Weddings are a celebration of love, but for some, they are also an opportunity to showcase immense wealth and grandeur.
Here, we explore the 10 most expensive weddings in the world
1. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant
The Couple
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, a businesswoman and philanthropist, are a power couple known for their influential backgrounds and shared commitment to various social causes. Their union brought together two prominent families, making their wedding a highly anticipated event.
The Cost
The wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant is reported to have cost over $1 billion, making it one of the most expensive weddings in history. This staggering amount covered a series of lavish events, luxurious venues, and top-tier entertainment.
The Venues
The wedding celebrations took place across multiple iconic locations in India and abroad. The pre-wedding festivities were held at the Ambani residence, Antilia, in Mumbai, while the main wedding ceremony took place at the Jio World Centre. The couple also hosted events at various international destinations, adding a global touch to their celebrations.
The Events
The week-long celebration included a variety of events, each more extravagant than the last. Highlights included a traditional mehendi and sangeet ceremony, a grand wedding reception, and a post-wedding party. The events featured performances by international artists, elaborate decorations, and gourmet cuisine prepared by renowned chefs.
The Guests
The guest list was a who’s who of the global elite, including business tycoons, celebrities, politicians, and royalty. High-profile attendees included Bollywood stars, international musicians, and influential figures from various industries. The sheer scale and diversity of the guest list underscored the couple’s extensive social network and the significance of their union.
2. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s Wedding
The Couple
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, married in a grand ceremony that reflected his prominent status. His bride, a member of a distinguished Emirati family, joined him in a union that symbolized both personal and national significance.
The Cost
The wedding, held in 1981, was one of the most expensive in history, with costs estimated at around $100 million. This immense expenditure covered a month-long series of celebrations, showcasing the wealth and cultural heritage of the UAE.
The Venues
The wedding festivities took place at various luxurious locations across Abu Dhabi. The main ceremony was held at Qasr Al Mushrif, a palace known for its grandeur and historical significance. Other events were hosted at different palatial venues, each meticulously decorated to reflect the opulence of the occasion.
The Events
The month-long celebration included a variety of events, from traditional Emirati ceremonies to lavish banquets and entertainment. Highlights included performances by renowned artists, traditional dances, and a spectacular fireworks display. The events were designed to honor both the couple and the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.
The Guests
The guest list was a testament to the couple’s high status, featuring dignitaries, royalty, and influential figures from around the world. Attendees included members of the UAE’s ruling families, international politicians, and business leaders. The presence of such high-profile guests underscored the wedding’s significance on both a personal and national level
3. Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal
Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal’s wedding ceremony, a dazzling celebration of love and tradition, marked by exquisite attire and grand decor.
The Couple
Isha Ambani, the daughter of Mukesh Ambani, one of the richest men in India, and Nita Ambani, married Anand Piramal, the son of industrialist Ajay Piramal, in December 2018. Both Isha and Anand come from influential business families, making their union a significant event in the Indian corporate world.
The Cost
The wedding of Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal was one of the most expensive in history, with costs estimated at around $100 million. This included a series of lavish events, high-profile performances, and luxurious accommodations for the guests.
The Venues
The wedding festivities took place at multiple iconic locations. The pre-wedding celebrations were held in Udaipur, Rajasthan, with events at the Oberoi Udaivilas and City Palace. The main wedding ceremony was held at the Ambani residence, Antilia, in Mumbai, a 27-story skyscraper known for its opulence.
The Events
The week-long celebration included a variety of events. Highlights included a traditional mehendi and sangeet ceremony, a grand wedding reception, and a post-wedding party. The pre-wedding festivities in Udaipur featured a private concert by Beyoncé, adding a touch of international glamour to the celebrations.
The Guests
The guest list was a who’s who of the global elite, featuring business tycoons, celebrities, politicians, and royalty. High-profile attendees included Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Priyanka Chopra, as well as international figures such as Hillary Clinton. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significance of the wedding.
4. Sushanto Roy and Seemanto Roy
The Couple
Sushanto Roy and Seemanto Roy, sons of Subrata Roy, the chairman of the Sahara Group, married Richa Ahuja and Chandini Toor, respectively, in a grand double wedding. Both couples come from influential backgrounds, making their union a significant event in Indian society.
The Cost
The double wedding, held in 2004, was one of the most expensive in India, with costs estimated at around $75 million (approximately ₹550 crore). This immense expenditure covered a series of lavish events, luxurious venues, and extensive hospitality for thousands of guests.
The Venues
The wedding festivities took place in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, primarily at the Sahara Stadium. The venues were adorned with exotic flowers, glittering lights, and elaborate decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for the celebrations.
The Events
The four-day celebration included a variety of events, from traditional ceremonies to extravagant parties. Highlights included performances by Shiamak Davar’s dance troupe and the British Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Subrata Roy organized the wedding of 101 underprivileged girls and provided meals for over 15,000 people, adding a philanthropic touch to the festivities.
The Guests
The guest list was a testament to the Roy family’s high status, featuring over 11,000 attendees. High-profile guests included Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai, business tycoons like Anil Ambani, and politicians like Mulayam Singh Yadav. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significance of the wedding
5. Gulraj Behl and Shristi Mittal
The Couple
Gulraj Behl, a London-based HSBC investment banker, married Shristi Mittal, the niece of billionaire steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, in December 2013. Shristi, who studied at Columbia University and works for her father’s steel business, comes from a family known for their extravagant celebrations.
The Cost
The wedding was a lavish affair, with costs estimated at around £50 million (approximately $73.5 million). This immense expenditure covered a series of luxurious events, high-profile performances, and extensive hospitality for the guests.
The Venues
The wedding festivities took place in Barcelona, Spain, at some of the city’s most iconic locations. The main ceremony was held at the National Museum of Catalan Art, a stunning venue that added a touch of historical elegance to the celebrations. Other events were hosted at the city’s maritime museum and the Magic Fountain in the Montjuic district.
The Events
The three-day celebration included a variety of events, from traditional Hindu ceremonies to Western-style receptions. Highlights included a performance by international pop star Kylie Minogue, a six-tier wedding cake weighing 60 kilograms, and a spectacular fireworks display over the city. The culinary spread was prepared by Michelin-star chefs flown in from India and Thailand.
The Guests
The guest list featured around 500 attendees, including family, friends, and high-profile figures from various industries. Guests were treated to luxurious accommodations and gourmet meals, and they enjoyed sightseeing around Barcelona as part of the celebrations. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significance of the wedding
6. Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia
The Couple
Vanisha Mittal, the daughter of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, married Amit Bhatia, a London-based investment banker, in 2004. Their union brought together two influential families, making their wedding a significant event in both business and social circles.
The Cost
The wedding of Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia is renowned for its extravagance, with costs estimated at around $55 million. This made it one of the most expensive weddings ever recorded, reflecting the immense wealth and status of the Mittal family.
The Venues
The wedding festivities took place at some of the most iconic locations in France. The engagement ceremony was held at the Palace of Versailles, marking the first private function ever hosted at this historic site. The main wedding ceremony took place at the 17th-century Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, a venue known for its stunning architecture and gardens.
The Events
The six-day celebration included a variety of lavish events. Highlights included a reenactment of the couple’s courtship, a private concert by pop star Kylie Minogue, and a spectacular fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower. Guests were treated to gourmet meals prepared by top chefs flown in from India, adding a touch of culinary excellence to the festivities.
The Guests
The guest list featured around 1,000 high-profile attendees, including Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Akshay Kumar. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significance of the wedding and the extensive social network of the Mittal family.
7. Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer
The Couple
Prince Charles, the heir apparent to the British throne, married Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981. Diana, a member of the Spencer family, was known for her beauty and grace. Their union was seen as a fairytale romance, capturing the imagination of people worldwide.
The Cost
The wedding was an extravagant affair, costing approximately $48 million at the time (around $156 million today when adjusted for inflation). This immense expenditure covered the lavish ceremony, security, and extensive media coverage.
The Venues
The main ceremony took place at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, a venue chosen for its grandeur and capacity to accommodate a large number of guests. The couple made a traditional appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the ceremony, greeting the public and sharing a memorable kiss.
The Events
The wedding day was filled with ceremonial splendor. The couple traveled in state carriages, and the ceremony featured roles for the Foot Guards and Household Cavalry. The event was broadcast globally, with an estimated 750 million people tuning in to watch. The day was marked by street parties and celebrations across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
The Guests
The guest list included around 3,500 attendees, featuring members of various royal families, heads of state, and notable figures from around the world. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significance of the wedding, both as a personal union and a public spectacle
8. Prince William and Kate Middleton
The Couple
Prince William, the eldest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, married Catherine “Kate” Middleton on April 29, 2011. The couple met while studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland and their relationship blossomed over the years, capturing the hearts of people worldwide.
The Cost
The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton was a grand affair, with costs estimated at around $34 million. This included security, the wedding dress, and the various events and receptions held throughout the day.
The Venues
The main ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey in London, a venue steeped in royal history and tradition. Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests proceeded to Buckingham Palace for the reception, where they made the iconic balcony appearance and shared a kiss in front of thousands of well-wishers.
The Events
The wedding day was filled with ceremonial splendor and royal traditions. The couple traveled in a horse-drawn carriage from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, where they were greeted by cheering crowds. The day included a formal luncheon hosted by Queen Elizabeth II and an evening reception hosted by Prince Charles. The events were broadcast globally, with millions of viewers tuning in to witness the historic occasion.
The Guests
The guest list included around 1,900 attendees, featuring members of various royal families, heads of state, and notable figures from around the world. High-profile guests included David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John, and Prime Minister David Cameron. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significance of the wedding, both as a personal union and a public spectacle
9. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
The Couple
Kim Kardashian, a reality TV star and entrepreneur, married Kanye West, a renowned rapper and fashion designer, on May 24, 2014. Their relationship was highly publicized, and their wedding was one of the most talked-about events of the year.
The Cost
The wedding was an extravagant affair, with costs estimated at around $30 million. This included a series of lavish events, luxurious venues, and high-profile performances, making it one of the most expensive celebrity weddings.
The Venues
The wedding festivities took place in multiple iconic locations. The pre-wedding celebrations were held in Paris, including a rehearsal dinner at the Palace of Versailles. The main wedding ceremony took place at the historic Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy, a 16th-century fortress known for its stunning views and historical significance.
The Events
The week-long celebration included a variety of events. Highlights included a private tour and dinner at Versailles, a brunch at designer Valentino Garavani’s château, and the main wedding ceremony in Florence. The ceremony featured a performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who sang as Kim walked down the aisle. The reception included a seven-foot wedding cake and a first dance to “At Last” performed by John Legend.
The Guests
The guest list featured around 600 attendees, including family, friends, and high-profile figures from various industries. Notable guests included music producer Rick Rubin, designer Alber Elbaz, and personal trainers Gunnar Peterson and Harley Pasternak. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significance of the wedding and the couple’s extensive social network.
10. Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto
The Couple
Michael Jordan, the legendary NBA player and owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, married Yvette Prieto, a Cuban-American model, on April 27, 2013. The couple met at a Miami nightclub in 2008 and got engaged over the Christmas holidays in 2011.
The Cost
The wedding was an extravagant affair, with costs estimated at around $10 million. This included a series of lavish events, luxurious venues, and high-profile performances, making it one of the most expensive celebrity weddings.
The Venues
The wedding ceremony took place at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, Florida. The reception was held at the Bear’s Club, a golf course community in Jupiter, Florida, designed by Jack Nicklaus. The venues were chosen for their elegance and exclusivity, providing a perfect backdrop for the celebrations.
The Events
The wedding day was filled with ceremonial splendor and luxury. The ceremony at the church was followed by a grand reception at the Bear’s Club. Highlights included performances by Usher and Robin Thicke, who entertained the guests with their music. The bride wore a stunning French silk voile corseted gown by J’Aton Couture, adorned with handmade silk lace and Swarovski crystals.
The Guests
The guest list featured around 300 attendees, including family, friends, and high-profile figures from various industries. Notable guests included former NBA stars Scottie Pippen and Patrick Ewing, director Spike Lee, and golfer Tiger Woods. The presence of such distinguished guests underscored the significance of the wedding and the couple’s extensive social network.
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