![[Translate to English:] Honeymoon, © Joyful via Unsplash](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/8/csm_joyful-5dtN2t7eAMI-unsplash_0a1964dea3.avif "[Translate to English:] Honeymoon, © Joyful via Unsplash")
Who invented it - and why?
With the warmer months comes the peak wedding season once again. June and August are the most popular months, as they offer more reliable weather for outdoor celebrations. Couples most often tie the knot on a Saturday. And then? For many newlyweds, it has become the norm to go away on their honeymoon. But who invented this custom? And how long has the honeymoon been around?
3rd of March 2026
The history of the honeymoon
First of all, three terms need to be distinguished. Firstly, there is the honeymoon. This refers to the period immediately following the wedding. It has little to do with glitz and glamour. It is thought that the name for this period derives from the Old and Middle High German words *filtarazan*, meaning ‘to caress’, and *vlittern*, meaning ‘to giggle’. Thus, ‘honeymoon’ actually describes quite well that it refers to the first few weeks of marriage, when the newlyweds are still deeply in love and see the world through rose-tinted glasses. The word is also often used to refer to the first trip taken together as a married couple: the honeymoon.
And what about the honeymoon? According to sources, the term originated in the Middle Ages. It seems to derive from the custom that newlyweds were supposed to drink mead – that is, honey wine – for a month after their wedding. It was believed that the sweet drink was, on the one hand, an aphrodisiac and, on the other, also increased fertility. Initially, the word referred to the period immediately following the wedding; later, when it suddenly became fashionable to go away after the wedding, people also began to use the term ‘honeymoon’ to refer to the wedding trip. Incidentally, the term was first mentioned in writing in 1552.
Why do we travel after a wedding?
In the USA, it has now become a tradition to set off immediately after the wedding reception, whereas in many European countries people tend to take their time. Originally, these trips served a practical purpose: often, couples did not know each other well before the wedding, let alone intimately. They could make up for this during the first few weeks after the marriage. As is often the case with very old customs, it is no longer possible to say who invented the honeymoon. However, we do know that in the Middle Ages, members of the nobility travelled together to visit their estates. There is also said to have been a custom of ‘marriage by abduction’.
In the 19th century, newlyweds in Britain finally set off on the road to visit those relatives who had been unable to attend the wedding. The so-called ‘bridal tour’ became a sort of compulsory event, a journey that soon combined duty with private pleasure. As long-distance travel became easier for everyone, the range of travel expanded. Typical honeymoon destinations began to establish themselves.
The best honeymoon destinations
A honeymoon is often about creating a setting where the couple can relax after the stressful wedding preparations and the often equally exhausting celebrations. It should be romantic, preferably with plenty of sunshine, a gentle sea breeze and a romantic atmosphere. For most couples, this means an adults-only holiday by the sea, in a special hotel.
And that is exactly what the Hotel Lemongarden is. This boutique hotel by the sea entices guests with its exceptional style, elegance and many moments of indulgence. From breakfast at the harbour to drifting off to sleep in wonderful beds, every detail has been thought of. Couples looking to unwind spend hours of leisure by our pool. With bougainvillea blooming all around and the scent of lemon trees in the air, you can toast the wedding you’ve just survived with an Aperol Spritz or a glass of champagne. You can relax just as well at the Beach Club right on the beach.
Active couples will be delighted by the many options the Lemongarden Hotel has to offer in this regard. You can explore the surrounding area on the hotel’s own bicycles or in a Mini Cooper. Those who wish can lace up their walking boots and set off on a journey of discovery on foot. There are more than enough cycle routes and walking trails in the area around the hotel. A tip on the side: if you want to take your honeymoon seriously, stock up on Brač honey. It’s considered a local speciality!
Tip!
Book your honeymoon well in advance and don’t forget to have your passport updated in good time if you’re taking a different surname after the wedding. Make sure you allow plenty of time!
