The wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of healthcare tycoon Viren Merchant, has established a new standard for opulence.
From the pre-wedding festivities to the main ceremony, the celebrations showcased custom couture, exclusive venues, and a feast for thousands, underscoring the Ambanis’ unparalleled talent for merging luxury with cultural significance.
Here is a trip down memory lane, highlighting some of the most extravagant weddings in history;
10. Kate Middleton and Prince William – USD 33 million
The 2011 royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William ranks among the world’s most expensive weddings, captivating audiences with its extravagance and splendor. Held at Westminster Abbey with 1,900 guests, the event was watched by 160 million viewers worldwide, with celebrations extending across Commonwealth nations.
9. Madelaine Brockway and Jacob Lagrone – USD 59 million
Ranking 9th among the most expensive weddings ever is the nuptial ceremony of Madelaine Brockway and Jacob Lagrone. Emerging from the depths of the internet, their $59 million wedding left TikTok users in awe. Netizens, using their detective skills, discovered that Madelaine is the heiress of car dealership tycoon Robert “Bob” Brockway, Chairman and CEO of Bill Ussery Motors. The couple’s lavish Parisian wedding became an online sensation, epitomizing opulence and extravagance as the only way to celebrate their special day.
8. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – USD 63 million
In 2018, Prince Harry’s marriage to American actress Meghan Markle marked a significant moment for British royalty. The ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, was attended by 600 guests, including numerous celebrities and members of royalty.
An estimated 1.9 billion people tuned in to watch the couple say their “I dos,” making it one of the biggest televised events in history. A wedding ceremony of such scale required meticulous planning and hard work from everyone involved. Claire Ptak, the wedding cake baker, spent five days with her team perfecting the couple’s lemon sponge confection. Meanwhile, the dressmakers dedicated “hundreds of hours” to sewing fabric, washing their hands every 30 minutes to keep the veil immaculate.
7. Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhattia – USD 65 million
In 2004, steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal’s daughter, Vanisha, married Amit Bhattia in an event that spanned iconic French locations. The six-day celebration featured a performance by Kylie Minogue and hosted 1,000 international guests, ranking among the most expensive weddings in India and beyond.
6. Rajeev Reddy and Brahmani Janardhana Reddy – USD 74 million
Brahmani Reddy’s 2016 wedding, held at Bangalore’s Palace Grounds, drew criticism for its extravagance amid India’s demonetization crisis. The event, attended by 50,000 guests, featured opulent elements such as a $2.3 million sari and extensive security.
5. Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal – USD 100 million
In 2018, Reliance heiress Isha Ambani married Anand Piramal in a series of multi-city celebrations that began at the Ambani residence, Antilia. The lavish events featured numerous high-profile attendees and elaborate ceremonies.
4. Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles – USD 115 million
The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer took place on July 29, 1981, at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. It was a globally watched event, often referred to as the “wedding of the century.”
3. Chandni Toor and Seemanto Roy; Richa Roy and Sushanto Roy – USD 123 million
In 2004, Sahara Group’s Subroto Roy hosted a double wedding for his sons, transforming Lucknow with lavish arrangements. The six-day event featured gold napkins, luxury cars, and private jets for its 11,000 guests.
2. Sheikha Hind Bint bin Maktoum and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – USD 137 million
In 1979, Dubai’s royal wedding saw Sheikh Mohammed marrying his cousin Sheikha Hind. The extravagant week-long celebration featured a custom-built venue, traditional musicians, and camels adorned with jewels, marking a grand event in the region’s history.
1. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant – USD 1 billion+
Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding is considered one of the most expensive weddings globally. The pre-wedding festivities in 2024 featured Rihanna and numerous global celebrities. The extensive celebrations included a Mediterranean cruise and lavish parties, setting a new standard for wedding extravagance.