For many couples, the first anniversary trip has replaced the traditional paper gift. Modern newlyweds are celebrating one year of marriage with travel, not things—turning milestones into shared memories instead of material keepsakes.

More and more newlyweds are choosing to celebrate their first year of marriage with meaningful travel, not material things. After all, the first year can fly by in a blur of settling in, finding rhythm, and adjusting to married life. An anniversary trip offers time to pause, reconnect, and remember what brought you together in the first place.

At Honeyfund, we’ve seen this shift firsthand.

October Is Officially Peak Wedding Season—And Now, Peak Anniversary Season Too

According to Honeyfund’s 2025 registry data, October 25 is the most popular wedding date of the year—a crisp fall Saturday that couples are loving for its cozy vibes, golden light, and better vendor availability. In fact, early fall Saturdays in September and October are dominating wedding calendars, marking a shift in “wedding season” from the summer to the fall.

That means next year, thousands of couples will be celebrating their one-year anniversary in fall 2026. And they’re not asking for paper gifts—they’re planning meaningful getaways.

Whether it’s apple orchards and mountain cabins or coastal towns and wine country, fall is shaping up to be the new go-to season for anniversary trips, too.

Why Travel > Traditional Gifts

Couples today are already rethinking the gift registry. With many living together before marriage and skipping the blender and bath towels, experience-based gifts are on the rise. That mindset is carrying over into anniversaries too.

Instead of a paper card or keepsake, they’re gifting each other unforgettable memories: A weekend in wine country. A cozy cabin retreat. That long-awaited beach escape they couldn’t swing during their honeymoon. A first anniversary trip offers a chance to create new memories together, long after the honeymoon ends.”

And with Honeyfund’s Anniversary Fund option, it’s easy for loved ones to chip in and make those getaways happen. More and more couples are adding anniversary travel funds to their Honeyfund page—whether to plan ahead for year one or keep the travel magic going beyond the honeymoon.

Where Couples Are Going

Some of the top anniversary destinations we’re seeing from couples using Honeyfund’s Anniversary Fund include:

• New York, NY – There’s nothing like NYC for a romantic weekend. Stroll through Central Park, catch a Broadway show, or sip cocktails with skyline views. For a dreamy stay, we love The Ludlow Hotel or 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge for their cozy, upscale vibes.
• Hawaii, USA – Always a classic honeymoon destination, Hawaii offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re hiking through lush rainforests on Kauai, snorkeling in Maui, or enjoying a couples massage in Oahu, there’s no shortage of memory-making moments. The Four Seasons Hualalai or Hotel Wailea (adults-only!) are great anniversary splurges.
• Florida, USA – From the beaches of Naples to the art-deco glamour of Miami Beach, Florida gives couples plenty of ways to unwind. Think sunrise walks, waterfront dining, and spa days. Stay at The Don CeSar in St. Pete for old-school romance or The Addison Inn on Amelia island for a cozy bed and breakfast stay.
• Paris, France – The ultimate city of love never goes out of style. Celebrate your first year with sunset picnics along the Seine, museum dates, and late-night wine in candlelit cafés. Boutique hotels like Hôtel Providence or the ultra-romantic Pavillon de la Reine make it feel like the ultimate bucket list trip.

Planning a fall honeymoon? Check out our blog post on the best fall honeymoon destinations.

Real Couple Spotlight

When Markos and Tanji were planning their wedding, they used Honeyfund to make their dream honeymoon to Italy a reality—without stretching their budget. “I already had my dream forks and Le Creuset dutch oven,” Tanji said. “But I’d never taken a trip to Italy with my husband.”

Their families loved gifting toward experiences, and the registry helped bring together two cultures in a way that felt personal and joyful.

Since then, travel has become their favorite tradition. For their one-year anniversary, they spent a romantic weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea, drawn to its European charm. Later, they flew to Chicago to hear their song played live.

“Every trip feels like a love letter to this life we’re building together,” said Tanji. “Honeyfund helped us start that chapter—and we’ve been adding to it ever since.”

Keep the Travel Magic Going

A honeymoon isn’t the only time couples should prioritize time away together. Whether it’s a one-year milestone or just because, travel helps couples reconnect, reset, and start the next chapter of married life on a high note.

So if your first anniversary is coming up, skip the paper and book the plane tickets.