When it comes to Disney destination weddings, Walt Disney World Resort stands out as the most popular choice by far. In fact, the majority of the approximately 4,000 weddings hosted annually by Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings take place at this iconic location.
One of the biggest advantages of getting married at Walt Disney World is the variety of unique venues available. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a grand affair, you’re sure to find a setting that captures your heart. That being said, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion remains the most sought-after venue. Located on its own private island at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, it offers a breathtaking backdrop with a direct view of Cinderella Castle framed through its beautiful windows.
Wedding Pricing at Walt Disney World
Unlike some wedding destinations that offer pre-set packages, Walt Disney World uses a more customized pricing structure based around an “event minimum expenditure.” This event minimum is determined by three key factors: the ceremony venue, the day of the week, and the time of day.
Generally speaking, smaller venues have a lower ceremony fee compared to larger locations. For example:
- The ceremony fee for smaller venues starts around $7,000.
- Disney’s Wedding Pavilion currently has a ceremony fee of $8,000.
- Hosting your ceremony inside Magic Kingdom (after park closing) is the most premium option, with ceremony fees starting at $40,000.
(Please note: prices are always subject to change, and couples should confirm current rates with the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings team.)
In addition to the ceremony fee, you must also meet the overall event minimum expenditure. The starting minimum currently begins at $15,000. It’s important to know that Florida sales tax (6.5%) and a 25% service charge are added separately — and these extra costs do not count toward the event minimum.
Timing matters, too:
Weekend and evening weddings usually require a higher event minimum than weekday or morning events. For instance, a Saturday evening celebration would have a steeper minimum compared to a Tuesday morning brunch.
Your event minimum can be met through a combination of services, including:
- Catering (food & beverage)
- Floral arrangements
- Décor
- Photography
- Entertainment
- Transportation
Food & Beverage Minimums
In addition to the event minimum, Disney also requires a per person minimum for food and beverage, depending on the time of day:
- Brunch: $140 per guest
- Lunch: $180 per guest
- Dinner: $240 per guest
Sample Pricing Estimates
Here’s a rough estimate based on current figures from Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings:
Example 1: Tuesday Morning Brunch at Crescent Cove (10 guests, 12 people total)
Event Minimum: $15,000
- $7,000 ceremony fee
- $1,680 for food & beverage
- $6,320 toward additional services (flowers, photography, décor, etc.)
- Plus tax and service charge (not included in event minimum)
Example 2: Saturday Evening Wedding at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion (100 guests, 102 people total)
Event Minimum: $35,000
- $8,000 ceremony fee
- $24,480 for food & beverage
- $2,520 toward additional services
- Plus tax and service charge (not included in event minimum)
As you can see, guest count plays a huge role in how easily you meet the event minimum. Smaller weddings will have more flexibility for spending on extras, while larger weddings will often meet (or even exceed) the minimum through food and beverage alone.
Additional Notes
- Wedding Planners: Disney provides a dedicated wedding planning team who will guide you through the entire process, from helping you select your venue to designing floral and décor packages.
- Extras and Upgrades: Couples can add magical extras like Cinderella’s Glass Coach arrival, character appearances, private fireworks shows, or dessert parties.
- Booking Timeline: Weddings can typically be booked up to 12 months in advance, and certain locations (especially the Wedding Pavilion and Magic Kingdom) fill up quickly.
FAQs About Weddings at Walt Disney World
How far in advance can I book my Walt Disney World wedding?
Couples can typically book their wedding 10-12 months in advance. For popular venues like Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, be aware you may be competing with other couples for the same venue and time! You’ll have better luck getting the venue you want if you can be flexible with the ceremony start time.
Is park admission required for a wedding inside a Disney park?
No, you and your guests do not need park tickets to attend a wedding held inside a Disney park. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings team coordinates special access for your event.
Can I have Disney characters at my wedding?
Yes! You can arrange for beloved Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie to make an appearance at your wedding reception. Character appearances are an extra cost and must be booked through your Disney wedding planner. Keep in mind characters can only appear at your reception, not your ceremony.
Are there options for smaller weddings or elopements?
Absolutely. Disney offers options for more intimate weddings, including small ceremonies with as few as four people (the couple plus two guests). You’ll still need to meet event minimums, but smaller events are definitely possible.
Can we have a reception or dessert party inside a Disney park?
Yes! Many couples choose to host a private dessert party in EPCOT on the night of their wedding, or even as a welcome party option.
Do we have to use Disney’s vendors for everything?
In most cases, you’ll need to use Disney’s preferred vendors for services like catering and floral design. Some outside vendors (like photographers and DJs) may be allowed with approval from your Disney planner. While you may be tempted to save a little money by using an outside vendor, keep in mind that your event will run smoother if you choose vendors who are already familiar with navigating Walt Disney World!
Can Disney help us choose a wedding theme that reflects our style?
Yes! From elegant and traditional to whimsical and over-the-top fairytale, Disney’s wedding team works with you to create a wedding that is 100% you! They offer customizable options for décor, floral, food, and entertainment to ensure everything is the way you want it.
What’s the weather like for Disney weddings?
Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the summer months when afternoon rain showers are common. Disney has backup plans for outdoor ceremonies and receptions in case of inclement weather.
Are there discounts for having a wedding during the off-season?
While Disney doesn’t offer official “off-season” discounts, choosing a weekday morning or midday wedding typically results in lower event minimums compared to weekends and evenings.
Can I wear a big ballgown for my Disney wedding?
Of course! Many brides choose to go full fairytale with grand, princess-style ballgowns — and at Walt Disney World, it’s absolutely encouraged! Just be sure to consider the Florida heat if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony.
Will Cinderella Castle be in my wedding photos?
It can be! If you book a ceremony or photo session at locations like Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, Magic Kingdom, or certain outdoor venues around the resorts, you can often capture Cinderella Castle in the background of your wedding photos. (Special in-park photo sessions can also be arranged!)
Can we arrive in Cinderella’s Glass Coach?
Yes — and it’s as magical as it sounds! You can upgrade your wedding experience by arriving in a beautiful horse-drawn glass coach, just like Cinderella. There’s also an option for a vintage car or a horse-drawn carriage, depending on the venue.
Are fireworks available during the wedding?
Yes! Some couples choose to schedule their event so that the existing nightly fireworks become part of their backdrop. This is only possible at a few select venues so be sure to ask your Disney wedding planner about it.
Can we have a themed wedding, like Beauty and the Beast or Star Wars?
Definitely. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings team is very experienced at incorporating Disney themes into weddings — from subtle nods in the décor to full-blown themed experiences with costumed characters and themed menus.
Is there a limit to how late our reception can go?
Receptions at Disney typically need to end by a certain time, especially if held inside a park (where there are strict after-hours schedules). Most hotels have “quiet hours” which means receptions need to wrap up around midnight.
Will we get a room block for our guests?
Yes! Room block discounts are available for guests of your Disney wedding, and typically Disney will offer you one option in each hotel category – value, moderate, and deluxe. You may also be offered discount park tickets for your guests as well, but check these prices against any seasonal offers as the prices may not be as good.
For more information about weddings at Walt Disney World, be sure to visit DisneyWeddings.com.
