Weddings at the villas?

[dianeschlicht]

I have a strange question that I think I already know the answer to. My DS is getting married for the second time and wants to get married in Florida at or near WDW. They can't afford Disney Weddings prices, and would like us to check things out when we are down in December. There will likely only be 6 guests, so we aren't talking about a huge affair here. I was wondering if they could be married in our GV.

According to the Disney Wedding site, they can NOT and would be asked to leave the resort if anyone found out about it. This boggles my mind. For that reason, we are looking into city parks etc. DS WOULD like to have some pictures taken at OKW though, and apparently that too will be grounds for being immediatly dismissed from the property and your reservation cancelled. Is all this true? He was told any sign of wedding clothes on site would get you your walking papers unless you were part of Disney Weddings. I really do understand this rule and why, but for 6 (8 counting the couple) people in a GV, I'm perplexed about it.

 

[PamOKW]

Sounds like they are making it clear they will enforce action against people who are trying to avoid paying the Disney wedding fees. I hadn't realized there were rules that extended to use of the villas. I know for years people have had covert weddings right in the parks.

A few years back I stumbled on a wedding site where a bride detailed the beautiful small wedding she held in an OKW grand villa. I don't even think she was a DVC member, just booked it through Disney. I thought she had a terrific idea for a small wedding and I can see why you thought this would be a good idea for your son.

I don't really know how Disney would be aware of a wedding taking place in a GV if it was such a small group. However, if there are now widely posted rules, maybe having the ceremony offsite would be prudent. However, I see no reason why your family can't hold a party (aka reception) in the GV. I also don't know why if you are staying at OKW you can't take photos of everyone in their wedding attire. I could see not allowing people to use the resorts for wedding shoots but what's the difference between taking photos in your finery or photos in your shorts if you are guests of the resort? But, once again, you certainly don't want the day spoiled by "enforcement". Maybe the Disney police who have given up on the "5 in the room" enforcement have now moved on to being sure no unauthorized photos are allowed?

 

[Chuck S]

I don't know what the costs involved would be, but Cypress Gardens used to do weddings in the gardens. I don't know if they still do that once they re-opened...but I'll bet it is more reasonable than Disney, and would be a beautiful setting about an hour away.

 

[littlestar]

Mousesavers has a whole section on Disney weddings, etc. Here's a link about your question:

http://www.mousesavers.com/weddingfaq.html

http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwfairytaleintimate.html

The site does mention that a resort stay of 4 nights is required for a small intimate wedding. But that DVC points can be used. It looks like prices start around $2,450, but that actually includes quite a bit - a wedding cake, pictures, etc. I was surprised.

 

[dianeschlicht]

They have all the Disney wedding site information already. That is where they learned about the problem with taking wedding pictures at any of the resorts.

 

[JaneGapud]

I got married at WDW in 2003.

I have several recommendations:

1.) How about checking out intimate weddings c/o Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings? http://disneyweddings.go.com/site/wed/int/start/index.jsp

2.) If DS has his heart set on getting married Disney style, both the Swan and Dolphin are options as well. I have met some Disney brides who went this route due to financial reasons and were very happy in the end. You can check out their websites. I believe they have a link somewhere there about weddings. Just Marry handles the weddings for both the Swan and Dolphin hotels. http://www.justmarry.com/intimate1.html

3.) I know of at least 2 brides who got married in one of WDW's suites. They didn't go through Disney. They just rented a suite and then took care of everything else. They kept it quiet of course but I've seen photos. They were awesome! Of course, this is the risky route to take as Disney can find out and then give you the boot. Just wanted you to know that it's been done before and it is possibly still happening!

HTH.

 

[JaneGapud]

Also check out intimate weddings at the Celebration Hotel. http://www.celebrationhotel.com/weddings.asp

HTH.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Ah, Celebration Hotel! That sounds like a good alternative too. We had thought about the park in Celebration, but I don't recall that there is any shelter there, should it rain.

I really wish we could do it in the villa, but I just don't want to risk it. DS REALLY wants to take photos at OKW, but that too would be a BIG risk.

 

[MyLittlePiglet]

We were in a similar situation and we ended up using a local wedding planner and getting married at the Swan in an outdoor courtyard along the water there, it was nice and we had photos done all around there including the walkways to Beach Club. We also went from there to a dinner at Ohanas in our wedding attire and had no problems. PM me if you'd like more info.

 

[Sammie]

as to your question are they serious about dismissal, Yes. Their wedding business is a huge industry for them and as with their trademark, etc. they are protecting their interest.

I seriously would not jeopardize this special event, your good standing with DVC to chance it.

 

[goldilocks_63]

I've been to Lou Garden's and it's beautiful.

http://www.leugardens.org/

I got married at Disney, but prices have skyrocketed... I was considering a renewal at Leu.

Goldi

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks for the Leu Gardens link! That looks like an excellent alternative! I'm going to see if I can call somewhere in Celebration to see if the park there is ever available for such things as well. We WILL be having the dinner at a Disney hotel, just in regular street clothes instead of wedding attire. Since it's likely to be only 8 people including the bride and groom, it wont be a huge group to make a reservation for. DS would love to do Teppanyaki dining rooms, and since those tables seat 8, that would be perfect! Second choice would be Artist Point or Jiko.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I KNEW you guys would have some information for me!

 

[spiceycat]

According to the Disney Wedding site, they can NOT and would be asked to leave the resort if anyone found out about it. This boggles my mind.

point me to this please. a lady friend is getting during a vow renewal and I had no idea that WDW was that defensive....

 

[Purrrrfecta]

If you want to be at Disney, but you do not want to spend the $$$, why don't you try the Hilton at DD. I believe the person in charge is, Takeo.

I am thinking the cost is less than $800, but can go up higher depending on what you have added on.

I know it is not a "Disney" hotel, but at least it is on Disney property. Another good choice would be the Swan/Dolphin, but I think that is around $1800

 

[dianeschlicht]

Even at $1800 that is still $300-$225 per person. DS was thinking something less than that for a second marriage for both and only 6-8 people.

 

[eliza61]

point me to this please. a lady friend is getting during a vow renewal and I had no idea that WDW was that defensive....

Yep, Disney is seriously defensive about their wedding business. DH and I would like to do a combo 50th birthday/vow renewal ceremony for our 25th anniversary (we didn't have a big wedding) and they guard this business venture ferociously. We we warn extensively about even thinking about going around their policy. One cm mentioned they get monetary incentives for reporting any thing that even smells like a wedding at the resorts. Don't know if this is true or not but don't think I would chance it on such an important day.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think we will plan on something off site then, but how on earth do we get to the site in wedding clothes when we are staying at a villa without being seen in the resort?

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think we will plan on something off site then, but how on earth do we get to the site in wedding clothes when we are staying at a villa without being seen in the resort?

I don't know, I sure hope it is possible. You are such loyal OKW fans!!! Someone in DVC must know the answer and can help you.

Bobbi

 

[DVCconvert]

I think we will plan on something off site then, but how on earth do we get to the site in wedding clothes when we are staying at a villa without being seen in the resort?

I don't believe there is truely an issue of policy with you being seen leaving/returning to your villa on your way to an off-site event in any attire that is deemed legal in public.

edited to add that such travel would be conducted via private carriage-not WDW transport

HTH

 

[dianeschlicht]

That Leu Gardens suggestion is a good alternative. A garden wedding for up to 25 people is only $175. That way we could still have the reception at the villa, and our dinner at WDW and still not have a great cost for them.