13 High Profile Weddings & What They Cost: In the realm of celebrity unions, where romance meets opulence, the extravagant price tags of high-profile weddings have long fascinated the public. From fairytale-like castles to exotic destinations, A-list couples spare no expense in crafting dreamlike celebrations that leave an indelible mark on the pages of matrimonial history. These star-studded nuptials are not merely ceremonies; they are meticulously orchestrated spectacles of love, adorned with custom-designed couture, breathtaking venues, and entertainment fit for royalty. As we delve into the annals of celebrity weddings, we uncover the glamour and extravagance that define these unions, exploring the enchanting worlds created by couples who spared no cost to say “I do” in unforgettable style. Join us on a journey through 13 high-profile weddings, where love meets luxury, and the price of matrimony ascends to dazzling heights.
1. Prince William and Kate Middleton:
Kicking off our list of High Profile Weddings, we have: The royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was a grand and momentous occasion that captivated people around the world. It took place on April 29, 2011, at the historic Westminster Abbey in London. The venue was chosen for its significance in British royal history and its stunning architectural beauty.
The estimated cost of the wedding was approximately $34 million, making it one of the most expensive weddings in history. This extravagant budget covered various aspects of the celebration, from security and transportation to the wedding dress and the lavish reception. Most of these expenses were from the security required for such an event and the logistics surrounding such a venue like Westminster Abbey.
2. Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer:
The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, often referred to as the “wedding of the century,” was a globally celebrated and iconic event that took place on July 29, 1981, at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The grandeur and spectacle of the wedding left an indelible mark on popular culture.
In today’s currency, the estimated cost of the wedding is roughly $48 million, reflecting the extravagant nature of the celebration. Much like Prince William and Kate’s wedding, a lot of the expensive was from the security and logistics surrounding the event.
3. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West:
The wedding of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West on May 24, 2014, at the Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy, was an opulent and highly publicized affair that reflected the couple’s penchant for luxury and grandiosity. The estimated cost of the extravagant celebration was around $12 million, making it a lavish spectacle even by celebrity standards.
A lot of the expense came from the couple rolling out a VIP experience for their guests by including luxury accommodations, elaborate welcome gifts and exclusive events leading up to the wedding. Not to mention, the high cost for the venue rental and that neither of them spared much expense on their outfits.
4. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle:
Like Prince Harry and King (then Prince) Charles, The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a massive cost associated in order to pull off a royal wedding. Held on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, it was a highly anticipated and globally watched event that combined tradition with a touch of modernity. The estimated cost of the wedding was around $45 million, reflecting the grandeur and significance of the occasion.
Again, much of the cost associated was for the security needed to pull off such a public event, the venue plus reception for after the nuptials and finally the cost of the custom dress designed by Clare Waight Keller and all her accessories. Quite the fairy tale wedding for this Prince and former Suits Actress.
5. Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky:
The wedding of Chelsea Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky, which took place on July 31, 2010, in Rhinebeck, New York, was a high-profile and elegant affair that garnered significant attention. The estimated cost of the wedding was around $5 million, showcasing a blend of sophistication and understated luxury.
Again topping the list for most expensive aspect was the cost of security needed as there were many heads of states in attendance and the cost of the costume wedding dress designed by the fame designer, Vera Wang.
6. Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto:
The wedding of NBA legend Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto on April 27, 2013, in Palm Beach, Florida, was a glamorous and high-profile event that captured the public’s attention. The estimated cost of the wedding was reported to be around $10 million, reflecting the couple’s desire for a lavish celebration.
Michael Jordan, whose known to spare no expense, made sure this was a lavish affair not just for the couple, but also shelling out millions for the guest’s luxury accommodations and welcome gifts adding to the overall expense.
7. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin:
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin’s wedding, held on September 27, 2014, in Venice, Italy, was a highly anticipated and glamorous event that drew attention from around the world. The estimated cost of the wedding was around $4.6 million, reflecting the couple’s taste for elegance and style.
Adding to that cost would be securing luxury accommodations around the historical city of Venice for their high profile guests. Another costly addition would have been their attire, Amal Alamuddin’s wedding dress, designed by Oscar de la Renta, and George Clooney’s wedding attire were notable aspects of the celebration. The cost of these custom-designed outfits, along with attire for the bridal party, would not have come at a low cost by any standards.
8. Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin:
The wedding of English footballer Wayne Rooney and Coleen McLoughlin on June 12, 2008, in Portofino, Italy, was a lavish and celebrated event that reflected the couple’s taste for luxury and romance. The estimated cost of the wedding was around $8 million, showcasing a grand celebration in a stunning Italian destination.
With any destination wedding of such a high profile couple, the biggest costs associated were security around the event and providing luxury accommodations for all their guests.
9. Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel:
Adding to the destination wedding list in Italy is, the wedding of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel on October 19, 2012, in Puglia, Italy. It was a romantic and stylish affair that reflected the couple’s commitment to celebrating their love in a stunning destination. The estimated cost of the wedding was around $6.5 million, showcasing a combination of sophistication, exclusivity, and attention to detail.
Much like the previous weddings, most of the cost associate was with luxury travel and accommodations associated with the couples guests. Also the venue, as Puglia is located in the southern part of Italy and is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic charm, and Mediterranean beauty.
10. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi:
This High Profile Weddings isn’t a destination wedding! The wedding of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi on August 16, 2008, at their Beverly Hills home was an intimate and personal affair that reflected the couple’s commitment to celebrating their love in a private setting. The estimated cost of the wedding was around $1 million, showcasing a blend of elegance and simplicity.
Having a wedding locally attributed greatly to keeping the cost relatively low for this list so far, not having to contribute to luxurious accommodations and travel for your guests to the other side of the world would definitely help the pocket book.
11. David Beckham and Victoria Beckham:
David Beckham and Victoria Beckham, also known as “Posh and Becks,” tied the knot in a lavish and highly publicized ceremony on July 4, 1999. The wedding took place at Luttrellstown Castle, a 19th-century estate near Dublin, Ireland. The estimated cost of the wedding was around $1 million, which is surprisingly low for these two A Listers who at the time was all the rage.
Some of that cost would have been from the couples attire, Victoria Beckham wore a custom-made Vera Wang wedding gown, featuring a strapless design and a fitted bodice. David Beckham opted for a matching all-white ensemble, including a cream-colored suit.
12. Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston:
The darlings of American celebrity at the time, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s wedding was on July 29, 2000. It is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most high-profile and glamorous unions. The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony held at a Malibu estate, creating an intimate yet opulent atmosphere. The choice of a private estate, coupled with tasteful details and a reported cost of around $1 million, positioned their celebration as a symbol of Hollywood glamour and enduring love.
Keeping it small and intimate allowed the wedding to not blow up in expense, as it only allowed for family and very close friends.
13. Madonna and Guy Ritchie:
Ending our list of High Profile Weddings we have; Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s wedding on December 22, 2000, at Skibo Castle in Scotland was a grand and opulent affair that reflected the couple’s desire for a fairy-tale celebration. The reported cost of $1.5 million underscores the couple’s commitment to creating a memorable and lavish experience for their special day.
The couple chose Skibo Castle, a majestic and historic venue located in the Scottish Highlands, as the setting for their nuptials. Skibo Castle is known for its picturesque surroundings, luxurious interiors, and exclusivity. Renting such a prestigious venue would have been a significant portion of the overall wedding budget.
