Billion-Dollar Nuptials: A Look Inside the World's Most Lavish Weddings, From Bezos to Ambani

Weddings, traditionally a celebration of love and commitment, reach unparalleled levels of opulence for the world's elite. These billion-dollar weddings are not just personal milestones; they become cultural phenomena defined by unmatched luxury and prestige. From royal ceremonies broadcast globally to exclusive private affairs with million-dollar dresses and performances by iconic superstars, these celebrations redefine extravagance. Held in stunning locations like palaces, castles, and immense mansions, every aspect, from diamond-encrusted invitations to the final cost, is meticulously planned and executed. Let's explore some of the most lavish weddings of the 21st century, showcasing their breathtaking scale, celebrity guest lists, and fairytale settings.

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos (2025)

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

The upcoming wedding of journalist Lauren Sánchez and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in Venice is already generating buzz. Expected to host around 200 guests, the event is anticipated to be the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. However, the preparations have faced local opposition. Venetian residents are protesting, arguing that the city's increasing popularity as a destination for lavish weddings is making it unaffordable and inaccessible for them.

Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhova (2016)

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

The wedding of Said Gutseriev, son of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Gutseriev, and Khadija Uzhakhova is considered by some to be the most expensive wedding in recent history. The bride wore a custom-made Elie Saab gown, weighing 28 pounds and adorned with crystals and beads. The Safisa Banqueting Hall in Moscow was transformed into a floral wonderland, with flowers covering every surface. Guests were transported in luxury cars, and the entertainment lineup included Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias, each reportedly paid over a million dollars for their performances. A nine-tiered cake completed the picture of unimaginable 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 a grand spectacle rivaling royal celebrations. This multi-month event featured numerous celebrity-attended functions, showcasing both cultural traditions and extravagant displays.

Guests included Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The decorations featured over 60 animal sculptures crafted from more than a million flowers. The celebrations included performances by international artists 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 captivated the world. Diana's dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, featured 10,000 pearls and a 25-foot train. Pre-wedding festivities included a gala at Buckingham Palace and a large fireworks display. While the actual wedding reception hosted only 120 guests, the event's lavishness was evident in every detail, from the 27 cakes served to the global audience.

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal (2018)

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

Isha Ambani, daughter of Mukesh Ambani, and Anand Piramal's wedding was a multi-day extravaganza that commenced with an engagement at Lake Como, Italy, featuring a performance by John Legend. Beyoncé headlined a private concert at the Udaipur City Palace. The wedding ceremony took place at the Ambanis' Mumbai home, Antilia, a skyscraper adorned with flowers covering its 27 stories. Invitations were presented as flower boxes containing sacred mantras. As a gesture of charity, food was served to 5,000 residents over 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 blended Hollywood glamour with British royalty. Watched by nearly 2 billion people worldwide, the ceremony featured a minimalist Givenchy wedding dress priced at $265,000, along with performances by orchestras, gospel choirs, and Elton John. Approximately $40 million was allocated to security for the couple and their guests, highlighting the high stakes associated with modern royal rituals.

Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia (2004)

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

Lakshmi Mittal's daughter, Vanisha Mittal, celebrated her marriage to Amit Bhatia with a seven-day celebration in Paris. The ceremonies were held at iconic locations such as the Palace of Versailles and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Guests were flown first class and accommodated in five-star hotels. Invitations arrived in silver packages, and entertainment included a performance by Kylie Minogue and a fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower. 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 audiences worldwide. Her Alexander McQueen wedding gown featured exquisite lace embroidery and a 9-foot train. Westminster Abbey was adorned with eight indoor trees and thousands of flowers, costing nearly $800,000. A royal luncheon hosted by Queen Elizabeth followed the official ceremony, with an evening reception hosted by Prince Charles. The chocolate biscuit groom's cake added a personal touch to the event.

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 made of lace roses and layers of tulle. A ten-foot wedding cake and a 2,000-guest list were complemented by a high-tech show featuring a holographic castle. The couple also gifted their guests high-end electronics. Despite their split in 2022, their wedding remains a 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. Following 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.