How customizable is a Disney elopement?

[suorkaterina]

So Ive been pouring over my finances and I seem to be faced with a decision. Wedding or Honeymoon, but not both. So I'm looking at alternatives. I looked into the Escape weddings but they are still more than I want to pay and have more things included than I need, or rather things I'd rather replace with other things. Anyhow, my question is how much can you customize it to your needs? Will Disney work with you to get exactly what you want? I figure it's work with Disney or bring in an outside officient and photographer and sneak in a few vows before anyone is the wiser. Is it against the rules to bring an outside person(into the park or the resorts) to perform a small exchange of vows?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Sccrmnky2005]

Disney now has a cheaper package for weddings called the Memories Collection I would do research on that and see if that package fits your budget and needs. Good luck and congrats!

 

[kirasaurus]

Have you looked into the Memories collection?
It's a small ceremony/elopement for up to 6 guests, bride and groom included.

http://disneyweddings.disney.go.com/weddings/florida/escape/memoriespackage/ceremony/detail

There is a rule that all decor, entertainment, photography, and videography must be provided by disney, but there are no memories locations inside the parks, so if you go with this option it won't be a problem.
Hope that helps some!

 

[suorkaterina]

Thanks guys. I did look at the Memories collection. None of it really apeals to me. Here is what I'd like. Tell me what you think.

So I'd like to have a photojournalist style photographer come to our room in the afternoon and be there to take pictures of me getting my hair done and my DF tying his tie, us walking down the path from our room at CBR(preferably Jamaica) to the nearest beach where an officient will be waiting(with Minnie and Mickey as whitnesses if at all possible). We exchange vows, get a few unique poses with us on the beach. Then we'd take our photographer with us to the bus stop, taking pictures of us on the bus, then into MK, on rides, basically a story in photos of an evening in the park, eating burders at Cosmic Rays, ending with a shot of DF kneeling where he proposed in front of the castle after some pictures of us watching Wishes. And one last photo of us looking tired right in front of the Let The Memories Begin sign that I hope will still be there.

So basically all I want is the officient, the photographer, a hair stylist and Minnie and Mickey. I don't even need flowers! Think they would let me do that? I suppose I could just call and ask =P

 

[sambycat]

I would have to agree that is a wonderful plan! Unfortunately, some of the elements are not doable at all (wedding clothes in the park, private photographer in the park, characters as a "part" of the wedding party), others very $$$ (2 characters approach $1500 for 30 min), or unwise (sneaking an officiant/wedding could get you banned from the parks! ).

It is a system that has to be worked with in.... What kind of budget are you looking at? Maybe someone can offer some ideas?

 

[suorkaterina]

Hmm, I thought Mickey and Minnie might be pushing it. I did know about the wedding attire, but really, if it's just a nice white dress, not too long and no poofy skirt...I don't see what the problem is.

I was thinking 1000$-$2000 which is what the Memories package is. Then the photojournalist add on. Mickey and Minnie....I may have to let that idea go.

I certainly don't want to get banned from the parks! Yikes, what a horrible thought. Please NO!

 

[Sccrmnky2005]

It is against the Parks rules to go into the theme parks with wedding attire on during park hours, also you may not bring an outside photgrapher in the parks with you considering your in wedding gear with a photographer taking pictures around the park someone is bound to see you and most likely going to give you the boot.

Many Disney Brides wish they could do this and be able to take pictures in the park and because it is against the rules, they are not broken. You can opt for a theme park photo shoot but they are $1,000 plus.

I would suggest the memories collection as that is the cheapest way you can get married on disney property. I don't think it's allowed for a couple to get married without going through a package deal. You can also look at swan and dolphin for wedding ceremony venue but again it's not in the parks and not what you are describing.

 

[leonix8238]

Have you considered looking into a wedding at Fultons or Characters in Flight at Disney? It's still has a Disney theme without the $$$ and you can customise the package much more easily.

A fellow Diser got married at Fulton's and gave a report of her wedding: http://www.www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2355472

You can check out the Characters in flight ceremony here: http://www.disneyweddingblog.com/2010/08/characters-in-flight-weddings-at.html

As for the park shoot, the only way to have photographs done in the park is to book a bridal shoot which is $1,100 and done super early in the morning before the park opens. That said, if you're in fairly casual clothes could go to the MK yourselves and get a few shots with a photopass photographer.

The only other thing I can think of is perhaps Disney Photographic Services may be able to assist you as they do offer engagement and honeymoon shoots, though I can't remember if they still do these in the MK. If they do perhaps if you're in less weddingy attire they may let you do it. You'd have to speak to them to find out for sure: http://www.disneyeventphotography.com/weddings/honeymoons.php

HTH's!

 

[KristiLyn]

Have you looked into the swan weddings? We are having one, and they are fully customizable. And Karen with Just Marry is wonderful to work with!

 

[suorkaterina]

Thanks guys. This has been very helpful. I've never heard of the Characters in Flight before. Sounds like a fun option. I really just want something simple followed by some really awesome and creative photographs. I'd probably say no to Fultons since DF doesn't like seafood.

DF and I are considering an elopement at home now. It's just sort of sad to give up my excitement over a traditional wedding, my friends as bridesmaids, out in the park where we went for our first date. And then to get my ideas thwarted about a Disney elopement too...it's just a little defeating. DF doesn't understand why I need a traditional wedding. I'm not a terribly traditional girl. But my wedding is something I've thought about since I was a girl.

I've got some decisions to make. I'll feel so much better when the decision is made.

 

[qcdoards]

there is a Memories collection in disney already? cheap software buy cheap software

 

[PartofDisney'sWorld]

What about doing a DCL wedding? Wedding and honeymoon all in one!

 

[fadingjamie]

What about just doing the Disneymoon and on the first day you're there taking a cab to the nearest courthouse? Sure it won't be in Disney at the time you tie the knot but you'll still get the honeymoon there and it'll be within your budget.

 

[Mindyjoy]

I agree with a DCL wedding! You can do a land/sea trip, and get married on the boat with just the two of you, followed by dinner at PALO. And you can also get pictures with Mickey and Minnie since there are no rules about wearing your wedding gear around the ship (I don't think).

 

[kbushue]

Thats what we're doing! We're eloping but getting the onboard wedding package. It's only for up to 10 guests, but since it's just the two of us, we don't care. Everything is included: cake, flowers, etc. You just get to take a week long cruise, with tons of food and Disney maniacs, and you get to see new places without the hassle of driving! I'm calling it our Weddingmoon!