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

Weddings, traditionally symbols of love and commitment, reach unparalleled heights of grandeur and extravagance when celebrated by the world's wealthiest individuals. These events transcend mere personal milestones, evolving into elaborate displays of luxury, prestige, and staggering expense. From royal ceremonies broadcast globally to intimate, invitation-only affairs boasting million-dollar gowns and performances by iconic musicians, these celebrations redefine the boundaries of opulence.

Hosted in majestic palaces, historic castles, or sprawling estates, no detail is overlooked in these billion-dollar weddings, from diamond-encrusted invitations to meticulously curated entertainment. Let's explore some of the most expensive weddings ever witnessed, showcasing the astonishing scale, star-studded guest lists, and fairytale settings that transform these occasions into significant cultural events.

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 slated to occur in Venice in late June 2025. The event, expecting around 200 guests, has stirred controversy among Venetian locals who protest the city's transformation into an unaffordable wedding destination.

Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhova (2016)

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

At just 20 years old, Khadija Uzhakhova married Said Gutseriev, son of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Gutseriev, in what is considered one of the most expensive weddings in history. 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 arrived in a fleet of luxury cars and were entertained by Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias. A towering, nine-tiered cake served as the grand finale to this extravagant event.

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, set a new standard for extravagance in India. This multi-month celebration included numerous celebrity-studded events, showcasing both cultural traditions and lavish displays.

Notable attendees included Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The decorations featured over 60 flower animal sculptures made from more than one million flowers, along with 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 about $166 million today)

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

The pre-wedding festivities included a gala at Buckingham Palace and a spectacular fireworks display. The wedding reception, though relatively small with 120 guests, showcased lavish details, including 27 cakes served to guests and viewers worldwide.

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 a series of events, starting with an engagement at Lake Como, Italy, where John Legend performed. Beyoncé headlined a private concert at the Udaipur City Palace.

The wedding ceremony took place at the Ambani family's Mumbai skyscraper, Antilia, lavishly decorated with flowers. Invitations were presented in flower boxes filled with sacred mantras, and food was served to 5,000 local residents for four days as a charitable gesture.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (2018)

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

The wedding of American actress Meghan Markle to Prince Harry merged Hollywood glamour with British royalty. Watched by nearly 2 billion people globally, 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 guests accounted for nearly $40 million of the total cost.

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 celebration in Paris. The ceremonies were held at famous landmarks, including the Palace of Versailles and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Guests were flown in first class and accommodated in five-star hotels. Invitations arrived in silver packages, and entertainment included Kylie Minogue and a fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower. The wine served 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. Kate's Alexander McQueen gown featured lace embroidery and a nine-foot train. Westminster Abbey was adorned with eight indoor trees and thousands of flowers, costing nearly $800,000. Following the ceremony, 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, featuring a Dior dress made of lace roses and layers of tulle. A ten-foot wedding cake and a guest list of 2,000 were complemented by a high-tech show with a holographic castle. The couple also gifted their guests high-end electronics.

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 Lake Bracciano in Italy. Petra wore a Vera Wang gown valued at over $125,000. Andrea Bocelli performed for the newlyweds, followed by a champagne reception. The event featured fireworks and musical performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Eric Clapton. The couple later divorced in 2017.