Does a Honeymoon have to take place shortly after a wedding?

Actually if it does not it is not technically a honeymoon, That tradition began oddly enough with Native Americans. when a couple married they were excused from all work in the camp and all chores for one moon or one month they had their tipi or lodge away from the rest of the camp so they would have privacy. The grandmothers would come once a day and leave food for them along with a special drink made with honey. This would go on for the month after the wedding and when the honeymoon was over they would rejoin the camp and resume daily life

It has become common usage to refer to any romantic get away as some type of honeymoon: second honeymoon for example. But traditionally the word "honeymoon" refers to what used to be called "the wedding journey," a period in which a newly married couple had some "me & you time" away from both families in which to get used to being a married couple , functioning as a married couple.

So it would depend on how traditional you are about use of the word "honeymoon."

No.

We got married in May and went on our honeymoon in September.
Why, work, my husband got a week off with pay in September.
In May we did go to an hotel and took two days off.

No. You don't have to have a honeymoon at all.

No. Traditionally, a honeymoon took place immediately after the wedding because it was often the first time the couple had been alone together. The couple wanted to spend time together without prying eyes. Today, it is really just a vacation to celebrate getting married.

No

A honeymoon is optional.

Many people now are choosing to wait to go on honeymoon, or have a 'minimoon' straight after the wedding and a longer honeymoon later.

I am on the honeymoon police squad.I will know when you honeymooned.You may go to jail.

Certainly not. My wife and I took an anniversary cruise and were tablemates all week with a honeymoon couple. One that had already been married for six months. They had been separated because he was a Reservist called up for activity duty, and were finally able to take a honeymoon.

No.

Yes, the law is very clear about this.

Nope.

No it doesnt.

usually it does but some folks take "delayed honeymoon" latter into the marriage