Theme Park Weddings in Southern California
By Joan Burns, Event Planner Extraordinaire

If you have ever thought of getting married while riding a roller coaster, swimming with dolphins, in front of polar bears or in a princess’s castle, then maybe one of Southern California’s Theme Parks is just what you are looking for.  Many of the Theme Parks offer exciting, beautiful space for ceremonies and receptions. In Southern California, most attractions are opened year round so you don’t have to wait for a particular season and for the most part, the weather is so wonderful you can take advantage of the outdoors. And the decor and ambiance are built right in!

Disneyland is one of the most popular Theme Parks where wedding ceremonies and receptions are held.  If you have dreamed of a fairy princess wedding, you can use Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and even arrive in a Crystal Coach.  There is also the Grand Rose Garden Court that looks like something from a dream.

Legoland offers a miniature Las Vegas, pictured, where you can tower over the high rise hotels to say “I do.”  If you were a builder of Lego structures, this might be the place to consider!

If the Peanuts Gang is more to your liking, consider Knott’s Berry Farm or thrill seekers may explore a Roller Coaster ceremony at Magic Mountain.  You can even plan an African Safari for you and your guests at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park or plan your wedding at the San Diego Zoo itself surrounded by Polar Bears.  SeaWorld offers areas with sharks, penguins, dolphins, beluga whales or yes even Shamu.

All of these great Theme Parks have a staff of dedicated people to make your dreams come true on your wedding day.  Packages include everything from flowers to cake. They have many different catering menu, venues and prices to choose from. 

Here are a couple of tips to make the day magical.

• Make sure you discuss your dream wedding with your Coordinator if you are considering a Theme Park so he or she can start researching for you.

• Look at your budget.  Sleeping Beauty’s Castle may be over the budget, but there perhaps there is another great place on the grounds that will fit.

• Are your guests coming from out-of-town?  Make sure there is a hotel to accommodate them and transportation to get to the Ceremony.  If the Theme Park has a hotel on their property, you might be able to negotiate a discounted room rate for your guests if they stay there.

• Make sure you visit the Theme Park and walk the sites you are interested in.  Look at the distance from Ceremony to Reception and the proximity of the General Public to your Wedding areas.

• Once you decide on a Theme Park and start working on the details, make up some souvenir gift bags for your guests with goodies from the park. Include maps and disposable cameras.

• It is important that the venue offer you a back-up plan in case of inclement weather!  It should be writing.

Southern California’s Theme Parks offer a variety of choices to create the magic of your Wedding Day. If you are looking for something different than the traditional Ceremony and Reception, you might take a look at a Park that has special meaning to you.  You will create a day to remember for you and your guests.