How to Plan a Disney Wedding

You’ve found your happily ever after, and now it’s time to tie the knot in the happiest place on earth. If you’re stuck choosing between getting married at Disneyland or Disney World, umming and ahhing over Dole Whip or Mickey Waffle puddings, or simply want to add an extra touch of pixie dust to your special day, this is the article for you.

This post explores everything you need to know about planning your dream Disney wedding at one of their magical locations. From the locations and venues to flowers and those special finishing touches, everything you need to know about your dream Disney wedding is right here!

What is a Disney wedding?

A Disney wedding is a wedding that happens at one of Disney’s magical locations. They’re known for their attention to detail, magical backdrops, and personal touches that make every Disney wedding completely unique. Plus, where else can you invite the big mouse himself to be a special guest on your big day?

If you grew up watching Disney, had a magical holiday at one of the parks, or even just want a genuine prince or princess experience on your big day, a Disney wedding could be the perfect choice for you.

What is a Disney themed wedding?

A Disney themed wedding is slightly different to a Disney wedding in that it doesn’t necessarily have to happen at a Disney resort. Instead, you can take all the magic, special touches, and pixie dust and transfer it to a location of your choice. This is perfect for couples who want to incorporate their love for Disney into their wedding day but may not be able to have their ceremony at a Disney resort.

With a Disney-themed wedding, you have the flexibility to choose any venue that suits your style and preferences, whether it’s a ballroom, a stately home, a beach, a forest, or even your own garden. The key is to infuse every aspect of your wedding with the enchantment and wonder of Disney, from the decor and entertainment to the attire and menu.

The flexibility (and reduced cost) of a Disney themed wedding is the happy medium many newlyweds are looking for. Learn more about Disney themed weddings here.

Step 1: Pick your dream venue

First thing’s first — you need to decide which magical location will be the backdrop for your special day. You have four locations to choose from:

The location you chose will depend on your preferences, budget, and desired atmosphere. There are multiple venues at each location, so there’s plenty of flexibility around dates. We’ve included a few details about some of our favourite venues at each location, but be sure to do your own research to find the place that’s right for you.

Disney World Florida Weddings

With 48 venues to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect setting for your dream Disney wedding at Disney World Florida. Here are just a few of our favourite venues at this magical location:

Best for a budget: Tree Of Life, Animal Kingdom

The Tree Of Life in Animal Kingdom is one of the most breathtaking locations in the park, and it’s perfect for those doing a Disney wedding on a budget! With a venue fee of $4,500 and a brunch pricing of $140 per person, you can plan a morning wedding for 50 people for $11,500. Plus, you’ll then have all day to explore the park with your guests, creating unforgettable memories together.

Bear in mind that there’s a $15,000 minimum spend, meaning you’ll need to make up the $3,500 extra with flowers, photography, and optional extras.

Showstopping: The Grand Floridian Ballroom

The Grand Floridian Ballroom combines Victorian elegance with the magic of Disney for a wedding reception that’s truly show stopping. Be warned, this is definitely one of the priciest options for a Disney wedding. But, with crystal chandeliers, ornate brass lamps, and beautifully manicured English rose gardens, this opulent venue is worth every penny.

The most magical: Magic Kingdom Park

Get married in the middle of the happiest place on earth with an after hours Magic Kingdom park wedding. With a spectacular view of Cinderella’s castle and surrounded by happy park goers, this venue is perfect for those who want a true Disney experience.

Princess vibes: East Plaza Gardens

If you’re looking for something a little more princessy than a Magic Kingdom Park wedding, try East Plaza gardens. With another beautiful view of Cinderella castle, this location is slightly more secluded but surrounded by the most beautiful pink flowers and lush greenery, creating a romantic and fairytale wedding atmosphere. This location is sure to make you feel like royalty as you embark on your happily ever after.

Low-key Disney: Destino Plaza, Coronado Springs

If you want the magic of a Disney wedding while still keeping it low-key and classy, Destino Plaza at Coronado Springs could be the place for you. Looking out over the beautiful Golden Lake, Destino Plaza is the perfect mix of elegance and Disney charm. With its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, lush landscaping, and tranquil waterfront setting, Destino Plaza offers a serene backdrop for your wedding day that could easily not be a Disney venue.

Disneyland California Weddings

If you’re a fan of the OG, a wedding at Disneyland California could be right for you. Check out some of our favourite venues at this beautiful and classic location.

Best for a budget: Wedding Garden, The Grand Californian

The Grand Californian Wedding garden has a venue hire price of $4,000 and is perfect for couples looking to have a Disney wedding on a budget. With its lush greenery, charming gazebo, and picturesque surroundings, the Wedding Garden at The Grand Californian offers a romantic setting for your special day without breaking the bank.

Showstopping: Small World Mall

We know, we know — it’s not everyone’s favourite ride. But, it’s quintessential Disney and a truly showstopping backdrop for your I dos. If you’re looking for something unique and unforgettable, consider the It’s A Small World Ride for your special day.

The most magical: Rose Court Garden

The Rose Court Garden at the Disneyland Hotel boasts over 500 beautiful rose bushes, dreamy hedgerows, and a lush canopy of trees over your head. Plus, the bride (or groom!) can choose to arrive at the ceremony in Cinderella’s crystal carriage! What could be more magical?

Princess vibes: Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt

With Sleeping Beauty’s beautiful castle behind you, a classical harpist playing your song selections, and your pre-reception in front of King Arthur’s Carousel, this truly is a once- in- a lifetime celebration. Plan your ceremony at night for extra magic and watch the castle light up with dazzling fireworks, creating a magical backdrop for your princess-inspired wedding.

The Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt offers the perfect blend of romance, elegance, and Disney charm, making it the ultimate venue for couples seeking the royal treatment.

Low-key Disney: The Grand Californian Hotel Ballroom

If you want a non-Disney, Disney wedding, consider the Grand Californian Hotel Ballroom. With its sophisticated decor, spacious layout, and versatile design, this ballroom provides a neutral canvas for couples to create their dream wedding atmosphere. Plus, it’s nestled right in the heart of Disneyland Resort, making it a convenient location for post-wedding park exploration, firework watching, or simply soaking in the magical ambiance of the resort.

Disney Resorts Hawai’i Weddings

If you want to live your Lilo and Stitch dream, Disney’s paradise resort, Aulani in Hawai’i, is the perfect tropical backdrop for your big day. Check out some of our favourite venues for twilight, beachy, or showstopping weddings:

Beach vibes: ‘Ama ‘Ama Patio

The ‘Ama ‘Ama open- air venue can accommodate up to 60 guests and has beautiful views of the Atlantic ocean. This venue really leans into the tropical vibes, offering a flower- lined aisle, stunning water features, and tropical palm trees overhead. If you dream of being Moana on your big day, this is the choice for you.

Showstopping: Kaiona Ballroom

The Kaiona Ballroom is an iconic wedding venue. Named for a local mountain goddess who helps lost souls find their way home, what better place to begin your journey as a married couple? Situated on the stunning grounds of Disney Resorts Hawai’i, the Kaiona Ballroom is a truly enchanting setting with gorgeous chandeliers, royal regalia throughout, and beautiful feather leis.

Twilight ceremony: Kula Wai

Kula Wai is a tranquil retreat with an attached Disney spa. It’s beautiful during the day, but if you’re looking for a twilight wedding, Kula Wai is truly spectacular. Kula Wai can accommodate up to 20 guests and the wedding ceremony takes place between two whirlpool spas that are illuminated at night. You can hang twinkling lights, beautiful crystals, or flowers from the trees for that finishing touch, and even have your guests enjoy the spa facilities after the ceremony. If you’re looking for something truly special, this is the place for you.

Low-key Disney: All The Hawai’i Venues

All of the Hawai’i venues are pretty low-key Disney. You may find a hidden Mickey here or there, but if you’re looking for a Disney ceremony that could easily not be Disney, the Hawai’i resorts are the place for you.

Disney Cruise Weddings

There are 4 Disney cruise liners that offer Disney weddings on board. These are the Disney magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy.

The beauty of a Disney Cruise weddings is that you can either get married on board or at one of their port destinations. For example, couples on Disney Cruise Line Bahamian or Caribbean cruise vacations can choose to get married at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. Alternatively, you could get married on board in the Atrium, on the deck, or in the outlook lounge. All these venues will look and feel slightly different based on which cruise liner you choose. Be sure to work closely with your Disney wedding planner to ensure that every detail is tailored to your preferences and vision.

Step 2: Enlist your Disney Wedding Team

Planning a Disney wedding means you need to engage with your Disney Wedding Team. They’re the gatekeepers to the wedding of your dreams and will work with you to create a magical and unforgettable experience. Enlisting a Disney Wedding Team is an essential step in the planning process, as these planners have the expertise, resources, and attention to detail to bring your vision to life.

You’ll need to input your contact details into the Disney Wedding website and a wedding planner will be in touch shortly. Think of them as the fairy godmothers who will make all your wedding dreams come true!

Step 3: Pick your dining package

With the support of your Disney wedding planner, you’ll need to pick a dining package. There are usually 3 options for dining packages and they’re related to the time of day that you have your ceremony. For example, brunch comes in at $140 per person, lunch is $180 per person, and dinner is $240 per person. There’s an additional 6.5% sales tax added on top of this, and a 25% gratuity as is expected in the US.

Each venue has different options for their menus, which fit the theme of the locations. There’d is also an option for a buffet style menu, canapes, and the option to have your wedding cake made on site. This will increase the cost of your wedding, but means you won’t have to organise a separate wedding cake, saving you precious time and effort in the run up to your big day.

Step 4: Add the finishing touches

Every Disney wedding has a minimum spend, and most of this will be made up in the finishing touches. You Disney wedding planner can help you with:

- Flowers. Including bouquets, button holes, and decorative flowers
- Photographers and videographers.
- Extra decor.
- Entertainment. Including bands, DJs, dancers, Disney characters, and more.
- Transportation. This includes classic cars, carriages, and more.

Work closely with your wedding planner to put together a day that reflects your and your partner. If you have a specific idea in mind, a film you’d like to recreate, or a theme you want to incorporate, don’t hesitate to share it with your wedding planner. They’ll wave their magic wands and work with you to bring your vision to life. Their job is to make sure every detail is exactly how you dreamed it would be, so don’t be afraid to share your most special memories with them.

Step 5: Everything else

This is the final step in planning your dream Disney wedding: to plan everything that Disney wedding planners can’t help you with. For example, your dress, suits, hair, makeup, and other personal details that are unique to you and your partner. While Disney wedding planners are great at planning the overall event and managing the logistics, it’s up to you to take care of the personal touches that will make your wedding day truly special.

Check out our step-by-step wedding planning guide to find out more.

Make your dreams come true with a Disney wedding

Whether you grew up going to Disney, have always loved the films, or just want to feel like a prince or princess on your special day, a Disney wedding could be the perfect choice for you. These fairytales don’t come cheap, but they offer an unparalleled level of magic, luxury, and attention to detail that’s sure to make your wedding day truly unforgettable. This day is once in a lifetime, after all!

The key steps in planning your dream Disney wedding are to pick a location, work closely with your wedding planner, and embrace the magic of Disney every step of the way. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. It’s your wedding planner’s job to make all your dreams come true!

So, whether it’s recreating a scene from your favourite film, inviting your favourite characters to the big day, or even adding a touch of magic with fireworks or light effects, the possibilities are endless when it comes to planning a Disney wedding. It’s time to share a whole new world with your partner, and a Disney wedding is the perfect way to kick off this Disney dream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ask someone to marry you at Disney?

You absolutely can! Popular locations include in front of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty’s castle, in front of the Epcot Ball in Florida, or right in the middle of Main Street USA. Look out for a PhotoPass photographer to professionally capture your special moment!

How many people get married at Disney?

Around 4,000 people a year get married at Disney locations all over the world.

How many guests can you have at a Disney wedding?

The number of guests you can invite ranges based on the size of the venue. You can invite anywhere from 2 to 300 guests at the large wedding pavilion. Just make sure you save room for the guests of honour — Mickey and Minnie!

What characters can you have at a Disney wedding?

All of them, if you’d like! The most popular guests are Mickey and Minnie, of course. But you can also have Donald, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, Chip, Dale, and many more.

Can you renew your vows at Disney World?

Yes, you absolutely can! Disney wedding planners will also be involved with this, but plenty of people renew their vows in intimate ceremonies at the Disney parks.