Iconic Weddings
In the timeline of legendary weddings, some standouts have left an indelible mark on both pop culture and history. From Marilyn Monroe’s quiet first marriage to JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s stunningly simple ceremony, these unions are iconic milestones that blend style, fame, and the stories of the heart.
1942: Marilyn Monroe and James Dougherty
Long before she was known worldwide as Marilyn Monroe, a young Norma Jeane Baker married police officer James Dougherty at just 16. Their marriage was brief, ending in 1946, and Dougherty later reflected that the transformation of Norma Jeane into Marilyn left her a stranger to him—a poignant reminder of the price of fame.
1945: Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli
Screen legend Judy Garland married acclaimed director Vincente Minnelli, and together they welcomed a daughter, Liza, who would follow in her mother’s footsteps to stardom. This Hollywood pairing captured the essence of an era when the silver screen and real life were beautifully intertwined.
1947: Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip
Future Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding to Prince Philip was a historic moment, with royal attendees from around the world. Her exquisite gown, crafted by designer Norman Hartnell, was a feat of skill and dedication—a bright, elegant expression of post-war hope in Britain.
1951: Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra
Known for their intense romance, Hollywood actress Ava Gardner and singer Frank Sinatra exchanged vows in a private Pennsylvania ceremony. Their passionate but rocky relationship was far from simple, with rumours and revelations challenging their happiness. Yet, their union remains legendary, emblematic of mid-century glamour and love.
1953: Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy
In a custom-made Ann Lowe gown, Jacqueline Bouvier wed future president John F. Kennedy in Newport, Rhode Island. The event exuded an understated American grace, establishing Jacqueline as a fashion and cultural icon, even before her days as First Lady.
1968: Jacqueline Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis
After the tragic loss of JFK, Jacqueline Kennedy sought solace with Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis. Their wedding on the private island of Skorpios became a symbol of reinvention for the former First Lady, a figure often under intense public scrutiny, showing her resilience and capacity to redefine her life.
1986: Diana Ross and Arne Naess
The beloved Diana Ross married Norwegian businessman Arne Naess, Jr. in a winter wonderland in Switzerland. Ross’s fame and charm brought elegance to their intimate, alpine setting, adding another chapter to her multi-faceted public persona.
1996: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette
JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette wed in an intimate, secret ceremony on Georgia’s Cumberland Island. Bessette’s choice of a sleek slip dress by Narciso Rodriguez set a trend that would define minimalist bridal fashion for years. Their wedding remains one of the most admired for its effortless elegance and the enduring mystique of the couple.
2018: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
The marriage of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry fused royal traditions with a distinctly modern touch. Markle’s simple but stunning Givenchy gown, designed by Clare Waight Keller, marked a new chapter for the British royal family, showcasing an international embrace of love and family that resonated around the world.
These stories - from Marilyn’s humble beginnings to the understated beauty of the Kennedy-Bessette wedding, show how love and marriage have always captured imaginations. Each union reflects its own time, trends, and challenges, turning these weddings into cultural touchstones of glamour, passion, and change.
