Our 30 favorite wedding scenes are sure to give you butterflies
Something borrowed, something blue—grab a box of fresh tissues and prepare to swoon in June
Film Features Wedding
(Clockwise from bottom-left): Grey’s Anatomy (ABC); The Godfather (Paramount); Bridesmaids (Universal Pictures); Schitt’s Creek (Screenshot: Netflix); The Princess Bride (Screenshot: 20th Century) Image: Libby McGuire
Since the days of Shakespeare, weddings have played a critical role in all manner of storytelling. Whether they’re setting up conflict or signaling Happily Ever After, the formal bonding of two (or more!) characters in holy matrimony can shift focus towards the conclusion or realign elements to signify a new chapter. Plus, weddings are a great excuse to get all your favorite fictional folks drunk, kissing, and wearing fancy outfits for a dreamy opening or show-stopping finale.
Listed alphabetically by title of the film or show, here are 30 of the most memorable wedding scenes from movies and television. Crucially, this is not a “best of” list—rather a collection of moments we thought fit nicely together.
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Legend has it Muriel’s Wedding was based on a true story…
You skipped my fave…
COME BA-AH-AH-AH-AHCK
“*Yawn* . . . where’ve you been?”
“Dearly beloved, we gathered here today on this joyous occasion to witness Princess Vespa, daughter of King Roland, going RIGHT PAST THE ALTAR, HEADING DOWN THE RAMP, AND OUT THE DOOR!”
He was brilliant.
Two of my favoritesAbout TimeParks and Rec – I love you and I like you
Thank you, literally the first thing that comes to mind.Somebody’s get-ting MA-rrieeeeed
My favorite is Will and Elizabeth’s wedding in the middle of the climactic battle in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. As overstuffed as the PotC movies are, this scene is peak absurdity in all the right ways. You can tell Geoffrey Rush is having an absolute blast chewing all the scenery he can as the officiant, especially as all three principals continue stabbing people while exchanging vows. It’s glorious.
“Ending with an upbeat song and a big kiss is one of the older tricks in the fun-for-the-whole-family book. And, we’ll admit, Shrek’s happily-ever-after conclusion doesn’t exactly break that mold”I would say it did break the mold! In 2001, most animated movies up to that point didn’t end with a pop song/dance party. For better or worse, it popularized the trend.
I’m sure there are other examples, but There’s Something About Mary did it a few years prior and probably influenced the idea for Shrek.
the strange sadness that sometimes comes with parties. I think you’re going to the wrong kind of parties
Wow not one wedding from Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Apologies… I was looking for my dang jpeg 😉
Wedding Singer:“Once again… things that could have been brought to my attention YESTERDAY!”“Best man. The BETTER man.”Four Weddings & A Funeral:“You must be very proud!”Wedding guest: “Do you actually know Oscar Wilde?”
Gareth: “Not personally no. But I do know someone who could get you his fax number. Shall we dance?”“Ignore her. She’s drunk. At least I hope she is. Otherwise I’m in real trouble.”“Scarlotta! Fabulous dress. The ecclesiastical purple and the pagan orange symbolizing the mystical symbiosis in marriage between the heathen and Christian traditions?”
I cannot believe Spaceballs isn’t on this list #fail
The two most egregious omissions here are Phantom of the Paradise and Flash Gordon.ALL CREATURES WILL MAKE MERRY ON PAIN OF DEATH
The Godfather’s wedding scene is one of the best examples of organic exposition that’s ever been filmed. In 20 minutes, you know every single thing you need to know to watch the rest of the film and it never feels like an exposition dump.
“Show, don’t tell” is the best Hollywood advice for a reason.
The GraduateEspecially when the giddiness wears off and they start to contemplate what comes next.
Kind of a fairy tale ending, but then all of a sudden kinda not.
The Office for the win… god what a great show.
Rachel Getting Married has one of the most beautiful wedding ceremonies I think.
Along with some of the others mentioned here, cant believe you left off Proculus & Livia’s wedding from Caligula