12 of the Most Iconic Wedding Ceremonies Throughout History

In honor of JFK Jr. and Carolyn’s Wedding: The Lost Tapes—only on TLC.

By: Brittany Loggins

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Iconic Weddings to Remember

In honor of the upcoming TLC special, JFK Jr. and Carolyn’s Wedding: The Lost Tapes, we’re looking back on the iconic weddings that captivated the public.

Catch JFK Jr. and Carolyn’s Wedding: The Lost Tapes at 8 p.m. EST/PST, July 13 on TLC.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

‘Twas the viewing party hosted ‘round the world! Kate Middleton, now Duchess of Cambridge, married Prince William in a stunning ceremony at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011. Not only did everyone love the couple’s story, but they were excited to reflect on the wedding of Princess Diana as her oldest son walked down the aisle as well. It was a special day filled with choirs, flowers, cakes and more celeb sightings than anyone could keep track of.

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

There’s a chance that even if you missed Prince William’s wedding, you still tuned in for Prince Harry’s. He married American Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018 at Windsor Castle in a stunning ceremony that both held onto royal traditions and managed to show off individuality. While the couple was hounded by the press leading up to their ceremony, they handled it flawlessly and made their love for one another absolutely apparent.

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier (JFK and Jackie!) were married in Newport, Rhode Island, on Sept. 12, 1953. Their wedding is as close to royalty as we get in America, as evidenced by his insanely cool suit and her stunning dress and bouquet.

Prince Charles and Lady Diana

Rightfully known as the “people’s princess” due to her open and warm nature, Diana, Princess of Wales, married Prince Charles on July 29, 1981 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. She was the ultimate blushing bride, and her dress was definitely reminiscent of the era. The couple had two children, William and Harry, before divorcing in 1996.

George and Amal Clooney

You might as well go ahead and refer to this duo as the modern-day royals of America. The two got married on Sept. 27, 2016 in Venice. She wore a show-stopping Oscar de la Renta gown with a gorgeous train and off-the-shoulder detailing. They had dozens of famous guests, but none of them were capable of distracting from the stunning couple.

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston

If you’re a child of the ‘90s, this is probably the first wedding that comes to your mind. The couple was married on July 20, 2000 in Malibu, California in a ceremony that probably required as much security as a presidential inauguration. Their 2005 divorce was just as public as their marriage. To this day, you can probably walk into any grocery store and find rumors about the duo in gossip magazines.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Tom Hanks married actress Rita Wilson on April 30, 1988 in California. Wilson wore a dress that was perfect—especially in ‘88. The couple is still together and going strong. They have been very open in talking about their relationship over the years, and still seem incredibly happy.

Liza Minelli and Peter Allen

Liza Minelli married Australian-born singer-songwriter Peter Allen on March 3, 1967. They divorced in 1974 and Minelli went on to get married three more times. The lacy, high-necked blouse and antique brooch worn by Minnelli were just as indicative of the time as they were of her quirky personality.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton

Elizabeth Taylor has been married eight times, but to only seven men—and that’s because she married Richard Burton twice. The couple was married for the first time from 1964–1974, and the next time from ‘75–’76. This iconic photo from their first wedding day was taken at a ceremony in Montreal, Canada.

Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller

Marilyn Monroe married playwright Arthur Miller in 1956 in White Plains, New York, and held a ceremony the next day. The public loved seeing the two together, and they were often photographed looking happy. The two announced that they would be seeking a divorce in 1960, and Monroe died from a drug overdose in 1962. Miller didn’t attend her funeral.

Elvis and Priscilla Presley

The king of rock and roll married Priscilla Presley on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas. Not only did their wedding take place in an unconventional town, but the couple also held their ceremony at 9 o’clock in the morning with only a handful of friends and family. Unfortunately they divorced on Jan. 8, 1973, which was on the day of Elvis’s thirty-eighth birthday.

Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner

Can you imagine how amazing the music was at Frank Sinatra’s wedding? The singer married actress Ava Gardner on Nov. 7, 1951 at a friend’s home in Philadelphia. They divorced in 1957.

12 of the Most Iconic Wedding Ceremonies Throughout History

Related To:

Shop This Look

Iconic Weddings to Remember

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier

Prince Charles and Lady Diana

George and Amal Clooney

Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Liza Minelli and Peter Allen

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton

Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller

Elvis and Priscilla Presley

Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner

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