A micro-moon can be a drivable distance or short flight away and worlds away from the style of honeymoon you intend to take later. If you’re getting married in the springtime, consider catching a flight to Colorado for a ski weekend or cross-country ski adventure at the all-inclusive and oh-so romantic Vista Verde Guest Ranch. Or touch down in Northern California and ski in and out from The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe before detoxing in the spa’s dry-heat lodge after a fun-filled day in the snow.

To make sure your micro-moon is as romantic as can be, keep in mind a few must-haves (in addition to your privacy). Select a destination close in proximity to the wedding to skip the jetlag and travel time. Splurge in spa services, a couples package, fine dinning experience or excursion that suites your style. Even though you may not be far from home or gone for long, make the most out of your time together in a new destination and experience a part of it. But also consider your downtime. Micro-moons typically immediately follow the wedding so you’ll be in need of a bit of relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the R&R with your spouse as much as the excitement too. 

If there’s a summer wedding in your future, you might be waiting out the winter season in another part of the world before you honeymoon. So consider where the weather is great back home. If San Francisco is where you plan to wed, take a quick trip along the coast to The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay where you’ll feel like you’re on the cliffs of Scotland in your own backyard. Then partake in the s’mores romance package for something extra sweet after your “I do’s.”

Perhaps the most important thing to remember on a micro-moon is to disconnect from all else. Even though you may be close to home, in the same time zone or away only a few days, immerse yourselves fully in the experience and shut off those cell phones, mute your social media and make this another lifelong memory you’ll cherish together forever.

When deciding what type of trip you want, don’t forget about a wine country stay. No matter where you wed in the US, chances are you aren’t too far from a domestic wine region with charming B&B’s, tasting experiences and tours and plenty of fine dining to be found. You could even head just south of the boarder to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s up-and-coming wine country just over two hours away by car from San Diego.

A destination wedding can also call for a micro-moon. Look at nearby islands or cities to escape to. Hawaii is the ultimate honeymoon getaway but what if your destination wedding is there too? Katie Cotton, Director of Special Events at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea suggests moving locations for a micro-moon, even if it’s just a boat ride away: “Rather than spending a honeymoon with wedding guests, we encourage our couples to enjoy their destination wedding weekend here at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and then take a ferry ride to Lana’i for a micro-moon immediately following the wedding. Four Seasons Lana’i is just a 45-minute boat ride away and brides and grooms get a completely different experience together while their families often choose to extend and vacation in Maui. This gives couples the best of both worlds - a destination wedding experience and a mini, immediate honeymoon without a long flight or change in wardrobe.” And getting that time away from the families is key to creating a true micro-moon experience.

For a micro-moon that’s one with nature, head to the foothills of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the Barnsley Resort. Complete with an English-inspired village, plenty of outdoor adventures to keep active couples happy and fireplace-equipped cottage suites, there’s romance in spades in this stunning US setting. Opt in for a horseback ride for two or spend the afternoon on your porch swing. No matter what you do here, Mother Nature has set the scene for an unforgettable getaway.

If an island getaway is on your mind and you’re a Southern California bride or groom, a vintage vacation to Catalina could be calling. Zip line for a little adventure or take a day trip out on a glass bottom boat for a more relaxing way to unwind.

For southerners, Florida is an oasis for micro-mooning on an island. A quick trip to Key Largo is always a good idea for those on the east coast. Check into Playa Largo Resort & Spa, just a short drive south of Miami Airport and you’ll disconnect in a place that feels unspoiled by modern times (at a property with the latest amenities, of course). For added privacy, stay in the hotel-within-a-hotel called The Hammocks and your two-story private bungalow will come with a fully stocked kitchen and private butler so you never have to leave your room.