When we were kids, a lot of us grew up believing that the closest we’d ever get to feeling like a princess was on our wedding day. If you’ve spent years imagining yourself in a glittering ball gown (tiara included, naturally), gliding down the aisle, and riding off in a horse-drawn carriage to a grand, gold-trimmed ballroom, then a Disney-inspired wedding can turn that far-off dream into something real. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or just want to craft your own fairy tale, take cues from these magical movies—where royal castles, graceful princesses, and chatty animals are everyday life.
To bring this dreamy vibe to life, you could go all-in with a full Disney theme or just weave in subtle touches of that enchantment. For a classic take, throw a regal celebration at a castle worthy of a Disney princess. Or, dive into Disney’s century of films for ideas—whether you embody a favorite character, recreate a specific movie moment, or mix elements from different stories. Love the wonder of Paradise Falls from Up? Say “I do” in front of a cascading waterfall and fill your reception with vibrant balloons. Obsessed with Prince Charming slipping that glass slipper onto Cinderella’s foot? Wear your own sparkling pair.
Another perfect spot for Disney wedding inspiration? Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Serve your go-to park drink during cocktail hour and cap the night with a fireworks show, just like the one that lights up Magic Kingdom. For the ultimate touch, exchange vows with Cinderella’s Castle as your backdrop.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding wrapped in Disney’s whimsy and charm, keep scrolling for 20 magical ideas to make it happen.
Everything You Need to Know About a Disney Wedding
01 of 20
Design a Luxe Invitation Suite
Many Disney princess movies, from Cinderella to Sleeping Beauty, unfold in grand castles. To capture that lavish feel (especially if you’ve picked a royal venue), feature an illustrated castle on your invites. For example, when this couple married in a New Jersey castle, their stunning venue took center stage on their stationery by Khattab Invitations & Printing. A fountain sketch and gold calligraphy added to the fairy-tale vibe.
02 of 20
Wear a Princess-Level Ball Gown
To look like a real-life Disney princess, choose a showstopping ball gown that rivals Cinderella’s or Belle’s. A dress with a full skirt, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and sequin details—like this Ese Azenabor design from a New Jersey castle wedding—is perfect. Pair it with an elegant updo and sparkling heels for the full effect.
03 of 20
Top It Off with a Crystal Tiara
Nothing screams “princess” like a jeweled tiara. Complete your Disney-inspired look with a dazzling headpiece, like this Maria Elena design. Place it in a soft updo with face-framing tendrils (like Sherrie Long styled for this California bride’s Bridgerton-esque wedding) to nail the royal aesthetic.
04 of 20
Slip Into Glass Slippers
Cinderella’s glass slippers are iconic—the ultimate symbol of true love. Recreate that magic with your own pair, like these shimmering Renee Caovilla heels worn by a bride at her garden wedding.
05 of 20
Arrive in a Horse-Drawn Carriage
Channel Cinderella’s ride to the ball with a horse-drawn carriage. This California couple did just that after their classic ceremony. Whether it takes you to the venue, reception, or honeymoon suite, it’s a romantic way to travel.
06 of 20
Pick a Castle Venue
Whether it’s Sleeping Beauty’s palace or The Little Mermaid’s seaside fortress, a castle wedding screams Disney. Bonus? The venue is so stunning, you won’t need much décor. Or, like this Barcelona couple, use the castle as a breathtaking backdrop for an outdoor ceremony.
07 of 20
Get Married in an Enchanted Forest
Bring Tarzan or Sleeping Beauty to life with a forest wedding. This couple said “I do” among California redwoods at Santa Lucia Preserve, with crystal chandeliers and lush florals by Mindy Rice Design adding extra glam.
08 of 20
Take It to the Desert
Recreate Aladdin’s Agrabah with a desert wedding. Camp Sarika at Amangiri in Utah (where this pair tied the knot) is a dreamy spot. Let the landscape shine with minimal décor—just simple florals and rustic wood accents, like Mae&Co Creative’s setup.
09 of 20
Incorporate Stained-Glass Windows
Stained glass appears in Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland—so it’s a perfect Disney touch. This Toronto couple married under Casa Loma’s stained-glass ceiling, with roses and a fountain adding to the romance.
10 of 20
Host a Second Line Parade
Take a cue from Princess and the Frog with a New Orleans-style second line parade. Like this Victorian-themed wedding, have a brass band lead you and your guests with decorated parasols—fun, festive, and totally Disney.
11 of 20
Display a Gilded Mirror
Inspired by Snow White’s magic mirror, use an ornate mirror for wedding signage. Engrave it with calligraphy or attach escort cards, then frame it with flowers (like Wedded Events did here) for extra elegance.
12 of 20
Quote a Disney Movie
Skip recreating scenes and just quote your favorite film instead. This Malibu couple used Olaf’s Frozen line, “You are worth melting for,” on their escort display. Repeat the phrase across invites and menus for a cohesive touch.
13 of 20
Serve a Disney World Cocktail
If Disney World is special to you, serve its signature drinks. This Rhode Island bride offered a pomegranate margarita—her favorite from the parks—with a custom crest for a romantic twist.
14 of 20
Dine in a Grand Ballroom
A ballroom reception (like Newport’s Rosecliff mansion) feels straight out of Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella. Gold flatware and chiavari chairs will match the opulence.
15 of 20
Recreate Paradise Falls
Love Up? Capture its magic with a waterfall-inspired wedding. This Brooklyn reception featured jewel-toned florals, dark linens, and twinkling lights—just like Paradise Falls.
16 of 20
Step Into a Fantasy World
Take guests down the rabbit hole Alice in Wonderland-style. This St. Louis wedding led guests through quirky rooms before landing in a blue-and-white tented reception, mirroring Alice’s dress.
17 of 20
Use Bookshelves as a Backdrop
Belle’s awe at the Beast’s library? Recreate it with a bookcase backdrop for your sweetheart table. Keep décor simple (like Hunt and Gather’s florals) to let the books shine—ideal for book-loving couples.
18 of 20
Feature Red Roses
Nod to Beauty and the Beast’s enchanted rose with red blooms on reception tables. Keep everything else neutral—mirrored tables, glass chargers, white linens—and add gold candelabras for a Lumiere touch.
19 of 20
Channel Tinker Bell
Want to be a Disney character? This Miami bride wore wings and served “Happily Ever After Meals” at her after-party. Fun accessories let you (and your guests) play along.
20 of 20
End with Fireworks
Disney World’s nightly fireworks are legendary—so why not close your wedding with a bang? This Mexico destination wedding lit up the sky with a dazzling display by Wedding Fireworks Premium.