20 Magical Disney Wedding Ideas for a Fairy-Tale Affair

Bride and Groom Sharing First Kiss at Outdoor Wedding Ceremony with Castle Venue Behind Them — Photo by Alen Karupovic

When we were younger, many of us learned that the closest experience we’ll ever have to feeling like a princess is on our wedding day. If you’ve spent most of your life dreaming about walking down the aisle in a sparkly ball gown (complete with a tiara, of course) and shuttling to a gold-embellished ballroom in a horse-drawn carriage, a Disney-inspired affair will make this distant fantasy of yours an attainable reality. Whether you’re a Disney fanatic or you’re hoping to create our own fairy tale, consider seeking inspiration from these fantastical films, where royal kingdoms, elegant princesses, and talking animals are the norm.

To bring this dreamy aesthetic to life, you can either go all out with a Disney-themed event or sprinkle just a bit of Disney magic into your soirée. For a general interpretation, plan a royal celebration at a castle venue that’s fit for a Disney princess. You can also look to the century-long catalog of Disney movies for inspiration, whether you channel a certain character, replicate a particular film, or pull elements from a combination of flicks. Fascinated by the mystique of Paradise Falls in Up? Recreate the scene by saying “I do” in front of a waterfall and decorating your reception with colorful balloons. Enthralled by the romance of Prince Charming finding Cinderella’s lost glass slipper? Wear a pair of your own.

Another apt place to look for ideas for your Disney-inspired wedding is none other than Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Serve your favorite drink from the theme park during cocktail hour and put on a firework show at the end of your evening, like the one that illuminates Magic Kingdom every night. To go above and beyond, you can even select Cinderella’s Castle for your ceremony backdrop.

If you’d love to tie the knot in an affair brimming with the whimsy and mystique of Disney, keep scrolling for 20 magical ideas for a Disney-inspired wedding.

01 of 20

Design an Opulent Invitation Suite

Invitation Suite With Gold Text, Gold Custom Crest, and Illustrations of Castle Venue and Water Fountain — Photo by Rafal Ostrowski

From Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty, many movies about Disney princesses are set in an elaborate castle. To channel the opulence of this magnetic setting (especially if you’ve chosen a royal venue for your affair), feature an illustration of the ornate structure on your invitation suite. When this bride and groom wed in a castle in New Jersey, for instance, the sensational site was a focal point of their paper products by Khattab Invitations & Printing. An illustration of a romantic fountain and gold script also reinforced the theme.

02 of 20

Sport a Princess-Worthy Ball Gown

Bride in Off-the-Shoulder Sparkly Ball Gown Looking to the Side in Gilded Room — Photo by Amy Anaiz

To look like a real-life Disney princess on your special day, don a lavish ball gown that rivals the ones Cinderella and Belle wear in their respective films. A dress with a voluminous skirt, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and sequined embellishments (like this Ese Azenabor design from this classic castle soirée in New Jersey) is an exemplary pick. An intricate updo and sparkly heels are the perfect finishing touches.

03 of 20

Accessorize With a Crystal-Studded Tiara

Back Portrait of Bride in Open Back Lace Wedding Dress and Diamond Tiara — Photo by Jose Villa

Nothing says “princess” quite like a sequined-studded tiara. For your Disney-inspired wedding, complete your big-day outfit with a crystal diadem, like this Maria Elena design. By wearing a lustrous headpiece, you’ll truly shine as you make your grand entrance. Delicately place the accessory in an elegant low bun, along with face-framing tendrils (which is how Sherrie Long styled this bride’s locks for her Bridgerton-inspired fête in California), to fully embrace the royal look.

04 of 20

Put on Glass Slippers

Close Up of Bride's Sling-Back Heels With Silver Sequins — Photo by Jose Villa

Cinderella’s glass slippers are one of the most important symbols in the story, an accessory that confirms she is Prince Charming’s true love. Replicate this romantic detail by slipping on your very own pair of Cinderella-inspired shoes. Look for a pair that are translucent and covered in silver sequined accents, like these Renee Caovilla heels that the bride wore to her at-home garden nuptials.

05 of 20

Arrive in a Horse-Drawn Carriage

Bride and Groom Kissing Outside in Front of Horse-Drawn Carriage — Photo by Madison Emily Hare Photography

Another Cinderella-inspired detail worth including in your wedding? A horse-drawn carriage, like the one that the protagonist took to the ball, thanks to her fairy godmother. That’s exactly what this couple did after they said “I do” at their classic celebration in California. Whether this magical mode of transportation shuttles you to your ceremony venue, reception site, or newlywed suite, having a white horse lead the way, as you and your partner are tucked away in the back, will be an utterly romantic way to travel.

06 of 20

Choose a Castle Venue

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Space with Baby's Breath-Lined Aisle and White Chairs — Photo by Alen Karupovic

Whether you’re inspired by King Steven’s palace in Sleeping Beauty or Prince Eric’s seaside fortress in The Little Mermaid, one of the best ways to execute a Disney-inspired wedding is by getting married in a castle. As a bonus, the venue speaks for itself, so you won’t need to worry about ample décor. If you’d prefer holding an outdoor ceremony or reception, you can always have the stately structure command attention as your backdrop, like this pair chose for their regal vow exchange in Barcelona with Castell de Sant Marçal, a historic castle, in the background.

07 of 20

Tie the Knot in an Enchanting Forest

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Under Wood Arch, Green Foliage, and Chandeliers — Photo by Ryan Ray

Transport your friends and family to an enchanting forest setting, like the one in Tarzan or Sleeping Beauty, for another potential Disney-inspired wedding locale. This duo held their ceremony in a redwood grove in California at Santa Lucia Preserve, which was an ethereal way to ring in their marriage. They even enhanced the glamorous feel of their service with crystal chandeliers and elaborate floral arrangements by Mindy Rice Design.

08 of 20

Head to the Desert

Bench Seating at Wedding Ceremony With Minimal Flower Decor Next to Desert Rock Formation — Photo by Lauren + Abby

Replicate the fictional town of Agrabah in Aladdin by hosting your wedding in the desert. A popular desert locale for nuptials is Camp Sarika at Amangiri, a luxury resort in a Utah canyon, which is where these newlyweds said “I do” for their dainty, intimate nuptials. Since the vast landscape will be the star of the show, keep your décor to a few simple floral arrangements and wooden furniture, like this setup by Mae&Co Creative.

09 of 20

Feature Stained-Glass Windows

White Chairs With Colorful Flower Decor at Wedding Ceremony In Castle With Stain Glass Ceiling — Photo by Lace and Luce

Stained-glass windows appear in Beauty and the Beast and Alice and Wonderland, making them a suitable addition to your Disney-inspired wedding. This couple tied the knot in a conservatory at Casa Loma, which had colorful stained-glass ceilings that stole the show at their romantic Toronto ceremony. Roses and a fountain also helped add to the beauty of the scene.

10 of 20

Incorporate a Second Line Parade

bride and groom lead second line parade with decorated black and white umbrellas — Photo by Shelly Anderson Photography

Take cues from Princess and the Frog by integrating a second line into your wedding (like the show that Knockaz Brass Band put on for these newlyweds at their moody, Victorian-inspired nuptials). To follow this New Orleans-based tradition, carry decorated parasols with a brass band and your guests in tow. Whether it takes place after your recessional or your last dance, including this parade is a fun, interactive, and Disney-approved way to celebrate your marriage.

11 of 20

Showcase a Gilded Mirror

Mirror in Gilded Frame With Paper Escort Cards and Floral Decorations — Photo by Amy Anaiz

Using The Magic Mirror in Snow White as your inspiration, find ways to showcase lavish mirrors throughout your big day. One with gilded edges will function as an upscale, antique piece of wedding signage, whether you engrave the reflecting surface with calligraphy or paste paper escort cards to the base. To elevate the design, frame the mirror with flowers (like these colorful blooms by Wedded Events).

12 of 20

Quote Your Favorite Disney Movie

yellow guest escort board with Christmas ornaments as place cards — Photo by Anya Kernes

Instead of recreating a certain detail or scene from a Disney movie, reference the motion picture by quoting your favorite line. At this bride and groom’s Disney-inspired wedding in Malibu, they etched Olaf’s famous words in Frozen, “You are worth melting for,” on their escort card display. Whatever you choose, add the phrase to all of your paper products, from your invitations to your menu cards, to make sure they have a recurring presence at your nuptials.

13 of 20

Recreate a Cocktail From Disney World

Three signature cocktails on a gold tray placed on floral-embellished linens — Photo by Jessa Schifilliti

If Disney World is the location of your wedding or the fantastical theme park is a significant part of your love story, consider recreating some of the available refreshments. For instance, at this romantic garden soirée in Rhode Island, the bride served a pomegranate margarita for her signature cocktail, the duo’s favorite drink from Disney World—a place they frequently visit together. An edible custom crest imbued romance, too.

14 of 20

Dine in a Ballroom

Ballroom Reception With Carved Walls, Gold Chandelier, Gold Chairs, and Tables With White Linens — Photo by Jessa Schifilliti

Gathering in a ballroom with awe-inspiring architectural details, like Rosecliff (a mansion in Newport), is a storybook-worthy reception site. That way, you can share your first dance in a similar fashion to the fictional couples in Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. Since ballrooms tend to have preexisting décor, match the level of luxuriousness with gold flatware and gold chiavari chairs.

15 of 20

Reimagine Paradise Falls

Dark Reception Room With Tall Floral Centerpieces, String Lights, Black Chairs, and Long Tables With Navy Linens — Photo by Sasithon Photography

If you were blown away by the cliffside waterfall in Up, try capturing the essence of the landmark in your Disney wedding. This animated film was the inspiration behind this couple’s lush Brooklyn bash. With planning by Erganic Design and floral design by Designs by Ahn, the newlyweds’ reception boasted jewel-toned flowers on tall gold stands, dark linens, and twinkling lights, which reflected the magic of Paradise Falls.

16 of 20

Enter a Fantasy World

reception dinner tent with blue and white draped ceiling, blue chairs, and wallpaper — Photo by Sara Beth Turner

To take your wedding guests on an exciting ride, duplicate Alice’s journey in Alice in Wonderland. For this whimsical wedding in St. Louis that Van Wyck & Van Wyck planned and designed, the couple’s loved ones fell down a rabbit hole by entering a series of eccentric rooms. Their trip ended in the tented reception space, where blue-and-white linens (reminiscent of Alice’s dress) engulfed the scene.

17 of 20

Use Bookshelves as Your Backdrop

Bride and Groom Seating With Colorful Flower Decor in Front of Bookcase Wall — Photo by Lace and Luce

The Beast’s library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in Beauty and the Beast blew Belle away. To produce that same “wow” factor at your affair, use a glass case of colorful hardbacks as the backdrop of your sweetheart table—one with simple adornments (like these flowers by Hunt and Gather) to avoid overshadowing the written works. This locale is perfect for literary duos, as well.

18 of 20

Highlight Red Roses

Red and White Menu on Glass Reception Table Setting Next to Red Rose Decor — Photo by Oliver Fly

Nod to the mythical Enchanted Rose in Beauty and the Beast by trimming your reception tables in red roses. To make these rich blooms the focal point of your tabletops, make sure the rest of the accompaniments are neutral—like the mirrored table, glass chargers, silverware, and white linens that Bespoke Unique Weddings & Events designed and set up for this red-themed wedding in Lake Como. You can even scatter gold candelabras down the center, an ode to Lumiere.

19 of 20

Channel Tinker Bell

Bride on Stage in Mini After-Party Dress With Cowboy Hat and Wings — Photo by Olivia Rae James

Want to really feel like a Disney character on your big day? Put on a costume. In true Tinker Bell fashion, this bride strapped on a pair of wings and served “Happily Ever After Meals” (a play on McDonald’s Happy Meals) at the after-party for her vibrant Miami wedding. Revamping your wardrobe with Disney-inspired accessories is a playful way to finish the festivities—your guests can even get in on the fun, too.

20 of 20

End the Night With a Fireworks Display

Bride in Strapless Wedding Dress Hugging Groom in Yellow Tuxedo Watching Fireworks During Outdoor Reception — Photo by Jeremy Chou

Every night, Disney World puts on an epic fireworks show in Magic Kingdom. So, for your Disney-inspired wedding, it’s only natural to go out with a bang on your big night. A colorful display of fireworks from Wedding Fireworks Premium brought a spellbinding touch to this duo’s destination affair in Mexico.

How to Plan the Perfect Disney Honeymoon