When the ultra-wealthy tie the knot, wedding planning transcends romance—it becomes a display of global influence and luxury. From billion-dollar Russian affairs to royal spectacles watched by billions, this list captures the most expensive weddings in the world, ranked by opulence and cultural impact. These are not just ceremonies—they are the richest weddings in the world, where no detail is spared—from couture fashion and world-class performances to destination venues and legacy-building moments.
Arguably the ultimate expression of wealth and opulence, this Moscow gala remains the most expensive wedding ever. The venue was transformed into a floral wonderland and featured a nine-tier cake taller than the attendees. High-profile concerts by Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias captivated the audience. The bride's Elie Saab gown reportedly cost $1 million, weighed nearly 25 lbs, and required a team of handlers. Every guest received jeweled keepsake boxes, and 600 luxury vehicles formed a convoy throughout the city.
Over six days in Mumbai, this wedding showcased dramatic floral installations sculpted into animals, a 5,500-drone light show, and concerts by Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, and Andrea Bocelli. The guest list included global business leaders, Bollywood celebrities, and politicians alike. The event combined Indian cultural traditions with ultra-modern spectacle, making it one of the richest weddings in the world.
Held at the Ambani family's multi-level Antilia residence and luxury venues across India, this wedding blended heritage with cutting-edge design. The bride wore a $12 million couture outfit while guests enjoyed performances by Beyoncé and John Legend. Wedding invitations played the sacred Gayatri mantra, and thousands were served charitable meals across Udaipur. Every detail exuded opulence—yet retained cultural depth and philanthropic intent.
This French fairytale wedding took place across Château de Vaux‑le‑Vicomte and Versailles. Over 1,000 guests traveled first-class to Paris, Kylie Minogue performed, and fireworks lit up the Eiffel Tower night sky. Guests received lavish silver-cased invitations, and floral décor echoed palace grandeur throughout the venues. The event epitomized European elegance and remained highly rated among the most expensive weddings in the world.
Referred to as the “Wedding of the Century,” this royal affair at St. Paul’s Cathedral gathered 3,500 guests in person and 750 million viewers worldwide. Diana’s 25-foot pearl-encrusted train captivated global audiences. Post-ceremony festivities included fireworks, gala receptions, and sumptuous menus. Though the price tag was $48 million then, it would exceed $160 million today. It remains one of the most expensive royal weddings ever.
A modern royal union at Windsor Castle, the ceremony blended tradition with a fresh global narrative. Meghan’s Givenchy gown ($265,000) and Elton John’s performance lent modern glamour, while security costs neared $40 million. Economic impact to the UK war estimated at £1 billion through tourism and media exposure. The wedding blended personal narrative with royal pageantry in record fashion.
Held across iconic Venetian venues like San Giorgio Maggiore and the Arsenale, this three-day celebration included approximately 200 elite guests, luxury transport from private yachts to water taxis, contributions to lagoon preservation funds, and citywide media attention. The cost estimates ranged from $47M to $56M, making it one of the richest weddings in the world with high-profile glamour and location controversy.
Held at Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral with roughly 1,200 dignitaries in attendance, this royal ceremony showcased Letizia’s $8 million couture gown, over 1,000 bottles of champagne, and grand decor befitting a state occasion. The event blended tradition, royal protocol, and high fashion in a ceremony seen as one of the richest weddings in the world.
Broadcast to nearly two billion viewers worldwide, this ceremony included Kate’s $434,000 Alexander McQueen gown, Buckingham Palace receptions, and William’s beloved chocolate biscuit cake. The wedding intertwined centuries-old royal protocol with personal touches and modern British sensibility. It remains one of the most expensive royal weddings ever and a model for modern regal simplicity.
At Shanghai Exhibition Center, this extravagant wedding featured holographic castle visuals, a carousel-style cake, Dior couture fashion, and smartphone gifts for around 2,000 guests. The venue was transformed into a cinematic spectacle with dramatic lighting and fashion-forward details. It remains among the most expensive weddings in the world and a defining moment in Asian celebrity wedding design.
From billion-dollar extravaganzas to royal spectacles and celebrity-focused opulence, these weddings define what it means to be among the richest weddings in the world. Each event showcases how status, culture, fashion, and spectacle intersect at the highest levels of spending. Whether celebrating love or legacy, these ceremonies cement their place in history as the most expensive weddings ever—each unforgettable in its scope, style, and impact.
The most expensive wedding ever is widely believed to be the 2016 Moscow ceremony between Khadija Uzhakhova and Said Gutseriev, with an estimated cost of $1 billion.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles’s 1981 wedding is considered the most expensive royal wedding, costing $48 million at the time—over $160 million today when adjusted for inflation.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez reportedly spent between $47–56 million on their 2025 wedding in Venice, placing it among the richest weddings in the world.
Celebrity weddings often involve luxury venues, designer fashion, elite guest lists, and high-security logistics—all contributing to their ranking among the most expensive weddings ever.
Yes, the most expensive weddings in the world often set trends in bridal fashion, décor, and destination planning, inspiring designers, planners, and couples globally.
Disclosure: This list is intended as an informational resource and is based on independent research and publicly available information. It does not imply that these businesses are the absolute best in their category. Learn more here.
This article may contain commission-based affiliate links. Learn more on our Privacy Policy page.
Stay informed with the best tips, trends, and news — straight to your inbox.
By submitting I agree to Brand Vision Privacy Policy and T&C.