AITA for not allowing my brother and his boyfriend to come to my honeymoon?

Honeymoons are meant to be a private escape—a special time for just you and your partner to celebrate your new life together. But what happens when family expectations crash that intimate getaway? That’s the dilemma here. After planning a long-awaited trip to Hawaii for her first anniversary,

a 25-year-old bride was taken aback when her 23-year-old brother, along with his boyfriend, insisted on joining the celebration. Rather than enjoy a secluded, romantic retreat, she now faces the prospect of sharing her once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experience with uninvited guests.

Her firm response—that her honeymoon is exclusively for her and her husband—sparked heated debates among family members and online. This situation raises an important question: Should a honeymoon remain a couple’s private affair, or must it bend to family obligations?

‘AITA for not allowing my brother and his boyfriend to come to my honeymoon?’

Honeymoons are universally regarded as a couple’s special time to reconnect, away from the usual hustle of daily life. Dr. Michael D. Johnson, a relationship expert featured on Relationship Institute’s blog, notes, “A honeymoon is a sacred period for newlyweds to bond without external distractions. Inviting additional guests can dilute the intimacy that defines this experience.” In this scenario,

the bride’s insistence on keeping her trip private isn’t about exclusion—it’s about preserving a meaningful tradition. Dr. Johnson also emphasizes that while family gatherings are wonderful, certain milestones, like a honeymoon, should remain exclusive to the couple to foster a deeper connection. Her decision to set firm boundaries is a reasonable stance, especially when the alternative would force her to share moments that are meant to be uniquely hers and her husband’s.

Here’s what people had to say to OP:

Here are some hot takes from the Reddit community—candid and unfiltered. One redditor exclaimed, “Honeymoons are 100% couple time—no room for spectators!” Another commented, “Your brother’s idea of a ‘double couples honeymoon’ is just his way of being entitled.

Your privacy matters.” A third user noted, “If he wants his own honeymoon experience, he should plan one for himself—your trip is not up for negotiation.” Yet another summed it up: “It’s all about setting boundaries. Your honeymoon is yours and your husband’s alone. NTA all the way.”

This story highlights the timeless challenge of balancing family dynamics with personal boundaries. While family is important, some moments—like a honeymoon—are meant to be intimate celebrations of love. The bride’s decision to keep her Hawaii getaway exclusively for her and her husband is not an act of selfishness but a necessary stance to protect the sanctity of their special time together.

What do you think? Should a honeymoon be a strictly private affair, or is there room for a “double couples honeymoon”? Have you ever had to set tough boundaries with family regarding personal celebrations? Share your thoughts and experiences below—your insights might help others navigate similar family challenges.