Any ideas for a wedding near Disney but not IN Disney?

[aurian]

Dear all good people,

My husband and I are trying to put together a small wedding for my best friend of 32 years (since we were 5!) and her beloved.

She has 2 young boys so we offered to bring their family down for a vacation at the end of 2011 because we were blessed at Christmas with some extra money and want to give them the opportunity to enjoy Disney while the kids are still young, something they would not be able to do on their own.

Our friends are good, smart and wonderfully-in-love people who want to make their union official. They are both librarians who work with kids. They make the world a better place. We want to give them something a bit more special than the justice of the peace if it's possible.

My husband can officiate but we just found out no weddings are able to take place on Disney property without using a package – certainly understandable given the magic of the location – but we don't have the ability to foot that bill and the vacation costs. So we are looking for any ideas of nearby location that might be free or inexpensive. They want to recreate "The Princess Bride" – which tells you what funny and awesome folks they are. We were thinking about a park or maybe some public lake-side location but we aren't that familiar with the area outside the Disney World.

So, if there are any brilliant pixies out there with some ideas we would be so grateful for your ideas to be able to make their dream come true of a wedding and a family vacation. It's going to be the happy couple, my husband and me, the two sons and that's it. Something intimate or simple would be best. They were hoping for a sunrise or sunset wedding.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Any and all thoughts are deeply appreciated. Disney people are the best!

 

[dakcp2001]

Paradise Cove
Leu Gardens (30 minute drive)
Celebration Hotel
Hyatt grand Cypress
Swan & Dolphin
Shades of Green ( their planner was especially helpful & flexible)


They all offer small little package deals that look nice.

 

[geek+nerd]

A lot of brides on here use Swan & Dolphin. I believe there is a sticky thread for them somewhere on here.

Also, if it is going to be small and intimate, have you considered the Memories Collection at Disney? It's basically an elopement package that allows you to include the bride, groom plus 4 other guests.

You and your husband are so sweet for doing this for your friend!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi
I would have replied to your post earlier, but I haven't been on the boards over the last few days due to Christmas (and to working over most of it!!)
I highly recommend the Swan and Dolphin based on my experience with them so far. Our vow renewal is on 4th May at the S/D (co-oridnated by Karen from 'Just Marry'), and so far they have been brilliant and totally exceeded my expectations with the efficiancy of their planning and their willingness to reply to concerns and questions quickly.
Our VR is costing significantly less than a similar one would have cost me through DFTW, and I am able to use my own ideas and chosen vendors, something that is not always easy with DFTW
I feel that we am having the event we want right there at WDW without the expense, and feel we are missing out on nothing. Randy will take photos at BLT, Swan, Boardwalk and GF. I am arranging a reception meal at Citrico's and having a TTD session with Randy at the Poly a few days after the actual VR. We could have characters at our VR if we chose to and whilst we would not be allowed a MK bridal portrait session, we could have one at one of the other parks if we wished. We are, however. having no characters or portrait sessions.
Please feel free to have a peek at my PJ (which is a little neglected lately, but will soon be updated). The link is in my signature.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, or drop 'Just Marry' an e-mail. I know they will be very quick to respond and most helpful.
Good luck with everything and contratulations to your friends.

 

[bellebride116]

We got married at the Marriott World Center Resort - it's 1.5 off of disney property.

 

[lurkyloo]

Other places to check out:

Maitland Art Center - $400 for a 2-hour block plus a $400 deposit; up to 50 people

Kraft Azalea Garden - $150 for 2 hours plus a $100 deposit; 20-person limit

 

[aurian]

Each and every one of you has offered exceptional ideas! This is phenomenal!!! There are so many options, some truly remarkably beautiful, and I cannot wait to share all of these with our friends.

You are helping to make a dream come true. Our deepest thanks!

 

[Disnsyncey]

some wedding photogs I know LOVE Bella Collina, might be too far, expensive, or not what you're looking for, but its GORGEOUS.... http://www.bellacollina.com/