For couples dreaming of a Walt Disney World wedding, it can be easy to picture a huge celebration with dozens of guests. Kristen and Adam’s wedding day was a beautiful reminder that a Walt Disney World wedding can also be incredibly intimate. They traveled from the UK to get married in Orlando, while Kristen’s family made the trip all the way from Australia. In total, just 15 of their closest family members and friends were there to celebrate with them.

As their Disney wedding photographer, one of the things I noticed most was how the day felt relaxed from beginning to end. There was no rushing from one event to the next, and we had a full hour set aside for couples portraits. That extra time gave us the freedom to explore Disney’s Grand Floridian and get creative with their photos before settling in for an intimate candlelit reception.

A Destination Walt Disney World Wedding

Kristen and Adam’s guest list may have been small, but their wedding was a true destination celebration. With family traveling from Australia and the UK, bringing everyone together in Orlando made the wedding feel like a special trip for everyone involved. They kept the day focused on spending time with the people who had made the journey to be there, rather than filling the schedule with traditions or events simply because they were expected.

That relaxed approach carried through the entire day. Kristen got ready at Disney’s Riviera Resort, while Adam prepared at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Having everyone stay at Disney resorts also made it easy to turn the wedding into a larger experience for their guests.

An Intimate Ceremony at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion

The ceremony took place at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion at 2:30 in the afternoon. The indoor setting gave everyone a comfortable place to gather before the rest of the day’s celebrations began.

With only 15 guests, the ceremony felt especially personal. Everyone in the room was someone who mattered deeply to Kristen and Adam, which made the moments between them feel even more meaningful.

After the ceremony, the couple had plenty of time to enjoy the rest of their wedding day rather than immediately rushing into the reception.

An Hour for Couples Portraits at Disney’s Grand Floridian

One of my favorite parts of this wedding was having a full hour for couples portraits. That might sound like a lot of time, but when you’re photographing at Walt Disney World, there are so many possibilities. We were able to slow down, explore, and make the most of the beautiful surroundings at Disney’s Grand Floridian.

The sunset was gorgeous that evening, which gave us beautiful light to work with. Instead of squeezing portraits into a few minutes between events, Kristen and Adam could actually enjoy this part of the day together.

I always love when couples build intentional portrait time into their timeline. It gives us room to create something more than a few quick formal portraits. We can try different locations, play with the light, and give the couple a chance to step away from the wedding for a little while. For an intimate Disney wedding like this, that extra time can be especially valuable.

A Candlelit Reception at Sea Breeze Point

After portraits and cocktail hour, everyone gathered for an intimate outdoor reception at Sea Breeze Point. The reception was beautifully lit by candlelight, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere as the evening continued. A singer and guitarist duo provided the music while everyone enjoyed dinner and celebrated together.

With such a small guest list, the reception felt more like an intimate dinner with the people they love most. There was plenty of time for conversation, laughter, and simply enjoying the fact that everyone had traveled so far to be together.

Ending the Night With Disney Fireworks

Of course, no Disney wedding would feel quite complete without a little Disney magic. Kristen and Adam ended their wedding night watching the fireworks at Epcot. Even better, they had a perfect view from their reception location, so they didn’t have to go anywhere to enjoy the show. It was such a fitting way to finish their wedding day. After traveling from two different countries and bringing their closest people together in Orlando, they got to sit back and watch the fireworks together.

Planning Your Own Walt Disney World Wedding

An intimate Walt Disney World wedding like Kristen and Adam’s is a wonderful option for couples who want the magic of Walt Disney World while keeping the celebration personal. Whether your guests are traveling from across the country or from the other side of the world, there is something pretty special about bringing everyone together for a day like this.

If you’re planning a Disney wedding in Orlando, we’d love to document it for you. Get in touch to learn more about my wedding photography and videography services and availability.

Walt Disney World Wedding Vendors

Hair Artist: Art of Glamour Beauty
Makeup Artist: Katrina Leigh
Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal’s Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection
Grooms Suit + Shoes: Hugo Boss
Wedding Officiant: Kevin Knox