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The wedding world has a new word - the mini-moon. With finances tighter than ever, budget conscious couples are swapping the long, luxurious honeymoon for a short taster break, aptly titled the ‘mini-moon'....

It's not that the traditional honeymoon is being forgotten, it's simply being put on hold for while. Booking a shorter mini-moon straight after the wedding allows you time to save for the honeymoon of lifetime, taking the pressure off the finances while the wedding plans are being put in place.

Favourite mini-moon destinations include European cities, spa hotels and country house retreats, all of which provide the opportunity to get way from it all in a short period of time. Usually lasting less than a week, a mini-moon destination needs to be within a short plane journey, boat trip or car ride for maximum effect - you really don't want to be spending half of your precious holiday time in airports and stuffy cabins.

Mini-moons are also proving popular with eco-couples as the reduction in air miles saves on carbon output making the shorter moon a green choice.

Six mini-moon destinations

1. Edinburgh, Scotland Scotland has long been associated with weddings and romance, most famously for the quick elope in Gretna Green, but a far more sophisticated option is to spend a few days in leisurely luxury enjoying the unique atmosphere of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. From the medieval Old Town to the Georgian splendour of the New Town, Edinburgh has a romantic lure that will steal your heart. Best explored by foot, meander hand in hand through the cobbled streets, stopping to browse in a stylish boutique, art gallery or museum, before enjoying a candlelit dinner and retreating to the privacy of one of the cities intimate hotels.

2. Reykjavik, Iceland Shaped by the energy of the earth, bustling with the energy of a cosmopolitan capital, surrounded by the pure unpolluted energy of nature, Reykjavík is a captivating city of contrasts. Traditional corrugated iron houses sit alongside futuristic glass buildings and state-of-the-art facilities lie just minutes away from the rugged volcanic terrain. A visit to one of the many thermal swimming pools or spas is a must. Whether you go for a swim or a healing soak, you'll leave feeling relaxed and re-energised, ready to explore the vibrant artistic culture found in the city's galleries, museums and theatres or the magnificent countryside that surrounds the city. Luxury hotels, exclusive shops and a reputation for having one of the ‘hottest' night scenes in Europe, make this a destination for the couple that like to live life to the full.

3. Positano, Italy

Known affectionately as the pearl of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is truly enchanting. Once a small medieval fishing village the town now has an air of exclusivity about it, rising to fame in the 1950's when it was famously described by John Steinbeck as "a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone." This ‘town of stairways' holds many secrets including the Villa Romana, the defence towers built in the XVI century and The Grotta la Porta cave in which prehistoric remains have been found, but step off the tourist trail and you're never far from a quiet corner in which to steal a moment of romantic seclusion.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia The jewel in the Croatian crown, the old city of Dubrovnik has been standing on its stone cliffs for at least 14 centuries and is steeped in charm and character. Bathed in a sea of sun, blossoms and ripe citrus fruits the city enjoys over 250 sunny days a year making it a great year-round destination. Explore the fortresses which have been standing guard for centuries, visit the numerous monasteries or simply lounge and watch the world go by as you sip on a glass of Malvasija wine and indulge in a world famous Ston bay oyster.

5. Seville, Spain Another of Europe's most celebrated cities, Seville simply bursts with life and energy. Museums, art galleries and theatres abound, but to really experience the hospitality that this city has to offer you need to head for one of the numerous terraces, pubs and bars where one of the most deeply-rooted of all traditions is carried out: the ‘tapeo'. If you like to shop you'll be spoilt for choice in the three shopping districts: the old centre, Triana and Nervión where local establishments selling traditional crafts such as ceramics, lace and jewellery, sit side by side international designer boutiques. For great pictures visit the Plaza de Espana at night when the building and fountain are lit up; catch a bus to Italica to see the Roman ruins just outside the city and take in a bull fight at the Plaza do Toros.

Travel time: Travel by plane from Dublin to Seville direct in under three hours.
Where to stay: Hotel Alfonso XIII, a landmark since 1928, symbolizes the city's Moorish influences and provides access to the renowned Santa Cruz quarter and Guadalquivir River. Bedrooms vary in design but all have a distinctive Moorish-style which continues through to the outdoor pool and gardens. www.starwoodhotels.com Another luxurious hot spot is the Casa No.7 a small and perfectly formed this boutique hotel has won numerous awards including Best Small Hotel and Best Luxe for Less Hotel. Close to the key attractions, shops, bars, and restaurants, Casa Nº 7 still remains an elegant oasis and offers a distinctive décor and historic character that is a quite unique. www.casanumero7.com

6. Vienna, Austria

Austria's capital offers a unique blend of imperial traditions, stunning modern architecture, cosy wine taverns cultural events. The cityscape is characterised by the abundance of baroque buildings, which provide a romantic backdrop for your visit here. Among the most impressive is the sumptuous Schloss Schönbrunn, the former imperial summer residence and the huge Hofburg (Imperial Palace) which was the base for the Habsburg dynasty for over six centuries, The Gloriette monument, the Palm House and the zoo are also worth visiting. For fun take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater, Vienna's old recreational park and catch a show at the Spanish Riding School with its world-famous Lipizzan. Music is at the very heart of this city which was home to many celebrated composers including Strauß, Mozart and Beethoven, so be sure to enjoy an evening of culture at Staatsoper one of the world's leading opera houses.