If you’re a fan of Disney, or if you’ve ever been to Walt Disney World in Florida, you understand the appeal of a Disney wedding. When many people think of Florida weddings, Disney comes to mind. Who wouldn’t want to get married in the happiest place on earth? Before you can skip to your fairytale ending, though, there’s a lot to consider. This blog will break down the basics of how to plan a Disney wedding in Florida: everything from cost to venues and vendors.
How to plan a Disney wedding
Like any other wedding, you want to begin by figuring out the big pieces. Start with determining your budget and guest count – this will allow you to narrow down your venue options. If you don’t have a budget and are interested in a specific Disney wedding venue, start there!
How much do Disney weddings cost?
Disney weddings vary greatly in price, depending on your guest count and the venue you are looking at. Property-wide, meals range from $140-$210 per person. Many of the more popular venues on Disney property have a ceremony fee and an event minimum on top of meal fees.
Ceremony fees range from $3,500 for venues like Luau Beach and Sago Cay to $30,000 for the Magic Kingdom, which is the highest-priced venue at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. Event minimums range from $7,500 to $50,000. If you’re looking to tie the knot inside the parks, expect to pay a lot more for your venue than one of the Disney hotels.
Total cost is calculated by the date and time of day, so the only way to determine an accurate price for your wedding is to get in contact with Disney and get a quote for your event. It is possible to have your wedding at many different price ranges. Disney’s weddings website is the best place to get up-to-date information and begin to plan a Disney wedding.
Because of this drastic difference in prices, you can plan a Disney wedding at virtually any price point! The venue you choose will factor greatly into the total cost of your Disney wedding.
Disney Wedding Venues
You can find a full list of Disney venues for Florida, California, Hawaii, and Disney’s cruise ships on their wedding website. Here’s a list of some options at Walt Disney World Resort to get you started!
Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Wedding Pavilion
Ceremony only | 10-250 guests
Disney’s Wedding Pavilion is a circular Victorian chapel and is the most popular wedding venue on Disney property in Florida.
East Plaza Garden
Ceremony only | 10-175 guests
The East Plaza Garden is a beautiful green lawn with manicured landscaping and stunning views of Cinderella castle.
Grand Floridian Resort Ballrooms
Ceremony & Reception | Up to 800 guests
The Grand Floridian is the most luxurious hotel in Walt Disney World, and its grand ballrooms don’t disappoint.
Luau Point
Ceremony only | Up to 80 guests
Located at the Polynesian Village Resort, Luau Point is a beautiful beachside venue perfect for smaller parties.
Magic Kingdom Park
Ceremony & Reception | 10-300 guests
Held at night after the park closes, weddings in Magic Kingdom Park are truly magical and one of a kind.
EPCOT
Ariel’s
Reception only | 10-50 guests
Located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Ariel’s is a quaint beach-inspired venue with a poolside view.
GM Lounge
Reception only | 10-120 guests
The GM Lounge is located inside the upper floor of the Test Track attraction, with views of Spaceship Earth.
Living Seas Salon
Reception only | 20-100 guests
The Living Seas Salon is a unique venue space surrounded by a floor-to-ceiling aquarium that makes you feel like you’re under the ocean.
Oak Manor Lawn
Ceremony only | 10-150 guests
Oak Manor lawn is located at Port Orleans Riverside, one of Disney’s hotels that captures the southern charm of New Orleans.
Hollywood Studios
Tower of Terror Courtyard
Ceremony only | 10-100 guests
The Tower of Terror Courtyard is a venue inspired by the luxury and iconic feel of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
Animal Kingdom
Harambe Street
Reception only | 10-720 guests
Surrounded by the african-inspired decor, Harambe Street is a great venue if you want to get married after hours in Animal Kingdom.
Pandora – World of Avatar
Ceremony only | Guest capacity not listed
At Pandora – World of Avatar, tie the knot in front of the famous floating mountains, surrounded by a stunning bioluminescent landscape.
Tamu Tamu Courtyard
Ceremony & Reception | 10-80 guests
Located in the African village area of Animal Kingdom, Tamu Tamu Courtyard is surrounded by authentic African artwork and architecture.
Tree of Life
Ceremony only | Guest capacity not listed
The Tree of Life lights up the night sky and creates a stunning atmosphere to hold your ceremony.
Picking vendors for your Disney wedding
To plan a Disney wedding that exceeds all expectations, you need to have a fantastic vendor team. Luckily, you won’t have much searching to do at all! All vendors for a Disney wedding must be in-house, with the exception of video and photo. Venues in the Magic Kingdom are the only exception to this rule – you must use Disney’s videographers and photographers in the park.
You might not be in love with the idea of having cheesy, Disney World wedding photos and film. If you’re looking for something more refined and sophisticated, consider Dalton Young Films your fairy godmother. Our expert team of photographers and videographers is ready to bring your fairytale vision to life. Contact us today and let us help you plan a Disney wedding with photos and film that will last a lifetime.
Photography/Videography: Dalton Young Weddings
