The 15 Most Expensive and Lavish Weddings of All Time

Weddings are often a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, but for the rich and famous, they become dazzling spectacles. These events aren’t just about vows and rings—they’re showcases of wealth, power, and, sometimes, sheer excess. From lavish royal ceremonies to Hollywood-style affairs, these weddings have set records in grandeur.

Featuring breathtaking venues, designer gowns, and jaw-dropping price tags, here’s a look at some of the most extravagant weddings in history.

The Most Luxurious Weddings Ever Witnessed

1. Prince William and Kate Middleton (April 29, 2011)

One of the most watched royal weddings, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ceremony at Westminster Abbey was nothing short of a fairytale. Kate’s iconic Alexander McQueen gown, the historic venue, and a guest list packed with world leaders and celebrities contributed to an estimated $34 million budget.

2. Prince Charles and Princess Diana (July 29, 1981)

Instagram | dianaforeverremembered | Charles and Diana’s royal wedding featured a 25-foot train and cost $48 million—over $150 million today.

Dubbed the “wedding of the century,” Charles and Diana’s nuptials were watched by 750 million people worldwide. Diana’s 25-foot train remains one of the longest in royal history, and the entire event came with a staggering price tag of $48 million—equivalent to over $150 million today.

3. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III (April 19, 1956)

Hollywood royalty met actual royalty when actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Her lace gown, designed by Helen Rose, remains one of the most admired wedding dresses of all time. The couple hosted 600 esteemed guests, including stars and dignitaries, while Kelly’s family reportedly paid a $2 million dowry to solidify the union.

4. Elizabeth Taylor and Conrad Hilton (May 6, 1950)

Before becoming known for her many marriages, Elizabeth Taylor had a glamorous first wedding to hotel heir Conrad Hilton. The Beverly Hills ceremony was a star-studded affair, but behind the scenes, it was filled with drama due to Hilton’s reported infidelity and gambling issues.

5. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (May 24, 2014)

Florence, Italy, served as the backdrop for one of the most opulent celebrity weddings of recent years. Kim’s custom Givenchy gown and a floral wall costing hundreds of thousands of dollars were just some highlights of the $12 million event. Though their marriage ended in 2021, the wedding remains an unforgettable pop culture moment.

6. Beyoncé and Jay-Z (April 4, 2008)

The power couple opted for an intimate ceremony with just 40 guests in their New York City penthouse. Though private, the wedding was undoubtedly luxurious. Beyoncé’s Vera Wang gown and an elegant candlelit atmosphere added to the exclusive feel of the event.

7. David and Victoria Beckham (July 4, 1999)

The Beckhams’ wedding at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland was pure ‘90s glamour. From matching purple outfits to their gold thrones, the couple fully embraced luxury. The event, which reportedly cost around $800,000, remains one of the most memorable celebrity weddings of its time.

8. Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock (July 1-2, 2011)

This royal wedding spanned two days and included multiple ceremonies and celebrations. With a budget of over $65 million, it remains one of the most expensive weddings ever. The bride’s stunning Armani gown and the extravagant reception at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco made it a truly regal affair.

9. Prince Carl Philip and Sofia Hellqvist (2015)

A Swedish fairytale unfolded when Prince Carl Philip married former reality TV star Sofia Hellqvist. Their ceremony blended royal tradition with modern romance, featuring a carriage procession and a star-studded guest list.

10. Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson (May 14, 2004)

Denmark’s future queen, Mary Donaldson, made history with her wedding to Prince Frederik. The event included a horse-drawn carriage, a royal banquet, and a stunning lace gown. With a cost exceeding $34 million, it was a true fairytale moment.

11. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (May 19, 2018)

Instagram | justjared | Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding showcased a modern royal style, seamlessly blending tradition and Hollywood allure.

Held at St. George’s Chapel, this modern royal wedding was a mix of tradition and Hollywood glamour. Meghan’s Givenchy gown and the couple’s personal touches, including a gospel choir, made it a standout event. The reported $45 million price tag covered everything from security to floral decorations.

12. Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain (May 22, 2004)

Spain witnessed its first royal wedding in nearly a century when journalist Letizia Ortiz married King Felipe. The ceremony, held at Almudena Cathedral, drew over 1,500 guests and cost an estimated €19 million.

13. Prince Pavlos and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece (July 1, 1995)

A royal guest list of over 1,300 attended this wedding at St. Sophia’s Cathedral in London. With a Valentino-designed dress costing over $225,000 and a total budget of £8 million, the Greek royal wedding was a lavish affair.

14. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank (October 12, 2018)

With a £2 million price tag, Princess Eugenie’s wedding featured a tiara loaned by Queen Elizabeth and a grand reception at Windsor Castle. The event, though smaller than other royal weddings, still exuded elegance and charm.

15. Prince George and Princess Victoria Mary (July 6, 1893)

Held at the Chapel Royal in St. James’s Palace, this wedding was filled with royal traditions. Though Princess Victoria Mary was originally engaged to Prince Albert Victor, his untimely passing led her to marry his brother, Prince George, who later became King George V.

From designer gowns to royal palaces, these weddings prove that when money is no object, the celebrations reach unparalleled levels of grandeur. Whether it’s a private affair or a globally televised spectacle, the most extravagant weddings continue to captivate and inspire.