Your Ultimate Guide to Planning a Disney Wedding

If your dream is a wish your heart makes and you've desired a fairytale wedding for decades, exchanging your vows at Disney World may be the destination wedding of choice for you. Some may believe planning a destination wedding at the "happiest place on Earth" is a job only for a fairy godmother, but they exist in the form of Disney wedding planners. We've compiled all the information you need to know to plan your ultimate Disney wedding.

Planning Details For a Walt Disney World Wedding

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Any true Disney fanatic knows Disney World is far from one small attraction. Most notably, the magical kingdom is split into two prominent worlds in the US: Disneyland and Disney World. Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California, while Disney World operates on the opposite coast in Orlando, Florida. Both have wedding options, so you can experience Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding at your theme park of choice. Here's what you need to know about having your dream ceremony and reception at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Cost

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The fantasy wedding of childhood dreams will come with a steeper price tag. If you choose to have your wedding day at Magic Kingdom, plan to budget for the following reception costs, which vary according to the time of day.

• Brunch: $140 per guest
• Lunch: $165 per guest
• Dinner: $190 per guest

The tiers include any combination of pre-reception, reception, cake, and bar service. It must meet a per person minimum based on the event time. An additional 6.5% sales tax and 25% labor and gratuity service charge will be added to your total bill. And tax and gratuity are not counted as part of the services or the minimum event total.

Venue

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You may be surprised to learn that there are more options than Cinderella's Castle for your wedding venue. In fact, couples have over 100 choices in venue options across all Walt Disney resorts.

If your heart is set on exchanging vows in Magic Kingdom, the options are plenty with each presenting its own unique backdrop and feel. Venue fees begin at $2,500 and can be quoted at up to $30,000. Ballrooms or gardens with no event minimum will have its own private pricing based on the number of guests and overall vision. Here's a general overview of starting prices.

• Conch Key Marina: $2,500 venue fee
• Luau Beach and Pointe: $2,500 venue fee
• Sago Cay: $2,500 venue fee
• Disney's Wedding Pavilion: $5,000 venue fee
• Walt Disney World Railroad Station: $15,000 venue fee
• Magic Kingdom Evening Park: $30,000 venue fee
• Disney's Contemporary Resort Ballroom: pricing upon request
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Ballroom: pricing upon request
• East Plaza Garden: pricing upon request

Factors like photography, decor and floral arrangements will incur additional costs, so it's best to temper expectations up front. (You're throwing one of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, after all.) Keep in mind your designated event planner will inform you of more detailed pricing, all based on your budget and the desires of your heart.

Packages

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Many couples, even those with their sights set beyond Disney, often appreciate a weddings package when planning. This again helps set expectations and some couples find the experience is ideal. Packages are especially worthwhile for small gatherings or couples looking to elope. With Disney World, here's what you'll find.

The Memories Package: At $3,500, this package comes with:

• An on-site wedding coordinator
• Choice of venue
• Fresh floral options for the couple
• A violinist for the ceremony
• 3-hour consecutive limousine charter
• A professional Disney Photographer for up to 1 hour to capture the ceremony
• One 11" x 14" portrait and your choice of archival disc or USB.
• You can also add a portrait session.

The Wishes Collection: At a supposed starting price of $12,000, this package comes with:

• A Disney wedding planner
• A venue option between the various Disney parks like Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom. Note, some "iconic" sites like Cinderella's castle will come with an additional venue fee.
• Photography
• Floral arrangements
• Catering options
• Live entertainment
• End-of-the-night fireworks

Deposit and Payment Details

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• Couples are able to book at Disney World about 12 months prior to the wedding date. In fact, it's suggested. Disney states that most venues are contacted 12 months in advance.
• On occasion, Disney will make special considerations for couples in a crunch. If your wedding date is 90 days away, for example, you should expect to provide a larger security deposit.
• Upon signing the contract, you will be required to provide a non-refundable deposit (determined based on your cumulative total) and submit a signed agreement with all responsible parties.
• Your full deposit is due 30 days before your wedding date.

Important Details

According to Walt Disney World Resort, if you want your ceremony at one location and your reception at a different location, you are only required to pay for each. (Again, some venues are subject to additional fees.) Most ceremony locations include a musician, water fountain and sound system. Couples can even request their favorite characters, like Minnie Mouse, any of the Disney Princesses or Alice in Wonderland for a fee. If the wedding will fall during high season or the holidays, to-be-weds should anticipate a higher cost. If you and your better half have your hearts set on the wonderful world of Disney, you can contact the events team here.

Planning Details For a Disneyland Wedding

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If you and your Prince(ss) Charming prefer to wed on the West Coast, you can exchange your vows at Disneyland.

Cost

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It's hard to put a price on "happily ever after," but couples can find more budget-friendly options at Disneyland. Costs do vary between Disney locations and venues. To learn more about pricing for Disneyland, we encourage you to view their pricing guide.

At Disneyland, you have a bevy of choices when it comes to food and beverage. You can entertain guests with plated dinners, buffet and food stations, and of course, dessert. Prices will vary based on your reception's time of day and which meal you'll serve your guests.

• Brunch: $145 per guest
• Lunch: $165 per guest
• Dinner: $190 per guest

Note, this pricing includes any combination of pre-reception, reception, cake, and bar service. It must meet a per person minimum based on the event time. Note, an additional 7.75% sales tax and 23% labor and gratuity service charge will be added to your total bill. And tax and gratuity are not counted as part of the services or the minimum event total.

Venue

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Similar to its sister site in Florida, Disneyland has options for couples who want their dreams to come true on their special day. From botanical gardens to modern venues, there is something for every Disney couple. Venue fees start at $2,600 and go up to $10,000. Ballrooms and gardens will have their own private pricing based on your size of party and overall vision.

• Adventure Lawn Gazebo: $2,600 - $6,000 venue fee
• Wedding Garden: $2,600 - $6,000 venue fee
• Brista Courtyard: $3,000 - $8,000 venue fee
• Parkview Terrace: $3,000 - $8,000 venue fee
• Rose Court Garden: $4,000 - $10,000 venue fee

Similar to Disney World, photography, decor, and floral arrangements will incur additional costs. Your designated event planner will be able to help you coordinate your options and inform you of more detailed pricing based on your needs.

Packages

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If a wedding package is more your speed, Disneyland has incredible options for newlyweds-to-be or couples choosing to host a vow renewal. You can even arrange for your favorite Disney characters (ahem, Mickey, anyone?) to make an appearance.

The Escape Package: Starting at $6,500, this package includes:

• Your choice of an outdoor venue
• A special selection of flowers
• A special wedding cake fit for the biggest of Cinderella fans
• A chef-curated menu for your reception
• One portrait session at the park

The Wishes Collection: Starting at $15,000, this package includes:

• A dedicated Disney wedding planner
• A custom cake filled with Disney magic
• Venue options include Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian Hotel, or even Sleeping Beauty's Castle (but booking her castle will likely bring your wedding cost into the six figures.)
• Photography
• Live entertainment
• A crystal-covered reception floor

Deposit and Payment Details

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• Couples can book their dream wedding at Disneyland up to 24 months in advance.
• Reports indicate couples will deposit between $1,000 - $4,000 for a Disney wedding. Remember: this isn't the full cost of the event.

Important Details

According to the Disney team, the ceremony at a hotel location may be scheduled for the following times, subject to availability: 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:30 PM. Lunch receptions must start by 1:00 PM. It's very important to flag that couples are unable to work with external vendors and must select from Disney's list. If you and your partner have your hearts set on the wonderful world of Disney, contact the events team here.