Disneyland Weddings: Timing And Magic Moments

what time do disneyland weddings take place

Planning a wedding at Disneyland? You're in luck! With various venue options inside Walt Disney World's theme parks and even more choices for your reception, you can create your dream wedding. From the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Park to the whimsical France Pavilion at EPCOT, there are endless magical locations to choose from. Whether you're looking for a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Disneyland weddings can be customized to your exact needs and budget. But be prepared for a hefty price tag and restrictions on ceremony timing, as most theme park venues are only available outside regular park hours. So, start saving and get ready to make your fairy tale wedding dreams come true!

Characteristics Values
Wedding venue options Magic Kingdom, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani (Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii), Disney's Wedding Pavilion, Place de Remy, Tower of Terror, Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, etc.
Wedding packages Previously offered Escape and Wishes packages, now all options are "a la carte"
Minimum expenditure USD 15,000 for Disneyland Resort hotels ceremony venue fees; USD 10,000 for catered events inside Magic Kingdom; USD 5,000 for Disney Meetings & Events
Timing Weddings inside theme parks take place before the park opens or after it has closed; weddings can be booked up to 18 months in advance
Payment Due in full 90 days prior to the wedding date
Guest count No minimum guest count; every person, including infants, counts as a guest
Photography Disney Fine Art Photography starts at USD 599 for one photographer for one hour; outside photographers are allowed for events outside of Magic Kingdom
Decor Disney allows outside vendors and DIYs for receptions in ballroom locations at the resort convention centers

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Ceremony and reception costs

The cost of a Disneyland wedding depends on several factors, including the ceremony venue, day of the week, reception venue, food and beverage minimum, and guest count. The price of a Disneyland Resort hotel ceremony starts at $15,000, and this is the lowest overall minimum. In-park weddings are highly customized, and specific pricing is not available, but they are significantly more expensive than resort hotel ceremonies. For example, an early morning castle wedding at Sleeping Beauty's Castle starts at $62,200, an after-hours in-park evening reception starts at $82,485, and an after-hours in-park evening ceremony and reception starts at $100,000.

Couples can reach the $15,000 minimum fee by adding additional food, decor, or entertainment. Additional elements such as entertainment, transportation vehicles, or character visits are an extra fee. For example, musicians start at $975, and the Crystal Coach (Cinderella's Carriage) starts at $4,500. Bridal bouquets start at $225.

Disney does not place a minimum guest count on ceremonies, but the number of guests will influence the venue. Every person, including infants, counts as a guest, and this will impact the cost. The reception costs will also depend on the time of day and the chosen menu. The bill will include an additional 6.5% sales tax and a 25% labor and gratuity service charge.

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings website offers pictures of the various ceremony locations and decor samples, as well as some basic pricing information. There are over 45 different Disney wedding and reception venue choices, including the Magic Kingdom, which has a minimum expenditure of $10,000 and requires approval from the park team. Disney's Wedding Pavilion in Florida offers a sophisticated, themed experience. Other options include Disney Cruise Line, The Wedding Pointe on Disney's private island Castaway Cay, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii. These venues offer beautiful lawns and the ability to transition from wedding to honeymoon.

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Timing restrictions

Timing is an important consideration when planning a wedding at Disneyland. While Disneyland offers a variety of venues and customisation options, there are some timing restrictions to keep in mind.

Disneyland weddings are typically held either before the park opens to guests for the day or after it has closed for the day. This ensures that the wedding party has exclusive access to the chosen venue and avoids any disruption to the regular park operations. Early morning weddings, such as those held at Sleeping Beauty's Castle, can be expected to start at a premium price.

It is important to note that theme park venues within Disneyland Resort are subject to limited availability. In some cases, a resort hotel venue replacement may be considered as an alternative option. Additionally, certain venues within the park may have specific restrictions on when ceremonies can take place. For example, weddings at the Magic Kingdom can be challenging to secure during anniversary celebrations or other special events.

Disneyland also offers weddings at non-park locations, such as Disneyland Resort hotels, which may have more flexibility in terms of timing. These venues still offer the magic and charm of a Disney wedding but with more affordable pricing and potentially more availability.

When planning a Disneyland wedding, it is essential to consider the time of day as it can impact the overall cost and availability of venues. The per-person minimum expenditure for catered events may vary depending on the event time, and certain enhancements, such as fireworks displays, may only be available at specific times.

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Venue options

There are over 45 different Disney wedding and reception venue choices, ranging from castles and ships to beaches and romantic gardens.

Disneyland Resort includes Disneyland Park, where you can exchange vows in front of the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Disney California Adventure Park, which offers unique settings like the beautiful Pacific Wharf and the charming Paradise Pier. The Animation building, Stage 17, Fantasy Faire, and Rose Court Garden are also possible venues within Disneyland Resort.

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings website offers pictures of the various ceremony locations, as well as decor samples and basic pricing information.

For those considering Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Disney's Wedding Pavilion offers a sophisticated and exceptionally themed experience. The grandest Disney wedding dream is a wedding at the Magic Kingdom, but this comes with a hefty price tag and restrictions on when the ceremony can take place. There are also venues at EPCOT, such as the France Pavilion, and at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, in Hawaii.

Disney does not place a minimum guest count on ceremonies, but there is a minimum expenditure of $10,000 for all catered events inside Magic Kingdom, and a $5,000 event minimum for working with Disney Meetings & Events. A Disneyland Resort wedding starts at $15,000, with additional costs for entertainment, transportation vehicles, or character visits.

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Guest count

Disneyland offers a range of venue options, from grand locations like the Sleeping Beauty Castle Forecourt to more intimate settings like the Rose Court Garden. The capacity of each venue varies, so it's important to consider the expected number of guests when selecting a venue. Additionally, certain venues may be more suitable for larger or smaller groups in terms of creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.

The cost of a Disneyland wedding is influenced by factors such as the ceremony venue, reception venue, food and beverage choices, and guest count. A higher guest count can result in a higher overall cost, as the per-person minimum for food, drinks, and other services will need to be met. It's worth noting that the $15,000 minimum fee for a Disneyland Resort wedding can be reached by adding additional food, decor, or entertainment, allowing couples to customize their celebration according to their guest count and preferences.

When planning a Disneyland wedding, it is essential to consider the guest experience. A larger guest count may require additional transportation arrangements, accommodation options, and entertainment to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Additionally, a larger group may have varying interests, so providing a range of activities or suggestions for guests to explore during their time at Disneyland can enhance their overall experience.

Disneyland weddings can be highly customizable, and the guest count plays a significant role in shaping the overall experience. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, considering the guest count will help create a memorable and magical event for all in attendance.

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Photography

Firstly, it's worth noting that Disney has its own photography service, Disney Fine Art Photography. If you choose to have your wedding inside the Magic Kingdom, you will be required to book their services, which start at $599 for one photographer for one hour. This option can be convenient as it ensures your photographer is familiar with the Disney parks and has experience capturing the unique settings and backdrops that a Disney wedding offers.

However, if you choose to have your wedding at any other location, you have the flexibility to bring in your own photographer. This can be a great way to personalize your special day and choose a photographer whose style and aesthetic align with your vision. Additionally, local wedding and event photographers may offer more competitive rates than Disney's in-house services.

When selecting a photographer, it's important to consider their experience and expertise. Ask to see their portfolio and check if they have experience shooting in similar settings to Disneyland, such as themed locations or castles. It's also crucial to communicate your expectations clearly, including the style of photography you prefer, the key moments you want to be captured, and any specific locations within Disneyland that are important to you.

To make the most of the magical surroundings, consider incorporating the iconic landmarks and attractions of Disneyland into your photos. Whether it's the majestic Sleeping Beauty Castle, the whimsical France Pavilion at EPCOT, or the romantic Rose Court Garden, these locations will add a unique touch to your wedding album. Don't be afraid to get creative and think about including some of the classic Disney characters in your photos, such as Cinderella's carriage or Mickey and Minnie.

Lastly, remember to discuss the timing of your wedding with your photographer. Disneyland weddings typically take place either before the park opens or after it has closed to guests, so your photographer should be prepared to work within these time constraints and capture the magic of your fairy-tale wedding at Disneyland.

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Frequently asked questions

The time of your wedding will depend on your chosen venue and package. Ceremonies at the Magic Kingdom, for example, can be held early in the morning or after the park has closed.

The price of a Disneyland wedding depends on many factors, including the venue, day of the week, reception venue, food & beverage minimum, and guest count. The lowest overall minimum is $15,000. After that, any additional elements like entertainment, transportation, or character visits are an extra fee.

It depends on where you’re having your reception. Disney only allows outside vendors and DIYs for receptions in ballroom locations at the resort convention centers.

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