A Glimpse into the World's Most Outrageous Weddings: From Bezos to Ambani

Weddings, traditionally symbols of love and commitment, have become displays of unparalleled luxury and prestige for the ultra-rich. These grand events, ranging from globally televised royal unions to exclusive private gatherings, redefine extravagance with million-dollar dresses and performances by world-renowned superstars. Held in opulent palaces, historic castles, or modern mega-mansions, these weddings spare no expense, featuring everything from diamond-encrusted invitations to billion-dollar price tags.

Here’s a glimpse into some of the most expensive weddings the world has ever seen, showcasing the incredible scale, celebrity guest lists, and fairytale settings that transform these personal celebrations into significant cultural moments.

A Glimpse at Unforgettable Extravagance

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 in late June 2025 is already generating buzz. Anticipating around 200 guests, the event promises exclusivity and luxury. However, the preparations have faced local protests, with residents expressing concerns that Venice is becoming an unaffordable wedding destination for its own citizens.

Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhova (2016)

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

Reportedly the most expensive wedding to date, Khadija Uzhakhova, at age 20, married Said Gutseriev, son of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Gutseriev. The bride wore a 28-pound Elie Saab gown, heavily embellished with crystals and beads. The Moscow venue was transformed into a floral paradise, with flowers covering every surface. Guests were chauffeured in luxury cars, and the entertainment featured performances by Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias, each reportedly costing over a million dollars. 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, rivaled monarchical displays. Spanning several months with multiple events, the wedding emphasized cultural traditions alongside lavish displays. Invitees included Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former British PM Tony Blair. Over one million flowers were used to create more than 60 animal sculptures. Performances by Rihanna, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, and Justin Bieber highlighted the global concerts held at each event.

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 was a global spectacle. Diana’s dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, featured 10,000 pearls and a 25-foot train. Pre-wedding festivities included a Buckingham Palace gala and a grand fireworks display. The reception hosted 120 guests and featured 27 cakes.

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, beginning with an engagement at Lake Como, Italy, featuring a performance by John Legend. Beyoncé headlined a private concert at Udaipur City Palace. The wedding ceremony took place at the Ambanis' Mumbai home, Antilia, adorned with flowers covering its 27 stories. Invitations were presented in flower boxes containing sacred mantras. The family also served food to 5,000 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 and Prince Harry blended Hollywood glamour with British royalty. Watched by nearly 2 billion people, the ceremony featured a minimalist Givenchy wedding dress priced at $265,000, accompanied by performances from orchestras, gospel choirs, and Elton John. Approximately $40 million was spent on security for the couple and their guests, highlighting the high stakes involved in modern royal events.

Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia (2004)

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

Lakshmi Mittal's daughter, Vanisha Mittal, and Amit Bhatia's wedding was a seven-day Parisian celebration held at venues like 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 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 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton captured global attention. 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. A royal luncheon hosted by Queen Elizabeth followed the ceremony, and Prince Charles hosted an evening reception. The 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 dress made of lace roses and tulle. A 10-foot wedding cake and a 2,000-guest list were complemented by a high-tech show, complete with 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 three-day celebration at the 15th-century Castello Odescalchi. Petra wore a Vera Wang gown valued at over $125,000. Andrea Bocelli performed for the couple, followed by a champagne reception, fireworks, and performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Eric Clapton. The couple divorced in 2017.

These weddings represent the pinnacle of luxury, transforming personal celebrations into cultural spectacles with global impact.