Although the pandemic has changed many wedding plans, loving couples are still having virtual ceremonies, intimate gatherings and even private couple- and officiant-only affairs. 2020 changed a lot of honeymoon plans, too. Lockdowns and restrictions are expected to continue around the world through early 2021, and access to certain countries can change at any time. None of this has to get couples down, however. With a little forethought, positivity and letting go of expectations, you can plan a safe and responsible wedding adventure or a post-pandemic journey.

At this writing, many honeymoon destinations are still welcoming travelers from America including Barbados, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Zambia. However, each has requirements for entry, such as negative COVID-19 tests, mandatory quarantine upon arrival (some as long as 14 days), medical screening upon arrival, proof of medical insurance, method of entry (land, sea or air), arrival direct from the United States versus a neighboring country, and even expensive applications (detailed health questionnaires). Check requirements for your desired locale when making plans and periodically up to the day of travel.

You will find epic honeymoon adventures in Baja California, a Mexican peninsula where you can explore old-world villages, unspoiled beaches and full-service resorts. Mexico City offers a faster pace with robust nightlife, galleries, museums and stylish hotels for pampering and rest. The coast of Costa Rica is a favorite haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts, with scores of wildlife, warm beaches, boutique hotels and the renowned Peace Retreat, which specializes in yoga, meditation and spas. A recent favorite for honeymooners is the Mediterranean destination of Croatia, featuring historical ruins and beautiful sailing sites. The United Kingdom has beautiful scenery, culture, royalty and historic castles to both explore and stay in overnight. Ireland has romantic cruises on the River Shannon, the romantic Glencar Falls and ancient Irish castles. Most of these sites and excursions are inaccessible or not fully accessible during the pandemic, though they are places to look forward to if you want to plan ahead.

If you prefer to honeymoon within the United States, some wonderful destinations include the Hawaiian Islands, national parks, casinos, theaters, historical and art museums, and beaches. You may have to alter your plans according to state requirements during the time you want to honeymoon. Be sure to touch base with your destination's local health department to find out what, if any, restrictions there are, even if it's in your home state. And contact the places you want to visit to make sure they are actually open for business.

Lots of couples whose wedding and honeymoon plans changed during the pandemic have postponed their honeymoon altogether and come up with an alternative celebration. It's the getting married that matters, not the order or timing of events.

Take couple Laura and John, for example. Three months before their wedding date, they realized their plans to have family come from around the country for their wedding, followed by a two-week honeymoon in Japan, weren't going to happen. A few days after their wedding date, on a Thursday night, Laura and John tied the knot before a justice of the peace and a witness, recording the event on video. They went home for a celebratory dinner of crab cakes shipped in by her mother and then went back to work the next day. They continued celebrating by drinking wine, playing video games, watching TV and adopting a puppy. That weekend, they informed everyone of the exciting, if unexpected, event. Laura hopes to throw a big celebration next year, followed by their trip to Japan.

Michael and Andrea did a two-week staycation after getting married at the courthouse. They took turns cooking each other romantic dinners, went for walks in the park, cuddled while watching romantic movies and turned their backyard into a temporary beach with a kiddy pool. They plan to turn their honeymoon plans into an anniversary celebration instead, having the best of both worlds.

The pandemic may have thrown off your plans or hopes for the perfect wedding or honeymoon, but if you let go of expectations and focus on the love, the experience can be just as sweet.