Everything You Need to Know About Having a Disney Wedding

Happily ever afters can happen anywhere, from backyard weddings to city hall nuptials. But it doesn't get much more magical—in the most literal sense—than a happily ever after at a Disney Destination. Having a Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding or vow renewal at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, aboard the Disney Cruise Line, at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, or even Disneyland Paris can be a fairy tale for couples who have been watching Disney's Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and other classic movies on repeat since childhood. But they don't need to wish upon a star to say "I do" at Disney. Disney weddings happen every day at the company's famous resorts and, with the help of Disney's expert wedding planners—and, of course, a little pixie dust—celebrating your nuptials with Mickey and Minnie can be a reality.

Brides spoke with Korri McFann, worldwide director of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, to find out everything you need to know about having a Disney wedding. See all the details of having a Disney celebration ahead.

How Much Does a Disney Wedding Cost?

According to McFann, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings start at $3,500 and vary based on the Disney destination and the wedding venue you choose. Disney weddings aboard Disney Cruise Line start at $3,500, weddings in Hawaii at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa start at $5,600, and weddings at Disney Parks start at $15,000 and can include elements like your venue, food and beverage, floral and décor, entertainment, and more.

Disney Wedding Perks

Disney weddings come with a slew of perks. From helpful services like a Disney wedding planner to nice-to-haves like the option to invite Mickey and Minnie, these are the advantages of a Disney wedding.

Get Access to Full-Service Offerings

You know the venue—Disney, of course!—but what about all those other little details? Well, there's no need to search for a florist and caterer for your Disney wedding. "We like to call ourselves a one-stop-shop," says McFann. "We offer a variety of wedding services like floral, food and beverage, entertainment, transportation, and more. We also have on-site world-class chefs who dish up signature culinary creations, or they can incorporate a couple’s favorite dish or family recipe into the menu." You can even serve up Mickey Mouse–shaped waffles at the celebration!

It's Perfect for a Wedding Weekend

Give your guests a mini Disney vacation by throwing a wedding weekend with all the works and tons of fun activities. "Today’s couples are looking to make every moment count on their destination wedding, from the moment the wedding guests arrive to the moment they leave," McFann explains.

There are also plenty of locations for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and after parties throughout the theme parks and resort hotels. "Epcot is a popular choice with 11 unique international pavilions to choose from and where guests can enjoy the nightly laser, light, and fireworks display that lights up the sky," notes McFann. "We are also seeing more couples choosing brunch as an option for rehearsal dinners. Couples dine early and then spend the day playing in the Disney parks, relaxing at their Disney Resort as a group by the pool, or shopping the day away at Disney Springs."

You'll Be Paired With a Disney Wedding Planner

No need to hire an outside planner for your wedding day. "When a couple first reaches out to begin planning their Disney wedding, they are paired with a Disney wedding consultant who will help them identify some of the high-level details like their wedding date, wedding venue, and estimated budget," explains McFann. "After some of those details have been confirmed, they will be paired with their Disney wedding planner who will take their wedding vision and work with floral, food and beverage, entertainment, and other Disney wedding experts to make their fairy tale come true."

While this makes it possible to plan the wedding from the other side of the world, going in person is an experience in and of itself. Couples hosting a Disney Wedding can take advantage of unique in-person wedding planning experiences from open houses at Franck’s Wedding Studio to menu tastings, and the Disney Weddings Showcase. Individual planning sessions typically happen virtually.

Choose From Over 100 Immersive Venues

From castles, to beaches, European courtyards, rose gardens, intimate gazebos, Hollywood boulevards and so much more. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings offers venues to match any wedding vision. At Walt Disney World Resort's Epcot, you can say "I do" in front of 11 unique international backdrops. "From the Eiffel Tower in France to Doge’s Palace in Venice to the Koutoubia Minaret prayer tower in Marrakesh," lists McFann. "We recently introduced a lovely outdoor resort setting called Oak Manor Lawn, an intimate location at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside."

You Can Have a Disney Wedding Without Mouse Ears

You can host a wedding at Disney without necessarily having a Disney wedding. "Many of our couples choose Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings because of the variety of venues we offer," explains McFann. "Not just because they have an affinity for Disney." Meaning, you can throw an event that's decidedly more grown-up and formal, with very minimal Disney detail.

Or, Incorporate Disney-Themed Details Throughout

You can choose countless Disney-themed details à la carte to make your nuptials even more magical, from castle wedding cakes (the tallest of which was a 10-foot tall confection!) to mouse ear favors. Couples can even say “I do” in front of Cinderella's Castle. "A dazzling fireworks display at Magic Kingdom is one of my favorite elements," adds McFann. "I also love when the bride arrives to her nuptials via Cinderella’s coach."

You Can Add Mickey and Minnie to Your Guest List

Make some room on that guest list, because you can have a number of Disney characters attend your nuptials, from Daisy Duck to Goofy. But the guest list additions don't stop there. Your reception can also include performances from Chinese acrobats, English butlers, musicians, magicians, Streetmosphere actors, and more.

Personalize Your Big Day With Cultural Traditions 

McFann means it when she says the sky's the limit when it comes to personalizing your big day. Disney weddings can even include special cultural traditions. "We host couples from around the world and they love to infuse their heritage, such as with a Chinese tea ceremony, or traditional Indian or Jewish weddings."

Enjoy Endless Photo Ops

According to McFann, a Disney wedding must-have is a Walt Disney World or Disneyland wedding portrait session, where the newlyweds snap photos in iconic locations throughout Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Proof that dreams really do come true.