Thanks so much for your response! Actually we've both spent quite a bit of time there, so I think we're pretty set on somewhere beachy. We are both very much ocean people, but are often in cold water, so would LOVE to spend our honeymoon with some sun and warm ocean! But it seems like August is not the best for Mexico and Central America, and Hawaii seems out of our budget so I'm a bit at a loss!

The trouble is that August is hurricane season and so prices in the Caribbean are low then because of that. Many people DO still go on their vacations at that time of year and just take the chance that they'll be OK. I suppose it all depends on your risk tolerance. IF you want inexpensive beaches in summer in the Caribbean then you have to expect the chance of rain!

There is no way around that issue.

Aruba is out of the hurricane belt, so may be a good option. The sand is soft, the water is calm & clear, and the people are friendly. If you want a quieter option there, try to stay away from the 'high rise' section and focus on the 'low rise' area that's closer to Oranjestad. We stayed at the Tamarijn two years ago and loved it -- but the resort next-door (the Divi) might be better for a honeymoon since it's more adult-oriented. We went all over the island with our kids and there was no location where we felt unsafe. Not sure what airfare is like from Oregon, but Aruba is a Caribbean option that's closer to a guarantee for good weather.

Agree re: Aruba. My only issue with Aruba is it can get a little too resort-y for me. Try to book off the main drag, rent your own house, or stay closer to downtown.