George Boyle
Getting married in Disneyland is a dream come true for many, and Disney offers exclusive wedding experiences in its theme parks. However, Disney does not close its parks during normal hours for weddings. Wedding ceremonies typically take place early in the morning before the park opens or later in the evening after the park has closed. There are exceptions, however, as weddings in the Magic Kingdom Park are very limited during certain times of the year. The cost of a Disney wedding can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more, with additional costs for characters, Cinderella's Coach, and other magical extras.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Park closure for weddings | Disneyland does not close the park during regular hours for weddings. Weddings are scheduled either early in the morning (before the park opens) or late in the evening (after the park closes). |
| Wedding times | Morning ceremonies: before park opening; Evening ceremonies: after park closing |
| Guest accommodation | Guests are not required to stay at the Walt Disney World Resort. However, they can secure rooms at Disneyland Resort hotels at discounted prices. |
| Guest capacity | Morning ceremonies: 2-50 guests; Evening ceremonies: 2-300 guests, in addition to the couple |
| Wedding venues | Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt, Cinderella Castle, Epcot, Italy Pavilion, Magic Kingdom Park |
| Wedding costs | Ceremony fee for Magic Kingdom Park is $40,000. Total wedding costs can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. |
| Transportation | Disney provides chartered transportation for weddings. |
| Photography and videography | Outside photography and videography vendors are prohibited in Magic Kingdom Park. An agreement must be signed between Disney and the outside vendor for other locations. |
| Food and beverages | Disney offers in-person group menu tastings for reception meals. |
| Additional services | Disney offers a media guide to escort photographers during events in theme parks. |
Explore related products
$12.99
What You'll Learn
Ceremonies take place outside park opening hours
Ceremonies at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings take place outside of park opening hours. Morning ceremonies typically occur before the park opens, while evening ceremonies take place after closing. These ceremonies can be held at various locations within the park, such as the iconic Cinderella Castle or the Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt.
For those seeking a truly magical and unforgettable experience, the Magic Kingdom Evening Wedding Experience offers a highly customizable ceremony after the park closes. This unique opportunity allows couples to exchange vows in front of the breathtaking Cinderella Castle, surrounded by all the wonder and magic of the park without the crowds. The events usually begin 2 to 3 hours after the park's closing time, and there is a $40,000 ceremony fee for this exclusive location.
Disney also offers transportation services for weddings held within the park. Chartered transportation is required for the Magic Kingdom Evening Wedding Experience, ensuring a seamless experience for the wedding party and guests. Additionally, for events in outdoor locations, Disney may move the ceremony indoors due to inclement weather. A decision regarding the location will be made a maximum of 5 hours before the event's start time.
It is important to note that Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings are not hosted on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The ceremony times for various locations include 9:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:30 PM. Morning ceremonies can accommodate 2 to 50 guests, while evening ceremonies can host 2 to 300 guests in addition to the couple.
Disney weddings offer a range of options to create a memorable experience. From the regal setting of the Sleeping Beauty Castle to the enchanting atmosphere of the Magic Kingdom after dark, couples can tailor their fairy-tale wedding with Disney's assistance.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Wedding: A Fairytale Come True
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fireworks and dessert receptions
In-park dessert parties are available during the fireworks shows at EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Private parties for the Magic Kingdom's fireworks show are held at the Grand Floridian Marina and the Contemporary Convention Center's Porte Cochere. These events can be booked through a sales consultant, and an event planner will help coordinate the party.
There are various fees associated with in-park events, including venue fees, viewing fees, and transportation costs. A "ride mix-in" can also be arranged, where the wedding party is escorted to the front of the line on the last ride of the night. This must occur in the same park as the event and at the end of the park's operating hours.
For those planning a Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding, there is a $10/guest viewing fee (excluding the bridal couple) that is mandatory even for guests with park admission. For events held through Disney Meetings & Events, the viewing fee is $25/guest without park admission, and the combined cost of a ride mix-in and viewing fee is $45/person.
It is important to note that dessert parties do not count towards the Event Minimum Expenditure if a reception or cake-cutting celebration is also held. However, couples can choose to have their reception or cocktail hour at a dessert party fireworks-viewing location.
Chinese Wedding Traditions and Rituals
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cinderella Castle venue
Disney offers a range of wedding venues, including the iconic Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida. The Cinderella Castle venue is an exclusive evening wedding experience that takes place after the park closes, allowing couples to create magical memories in front of the castle. The venue can accommodate up to 100 people and offers a highly customizable experience, with details tailored to the couple's wishes.
The Cinderella Castle venue provides a unique opportunity to exchange vows in a fairy tale setting, surrounded by the magic and wonder of Disney. The castle's iconic silhouette serves as a breathtaking backdrop for the ceremony, creating an unforgettable ambiance. To enhance the experience, fanfare trumpeters and a Major Domo in his finest attire announce the couple's grand entrance as they walk down the aisle.
The venue is decorated with elegant Chiavari chairs for the guests, fragrant blooms, and the enchanting music of a classical harpist playing the couple's chosen songs. The couple can also choose to have their ceremony in the East Plaza Garden, located in front of the castle, which offers a similar magical atmosphere. However, it is important to note that the reception cannot be held in the same location as the ceremony.
The cost of a Cinderella Castle wedding is substantial. There is a $25,000 minimum fee for the ceremony, excluding food, beverages, and other expenditures, which can bring the total to $75,000 or more. Additionally, there are event minimum expenditure requirements, which vary depending on the day of the week and time of day, with higher minimums typically applying to weekends and holidays. Transportation for the wedding party and guests within the park is also included in the wedding expenses.
Disney also offers wedding experiences at other parks, such as the Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt in Disneyland Park, California. This venue provides a regal and romantic setting for couples, with the castle's silhouette presiding majestically over the nuptials. Disneyland Park weddings also take place before or after park opening or closing, ensuring a peaceful and exclusive atmosphere for the ceremony and reception.
Beautiful Catholic Wedding Songs for Your Special Day
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt venue
The Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt venue at Disneyland Park in California is a fairy tale wedding location. The iconic silhouette of Sleeping Beauty Castle provides a majestic backdrop for the ceremony, with the castle drawbridge dressed in stately blue-and-gold banners. The happy couple makes a grand entrance, announced by fanfare trumpeters and Major Domo, as they walk down the aisle while their guests look on from elegant Chiavari chairs. The venue can accommodate fragrant blooms and the romantic tones of a classical harpist playing the couple's chosen songs.
The Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt is available for morning or evening ceremonies. Morning ceremonies must take place before the park opens, with a plated-meal reception at a Disneyland Resort hotel to follow. Evening ceremonies begin after the park closes, followed by a dinner buffet reception at the Small World Mall. Morning ceremonies can accommodate 2 to 50 guests, while evening ceremonies can accommodate 2 to 300 guests, in addition to the couple.
Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings offers a range of services to make the wedding day magical and memorable. These include food and beverage services, such as pre-reception hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast, a buffet, cake, and bar service. Floral embellishments can be tailored to the couple's preferences, and venue décor options allow them to add creative touches to the space. A Disney Wedding Sales Manager will assist with determining the best time, date, and location for the wedding events, and a site visit can be arranged up to 18 months in advance.
Disneyland weddings start at $15,000 and are held to an event minimum. The Ceremony Venue Fee and other Disney Weddings Service elements contribute to this minimum. An additional 7.75% sales tax and a service charge based on the venue location are also applied.
Loafers at a Wedding: A Stylish Choice?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport options
If you choose to host any part of your wedding event in one of the Disney theme parks, you will be required to provide transportation for you and your guests. This can be arranged through Disney, with options ranging from chartered motor coaches to specialty cars for the wedding couple. There is also the option of Disney-provided transportation for your guests, which is required for evening ceremonies that take place after park closing times. This can be included as part of the Walt Disney World Resort experience, with complimentary bus services available between all Disney Resort hotels, Disney theme parks, Water Parks, and Disney Springs.
For those who wish to drive themselves to the wedding venue, parking is available at the parks. On the day of the wedding, a Disney Cast Member (CM) can escort guests from the parking lot to the reception location. This option may be more suitable for those who wish to have a dessert or fireworks reception, as guests will need to be escorted to and from the special viewing areas.
It is important to note that the cost of transportation will be applied toward your event minimum. Additionally, events in outdoor locations may be moved indoors due to inclement weather, and a decision will be made a maximum of 5 hours prior to the start time of your event.
Harry's Veiled Wedding
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Disneyland Park offers exclusive evening wedding ceremonies that take place after the park has closed.
Morning ceremonies usually take place before the park opens, while evening ceremonies begin after the park closes, 2 to 3 hours later.
Morning ceremonies can accommodate 2 to 50 guests, while evening ceremonies can accommodate 2 to 300 guests, in addition to the couple.
The Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt and Cinderella Castle are two of the iconic venues available for weddings at Disneyland Park.
Yes, you can bring an outside photographer and/or videographer for your wedding. However, an agreement must be signed between your photographer/videographer and Disney, and proof of insurance is required.
