Tiêu đề: Billion-Dollar Nuptials: A Look Inside the World's Most Extravagant Weddings, From Bezos to Ambani

Weddings, universally recognized as symbols of love and commitment, reach unparalleled heights of extravagance when celebrated by the world's wealthiest individuals. These events transcend mere personal milestones, evolving into grand displays of luxury, prestige, and unimaginable expense. From royal ceremonies watched by billions to exclusive, invitation-only affairs featuring multi-million dollar gowns and performances by global music icons, the boundaries of opulence are constantly redefined.

These lavish celebrations, often hosted in breathtaking venues such as palaces, castles, or sprawling mansions, leave no detail overlooked. From diamond-studded invitations to billion-dollar budgets, these weddings represent the pinnacle of extravagance.

Here's a look at some of the most extravagant weddings of the 21st century, showcasing the sheer scale, celebrity guest lists, and fairytale settings that transform these events into historic and cultural landmarks:

A Look at the Most Luxurious Weddings Around the Globe

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos (2025)

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

The highly anticipated wedding of journalist Lauren Sánchez and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is slated for late June 2025 in Venice. The event is expected to host around 200 guests, promising an atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity. However, the preparations have faced some resistance, with Venetian locals protesting the city's increasing transformation into an unaffordable wedding destination, making it less accessible for its residents.

Said Gutseriev and Khadija Uzhakhova (2016)

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

Khadija Uzhakhova, at just 20 years old, married Said Gutseriev, the son of Russian oil tycoon Mikhail Gutseriev, in what is considered one of the most expensive weddings ever. The bride wore a 28-pound Elie Saab gown adorned with crystals and custom beading.

The venue in Moscow was transformed into a floral wonderland, with flowers covering every surface. Guests were transported in a fleet of luxury cars, and the entertainment lineup included performances by Jennifer Lopez, Sting, and Enrique Iglesias, with fees reportedly exceeding a million dollars per artist. The nine-tiered cake epitomized the wedding's extravagant nature.

Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani (2024)

• Location: Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai
• Estimated Cost: $600 million - $1 billion

The pre-wedding celebrations of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani, represented a display of monarch-level extravagance. Spanning several months and featuring numerous celebrity-studded events, the wedding was a blend of cultural traditions and extravagant displays.

The guest list included prominent figures such as Kim Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Over one million flowers were used to create more than 60 animal sculptures. Global concerts were a staple at each event, with performances by international stars like 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 approximately $166 million today)

Dubbed "The Wedding of the Century," the marriage of Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles captivated the world. Diana's iconic dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, featured 10,000 pearls and a 25-foot train.

The pre-wedding festivities included a gala at Buckingham Palace and a spectacular fireworks display. The wedding reception hosted 120 guests, and every detail reflected opulence, from the 27 cakes served to the global audience.

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, 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, which was adorned with enough flowers to cover its 27 stories. Invitations were presented in flower boxes filled with sacred mantras. Additionally, food was served 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 to Prince Harry united Hollywood and British royalty. Watched by nearly 2 billion viewers worldwide, the ceremony featured a minimalist Givenchy wedding dress priced at $265,000, along with performances by orchestras, gospel choirs, and Elton John.

Approximately $40 million was allocated to security for the couple and their guests, highlighting the high stakes associated with royal rituals in the modern era.

Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia (2004)

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

Vanisha Mittal, daughter of Lakshmi Mittal, celebrated her marriage to Amit Bhatia with a seven-day event in Paris. The ceremonies were held at iconic locations, including 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 performances by Kylie Minogue and a fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower. The wine served cost $1.5 million.

Kate Middleton and Prince William (2011)

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

The wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton captivated the world. Her Alexander McQueen wedding gown featured intricate 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 dress made of lace roses and layers of tulle. A 10-foot wedding cake and a guest list of 2,000 were complemented by a high-tech show, including a holographic castle. The couple also gifted their guests high-end electronics. Although they divorced in 2022, their wedding remains a pop-culture benchmark for wedding excess 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 lavish 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 newlyweds after the ceremony, followed by a champagne reception. The event included fireworks and musical performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Eric Clapton. The couple divorced in 2017.