Diamonds, Dresses, and Drama: The Most Expensive Celebrity Weddings That Ended in Divorce
From custom couture gowns to extravagant floral arrangements, celebrity weddings are lavish celebrations. But while these high-profile, ultra-expensive nuptials often start with glitz and glamour, not all of them end happily ever after. Some of the most extravagant weddings in history have ultimately led to heartbreak and hefty divorce settlements. Here’s a look at some of the most expensive celebrity weddings that ended in divorce.
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ $10M Wedding, 72-Day Marriage
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humphries made headlines in 2011 with their over-the-top wedding. The star-studded event, which aired as a two-part TV special and cost an estimated $10M. The lavish affair featured a custom Vera Wang gown, a multi-million-dollar jewelry collection, and a guest list packed with A-list celebrities.
However, just 72 days later, Kardashian filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The split fueled speculation that the marriage was more of a publicity stunt than a true love story.
Despite the short-lived union, the wedding remains one of the most talked-about (and expensive) celebrity ceremonies in history. However, Kardashian says she married Humphries for the right reasons.
“I married for love,” the reality star wrote in a blog post, reprinted by People Magazine. “I would not have spent so much time on something just for a TV show!”
Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s $48M Wedding, 15-Year Marriage
Dubbed the “wedding of the century,” Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s 1981 nuptials were nothing short of spectacular. The ceremony, held at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, was watched by over 750 million people worldwide. Diana’s iconic 25-foot train, designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, became one of the most famous wedding dresses of all time.
The wedding itself was estimated to cost $48M (equivalent to over $100M today). However, behind the fairytale facade, trouble was brewing between the couple.
Over the years, reports of infidelity and unhappiness plagued their marriage. In 1996, after a highly publicized separation, Charles and Diana officially divorced, one year before Diana’s tragic passing in 1997.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: A $1M Wedding, $400 Million Divorce
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie kept their 2014 wedding relatively modest compared to other A-list couples, with an estimated cost of $1M. Their intimate ceremony took place at their French estate, Château Miraval, with their children playing a special role in the celebration.
However, despite their decade-long romance and six children, the marriage didn’t last. In 2016, Jolie filed for divorce, sparking one of Hollywood’s most expensive and contentious legal battles.
With a reported $400M fortune at stake, the couple spent years locked in a court battle over assets and custody arrangements. Their divorce, finalized in December 2024, remains one of the costliest in Tinseltown history.
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s $500K Wedding and $10M Divorce Settlement
When music icon Mariah Carey tied the knot with TV host Nick Cannon in 2008, their wedding was an intimate yet luxurious affair. The couple exchanged vows at Carey’s private estate in the Bahamas and the bride wore a stunning Vera Wang gown.
While their wedding costs were relatively low by celebrity standards, their divorce was far more expensive. After six years of marriage, the couple split in 2014.
Cannon reportedly agreed to a $10M divorce settlement. While they remain amicable co-parents, their breakup proved that even fairy tale romances can come with a hefty price tag.
Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky: A $2M Wedding and 5-Year Marriage
Elizabeth Taylor was no stranger to extravagant weddings, having walked down the aisle eight times. Her final marriage to construction worker Larry Fortensky in 1991 was one for the books.
Held at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, the $2 million ceremony featured a star-studded guest list, lavish decorations, and Taylor’s designer Valentino gown.
Despite the grand affair, the couple divorced in 1996 after just five years together. Taylor later admitted that while she loved Fortensky, their different lifestyles ultimately led to their split.
Reportedly, Taylor never stopped caring for Fortensky. She reportedly included him in her estate, and they reportedly continued to speak a couple of times a month after their divorce.
While these celebrity weddings dazzle the world with their opulence, they also serve as reminders that money can’t buy a lasting marriage. From whirlwind romances to decade-long partnerships, even the most extravagant weddings can lead to heartbreak.
