There’s something undeniably magical about saying “I do” at the Most Magical Place on Earth. With its iconic backdrops, world-class service, and fairy tale vibes, Walt Disney World is a dream wedding destination for many couples. But let’s be real—Disney weddings can be pricey. The good news? You can still have a dreamy Disney Fairy Tale Wedding without draining your bank account.
Here are our top tips to help you plan a Disney wedding that’s both magical and budget-friendly:
💰1. Know the Basics: Understand the Pricing Structure
Disney Fairy Tale Weddings offers a flexible pricing model based on location, time of day, and guest count. Prices start at around $15,000, but most weddings average $30,000–$40,000. The key is to understand what factors influence the price:
•Day of the week: Weekdays are cheaper than weekends.
•Time of day: Morning ceremonies cost less than evening ones.
•Guest count: The fewer guests you invite, the lower the overall cost.
•Venue location: Some iconic spots like the Magic Kingdom come with premium pricing.
💐2. Consider an Intimate Ceremony
Disney used to have “Memories” and “Escape” wedding packages, that were designed for smaller weddings and elopements, but you cannot find any such options on their website any longer. The basics of the package, was only having up to 18 guests that included ceremony, photography, cake, and music, with a much lower price tag, making it perfect for couples on a budget. Some available location options were Yacht Club Gazebo or Sea Breeze Point. You will need to check with your Disney wedding consultant if there is something similar now, but their website says “experiences at Walt Disney World start at $15000++”.
📅3. Pick a Less Popular Time of Year
Like everything else in Disney, pricing can fluctuate with demand. To save:
•Avoid peak seasons like spring break, summer, and major holidays.
•Choose January, early February, or September, when pricing tends to be lower and availability is more flexible.
4. Skip the Magic Kingdom Venue
Yes, it’s iconic. Yes, it’s gorgeous. But getting married in front of Cinderella Castle can cost upwards of $30,000–$50,000 just for the ceremony.
Instead, look into venues like:
• Italy Isola in EPCOT
• Yacht Club Gazebo or Shipwreck Beach at the Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club
• Sea Breeze Point on the BoardWalk
These spots are stunning, more intimate, and won’t require you to dip into your honeymoon fund.
📝5. Be Smart with the Guest List
It’s simple math: more guests = higher costs. From catering to chairs to transportation, each person adds to your bottom line.
Tip: Keep it small and intentional. Invite only your closest friends and family—think of it as your very own royal inner circle.
🎨6. DIY What You Can (Within Reason)
While Disney has preferred vendors for certain services, you can save money by handling some elements yourself:
•Invitations: Use Etsy templates or Canva to design and print your own.
•Favors: Create simple, magical keepsakes like castle chocolate bar wrappers or personalized cast member name tags.
•Decor: Minimal decor is needed in such naturally beautiful settings, but small touches like custom signage or floral hoops can go a long way.
🚫7. Limit Add-Ons
Disney offers plenty of tempting extras: Cinderella’s Coach, character appearances, fireworks, and more. While these are magical, they can quickly balloon your budget.
If you want a touch of Disney flair without the hefty price tag, consider:
•Playing classic Disney love songs during your ceremony
•Wearing subtle Disney-themed accessories
•Using a Mickey & Minnie or Cinderella’s Castle cake topper
📸8. Photography Tip: Go with the Disney Photographer—Then Do a Post-Wedding Shoot
Disney’s wedding packages often include a photographer for the ceremony. But for more relaxed, styled photos (especially if you skip Magic Kingdom for your venue), book a post-wedding shoot outside the parks. You’ll get more control over pricing and locations, plus a chance to wear your wedding attire again!
💖Final Thought: Focus on the Magic, Not the Money
A Disney Fairy Tale Wedding is about celebrating your love in a place that feels magical to you. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, the magic comes from the moments—not the price tag.
With smart planning and a little pixie dust, your Disney wedding dreams can come true—without needing a royal treasury to fund it.
