Adrian Berlutti
Royal weddings are known for glamor and opulence. These ceremonies pull out all the stops, from breathtaking gowns to exclusive venues. Here’s a look at 20 of the world’s priciest royal weddings that went above and beyond to showcase the ultimate displays of wealth and tradition.
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer’s wedding charmed audiences worldwide. Diana’s gown, with its 25-foot train, became iconic, and the event’s cost exceeded $48 million when adjusted for inflation. The televised ceremony made history as millions tuned in to watch.
Prince William and Catherine Middleton
The couple exchanged vows at the iconic Westminster Abbey, with the total cost of the event reaching around $34 million. Kate’s stunning Alexander McQueen gown, paired with an impressive guest list that included royals and celebrities, ensured that this royal wedding would be remembered for years to come.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Meghan’s elegant Givenchy dress and a star-studded guest list drew international attention, while security expenses accounted for a large portion of the budget. In 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated their union with a £32 million wedding and blended royal traditions with modern flair.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Queen Rania
This Jordanian royal wedding in 1993 combined elegance with Middle Eastern charm. Queen Rania dazzled in a custom gown, and the couple’s celebration reflected their country’s rich culture. With a cost exceeding $15 million, it remains one of the most glamorous weddings in royal history.
Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling
Sweden celebrated the union of Princess Victoria and her former personal trainer, Daniel, in 2010. This wedding cost around $3 million and features Swedish traditions and a stunning ceremony at Stockholm Cathedral. The event marked a significant moment in the Swedish royal family’s modern history.
Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
This union blended Spanish tradition with royal pageantry in a beautiful way. In 2004, King Felipe VI and journalist Letizia Ortiz became Spain’s most beloved royal couple. Their $25 million wedding included a lavish ceremony at Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral, attended by royals from across Europe.
Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson
Costing nearly $6 million, the wedding celebrated Danish traditions, and Mary’s royal transformation fascinated the public. Denmark embraced Australian Mary Donaldson in a stunning 2004 ceremony held in Copenhagen. Her elegant gown and the grand festivities charmed fans of royal romance worldwide.
Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah of Brunei
Her Bruneian royal ceremony included ornate decorations, priceless jewelry, and a palace reception that showcased the wealth and cultural traditions of Brunei and left a lasting impression. The wedding of Princess Hafizah in 2012 stunned with its unmatched luxury, estimated between $15 million and $20 million.
Monaco’s Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock
Monaco’s Prince Albert and South African swimmer Charlene’s $70 million wedding in 2011 drew global interest. Held at the Prince’s Palace, it featured a mix of Monegasque traditions and international guests, and Charlene’s Armani gown highlighted the fairytale nature of this seaside royal affair.
Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Princess Salama
Dubai’s Sheikh Mohammed celebrated his 1981 wedding to Princess Salama with unmatched splendor, spending $100 million. This event featured a stadium built specifically for the occasion, and the festivities lasted an entire week, setting a standard for royal weddings in terms of grandeur.
Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar and Queen Jetsun Pema
The “Dragon King” of Bhutan married commoner Jetsun Pema in 2011, sparing no expense. This traditional Bhutanese ceremony, though modest by royal standards, was opulent within Bhutan and blended sacred rituals with beautiful sceneries and created a royal event unlike any other.
Crown Princess Masako and Emperor Naruhito of Japan
Emperor Naruhito’s wedding to Crown Princess Masako in 1993 reflected Japanese heritage and elegance, costing around $40 million. Celebrated at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, the ceremony combined intricate customs with luxurious decor and commemorated a union that captivated Japan and international royal watchers alike.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Her timeless dress and Westminster Abbey’s grandeur set a regal tone and marked the start of Britain’s longest-reigning queen’s journey. Queen Elizabeth II’s 1947 wedding to Prince Philip stood out for its simplicity post-WWII, yet it still cost a substantial amount for the time.
Monaco’s Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly
The 1956 wedding of Monaco’s Prince Rainier III and actress Grace Kelly blended Hollywood glamor with royal tradition. Costing around $2 million, Grace’s exquisite gown and the enchanting Monaco backdrop turned this wedding into a fairytale event, which won hearts worldwide.
Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones
In 1960, Princess Margaret’s wedding to photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones became the first royal wedding broadcast on TV. Highest of the era, this event cost $1.4 million and reflected Margaret’s stylish personality, which set a new standard for public interest in royal celebrations.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon of Norway
In 2001, Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon and commoner Mette-Marit’s wedding embraced Norwegian tradition while costing an impressive $3.3 million. Celebrated at Oslo Cathedral, this royal wedding resonated with Norwegians and blended pageantry with the down-to-earth style of the couple.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand
This elaborate event honored Thai customs and featured the king in ceremonial attire, which made it a significant cultural moment while underscoring the luxury of the Thai royal family. Thailand’s King Maha and Queen Suthida’s 2019 wedding celebrated Thai traditions and cost millions.
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Princess Beatrice’s private 2020 wedding offered a charming contrast to larger royal events. Although understated, it featured Queen Mary’s vintage tiara and a repurposed gown from Queen Elizabeth II and highlighted royal elegance without the need for an extravagant budget.
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
In 2018, Princess Eugenie’s Windsor wedding to Jack Brooksbank cost an estimated $3 million. Her gown revealed her surgery scar as a symbol of strength, and the couple’s environmentally friendly choices reflected modern values and set this celebration apart in royal history.
Prince Pavlos and Marie-Chantal of Greece
Marie-Chantal’s intricate gown, designed by Valentino, and the grand reception made this event one of the most talked-about royal weddings of the decade. Prince Pavlos of Greece and Marie-Chantal Miller’s 1995 wedding held in London cost nearly $10 million.
