Disney Wedding Do’s and Don’ts: What Every Couple Should Know
A Disney wedding is a dream come true for many couples, offering fairytale venues, magical experiences, and unforgettable moments. However, planning a wedding at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or aboard a Disney Cruise Line comes with unique rules and logistics. To help you navigate the process, we’ve compiled the essential Disney wedding do’s and don’ts so you can have the stress-free, magical wedding you’ve always envisioned.
The Do’s of Planning a Disney Wedding
1. Do Book Early – Disney Weddings Fill Up Fast!
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings are incredibly popular, and dates book up quickly, especially for weekends, holidays, and iconic locations like the Disney Wedding Pavilion or Cinderella Castle Forecourt. We recommend:
Booking 12-18 months in advance for high-demand venues.
Being flexible with your date to secure your dream location.
2. Do Understand Disney’s Vendor Policies
Disney has strict rules regarding vendors, particularly for photographers, videographers, florists, and planners. Here’s what you need to know:
Photography & Videography: Disney requires couples to use Disney Fine Art Photography for in-park weddings, but for weddings at resort venues, you can bring in your own photographers and videographers—like us at JTR Media!
Floral & Decor: Most décor must be handled by Disney Floral & Décor, though outside florists may be allowed for select venues.
Planners: Disney’s team will coordinate most logistics, but outside wedding planners are permitted for resort and off-property celebrations.
3. Do Take Advantage of Disney’s Exclusive Perks
One of the best things about a Disney wedding is the unique magical touches you won’t find anywhere else! Consider these special add-ons:
Fireworks Dessert Parties – Host a private viewing of Happily Ever After or EPCOT’s Luminous the Symphony of Us with desserts and drinks.
Character Appearances – Surprise your guests with Mickey, Minnie, or Cinderella at your reception!
Disney Ride Receptions – Some couples opt for a private ride experience for their guests, such as a Soarin’ after-party or Tower of Terror cocktail hour.
4. Do Plan for Florida’s (or California’s) Unpredictable Weather
If you’re getting married at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, weather is a major factor.
Summer months (June–September) are hot and humid, with frequent afternoon rain showers.
Hurricane season (August–November) can bring unexpected changes.
Outdoor venues require backup indoor locations, so be prepared for a last-minute switch.
The Don’ts of Planning a Disney Wedding
1. Don’t Assume You Can Have a Castle Wedding Without Restrictions
Many couples dream of saying “I do” in front of Cinderella Castle, but keep in mind:
Castle Forecourt weddings start at $30,000+ and only take place before the park opens—which means a 5 AM or earlier start time.
Only certain guest counts are allowed due to space restrictions.
Consider other gorgeous Disney venues like:
The Disney Wedding Pavilion (Grand Floridian) – Offers views of Cinderella Castle without the early morning start.
EPCOT Pavilion Locations – France, Italy, and the UK pavilions offer elegant settings with Disney magic.
2. Don’t Overlook Disney’s Timeline and Planning Process
Disney has its own structured wedding planning process, which means:
You won’t have total control over your wedding timeline—Disney coordinates venue setup and timing.
Customization is limited—some venues have set décor options, and adding outside elements may not be possible.
Disney sends out planning forms 6-8 months before the wedding, so be prepared to make decisions quickly.
3. Don’t Forget About Guest Transportation
Disney is massive, and getting guests from their hotels to your wedding venue requires careful coordination.
Consider providing a transportation shuttle if your wedding is at a resort or theme park.
Disney’s buses and monorails follow specific routes—not all venues have direct access.
Factor in travel time—it can take 45+ minutes to get from one end of Disney property to another.
4. Don’t Assume Disney Handles Everything
Even though Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings offers a full planning team, there are some things you’ll still need to manage yourself:
Wedding attire & accessories – Disney does not provide rentals for dresses, tuxedos, or accessories.
Hair & Makeup – You’ll need to hire an outside stylist, as Disney does not include this service.
Day-of Coordination for Non-Disney Elements – If you have outside vendors, a wedding coordinator can help manage them.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Disney Wedding Stress-Free
A Disney wedding is a magical experience, but careful planning is key to making sure your day runs smoothly. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll avoid common mistakes and make the most of your fairytale celebration.
At JTR Media, we specialize in capturing the magic of your Disney wedding with stunning photography and cinematic videography. If you’re planning a Disney wedding and need an experienced team, we’d love to help!
Learn more about our Disney wedding photography and videography packages!