Any couple will tell you that date nights are crucial for your relationship! Not only is it important to have fun together, but it's important for the relationship to spend time with just one another and focus on conversation and quality time!

But as you likely have already figured out, date night can get expensive! When you're planning a wedding, there might not be as much room in your budget for expensive date nights - and from personal experience as a former bride-to-be on a budget, I know all "extras" often get put into the wedding budget.

Here are some ideas that we’ve either done ourselves, seen our couples do, or we also “crowd-sourced” for a couple of other ideas that are definitely out of the box, but are cheap (or free) date nights!

Go on a Hike

We live in the back yard of one of the most beautiful areas in the country - the smokies! Watch out for bears, and stay on the trails! If you head to Cade’s Cove, not only do you get a scenic drive - you can also get out and hike a few of the trails, with each one marked with the distance. You could also search online for hikes that end with beautiful waterfalls or views of the mountains. Plan a picnic at the top, or just take in the experience.

Join a Gym Together

This inexpensive date night does double-duty so you can spend quality time together AND get in shape for your wedding day & that beach honeymoon! Look on the discount site Rakuten for Groupon deals to your local YMCA or other gym, or find somewhere convenient that offers trial periods of 3 or 6 months to try it out!

Visit a Local Humane Society

Visit a local humane society to love on some animals. Be careful though! You might just bring home a new family member! But if you are looking to add some furry members to your family, just remember the costs associated with bringing home a new pet, such as vaccinations, food, bedding, toys, emergency costs, and anything they might destroy (uh-oh!). Also keep in mind that you’ll need to board them or ask someone to care for them while you’re on your honeymoon!

Drive to the Lake or the Beach

In the summer, drive to the lake or the beach for a day. Sit in the sun, play in the water, listen to a good audiobook, podcast or music, and just relax. Even better, leave the phones in the car so you can focus on quality time relaxing & talking!

Go Apple Picking

...or picking fruit of any kind! No matter the fruit or berry, going picking is always romantic and usually inexpensive. You'll have to decide what to do with the fruit/berries you pick - but let's face it, who doesn't love a date that ends with a yummy cobbler or pie?

Go to the Zoo or Aquarium

In most cities, or within a short drive - you might have access to either. Check out their website and see if there's any special rate days or times, or find a coupon for a discounted rate. It’s hard not to feel like a kid full of wonder when the sharks swim over your head in the clear bottom tank!

Take a Drive

Try having no destination in mind. Who knows, you might find a place you’ve been curious about, something new that you discover you both love, or a new coffee shop or hole-in-the-wall vintage shop!

Check out Saturday Morning Garage Sales

Especially if you're DIYing any of your wedding decor! Two birds, one stone - you and your partner get a chance to spend a quiet morning casually driving and spending some time together, and hopefully picking up some (inexpensive!) treasures for your wedding decor or your home!

Play the Newlywed Game!

Ask each other questions and see if you and your partner would ever win! Make it fun & lighthearted, but definitely have a bet going! Winner gets to choose more dance floor songs for the Reception playlist!

Cook Together

Who needs to spend money eating out when you can team up and cook together at home? If you're up for the challenge, turn your kitchen into the next 5-star restaurant and recreate a top-tier recipe to see how you work together under pressure. Or turn it into a competition if that fits your personalities! Who can make the best steak marinade?

Host a Game Night With Friends!

Ask a few friends or other couples over for dinner & game night. One of our favorite things to do is play cards or board games with other couples! Although, you might learn a few things about each other - like who's more strategic or who’s more competitive, or who can be a sore loser!

Get In Some Quality Couch Time

Pop some popcorn or make/order dinner, put on your sweats or pj's ...and have a movie marathon! Rainy days are perfect for catching up on the next season of Stranger Things. Netflix and Chill, right?

Check Out Some Open Houses

If you've not already purchased your first home together, go to a few open houses in your area. Most of the time they're on Sunday afternoons for several hours. Not only is it fun to look at houses, you can also talk about what you would like in your future home together.

Do a Little Window Shopping

Take a stroll through the shops and dream about that future home together - what kind of furniture would you fill it with, (especially if money were no object?) Take the opportunity to see where your tastes may differ before it's time to decorate together.
You could also turn selecting items for your registry into a date-night that’s similar to window shopping! Just remember to be practical & realistic for your styles and what you actually will use!

Go See a Movie

Most movie theatres have a matinee special, or something like "$5 Movie Mondays". Check your local theaters and see if there's a special for specific days/times. (But bring a big purse and sneak in your own snacks/candy so you don't pay triple for those! You didn't hear that here!)

Saving for your wedding may mean there isn’t much room in your budget for extras, but date night isn’t something you should skip - it’s an important part of supporting your relationship during what can be a stressful time! Taking that time to continue to nurture your relationship doesn’t have to cost much, or anything at all with these date night ideas on a wedding planning budget!

If you’re planning a wedding, be sure to follow me over on Instagram! I post tips almost daily to help you as you plan your perfect day! And if you'd like a practical, simple checklist with what vendors you actually need, and when you should book them... enter your email below and I'll send you the ultimate wedding planning checklist!

Thanks for reading!

15 Unique Date Night Ideas on a (Wedding Planning) Budget