So, you finally tied the knot and dreamed of a romantic getaway — just the two of you. A little R&R, maybe some candlelit dinners, long walks on the beach, and the kind of memories you'll look back on with a smile. But what if, instead of a private escape, your honeymoon turned into a group trip — with your mother-in-law? Yep, you read that right. A honeymoon with your mother-in-law might sound like the setup for a sitcom episode, but for many couples, it’s a real and sometimes awkward experience that can leave you wondering what went wrong — or right.

Whether it was a surprise addition to the trip, a kind gesture from your partner, or just a logistical decision to save money, having your MIL tag along on your romantic trip can be a lot to process. Some couples find it challenging, while others actually end up enjoying the experience. In this post, we’ll walk through what it's really like to go on a honeymoon with your mother-in-law, how to handle the situation gracefully, and what you can do to make the best of it — or avoid it altogether next time.

Because let’s be honest — no one really plans for their post-wedding getaway to include their new in-law. So how does it happen? And more importantly, how do you survive it? Stick around as we unpack the unexpected, awkward, and sometimes surprisingly sweet side of a honeymoon with your mother-in-law.

• Larissa 90 Day Fiance

Table of Contents

• Why Does a Honeymoon with My Mother-in-Law Even Happen?
• The Honeymoon Experience: Real Stories from the Trenches
• How to Handle a Honeymoon with Your Mother-in-Law
• Tips and Tricks for Managing the Situation
• When to Say No (and How to Do It Nicely)
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does a Honeymoon with My Mother-in-Law Even Happen?

Let’s start by understanding how this situation even comes up. After all, the idea of a mother-in-law joining a couple’s honeymoon might seem bizarre — but it happens more than you’d think. Sometimes, it’s a financial decision. For example, a couple might not have the budget to afford a private trip, so the MIL tags along because it’s cheaper to share a room or split costs. Other times, it’s a gesture of support, especially if the newlyweds are young or new to traveling.

In some cases, the in-law might not even realize the implications of joining the trip. Maybe she’s excited to travel and sees it as a bonding opportunity. Or perhaps she believes that helping plan the trip — or even coming along — is a way to show she’s part of the family now. Whatever the reason, it’s often a surprise or something the couple didn’t fully plan for. And once the plans are in place, it’s hard to say no without causing tension.

So, what can you do if you find yourself in this situation? Read on to hear from others who’ve been there — and learn how to navigate it with your sanity (and relationship) intact.

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The Honeymoon Experience: Real Stories from the Trenches

Here’s the thing: everyone’s experience is different. Some couples find the whole thing awkward from start to finish, while others actually enjoy the extra company. It really depends on the personalities involved, how well you get along with your MIL, and how prepared you were for the trip.

Take Elaine’s story, for example. She thought she was getting a quiet escape with her new husband, only to find out that his mom had been included in the plans without her knowing. She wrote, “I didn’t even ask about the couple’s spa — that’s how off track things got. What was supposed to be our time together turned into a full-on family vacation.”

On the flip side, some couples say it actually brought them closer to their in-law. “We were young, and my mother-in-law knew a travel agent who suggested we go on this package deal,” one person shared. “She came along to help manage the logistics, and honestly, it was kind of nice having someone who knew how to handle the local culture.”

Of course, there are always those who fall somewhere in the middle — not thrilled, but not horrified, either. “It wasn’t the dream trip I imagined,” one woman admitted, “but it wasn’t a disaster either. We just had to adjust our expectations.”

How to Handle a Honeymoon with Your Mother-in-Law

If you’re in this situation — or if you’re planning a honeymoon and worried your in-law might want to tag along — there are ways to manage it without letting it ruin your trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Communicate early: If you’re not thrilled about the idea, speak up sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the harder it is to change plans.
• Set boundaries: Make sure everyone understands that while the MIL is welcome, this is still your time as a couple. There should be space for private moments, too.
• Plan separate activities: Try to schedule some time apart. Maybe the MIL can join a guided tour while you two enjoy a quiet dinner. That way, everyone gets to experience what they want without stepping on each other’s toes.
• Stay positive: It’s easy to get frustrated, especially if things aren’t going how you hoped. But keeping a good attitude can make a huge difference — for you and for your MIL.

Also, try not to overthink every interaction. Sometimes, things that seem awkward in the moment are totally normal — and might even make for a funny story later on.

Tips and Tricks for Managing the Situation

So, what else can you do to make the best of a situation you didn’t plan for? Here are a few more ideas that might help:

1. Book separate rooms: Even if you’re sharing costs, having your own space is essential. It gives you a place to retreat to when you need time together.
2. Include her in some plans: Instead of making her feel like a third wheel, let her be part of some activities. Maybe she has a favorite thing she wants to try, or you can include her in a group dinner.
3. Be clear about expectations: Talk before the trip about what everyone wants out of it. It’s okay to say, “We really want some alone time, but we’d love to include you in certain parts of the trip.”
4. Use humor: Sometimes, the best way to deal with an awkward situation is to laugh about it. If something feels silly, own it — it can actually help ease tension.
5. Document it: If you can get past the initial shock, this might be a unique experience you’ll never forget. Take photos, write down funny moments, and maybe even turn it into a story you’ll share with friends later.

At the end of the day, it’s about making the most of the situation and not letting it define your trip. Even if it wasn’t what you imagined, it might still be something you’ll remember — maybe even fondly — in the long run.

When to Say No (and How to Do It Nicely)

If you’re still in the planning phase and your MIL suggests joining your trip, you might be wondering how — or if — you should say no. It’s a delicate situation, but there are ways to be polite while standing your ground.

Here are a few approaches you can take:

• Be honest: You don’t have to go into too much detail, but letting her know that the trip is meant to be just the two of you can help her understand. Something like, “We really want this time to focus on us as a new couple, but we’d love to plan a trip with you another time.”
• Use financial reasons: If you’re not comfortable with the emotional route, you can always say the trip is tight on budget and you can’t afford to include anyone else.
• Frame it as a tradition: Some couples say they always spend the first few weeks after the wedding alone, as a way to transition into married life. You can use this as a gentle excuse without making it feel personal.

And if she’s already booked her trip before you even knew about it? That’s trickier, but you can still set expectations. Let her know you appreciate the gesture, but you’ll need some time to yourselves, too. It’s about finding a balance that works for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for a mother-in-law to go on the honeymoon?

Not exactly common, but it does happen — especially in cases where there’s a tight budget or if the couple is younger and less experienced with travel. It’s definitely not the norm, though, and most couples expect their honeymoon to be a private experience.

How do I tell my mother-in-law she can't come on our honeymoon?

It’s best to be honest but kind. You can say something like, “We really wanted this time to be just the two of us to celebrate our new marriage. We’d love to plan a separate trip with you soon.” If needed, you can use budget, privacy, or tradition as reasons.

Can a honeymoon with my mother-in-law be a good experience?

It depends on the people involved. If you already have a good relationship with your MIL, it might actually be a bonding opportunity. However, if you’re not close or if you were expecting a romantic getaway, it could be a letdown. With communication and some flexibility, though, it can still work out.

For more on navigating relationships with your in-laws, learn more about how to build strong family connections.

If you're looking for more insights into travel etiquette and family dynamics, check out Honeymoons.com, a trusted resource for couples planning their post-wedding getaways.