Headline: Billion-Dollar Nuptials: A Deep Dive into the World's Most Opulent Weddings, From Bezos to Ambani

Weddings, a celebration of love and commitment, reach unparalleled heights of luxury and grandeur for the world's ultra-rich. These events transcend personal milestones, becoming cultural phenomena marked by breathtaking extravagance. From royal ceremonies watched by billions to intimate gatherings featuring million-dollar dresses and performances by global icons, these weddings redefine opulence. Prepare to be amazed by the scale, star-studded guest lists, and fairytale settings that define these historic and cultural moments.

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos are planning a wedding in Venice, Italy.

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

The highly anticipated union of journalist Lauren Sánchez and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is slated for late June 2025 in Venice. Expected to host around 200 guests, the event promises an exclusive and luxurious experience. However, the preparations have sparked controversy, with local Venetian residents protesting the city's transformation into a playground for lavish weddings, making it increasingly unaffordable and inaccessible for them.

Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhova celebrated their marriage at Safisa Banqueting Hall, Moscow.

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

Khadija Uzhakhova's marriage to Said Gutseriev, son of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Gutseriev, is considered the most expensive wedding to date. The bride wore a 28-pound Elie Saab gown adorned with crystals, making it difficult for her to walk unaided. The Moscow venue was transformed into a floral wonderland, with flowers covering every surface. Guests were chauffeured in luxury cars, and entertainment included performances by Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias, each reportedly costing over a million dollars. A towering nine-tiered cake completed the picture of unimaginable extravagance.

Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani's pre-wedding celebration.

• 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 multi-month affair rivaling royal celebrations. The celebrity-studded events emphasized cultural observance and extravagant displays. Guests included Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The venue featured over 60 flower animal sculptures created from more than a million flowers. Global concerts at each event showcased international artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, and Justin Bieber.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles' wedding was a global spectacle.

• 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 captured the world's attention. Diana's 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. The reception hosted 120 guests, with every detail reflecting lavishness, from 27 cakes to a global audience.

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal during their wedding day in Mumbai.

• 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 residence, Antilia, a skyscraper adorned with flowers. Invitations were presented in flower boxes containing sacred mantras, and food was provided to 5,000 residents for four days as a charitable gesture.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry exiting Windsor Castle after their wedding.

• 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 viewers globally, the ceremony featured a minimalist Givenchy wedding dress priced at $265,000, performances by orchestras and gospel choirs, and a rendition by 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's week-long wedding in Paris.

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

Lakshmi Mittal's daughter, Vanisha Mittal, celebrated her marriage to Amit Bhatia with a seven-day Parisian extravaganza. The ceremony took place at iconic locations such as the Palace of Versailles and Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Guests traveled first class and stayed in five-star hotels. Invitations arrived in silver packages, and entertainment included Kylie Minogue and a firework display over the Eiffel Tower. The wine alone cost $1.5 million.

Kate Middleton and Prince William on their wedding day.

• Location: Westminster Abbey, London
• Estimated cost: $33 million

The world watched as Prince William married Kate Middleton. Her Alexander McQueen wedding 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, with an evening reception courtesy of Prince Charles. A chocolate biscuit groom's cake added a sentimental touch.

Angelababy and Huang Xiaoming's wedding at Shanghai Exhibition Center.

• 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 layers. The 10-foot wedding cake, the 2,000-guest list, and a high-tech show with a holographic castle were highlights. Guests received high-end electronics as gifts. Though the couple divorced in 2022, their wedding remains a pop-culture benchmark for wedding excess in Asia.

Petra Ecclestone and James Stunt at Castello Odescalchi, Bracciano, Italy.

• 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 newlyweds after the ceremony, followed by a champagne reception. Fireworks and musical performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Eric Clapton highlighted the event. The couple divorced in 2017.