After the stress and expense of a wedding, the last thing many newlyweds want in a honeymoon is more of the same.

That's why Utah travel agents say cruises, all-inclusive resorts and Mexican vacations are becoming increasingly popular.

"Weddings can exhaust your pocketbook," said Holly Janney of Salt Lake-based Cruise and Travel Masters. "It is nice to go somewhere where you know everything is paid for when you get there. That's a concept honeymooners like because it is so expensive to get married these days."

In fact, Janney said many couples offer guests a registry where money is donated to a honeymoon fund so the newlyweds can take the trip of their dreams.

Judy Mann of Columbus Travel in Bountiful said the first thing she asks honeymooners is what their budget is. Then, working with that number, she tries to find out what the couple wants to do. She takes those two pieces of information and recommends places that might work.

Here is a look at honeymoon suggestions Wasatch Front travel agents offer clients:

All-inclusive trips » On these trips, the couple pays an up-front fee for a cruise or resort that covers most of the basics such as transportation, food and recreation, though some splurges such as alcoholic beverages, side trips or spa treatments cost extra.

"People do enjoy the all-inclusive," said Gerdi Scheffler of Great Basin Travel. "[All-inclusive resorts] are a big hit because they don't want to do a whole lot but simply enjoy themselves. They don't involve lengthy trips or excursions."

Amy Ochoa of Morris Murdock Travel in Salt Lake City said lower-end three- and four-day cruises to Mexico out of Southern California are particularly popular for those who want to do something after being married but might be on a tighter budget. One advantage of these trips is that if airfare costs too much a couple can drive, perhaps spending a night or two in Las Vegas or at Disneyland before hopping on the ship.

Couples willing to spend a little more money and time find seven-day Caribbean cruises a popular option. All-inclusive Sandals resorts in Jamaica and St. Lucia have also become good options.

Mexico » Whether cruising, flying to Cabo or Cancún or signing up for an all-inclusive resort, Mexico ranks as perhaps Utah's most popular honeymoon destination.

"Cabo is really taking the place of Hawaii," said Ochoa of Morris Murdock. "Maui used to be No. 1 but is dropping off the list. A lot of it is pricing and flight time. You are looking at eight hours to Hawaii vs. 3 1/2 hours to Cabo."

Hawaii » The beaches of Honolulu, Maui and Kauai remain a popular option for some Utahns despite the longer flight time and added expense. Because Hawaii is in the U.S., a passport is not needed. There are also direct flights to Honolulu and Maui from Salt Lake City.

Close-to-home destinations » Honeymooners on a budget often spend two or three nights enjoying Las Vegas, perhaps splurging on a suite, a show or dining. And Disneyland remains a popular honeymoon for Utah couples.

"You see all those little [Minnie Mouse] hats with the veils on at the parks to show people the couple is on their honeymoon," said Ochoa.

A disadvantage for some is that Disneyland is a more "active" honeymoon that might mean long lines and crowds instead of just relaxing after a stressful wedding. And trips to "the happiest place on Earth" are not cheap, especially if the couple stays on site. Still, there is the magic of Cinderella's Castle.

While Ochoa said travel to Las Vegas is down about 45 percent this year, Sin City remains a viable option for many couples who tend to book rooms on their own without the benefit of a travel agent. There are some great deals right now on Las Vegas rooms because of the recession, and the big resort pools offer great places to relax in a romantic spot.

Splurge s » Some use a honeymoon to go all-out and take a vacation that will be talked about for as long as the couple is married. Some might include traveling to the French Polynesian islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora or Moorea and staying in an intimate hotel on a beach. Others might consider a Mediterranean cruise, perhaps even on a smaller sailing ship, or an adventure trip to Costa Rica.

wharton@sltrib.com