Anyone have a wedding at Disney without one of their packages?

[mlacreta]

I have a friend who would like to get married at Disney and has asked me to help plan it for her since I love to plan Disney trips! But I don't know anything about weddings! I was just wondering if anyone knows if you have a small group and are planning a very quick JP wedding do you have to plan through one of the disney plans or can you say find a quiet piece of grass at whatever disney resort you are staying at or even one of the parks and have a "stand up" wedding? And would anyone know if an out of state JP can perform the wedding? Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[disney1990]

I have a friend who would like to get married at Disney and has asked me to help plan it for her since I love to plan Disney trips! But I don't know anything about weddings! I was just wondering if anyone knows if you have a small group and are planning a very quick JP wedding do you have to plan through one of the disney plans or can you say find a quiet piece of grass at whatever disney resort you are staying at or even one of the parks and have a "stand up" wedding? And would anyone know if an out of state JP can perform the wedding? Thanks for any help you can give me!

There was a show on just the other night about Disney weddings and how they can be done at someplace like Yacht and Beach club for about $5K. It wouldn't hurt to give them a call and ask some questions.

 

[lzimm13]

a "stand-up wedding" is generally a big no-no. You pretty much have to go with a escape package, which is pretty customizable if you look at the details. It would be worth it to just give them a call.

 

[angel81uk]

Unfortunately this is something Disney are very strict on. I'm sure there are couples who try it (and probably some that get away with it too) but if seen you risk being asked to leave and I'm sure that's not something your friend would want to happen on their wedding day! Even with a Disney package they're very protective, couples who have an outdoor celebration/ceremony are not allowed to use outside vendors for things like decor, floral or musicians.

If the Disney packages aren't suitable for her needs then the Swan and Dolphin offer wedding packages too which I understand are quite a bit cheaper and I think a little more flexible too.

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I echo the above!! A DIY wedding at Disney is a no-no and you will likely get ejected if you are found out (which is highly likely). The cheapest way to get married through DFTW is the basic Escape package which is $4750.00 with no add ons or a reception (except the short cake/champagne reception at the ceremony venue or nearby).
The cheapest way to get married actually on WDW property is to have it at The Swan and Dolphin. I am having my VR at the Swan for considerably less money and have my own choices for aspects such as floral, cake and musician, which I would not have got by going through DFTW. Check out my PJ - link is in my siggie
Good luck whatever you decide

 

[LWatson]

Actually for Military Families looking to get married at Disney Shades of Green is offering an Intimate Wedding Package now at $895.

I echo the above!! A DIY wedding at Disney is a no-no and you will likely get ejected if you are found out (which is highly likely). The cheapest way to get married through DFTW is the basic Escape package which is $4750.00 with no add ons or a reception (except the short cake/champagne reception at the ceremony venue or nearby).
The cheapest way to get married actually on WDW property is to have it at The Swan and Dolphin. I am having my VR at the Swan for considerably less money and have my own choices for aspects such as floral, cake and musician, which I would not have got by going through DFTW. Check out my PJ - link is in my siggie
Good luck whatever you decide

 

[tinkerbell 766]

That's great for military families - unfortuately not everyone falls into this catagory

 

[brer rabbit 28]

I'm getting married at Fultons at DTD for just over $500. This fee includes a wedding planner through a company called Destination Occasions.

I've booked Randy chapman for photography and we are having pics taken at Boardwalk as well as DTD and a Wishes Cruise so it will still feel very Disney to me.

 

[Pirate's Princess]

There was a case recently of a bride and groom doing an imprompto Disney wedding the parks. It's very frowned upon, especially by Disney and the brides here, considering we all have packages from official sources. I'm unsure about the resorts, since they are hotels, but I wouldn't risk it. I can't imagine how horrible if your ceremony was interrupted and security came after you on your wedding day. I'd check out maybe going to the courthouse earlier in the day, and then just spending the time at Disney, maybe a nice meal at a fancy restaurant or whatever suits your friends personalities. But I wouldn't chance a stand-up ceremony, and I doubt if any brides here would assist you in planning one.

 

[Mic]

My daughter was married at the Swan 2 weeks ago. It was very pretty, and cost less than Disney. A very simple basic package is about $1500 and includes the site, planner, and an officiant. We added an arch and chose a different officiant than the one included in the package price, so we paid just a little more for those two items. You can also add the cake, champagne toast, photography, videography, etc., but that will all cost extra.

 

[minniebride]

There was a case recently of a bride and groom doing an imprompto Disney wedding the parks. It's very frowned upon, especially by Disney and the brides here, considering we all have packages from official sources. I'm unsure about the resorts, since they are hotels, but I wouldn't risk it. I can't imagine how horrible if your ceremony was interrupted and security came after you on your wedding day. I'd check out maybe going to the courthouse earlier in the day, and then just spending the time at Disney, maybe a nice meal at a fancy restaurant or whatever suits your friends personalities. But I wouldn't chance a stand-up ceremony, and I doubt if any brides here would assist you in planning one.

Did the couple get caught and asked to leave??? Ugh, how mortifying!

 

[Pirate's Princess]

Did the couple get caught and asked to leave??? Ugh, how mortifying!

Actually they didn't. Carly mentioned it on her Disney Weddings blog. They lucked out, but I still wouldn't risk it.

 

[mlacreta]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. No we would never do anything that wasn't allowed. I did look at the dolphin website and was unaware that the package also included the officiant. although it is deffinately a more affordable option I think it is pretty comprable to the minimum Disney package as well considering they throw in the annual passes and photographer. I guess it will all depend on what she wants. I would have loved a disney wedding. we hope to renew our vows there someday maybe...now that I am researching for my friend I am glad to see it might actually be affordable one day!!!! Thanks again for all the info!!!!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Hate to disagree, but the S/D is no where near comparable to a basic 'Escape' in price.I am having my VR at the Swan for a great deal less than I would have paid for a basic 'Escape' package - even taking in to account the cost of my outside vendors. I have also had far more choice in things such as floral, cake etc. I am in no way knocking the 'Escape' package - ideally I would have done it myself, but I wanted more than the basics and I got so much more for my money at the Swan!!!

 

[brer rabbit 28]

We almost went for The Swan as it looks such a lovely venue. I like that you have that little bit more freedom to shop around for floral/ cake etc