Imagine this: Cinderella’s Castle bathed in golden twilight, Mickey and Minnie as your honorary guests, and a sprinkle of pixie dust in the air. It’s the Disney wedding that you’ve daydreamed about! But wait, before you slip on the glass slippers, let’s talk numbers: How much does a Disney wedding cost? In this article, Viva Wedding Photography will break down the expenses and provide practical tips to help you plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
1. What’s Included in a Disney Wedding Package?
Before discussing “How much does a wedding at Disney cost?” it’s important to note that all couples who choose to have their wedding at Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding will receive the same basic wedding components and services. Let’s find out more about Disney Wedding packages!
- A Disney wedding planner
They provide personalized support to every couple, ensuring their wedding vision is brought to life by carefully coordinating all aspects, including floral arrangements, decor, food and beverage, entertainment, transportation, and more.
- A day-of coordinator:
Each couple gets a personal Day-Of Coordinator. This individual collaborates with the couple’s Disney Wedding Planner to take care of all the little details on the big day. They assist the happy couple down the aisle, manage the wedding day timeline, and handle various other tasks.
- Ceremony services:
The venue also offers ceremony services such as standard ceremony chairs, audiovisual equipment, live music, a rain backup location, and more.
- Menu tasting:
As part of the Disney Wedding planning process, couples having a reception at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or Aulani that includes a full meal can take advantage of a complimentary menu tasting.
- One-stop-shop wedding services:
Couples can easily choose from various Disney wedding vendors for photography, floral arrangements, entertainment, food, transportation, and more. Disney Weddings provides these services to ensure a seamless planning experience.
>>> Recommend Reading: Who Pays For The Honeymoon? A Guide To Navigate The Expenses
2. How Much Does a Disney Wedding Cost on Average?
The cost of weddings at Walt Disney World Resort can vary from $7,500 to $100,000, with the average expense being approximately $30,000.
“How much does a wedding at Disney cost?” varies based on several factors. For instance, a comprehensive wedding package that includes a premier venue, peak date and time, catering, flowers, music, entertainment, transportation, and a large number of guests can cost more than double the average price. However, opting for an off-peak wedding with minimal extras can significantly reduce costs compared to the average wedding.
>>> Recommend reading: The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Day To Get Married
3. Disney World Wedding Cost Based on Destination
The cost of a Disney Wedding depends on the destination you choose for your special day. Disney offers a range of immersive locations for your wedding, from Walt Disney World in Florida to Disneyland in California, Aulani in Hawaii, the Disney Cruise Line, and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. Whichever option you choose will impact “How much does a Disney wedding cost?“
3.1. Pricing of Walt Disney World Wedding in Florida
The overall event minimums determine the pricing at Walt Disney World and cover the ceremony venue fee. Minimum event costs begin at $5,000 based on the selected venue, day of the week, and time of day.
Here are some venues to consider if you’re planning to have your big day at Walt Disney World:
| Event minimums | Destination |
| $5,000 – $15,000 | Conch Key Marina, Luau Beach, Luau Pointe, and Sago Cay |
| $7,000 – $17,000 | The German Courtyard, Italy Isola, Italy Plaza, UK Courtyard, Tamu Tamu, Morocco, China, Canada Terrace, Eau de France, Terrace de Fleur, and Japan Courtyard Bonsai Promenade |
| $8,000 – $20,000 | the Croquet Lawn, Oak Manor, Destino Plaza, the Casitas Courtyard, Sea Breeze Point, the Wedding Gazebo, and Shipwreck Beach. |
| $10,000 – $35,000 | Disney’s Wedding Pavilion on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, Magic Kingdom |
| $20,000 – $50,000 | A majestic ceremony around Main Street, USA |
3.2. Pricing of Disneyland Wedding in California
The cheapest Disney wedding package on the West Coast starts at $3,325 for the ceremony. Venue and day of the week played a significant role in determining the ceremony fee. The minimum food and drink orders are also affected by the time of day you select (brunch, lunch, or dinner) and your chosen location (The detailed breakdown of a Disney Wedding meal is mentioned below).
| Ceremony fee | Destination |
| $2,600 – $6,000 | Wedding Garden and Adventure Lawn Gazebo |
| $3,000 – $8,000 | Parkview Terrace, Brisa Courtyard, the Magic Kingdom Lawn |
| $4,000 – $10,000 | The Rose Court Garden |
3.3. Pricing of Disney Wedding at Aulani, Hawaii
The Aloha State is the epitome of a romantic paradise. At Oahu’s Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you may marvel at the Pacific Ocean’s irrational beauty. Your paradise wedding can be customized with one of two packages: the Pilialoha Package or the Lōkahi Package.
The Pilialoha Package: This is perfect for small, intimate wedding ceremonies with a maximum of 18 guests, including the couple.
- Starting cost: $5,600
- Included services: white garden chairs matching the beach setting, along with up to an hour of photography and a wedding officiant.
- Available venues: Alohi Point, Sunset Alcove, Kula Wai, and the outdoor hydrotherapy garden of O‘ahu.
The Lōkahi Package:
- Starting cost: $16,500
- Included services: a one-hour ceremony, officiant, and rehearsal, as well as white garden chairs and a wedding arch, a citrus water station for guests, a reception in an indoor ballroom, and photography for up to two hours.
- Available venues: the Wailana Pool (accommodates up to 150 guests), Aulani Beach, and the string-lit Rainbow Reef Patio.
3.4. Disney Cruise Wedding Cost
A Disney Cruise Line wedding allows you to travel to numerous destinations. There are four gorgeous ships to select from: Disney Dream, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder. If you want an outdoor ceremony, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is a beautiful choice.
Disney Cruise Line weddings are tailored for a party of 18 people, which includes the couple. Additional guests can be added for $20 per person.
Onboard ceremonies start at $3,500, while Disney Castaway Cay Ceremonies start at $4,500. Each package comes with an officiant and a solo musician, steaming for the couple’s attire, and a wedding cake and Champagne.
Viva Wedding Notes
The expense of a wedding celebration will be included in the total cost of your cruise vacation booking. Keep in mind that a confirmed cruise reservation is also required of all guests. And your wedding expenses do not cover the accommodation for your guests.
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4. Typically Cost for a Disney Wedding Meal
Besides the venue, food and drink are two categories that significantly impact your Disney wedding prices. Any combination of a pre-reception, a reception, a wedding cake, & bar service is possible with Food & Beverage Services. This service has a per-person minimum. Depending on the time of day, Disney now requires a minimum number of guests for brunch, lunch, and dinner events. Costs may rise above the starting point if additional options are included.
Food and beverage minimums for reception are the following:
- Brunch is $165* per person
- Lunch is $185* each
- Dinner is $210* per person
(Add 7.75% sales tax and 23% service fee to the price.)
Some of the beverages and foods available for a Disney wedding are:
- Plated menus are a classic way to serve your wedding guests, allowing you to present each meal individually.
- Menu Options for Buffets and Food Stations: Provide guests with various delicious options.
- Beverage minimum service: Host bar packages, hosted bars, or cash bars are all viable solutions for your event.
- Desserts: If you want to impress your guests even more, throw a dessert party with dishes that reflect the enchanted atmosphere.
- Cakes: Sweeten your occasion with a custom cake or pick from our specialty cakes.
>>> Further reading: Top 43 Delicious Wedding Food Ideas To Impress Your Guests
5. Tips To Minimize Disney World Wedding Cost
- Choose an off-peak season or day:
A Disney wedding would be more affordable during the off-peak seasons, such as January, February, and November. You can also save money by choosing a weekday instead of a weekend or a morning or afternoon instead of an evening.
- Limit your guest list:
Disney weddings charge per guest, so the fewer guests you have, the lower your cost will be. You can also opt for a smaller wedding package, such as the Escape Collection or the Memories Collection, which have a maximum number of guests allowed.
- Use Disney’s preferred vendors:
All Disney wedding packages have a list of preferred vendors that they work with, such as florists, photographers, videographers, and musicians. If you use these vendors, you can avoid paying extra fees or surcharges for bringing your own vendors.
- Skip or reduce the extras:
Disney weddings offer many optional extras, such as transportation, entertainment, favors, and decorations. You can skip or reduce these extras to lower your cost. For example, you can use Disney’s complimentary transportation instead of renting a limousine, or you can bring your own favors or decorations instead of buying them from Disney.
- Compare different destinations:
Disney fairytale weddings are available at different destinations, such as Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, and Aulani. Each destination has its own pricing and packages, so you can compare them and choose the one that suits your budget and preferences.
FAQs about Disney Weddings
What is the deposit for a Disney wedding?
According to reports, couples typically deposit an amount ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 for a Disney wedding. The full deposit for your wedding is required 30 days prior to the wedding date.
Do guests have to pay to get into a Disney wedding?
Guests are not required to pay to attend a Disney wedding. Access to the wedding venue is covered by your wedding package, while guests will need to buy tickets if they want to visit the theme parks.
How far out are Disney weddings booked?
Disney weddings can usually be reserved up to 18 months in advance, with certain venues open for booking up to 24 months ahead.
Does Disney do small weddings?
Yes, Disney does offer small weddings at some of their locations. According to their website, they have a package called Escape Collection that is designed for couples who want a simple and intimate celebration with up to 18 guests.
>>> Further reading:
- How To Choose Bridesmaids For The Perfect Wedding Support?
- Who traditionally Pays for the Wedding? Here’s a Clear Answer!
- Wedding Checklist For Groom: No Need To Worry On The Big Day
A Disney wedding is a dream for many couples, but it may come with a hefty price tag. By understanding thoroughly the pricing structure and following the tips above, you can plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank. Viva Wedding Photography hopes this guide has helped you figure out “How much does a Disney wedding cost?”. From Walt Disney World to Disneyland and beyond, there’s a venue and package for your budget. So don’t let the numbers scare you away from your fairy tale ending!
