina
86 Hood River Oregon
87 Genoa Nevada
88 Payson Arizona
89 Munising Michigan
90 Lanesboro Minnesota
91 Rockport Texas
92 Ligonier Pennsylvania
93 Mineral Point Wisconsin
94 Manitou Springs Colorado
95 Cannon Beach Oregon
96 Chimney Rock North Carolina
97 Lewisburg West Virginia
98 Hill City South Dakota
99 Valentine Nebraska
100 Lewes Delaware
101 Bardstown Kentucky
102 Virginia City Nevada
103 Jarbidge Nevada
104 Roan Mountain Tennessee
105 Holly Springs Mississippi
106 St. Francisville Louisiana
107 Dixon Illinois
108 Wolfeboro New Hampshire
109 Spring Lake New Jersey
110 New Harmony Indiana
111 Franconia New Hampshire
112 Okoboji Iowa
113 Murfreesboro Arkansas
114 Block Island Rhode Island
115 Breaux Bridge Louisiana
116 Medicine Park Oklahoma
117 Clinton New Jersey
118 Spring Green Wisconsin
119 Alpine Texas
120 Brattleboro Vermont
121 Idyllwild California
122 Homer Alaska
123 Decorah Iowa
124 Nashville Indiana
125 Lambertville New Jersey
126 Stanley Idaho
127 Oxford Mississippi
128 Cottonwood Falls Kansas
129 Stillwater Minnesota
130 Bisbee Arizona
131 Nebraska City Nebraska
132 Newburyport Massachusetts
133 Marquette Michigan
134 Joseph Oregon
135 Rehoboth Beach Delaware
136 Medora North Dakota
137 Berea Kentucky
138 Marietta Ohio
139 Winona Minnesota
140 Ten Sleep Wyoming
141 Shelburne Falls Massachusetts
142 Spearfish South Dakota
143 Wamego Kansas
144 Hermann Missouri
145 Mena Arkansas
146 Milton Delaware
147 Bristol Rhode Island
148 Bentonsport Iowa
149 Bartlesville Oklahoma
150 La Crosse Wisconsin