Mickey Mouse greets guests at Disneyland. Photo by Special Events Magazine.

The Walt Disney Co. announced last week that it has opened its popular Fairy Tale Wedding program to same-sex couples hosting commitment ceremonies. Till now, the program was limited to couples with a valid marriage license.

The ceremonies will be available for gay couples at Disney's parks and its cruise line. The program is offered at Disneyland in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The packages start at $8,000 and can run over $45,000, which includes such touches as specialty landscaping, Sleeping Beauty's Castle as a backdrop, and Mickey and Minnie--dressed in formal attire--putting in an appearance.

TUTERA TOUCH

David Tutera brings high style to Disney's wedding program. Photo by Garth Vaughan.

For those who want a ceremony that marries high spirits with high style, Walt Disney World Resort offers its new "Couture" collection of weddings designed by celebrity planner David Tutera. The program--announced in February--offers four styles: "Whimsical Garden," "Cocktail Soiree," "Classical Elegance" and "Simply Chic." "These 'Couture Wedding Collections' provide an opporutnity for brides to feel like a celebrity and become a guest at their own wedding," Tutera says.

'INCLUSIVE' ENVIRONMENT

"We believe this change is consistent with Disney's long-standing policy of welcoming every guest in an inclusive environment," Disney spokesperson Donn Walker told the Associated Press on Friday. "We want everyone who comes to celebrate a special occasion at Disney to feel welcome and respected."

Since 1991, Disney's wedding program has produced more than 25,000 weddings, the company reports. More than 1,500 coples exchange vows annually at the Florida location alone.