Frequently Asked Questions About Disney Weddings

On this page you'll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Disney weddings.

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Can I have a wedding at a Disney theme park or Disney resort without going through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings program?

Not really. If you want to be married in a theme park or Disney-owned resort at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you must plan the event through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings program.

Disney's theme parks are private property. If you attempt to hold a wedding on your own in any public area, you are very likely to be detected. Disney has plenty of hidden cameras and undercover security everywhere, and they actively seek out unauthorized weddings. When you are discovered, you'll find yourself unceremoniously removed from the premises.

I've been asked if it's possible to get away with a private wedding in one of Disney's hotel rooms or suites. Maybe, but I really don't advise trying this. You won't be able to get any catering (i.e. through room service) without being discovered. If the housekeeping staff notices something, it will probably be reported and this could ruin your plans. Do you really want to sneak around on your wedding day?

Only participants in the Fairy Tale Weddings program receive certain privileges, including the right to wear wedding attire at the Disney resorts and the ability to get professional wedding photos taken in the Walt Disney World theme parks (for an extra charge). Also, other than the exception noted below, it is only by using Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings that you can have Disney characters at your reception.

That one exception: the Downtown Disney hotels and the Swan and Dolphin are on Walt Disney World Resort property, but they are not owned or operated by Disney. Because of their relationship with Disney, if you have your wedding at one of those hotels, you can have Disney characters at your reception. However, you don't get the full privileges of a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. Couples who marry at the Downtown Disney hotels or the Swan/Dolphin are not allowed to wear wedding attire at the Disney resorts and they aren't able to have professional wedding photos taken in the theme parks.

Can I wear my wedding dress in a Disney theme park?

Not usually. You can wear wedding attire in a theme park only under these conditions:

1. During your actual wedding or reception that is held in a theme park through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. Theme park weddings occur outside of normal operating hours.

2. During a private Illuminations Dessert Party at Epcot, held in conjunction with your Intimate or Custom wedding at Walt Disney World (but you have to be escorted through a back gate).

3. By purchasing a special photography package at Walt Disney World, through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. With this package you are taken into a theme park before it opens to the public and a Disney photographer does a photo session with the bride and groom in wedding attire. This package is only available in conjunction with an Intimate or Custom wedding.

Basically Disney won't allow adults to wear any type of "costume" (including wedding attire) into the theme parks during regular park hours. The concern is that it might confuse other guests into thinking you're part of the entertainment!

You CAN wear wedding attire at the Disney resort hotels on the day of an official Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding, however!

Can Mickey be our Best Man?

No. Disney characters are not allowed to participate in your actual wedding ceremony.

Selected Disney characters can appear at your reception or cake cutting if your wedding is arranged through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, or at the Downtown Disney hotels and the Swan and Dolphin, which are on Walt Disney World Resort property. There is a substantial fee for character appearances.

Characters cannot appear while alcoholic beverages are being served, so drink service has to be halted while they are in the area.

At Disneyland in California, only Mickey and Minnie can appear at receptions.

At Walt Disney World in Florida, there is a much larger selection of characters for wedding receptions, but not all characters are available. Specifically, I've been told you can't get Pooh and his friends for Walt Disney World receptions. This is apparently due to licensing restrictions.

Are gay marriages allowed at Disneyland or Disney World?

As of April 5, 2007 Disney has announced it will allow same-sex commitment ceremonies and vow renewals through Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings program at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Line.

These ceremonies will not be legally binding due to California and Florida law.