Disney weddings are magical, but that magic comes with some rules you might not expect.
If you’re thinking about getting married at Disney World (first of all—congrats!), you’re probably already knee-deep in venue photos, cake designs, and which character you want to make a surprise appearance. But one thing that often catches couples off guard? Disney’s super-specific, kind of strange rules about wedding photography. There’s one in particular that always throws people off, and it has to do with where and who can take your pictures. Let’s break it all down so you’re not left scrambling with a camera crew and no castle backdrop.
You Can Bring Your Own Photographer…With Conditions
Disney does let you bring your own photographer or videographer for your wedding day. But don’t assume it’s as simple as booking someone you love and telling them to show up.
Before your outside photographer can do anything, they’ll need to sign an agreement with Disney and provide proof of insurance. And not just any insurance — Disney requires $2 million in liability coverage. Yes, two million dollars.
If that already sounds like a lot, there’s more. If your wedding day includes any time in the parks (not just the resorts), your photographer will also need to be escorted by a Disney media guide, which you’ll have to pay for. The media guide is essentially a Disney rep who makes sure everything is running smoothly and by the book. It’s a fee that doesn’t get talked about much but can add up fast.
There’s One Place You CANNOT Bring Them — No Exceptions
This is the part that really surprises most people. Even if your photographer checks every box — signs the agreement, has the insurance, has the media guide — you still cannot bring them into Magic Kingdom for wedding photography.
That’s right. No Cinderella Castle photos with your own team. No couple portraits on Main Street with the photographer you’ve worked with forever. Magic Kingdom is strictly off-limits to outside photo or video vendors. Period.
If you want photos in Magic Kingdom, you’ll have to go through Disney’s photography team.
Disney Fine Art Photography Is Your Only Option for In-Park Shoots
If you’re dead set on getting those dreamy park shots, especially in Magic Kingdom, you can book a portrait session — but only through Disney Fine Art Photography.
These sessions are only available for the wedding couple (no bridal party or extended family), and they come at an additional cost. The photoshoots happen early in the morning before the park opens, which means a super early call time — but it also means you get that empty park vibe, which is undeniably cool.
It’s worth noting that while these sessions are available at any of the four theme parks, they’re completely separate from your actual wedding day. These are portrait sessions, not coverage of your ceremony or reception.
This Rule Catches a Lot of Couples Off Guard
It’s easy to assume that if you’re paying Disney to host your wedding, you’ll get the full run of the parks for photos. But that’s just not the case. Magic Kingdom is treated differently from the other parks when it comes to photography, and Disney’s rules around it are pretty strict.
So if you were imagining castle shots with your favorite photographer who’s been with you through every major milestone—engagement, save-the-dates, all of it—you’ll need to rethink that plan.
What You Can Do Instead
If Magic Kingdom is a must-have backdrop, you’ll need to work with Disney Fine Art Photography for that session. If you’re okay skipping it, you’ll have more flexibility with your own photo team in locations like the resorts or other parks (with the media guide, of course).
Want to avoid the extra coordination altogether? Some couples just stick with Disney’s in-house team for the entire day. It’s not for everyone, but it does make navigating all the red tape a little easier.
At the end of the day, it comes down to priorities—whether that’s creative control, familiarity with your own vendor, or specific photo locations. Disney weddings are a dream, but those dreams have fine print. And this one? It’s a big one.
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Will you be having your dream wedding at Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
I wonder, if everyone had park tickets, could they book a Capture Your Moment package? It’s up to 8 guests for $99. We did that for engagement photos and almost certainly would be a lot less than their more official option.
I do get why the rules are there so they can make sure the photo sessions don’t interfere with other park guests but I can just imagine how much that would drive the costs up.