PIZZA, PASTA AND LASTING LOVE: ITALY VOTED THE ULTIMATE HONEYMOON DESTINATION FOR 'HAPPILY MARRIED' COUPLES

• New Vows & Venues study commissioned by Hyatt shows 87.5% of people who honeymooned there still reporting to be 'happily married'
• The perfect honeymoon lasts 13 days, and costs £9,610, according to those surveyed
• Over a third (35%) said they would welcome having their friends join all, or part, of their honeymoon

Newlyweds dreaming of La Dolce Vita may be onto something. People who honeymoon in Italy are the most likely to report that they have a 'happy marriage', according to a new survey of 2,000 adults.

Hyatt1 commissioned research on people's honeymoon destinations and asked them to share their current marital status - offering options including 'happily married', 'unhappily married' and 'divorced'. The boot-shaped country topped the list with 87.5% of people who honeymooned there still reporting to be 'happily married'2. This may come as no surprise as a host of Hollywood stars and Glastonbury headliners have decided to honeymoon in the place famed for pizza, pasta and Prosecco.

Thailand came in close second with 86.7% of people who honeymooned in the Land of Smiles reporting they are 'happily married', followed by Indonesia at 85.2%. Jamaica (84.6%) was fourth, just ahead of Portugal (84.2%). The USA (81.9%) was next, followed closely by Japan (81.8%). Rounding out the top 10 were the Maldives and Mauritius (both 81.3%) and Spain (79.6%). The findings offer a fascinating counterpoint to ONS data3 showing that approximately 42% of marriages in the UK end in divorce.

Interestingly, despite Italy hosting the couples who are most likely to say that they are 'happily married', the most common honeymoon destination for Brits is actually the UK itself – with over a third (34%) of respondents staying on home soil. However, only 76.4% of these couples reported being 'happily married', suggesting that it may be worth venturing further afield.

Michel Morauw, Managing Director North EAME at Hyatt said: "A honeymoon is typically the first major trip couples take after getting married, so it's no surprise that people remember where they went and how that trip felt. While Italy ranked highest in this survey, it's clear that every couple wants a destination that feels special, memorable and allows them to get away from everyday distractions. Whether couples are looking for a sun-soaked beach resort, cosmopolitan city hotel or secluded luxury retreat, at Hyatt, we're dedicated to creating stays that newlyweds will remember long after their trip ends – no matter the location they choose.”

The make-up of the perfect honeymoon

So, what does the ideal post-wedding getaway look like? According to those surveyed in the Hyatt Vows & Venues study, the perfect honeymoon lasts 13 days and costs £9,610. Nearly half (45%) of people said they favoured a classic beach break, while one in five (20%) preferred a city escape. Cruises appealed to 17% of people, and 8% opted for an adventure holiday.

The research went on to discover the reasons why we choose our honeymoon locations, with the weather topping the list for nearly half (47%) and value for money next (45%). Other key considerations for those surveyed include romantic appeal (24%), travel time (21%), access to local attractions (19%), and the reputation of the hotel brand (18%). A small but notable 5% admit that Instagram-worthiness influences their decision.

And when it comes to the place we stay, the most important aspect according to respondents is that a hotel has an all-inclusive option (40%) and is close to the beach (27%). Apparently, we'd also love a private pool or hot tub (19%), breakfast in bed (12%) and fine dining (10%).

Room for one more?

The Vows & Venues study also showed a shift in how newlyweds celebrate, with over a third (35%) considering a “buddy moon” – where close friends join a newlywed couple on all or part of their honeymoon. Half of us would consider an “early moon” (a pre-wedding getaway), and 47% are open to “mini moons” (shorter trips) or a “multi-location moon” (hopping between destinations).

Morauw added: “Hyatt is well placed to serve this demand across its portfolio of properties in Italy, Thailand, Spain, France and beyond, offering the space, service and expertise to host honeymoons, destination weddings and the celebration moments in between. With romantic locations, specialist honeymoon packages, tailored experiences, and unrivalled hospitality, we create bespoke getaways that reflect each couple's unique love story.”

Whether you're drawn to Italy's timeless romance, Thailand's tropical allure, or the convenience of a UK staycation, one thing is clear: the honeymoon you choose might just set the tone for the marriage that follows.

TOP 10 HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS WHERE COUPLES REPORT THEY ARE STILL 'HAPPILY MARRIED'

• Italy (87.5%)
• Thailand (86.7%)
• Indonesia (85.2%)
• Jamaica (84.6%)
• Portugal (84.2%)
• USA (81.9%)
• Japan (81.8%)
• Maldives (81.3%)
• Mauritius (81.3%)
• Spain (79.6%)

TOP 10 FAVOURITE HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

• UK (34%)
• Italy (12%)
• Spain (8%)
• Maldives (8%)
• USA (8%)
• France (4%)
• Greece (4%)
• St Lucia (2%)
• South Africa (2%)
• Portugal (2%)

ENDS

1. The research was run by Walr on behalf of Hyatt Hotels between 18-23 March 2026. The research adheres to the MRS code of conduct based on the ESMOAR principles. Walr is a member of the Market Research Society. Respondents were asked to confirm their marital status, with options for 'happily married', 'unhappily married', 'engaged', 'divorced', 'never married & in a relationship', 'never married & single' and 'widowed'. All respondents who had been married were then asked where they went on honeymoon, and their responses were cross referenced against where they went on honeymoon.
2. The findings of destinations reflect association, not causation.
3. Office of National Statistics, https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/divorce