Lavish Ties: The Most Extravagant Celebrity Weddings of the Decade
When it comes to celebrating love, no one does it quite like celebrities. With access to immense resources and the world’s most exquisite locales, the weddings of the rich and famous are often lavish affairs that capture the imagination of the public. Over the past decade, we’ve seen some truly spectacular celebrity weddings, each one setting new standards for opulence and splendor. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most extravagant celebrity weddings that have set the tone for nuptials in the modern era.
1. Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas: A Global Celebration
One of the most talked-about weddings in recent years was that of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, which took place in December 2018. Their wedding was a multi-day, multi-cultural extravaganza that celebrated both Indian and Western traditions. The festivities included a colorful Mehendi ceremony, a Sangeet that featured performances by both families, and two grand wedding ceremonies at India’s opulent Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. The couple’s choice of venue, a historical palace, and their lavish celebrations, which included fireworks and a performance by Nick himself, showcased a perfect blend of grandeur and personalization.
2. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West: European Elegance
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s wedding in May 2014 was nothing short of a fairy tale. The celebrations kicked off in Paris with a private tour of the Palace of Versailles, complete with a performance by Lana Del Rey. The actual wedding took place at the historic Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy, which offered stunning views of the city and its surrounding countryside. Kim wore a custom Givenchy Haute Couture gown, and the couple exchanged vows under a spectacular floral arch that cost over $100,000. The wedding epitomized luxury and was reported to have cost around $2.8 million.
3. George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin: Venetian Vows
In September 2014, George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin said their “I dos” in a lavish Venice wedding. The festivities lasted an entire weekend, starting with a dinner at Hotel Cipriani and culminating in a ceremony at the Aman Canal Grande Venice, a 16th-century palazzo accessible only by boat. Guests were transported via a flotilla of vintage water taxis, adding to the opulent and uniquely Venetian atmosphere. The wedding not only celebrated the couple’s love but also highlighted Venice’s romantic charm, setting the scene for one of the most sophisticated celebrity weddings.
4. Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian: Beauty and the Beast Theme
Tennis superstar Serena Williams married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in November 2017 in New Orleans. Their wedding was themed around Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and opened with a performance of “Be Our Guest.” The venue, the Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans, was transformed into a stunning ballroom that echoed the grandiosity of the beloved film. Serena’s wedding gown, a custom Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton’s bridal dress, added to the magical and regal ambiance of the event.
5. Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto: Tent Event of the Year
Basketball legend Michael Jordan wed model Yvette Prieto in April 2013 in Palm Beach, Florida, in what was truly a tent event of the year. They exchanged vows beneath a massive tent, reported to be 40,000 square feet — the largest tent in wedding history. The lavish affair included crystal chandeliers, exquisite flower arrangements, and performances by Usher and Robin Thicke. The wedding was a star-studded event, with numerous celebrities and former basketball stars among the 500 guests.
6. Solange Knowles and Alan Ferguson: A Modern Fairytale
Solange Knowles married video director Alan Ferguson in November 2014 in New Orleans in a wedding that was as stylish as it was extravagant. The bride arrived at the church on a vintage bicycle painted white and adorned with flowers, setting the tone for a chic and unconventional celebration. The entire wedding party wore white, creating a stunning visual effect that was both modern and timeless. The reception featured a parade through the streets of the city, embodying the spirit of New Orleans and the couple’s unique style.
Celebrity weddings are more than just lavish affairs; they are a deep expression of the couple’s personalities and love stories, set against a backdrop of unparalleled luxury. These weddings not only provide endless inspiration for couples around the world but also redefine what it means to celebrate one’s love. Whether in a historical European city, a scenic Italian fort, or under a gigantic tent, these nuptials remind us that at the heart of each celebration is a love story, as unique and beautiful as the settings they choose. As we look forward to more celebrity weddings in the future, one can only imagine how these unions will continue to dazzle and inspire awe with their grandeur and sentiment.
