15 Photos That Prove the Rich and Famous Take Weddings to Another Level
When it comes to the ultra-rich, weddings aren’t just celebrations of love — they’re grand spectacles meant to stop the world in its tracks. From one of the most-watched events of the century (Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles) to Elizabeth Taylor’s lavish and drama-filled nuptials, these famous weddings were designed to impress and entertain. Featuring custom-made gowns, opulent venues, and star-studded guest lists, here are 15 of the most unforgettable “I dos” in history.
1. Prince William and Kate Middleton (April 29, 2011)
This modern royal wedding took place at Westminster Abbey and saw Middleton (now Catherine, Princess of Wales) donning a custom-made Alexander McQueen gown. The wedding reportedly cost a whopping $34 million.
2. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III (April 19, 1956)
This fairytale wedding featured a Helen Rose-designed lace gown for Kelly along with a star-studded guest list of 600-plus celebrities and dignitaries. After getting hitched, the American-born Kelly went on to become the Princess of Monaco. (Talk about marrying up.) While the exact cost of the event remains unclear, Kelly’s parents reportedly paid a $2 million dowry.
3. Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton (May 6, 1950)
Hollywood’s golden girl married the hotel heir in a lavish Beverly Hills ceremony. The wedding was the first of Taylor’s eight marriages and was reportedly marred with drama amid swirling rumors of Hilton’s gambling habits and infidelity.
4. Prince Charles and Princess Diana (July 29, 1981)
Watched by 750 million people worldwide, the royal wedding cost a staggering $48 million (about $156 million today) to put together. Setting the standard for royal weddings, it was also remembered for Diana’s insanely iconic 25-foot-long train.
5. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (May 24, 2014)
Kim and Kanye’s (or should we say, Ye’s) wedding extravaganza in Florence, Italy featured a bespoke Givenchy gown and a 15-carat ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz. Though it cost upwards of $12 million to throw, the pair divorced in 2021. At least it wasn’t as expensive as her 2023 Christmas decorations.
6. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (May 19, 2018)
This modern royal affair took place at St. George’s Chapel and saw Meghan donning a custom-made Givenchy gown. While the event reportedly cost $45 million, the couple has since stepped back from royal duties and built a new life in California.
7. Beyoncé and Jay-Z (April 4, 2008)
The power couple tied the knot in an ultra-private New York City ceremony with only 40 guests in attendance. Though details (and photos) of the event are scarce, we know Beyonce wore a Vera Wang gown and the event took place at their penthouse.
8. David and Victoria Beckham (July 4, 1999)
Held at the Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland, the Beckham’s pulled out all the stops for their big day. From matching thrones to coordinated purple outfits, the event was giving peak ‘90s extravagance. It reportedly cost around $800,000.
9. Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock (July 1-2, 2011)
This lavish two-day wedding featured a civil ceremony, religious service, and a star-studded reception at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. The celebrations reportedly cost upwards of $65 million, making it one of the priciest royal weddings to date.
10. Prince Carl Philip and Sofia Hellqvist (June 13, 2015)
This Scandinavian royal wedding saw Sofia go from reality TV star to Swedish Princess (talk about a real-life fairytale!).
11. Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson (May 14, 2004)
This modern fairytale wedding held at the Copenhagen Cathedral turned an Australian marketing executive into Denmark’s future queen. Complete with horse-drawn carriages and a royal banquet, the royal event reportedly cost over $34 million.
12. Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain (May 22, 2004)
Held at the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, the event marked Spain’s first royal wedding in nearly a century. The lavish affair drew over 1,500 guests and is estimated to have cost around €19 million, including a grand reception at the Royal Palace.
13. Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece (July 1, 1995)
With a guest list of over 1,300 royals and aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II, this wedding reportedly cost £8 million. Held at St. Sophia’s Cathedral in London, the bride’s custom Valentino gown alone cost over £170,000 (about $225,000).
14. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank (October 12, 2018)
The wedding of Princess Eugenie (Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter) and Jack Brooksbank (a marketing executive) was another glitzy royal affair that cost over £2 million (about $2.6 million), largely due to security expenses. And get this: Eugenie wore an emerald tiara that was loaned by the Queen herself (is it acceptable to call her grandma?).
15. Prince George and Princess Victoria Mary (July 6, 1983)
The wedding of Prince George, Duke of York (later King George V), and Princess Victoria Mary of Teck was another glamorous affair held at the Chapel Royal in St. James’s Palace. Mary was first engaged to George’s brother, Prince Albert Victor, until his death from pneumonia in 1892. (Talk about a royal scaaaandal!)