After the excitement of the wedding, there’s something especially magical about planning your first big adventure as newlyweds. A honeymoon isn’t just a vacation—it’s a chance to rest, reconnect, and celebrate everything you’ve just experienced together. And if your wedding falls between late summer and early fall, you’re in luck: autumn is one of the best times to travel.
Fall offers fewer crowds, cooler weather, and a chance to experience some of the world’s most beautiful places as they come alive with color, seasonal flavors, and once-a-year festivals. Whether you’re craving cozy mountain vibes, spring blooms in the southern hemisphere, or romantic vineyard strolls, these destinations are made for fall honeymoons—and for every kind of couple.
Vermont
For the couple who loves cozy cabins, crisp air, and a good cup of cider.
If fall means sweater weather, vibrant foliage, and small-town charm to you, Vermont is pure honeymoon magic. From late September through mid-October, the Green Mountains put on a show, with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows sweeping across the landscape like a watercolor painting. The air is fresh and cool, usually hovering in the high 50s to mid-70s, depending on elevation—perfect weather for bundling up together.
Spend a few nights in postcard-perfect towns like Stowe or Woodstock, where you can settle into a cozy inn, take a scenic drive along Route 100, and wander through local farms and cider mills. For a bit of adventure, pack a picnic and hike through Smugglers’ Notch, then reward yourselves with a candlelit dinner at the Woodstock Inn’s Red Rooster restaurant. Craving even more seclusion? Rent a rustic cabin with a fireplace and sip cider on your private porch while the leaves swirl around you.
Pro Tip: Fall weekends can get busy in popular spots like Stowe and Woodstock, so book accommodations and cider mill visits well in advance. And don’t forget a waterproof jacket—autumn showers pop up unexpectedly!
Tuscany, Italy
For the couple who dreams of pasta, wine, and rolling hills.
There’s a reason so many people choose Italy for their honeymoon, but autumn in Tuscany feels like a well-kept secret. From September through early November, the region comes alive with grape harvests, olive picking, and local festivals that celebrate the season’s freshest flavors. With temperatures in the mid-60s to high 70s and far fewer tourists than in summer, it’s the perfect time to slow down and savor it all.
Start your trip in Florence with a rooftop aperitivo and a golden-hour stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. Then rent a car and wander through Chianti’s vineyards or the postcard-worthy hills of Val d’Orcia. Stay at an agriturismo, a countryside villa or farmhouse, where you can take a pasta-making class, sip Brunello in Montalcino, and explore charming hilltop towns like Pienza and Montepulciano. Fall in love with Italy, and with each other, all over again.
Pro Tip: Many agriturismos offer cooking classes and wine tastings by reservation only. Reach out before your trip to secure your spot and consider asking for a local food market tour.
Cape Town & Winelands, South Africa
For the adventurous couple who wants it all: beaches, mountains, wildlife, and wine.
When it’s fall here, it’s spring in the southern hemisphere—and South Africa bursts into bloom. From September to November, warm days (60s to 80s), clear skies, and colorful blossoms brighten Cape Town’s gardens and coastline. It’s also prime time for whale watching in Hermanus and wildflower spotting along the West Coast.
While you’re there, start by spending a few days hiking Table Mountain, strolling the V&A Waterfront, and catching sunsets from Camps Bay. Then head to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for a wine tram tour, sipping your way through world-class vineyards tucked into the mountains. If you’re up for more adventure, add a few days in Kruger National Park for a safari you’ll never forget.
Pro Tip: If a safari’s on your must-do list, pack neutral colors like khaki or beige to blend in with the surroundings. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and check any specific dress code requirements before you pack.
Kyoto, Japan
For the couple who values peace, beauty, and timeless tradition.
From mid-November through early December, Kyoto’s gardens and temples glow with fiery fall foliage, making it one of the most stunning autumn destinations in the world. Temperatures are crisp but mild, usually in the 50s to 60s, and the city’s calm, cultural atmosphere feels like a peaceful retreat from the everyday.
Begin your stay in a traditional ryokan, a Japanese inn with a private onsen for soaking away stress. Visit temples like Kiyomizudera and Eikando to take in the vibrant colors of the leaves, and don’t miss the illuminated nighttime displays that turn the gardens into glowing works of art. Wander the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, enjoy matcha treats in quaint teahouses, and finish your trip with a kaiseki meal—a beautifully crafted multi-course experience.
Pro Tip: When visiting temples, be sure to wear comfortable shoes—many spots have gravel paths and steps. Also, consider visiting early in the morning to enjoy the foliage without crowds.
New Orleans, USA
For the couple who never skips a good party—and appreciates great food, too.
Fall in New Orleans is pure magic. The weather cools to the comfortable 70s, humidity drops, and the city strikes the perfect balance between vibrant energy and laid-back charm. It’s also prime festival season. From late September through November, you can catch everything from the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival to the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience.
Stay in the French Quarter or Garden District and spend your days wandering historic streets, soaking up live jazz, and sampling beignets from Café du Monde. Book a romantic dinner at Commander’s Palace or enjoy a progressive date night hopping between po’ boy shops and cocktail bars. Don’t forget to add a bayou tour or a ghost walk—spooky season is taken seriously here.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on late-night jazz sessions at intimate spots around the French Quarter—sometimes the best music happens when the crowds thin out. Also, bring comfy shoes because those historic streets are made for wandering.
Maui, Hawaii
For the couple who loves island adventures and lazy beach days in equal measure.
Fall is considered shoulder season in Hawaii, which means fewer tourists, more availability, and usually better prices. Maui still shines with sunny days in the 80s and calm waters perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply floating together in a lagoon. Late fall also marks the start of humpback whale season—an unforgettable sight if you’re lucky enough to catch it.
Stay in Wailea or Lahaina and spend your days relaxing on the beach, taking the scenic drive to Hana, and enjoying sunset dinners with your toes in the sand. Don’t miss a sunrise visit to Haleakalā National Park for panoramic views you’ll never forget, or sip cocktails during a catamaran cruise along the coast.
Pro Tip: Sunrise at Haleakalā is truly unforgettable, so plan to reserve your spot early. Also, pack a warm layer—those pre-dawn temperatures can surprise you!
Buenos Aires & Mendoza, Argentina
For the couple who wants city buzz and vineyard bliss, all in one trip.
In Argentina, fall means spring, and Buenos Aires bursts into color with blooming jacaranda trees in October and November, bathing the city in a dreamy purple haze. Temperatures hover comfortably in the 60s to 70s, making it the perfect time to combine an urban escape with a relaxing countryside retreat in the Mendoza wine region.
Dance the night away in Buenos Aires with a tango show and explore vibrant neighborhoods like Palermo, known for trendy boutiques and striking street art. Then take a short flight to Mendoza to savor wine tastings with breathtaking views of the Andes. Many wineries offer romantic experiences such as bike tours, gourmet lunches, and outdoor soaking tubs surrounded by vineyards.
Pro Tip: In Buenos Aires, try to catch a live tango performance in a smaller, authentic venue for a more intimate experience. And in Mendoza, consider renting a bike to explore vineyards at your own pace—it’s a fun way to soak in the scenery and skip the crowds.
Ready to Fall in Love with Your Honeymoon?
No matter what kind of couple you are, fall offers a little something special for everyone. Whether you crave cozy cabin vibes, vibrant city streets, or tropical beaches without the crowds, these honeymoon destinations bring the best of autumn romance and adventure together. So pack your favorite sweater, your sense of wonder, and get ready to make memories that will warm your hearts for years to come. Your perfect fall honeymoon is waiting.
Pro Tip: Remember to pack everything you need and pick a destination that works for you! During your wedding year planning, don’t forget to use us here at RegistryFinder.com, or our blog, as a resource for all things bride, bridal party, wedding festivities, and of course, your honeymoon.
