Jaw-Dropping Nuptials: A Look at the World's Most Lavish Weddings, From Bezos to Ambani OR From Royal Spectacles to Billion-Dollar Bashes: Exploring the Most Extravagant Weddings Worldwide

Weddings, a celebration of love and unity, reach new heights of opulence for the world's wealthiest. These grand affairs, marked by unparalleled luxury and prestige, transform into spectacles that capture global attention. From royal ceremonies broadcast worldwide to exclusive, invitation-only celebrations boasting million-dollar gowns and performances by international superstars, these lavish weddings redefine extravagance.

Held in palaces, castles, or sprawling mansions, every detail is meticulously curated, from diamond-encrusted invitations to billion-dollar price tags. Let's explore some of the most remarkable weddings of the 21st century, events that transcend personal milestones to become significant cultural moments.

Top Luxurious Weddings Around the Globe

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos (2025)

• Location: Venice, Italy
• Estimated Cost: $10 million

The anticipated wedding of journalist Lauren Sánchez and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is slated for late June 2025 in Venice. With an expected guest list of 200, the event promises exclusivity and luxury. However, the preparations have faced local opposition, with Venetian residents protesting the city's transformation into an expensive wedding destination that is increasingly inaccessible to them.

Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhova (2016)

• Location: Safisa Banqueting Hall, Moscow
• Estimated Cost: $1 billion

Khadija Uzhakhova's marriage to Said Gutseriev, son of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Gutseriev, is considered one of the most expensive weddings ever. The bride wore a 28-pound Elie Saab gown adorned with crystals and custom beading.

The Moscow venue was transformed into a floral wonderland. Guests were transported in luxury cars, and entertainment included performances by Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias. A nine-tiered cake highlighted the wedding's extravagance.

Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani (2024)

• Location: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
• Estimated Cost: $600 million - $1 billion

The wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, was an extravagant, months-long affair that blended cultural observance with a display of wealth.

Attendees included Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former British PM Tony Blair. Over one million flowers were used to create more than 60 animal sculptures. The celebration featured performances by Rihanna, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, and Justin Bieber.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles (1981)

• Location: St. Paul's Cathedral, London
• Estimated Cost: $48 million (equivalent to about $166 million today)

Dubbed "The Wedding of the Century," the marriage of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles captured global attention. Diana's dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, featured 10,000 pearls and a 25-foot train.

Pre-wedding events included a gala at Buckingham Palace and a fireworks display. The reception hosted 120 guests, and 27 cakes were served.

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal (2018)

• Location: Antilia, Mumbai
• Estimated Cost: $100 million

Isha Ambani, daughter of Mukesh Ambani, and Anand Piramal celebrated their wedding with events that began with an engagement at Lake Como, Italy, where John Legend performed. Beyoncé headlined a private concert at Udaipur City Palace.

The wedding ceremony took place at the Ambanis' Mumbai home, Antilia, decorated with flowers. Invitations included flower boxes filled with sacred mantras, and food was provided to 5,000 residents for four days.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (2018)

• Location: Windsor Castle, England
• Estimated Cost: $45 million

The wedding of American actress Meghan Markle to Prince Harry united Hollywood and British royalty. Watched by nearly 2 billion people, the ceremony included a minimalist Givenchy gown costing $265,000. Orchestras, gospel choirs, and Elton John performed. Security for the couple and guests cost almost $40 million.

Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia (2004)

• Location: Paris, France
• Estimated Cost: $60 million

Lakshmi Mittal's daughter, Vanisha Mittal, married Amit Bhatia in a seven-day Parisian celebration held at venues like the Palace of Versailles and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Guests received first-class travel and accommodations in five-star hotels.

Invitations arrived in silver packages, and Kylie Minogue performed. A fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower was part of the entertainment. The wine alone cost $1.5 million.

Kate Middleton and Prince William (2011)

• Location: Westminster Abbey, London
• Estimated Cost: $33 million

The wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton captivated the world. Her Alexander McQueen gown featured lace embroidery and a 9-foot train. Westminster Abbey was adorned with eight indoor trees and thousands of flowers at a cost of nearly $800,000.

Queen Elizabeth hosted a royal luncheon, and Prince Charles hosted an evening reception.

Angelababy and Huang Xiaoming (2015)

• Location: Shanghai Exhibition Center
• Estimated Cost: $31 million

The wedding of Chinese actress Angelababy and actor Huang Xiaoming was live-streamed and featured a Dior dress of lace roses and tulle. A 10-foot wedding cake and a 2,000-guest list were complemented by a high-tech show featuring a holographic castle. Guests received high-end electronics as gifts.

Petra Ecclestone and James Stunt

• Location: Castello Odescalchi, Bracciano, Italy
• Cost: $19 million

Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One mogul Bernie Ecclestone, married businessman James Stunt in a three-day celebration at the 15th-century Castello Odescalchi. Petra wore a Vera Wang gown valued at over $125,000. Andrea Bocelli performed for the couple, followed by a champagne reception, fireworks, and performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Eric Clapton.