What is a wedding if not the ultimate expression of a couple’s dream? For the world’s elite, the journey to “I do” is a masterclass in luxury, a breathtaking spectacle where imagination meets infinite possibility. These are not merely ceremonies; they are landmark events, setting the standard for grandeur, style, and unparalleled extravagance.
From private island kingdoms to performances by global superstars, and couture gowns that redefine bridal fashion, these nuptials capture the pinnacle of luxury. They are a source of inspiration, showcasing how tradition and avant-garde vision can merge to create a truly legendary beginning. For our discerning readers, we explore the 16 most extravagant weddings the world has ever seen—a testament to love stories written in the most exquisite detail.
The Architects of Aspiration: How Celebrity Weddings Shape Trends
The most celebrated weddings do more than make headlines; they dictate the zeitgeist of bridal style. When Bollywood icons like Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja elegantly swapped traditional red for timeless ivory lehengas, they inspired a generation of brides.
“White is already the go-to bridal colour in several Indian states. But there is a considerable change in the mainstream colour palette too now. More brides are opting for white, ivory, and off-white to match their contemporary vision for their big day,” explained designer Ridhi Mehra. This shift underscores the powerful influence these high-profile events have on the global luxury wedding landscape.
So, which legendary celebrations define the ultimate in nuptial opulence? Nupital presents the definitive list.
The Most Extravagant Weddings in the World
1. Priya Sachdev & Vikram Chatwal – USD 20 Million
A ten-day, three-city extravaganza across India. This wedding featured 600 guests flown in privately, a traditional Sikh ceremony, a Mughal-court-inspired white party, and a procession led by the groom on a white horse. The event required 50,000 kilos of flowers and 65,000 metres of fabric, creating an immersive Indian fantasy.
2. Letizia Ortiz & Prince Felipe of Spain – USD 28-54 Million
The commoner-turned-queen’s fairytale came to life at Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral. The bride arrived in a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, wearing a sublime USD 8 million Manuel Pertegaz gown and the historic Prussian tiara, on loan from Queen Sofia. A televised event for 25 million, it was Spain’s first royal wedding in nearly a century.
3. Angela Yeung (Angelababy) & Huang Xiaoming – USD 31 Million
A technological and stylistic marvel at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. Highlights included a live-streamed ceremony, a custom Christian Dior gown with a 10-foot train, a Chaumet engagement ring worth USD 1.5 million, and a 10-foot-tall, carousel-shaped wedding cake that took a month to create.
4. Kate Middleton & Prince William – USD 33 Million
A global event watched by 160 million people. While the security cost was monumental, the details were impeccably royal: a timeless Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown, six 20-foot trees lining Westminster Abbey, and a reception menu featuring organic lamb from the Prince of Wales’s own farm.
5. Madelaine Brockway & Jacob LaGrone – USD 59 Million
A viral sensation for its sheer perfection. Held at the Château de Villette near Paris, the wedding featured a custom Dior Haute Couture gown, a ceremony on a floating platform over the fountain, and two bespoke greenhouses for dining and dancing. The evening culminated in a surprise live performance by Maroon 5.
6. Meghan Markle & Prince Harry – USD 63 Million
A modern royal wedding that captivated the world. Meghan’s elegant Givenchy gown by Clare Waight Keller, the intimate setting of St George’s Chapel, and a powerful sermon set a new, refined tone for royal nuptials. The event was a masterful blend of tradition and contemporary sensibility.
7. Vanisha Mittal & Amit Bhatia – USD 65 Million
A record-setting six-day celebration across Paris’s most iconic landmarks, including the Palace of Versailles. The event featured 1,000 flown-in guests, a private Kylie Minogue performance, 12 chartered Boeing jets, and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. It set the Guinness World Record at the time.
8. Brahmani Reddy & Rajeev Reddy – USD 74 Million
An epic-scale Indian wedding for 50,000 guests at Bangalore’s Palace Grounds. The venue featured majestic replicas of ancient Indian temples, a bridal Kanjeevaram sari worth USD 2.3 million, and jewellery totalling USD 12 million. A task force of 3,000 security personnel managed the colossal event.
9. Isha Ambani & Anand Piramal – USD 100 Million
A multi-event celebration spanning Mumbai and Lake Como. The pre-wedding festivities included a private performance by Beyoncé—a first for the artist. The wedding itself saw the heiress in a USD 12 million lehenga by Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, with gold-encrusted invitations sent to a guest list of global leaders and celebrities.
10. Lady Diana Spencer & Prince Charles – USD 115 Million
The original “fairytale wedding” that captured the hearts of 750 million viewers. Lady Diana’s iconic ivory silk taffeta dress by Emanuel, adorned with 10,000 pearls, remains one of the most famous gowns in history. The event at St Paul’s Cathedral defined royal grandeur for a generation.
11. The Roy Double Wedding – USD 123 Million
A double wedding for the sons of Sahara India’s Subroto Roy. The six-day event featured an 11,000-strong guestlist, 200 Mercedes for transport, a performance by the British Symphony Orchestra, and over 100 different cuisines. The family also philanthropically sponsored the marriages of 101 underprivileged girls.
12. Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum & Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – USD 137 Million
The world’s most expensive wedding. The 1979 celebration was a week-long national holiday, with a custom-built venue for 20,000 guests. The festivities included a flying display by the Dubai Police Air Wing’s Macchi Jet Fighters and a procession of 20 jewel-laden camels delivering gifts.
13. Anant Ambani & Radhika Merchant – USD 1 Billion+
Redefining the concept of a wedding celebration. The multi-month festivities began with a pre-wedding in Jamnagar featuring a historic performance by Rihanna and culminated in a legendary European cruise for 1,200 guests with performances by icons like The Backstreet Boys, Andrea Bocelli, and Katy Perry. A celebration of unparalleled scale and vision.
Honourable Mentions
- Akash Ambani & Shloka Mehta (2019): A Mumbai-St. Moritz celebration with private performances by Chris Martin and The Chainsmokers.
- Michael Jordan & Yvette Prieto (2013): A USD 10 million Florida estate wedding with a custom crystal-encrusted gown and performances by Usher and Robin Thicke.
- Lolita Osmanova & Gaspar Avdolyan (2017): A lavish takeover of LA’s Dolby Theatre (Oscars venue), transformed with ornate florals and performances by Lady Gaga and Jason Derulo.
(Main image: Getty Images; Featured Image: Viral Bhayani)