World's Most Over-the-Top Weddings: From Bezos' Venetian Nuptials to Ambani's Billion-Dollar Bash

Weddings, traditionally a symbol of love and commitment, reach new heights of luxury and expense for the world's elite. These lavish affairs, ranging from globally televised royal ceremonies to exclusive private gatherings, redefine extravagance with multi-million dollar gowns and performances by international superstars. Held in breathtaking venues like palaces, castles, and sprawling mansions, every detail, from diamond-encrusted invitations to billion-dollar budgets, is meticulously curated. Let's delve into some of the most expensive weddings ever orchestrated, events that transcend personal milestones to become significant cultural and historical moments.

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos (2025)

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

The upcoming nuptials of journalist Lauren Sánchez and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in Venice in late June 2025, is highly anticipated. The event is expected to host around 200 guests in a celebration of luxury. However, the preparations haven't been without controversy. Local Venetian residents have protested, expressing concerns that the city's transformation into a wedding destination is making it unaffordable and inaccessible for them.

Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhova (2016)

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

Khadija Uzhakhova's marriage to Said Gutseriev, son of Russian oil magnate Mikhail Gutseriev, is considered the most expensive wedding to date. The bride wore a 28-pound Elie Saab gown adorned with crystals and custom beads, making it difficult for her to move freely. The Safisa Banqueting Hall in Moscow was transformed into a floral paradise, with flowers covering every surface. Guests arrived in a fleet of luxury cars and were entertained by Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias, with performance fees reportedly exceeding a million dollars each. A nine-tiered cake capped off this display of unparalleled 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 India's answer to royal-level opulence. This multi-month event, filled with celebrity appearances, was a blend of cultural tradition and lavish display.

Guests included Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The venue featured over 60 animal sculptures made from more than a million flowers. Global concerts were held at each event, featuring performances by 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 was a globally televised fairytale. 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. Although the reception was relatively small, with only 120 guests, the event's lavishness, including 27 cakes, captivated audiences worldwide.

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 spectacle, commencing 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 Ambanis' Mumbai residence, Antilia, a skyscraper adorned with flowers. Invitations were presented in flower boxes containing sacred mantras. As a charitable gesture, food was served to 5,000 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 and British royalty. Watched by nearly 2 billion viewers globally, the ceremony featured a minimalist Givenchy gown valued at $265,000, performances by orchestras, gospel choirs, and Elton John. Security for the couple and guests cost almost $40 million, highlighting 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, and Amit Bhatia celebrated their wedding with a seven-day event in Paris. The ceremony was held at landmarks such as 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 a performance by Kylie Minogue and a fireworks display over 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 world watched as Prince William married Kate Middleton. Her Alexander McQueen gown featured 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 ceremony, Queen Elizabeth hosted a royal luncheon, and Prince Charles hosted an evening reception. A chocolate biscuit groom's cake added a 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 gown with lace roses and layers of tulle. A 10-foot wedding cake and a 2,000-guest list were complemented by a high-tech show, including a holographic castle. Guests received high-end electronics as gifts. Despite their split in 2022, their wedding remains a pop-culture benchmark for Asian wedding extravagance.

Petra Ecclestone and James Stunt

• Location: Castello Odescalchi, Bracciano, Italy
• Cost: $19 million

Petra Ecclestone, daughter of Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone, married businessman James Stunt in a 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 couple, followed by a champagne reception. The event included fireworks and performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Eric Clapton. The couple divorced in 2017.