A Glimpse into the World's Most Over-the-Top Weddings: From Bezos to Ambani

Weddings, traditionally a celebration of love and commitment, reach new heights of opulence when the world's wealthiest individuals tie the knot. These grand spectacles redefine luxury, showcasing unmatched prestige and astronomical expenses. From royal ceremonies viewed globally to exclusive private celebrations boasting million-dollar gowns and performances by international superstars, these events consistently push the boundaries of extravagance. Hosted in breathtaking venues, these weddings spare no expense, featuring everything from diamond-studded invitations to billion-dollar price tags.

According to Britannica reports, let's explore some of the most expensive weddings ever, where sheer scale, star-studded guest lists, and fairytale settings transform personal milestones into cultural phenomena.

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos (2025)

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

The highly anticipated wedding of journalist Lauren Sánchez and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is scheduled to take place in Venice in late June 2025. The event, expecting around 200 guests, promises unparalleled luxury and exclusivity. However, the preparations haven't been without controversy. Venetian locals have voiced their concerns through protests, arguing that the city's transformation into a wedding destination is making it unaffordable and inaccessible for residents.

Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhova (2016)

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

Khadija Uzhakhova married Said Gutseriev, the son of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Gutseriev, in what is considered the most expensive wedding of modern times. The 20-year-old bride wore a custom-made Elie Saab gown, weighing 28 pounds and adorned with crystals, making it difficult for her to walk unassisted.

The Moscow venue was transformed into a floral wonderland, with flowers covering the walls and ceilings. Guests were transported in luxury cars, and the entertainment lineup included Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias, with performance fees reportedly exceeding $1 million per artist. The towering nine-tiered cake perfectly capped off this incredible display of 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, epitomized monarch-level extravagance in India. This multi-month celebration, filled with celebrity events, was as much a cultural showcase as it was a display of wealth.

The guest list featured notable figures like Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Over one million flowers were used to create more than 60 animal sculptures. Global concerts were a staple at each event, featuring performances by international music icons such as 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 approximately $166 million today)

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

Pre-wedding celebrations included a gala at Buckingham Palace and a spectacular fireworks display. The wedding reception itself was relatively intimate, with only 120 guests, but every detail exuded lavishness, from the 27 cakes served to the global audience captivated by the event.

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal (2018)

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

Isha Ambani, daughter of Mukesh Ambani, and Anand Piramal's wedding celebration spanned multiple days, beginning with an engagement at Lake Como, Italy. John Legend performed at this lakeside event, while Beyoncé headlined a private concert at the Udaipur City Palace.

The wedding ceremony took place at the Ambani family's Mumbai skyscraper home, Antilia, which was adorned with enough flowers to cover all 27 stories. Invitations were presented as flower boxes containing sacred mantras. As a gesture of charity, food was served to 5,000 local 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 with British royalty. Watched by nearly 2 billion people worldwide, the ceremony featured a minimalist Givenchy wedding dress valued at $265,000, performances by orchestras, gospel choirs, and Elton John.

Security for the couple and their guests cost almost $40 million, reflecting the high stakes involved in modern royal rituals.

Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia (2004)

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

Lakshmi Mittal's daughter, Vanisha Mittal, celebrated her wedding to Amit Bhatia with a seven-day extravaganza in Paris. The ceremonies took place at iconic locations like the Palace of Versailles and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Guests were flown in first class and accommodated in five-star hotels.

Invitations were delivered in silver packages, and entertainment included performances by Kylie Minogue and a spectacular fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower. The wine served alone cost a staggering $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 wedding gown featured exquisite lace embroidery and a 9-foot train. Westminster Abbey was decorated with eight indoor trees and thousands of flowers, costing nearly $800,000.

Following the official ceremony, Queen Elizabeth hosted a royal luncheon, with an evening reception hosted by Prince Charles. The chocolate biscuit groom's cake added a sentimental and personal touch.

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 crafted from lace roses and layers of tulle. A 10-foot wedding cake and a 2,000-person guest list were complemented by a high-tech show, complete with a holographic castle. The couple also gifted their guests high-end electronics.

Although they divorced in 2022, their wedding remains a pop-culture benchmark for wedding extravagance in Asia.

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 lavish three-day celebration at the 15th-century Castello Odescalchi, overlooking Italy’s Lake Bracciano. Petra wore a Vera Wang gown valued at over $125,000. After the ceremony, Andrea Bocelli performed for the newlyweds, followed by a champagne reception. The extravagant event featured fireworks and musical performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Eric Clapton. The couple later divorced in 2017.