Whether you’re looking for inspiration while planning your upcoming nuptials, or you’re simply interested in putting the vibe out there while dreaming up your future wedding, this list of weddings in movies and TV will help you realise what kind of celebration is for you. From intimate gatherings and destination weddings to huge parties and upscale celebrations, these fictional weddings provide ample ideas for your own ceremony.
NOTE: THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS.
Contents
- Weddings in Movies & TV
- 27 Dresses (2008)
- About Time (2013)
- Outlander (2014 – )
- The Sound of Music (1965)
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
- The US Office (2005 – 2013)
- Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Bridgerton (2020 – )
- 13 Going On 30 (2004)
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- Downton Abbey (2010 – 2015)
- Coming To America (1988)
- New Girl (2011 – 2018)
- My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
- Shrek (2001)
- Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017)
- Bridesmaids (2011)
- The Theory of Everything (2014)
- Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009)
- 30 Rock (2006 – 2013)
- Mamma Mia! (2008)
- A Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
- Jane the Virgin (2014 – 2019)
- Made of Honour (2008)
- Little Women (2019)
- Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)
- Bride Wars (2009)
- Steel Magnolias (1989)
- The Vow (2012)
- The Vicar of Dibley (1994 – 2020)
- Cinematic Inspiration for Your Wedding
Weddings in Movies & TV
If this post seems a little left of field for Flavour of the Film, I would say that’s a fair analysis, but hear me out.
Most of my friends are either married or soon to be married, with a couple of friends of mine having very recently got engaged. Naturally, with all of this wedding talk around me, my mind went straight to movies and TV.
Weddings themselves can be a really special time for many. I have seen the excitement and joy that is possible in both the lead up and during the actual wedding day.
My lovely grandparents were married for over 60 years before they both passed, which is quite the achievement.
With all that said, I thought it prudent to put together a list of weddings in movies and TV as a reference for those of you who are looking for inspiration across the board when it comes to weddings. Ready to walk down the aisle?
27 Dresses (2008)
If beach weddings are the vibe, look no further than this noughties romcom. There are a number of weddings that feature in this film as the plot follows a woman who is a bridesmaid to 27 of her friends over the course of her adult life so far.
This means that there is ample inspiration for various wedding aesthetics just in this one film, but, in my opinion, none of which are as beautiful as the beach wedding at the end of the film.
Minimalist, natural themed ceremony right there on the sand, with the tide of the sea framing the entire setting. Gorgeous.
About Time (2013)
Sure, Queen Victoria reportedly made white wedding dresses popular long after Anne of Brittany wore one for her wedding to Louis XII of France in 1499, but who says they have to be white these days?
Yes, friends. I’m talking about the red wedding dress worn in this film. Honestly, if your thing is colour and brightness, don’t feel like you have to wear white just because it’s your wedding. The same goes for anyone involved wearing something besides a dress: wear what makes you feel equally special and yourself at the same time.
The wedding in About Time takes place along the south east coast of England, giving us all of its rich countryside beauty, historic architecture, and wholesome seaside town vibes.
The reception is even held at a family home in the area, making it feel even more centred around LOVE, rather than focusing on the event side of things.
Outlander (2014 – )
The weddings of Outlander differ in many ways, but feature some of the beauty of traditional Scotland.
The act of being wed was known as handfasting. Simply put, the ceremony involves the binding of the couple’s hands to represent the bond being solidified. A beautiful event to witness, even if it’s fictional, which it was twice over in Outlander.
Claire and Jamie’s wedding (S1, E7) was more official and traditional – Claire’s wedding dress is perfect inspiration if you’re considering a more historical gown.
Whereas, Roger and Bree’s handfasting ceremony (S4, E8) was less official, but just as complete. The latter proves that a wedding needn’t be big in scale, so long as it’s big in heart and soul.
You can check out my Outlander inspired landscape cake recipe here.
For Scottish wedding gifts, I recommend Scottish Keepsakes (no business affiliation, only customer satisfaction!).
The Sound of Music (1965)
Pretty much the entire film fills my mind with flowers blooming, music rolling from the hills, and the sweet sounds and smells of spring. The Sound of Music features in my soft spring movies list for these reasons.
Maria’s wedding to the Captain at the end of the film feels both traditional and family oriented. Her dress is a classic sort of stunning.
Obviously, with Maria’s background and religious ties, the ceremony takes place in a church. It feels just as grand a wedding as many we see today, if not more so.
If your ideal wedding has a traditional and classic feel to it, The Sound of Music is a great reference point.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Quite possibly one of my favourite weddings in movies and TV across the board. The version of Can’t Help Falling in Love played by Kina Grannis really is something special.
I know most of us won’t have a $40 million budget for a wedding, but there are definitely elements of Colin and Araminta’s wedding that can be recreated. The entire jungle/floral theme is stunning.
The water down the aisle may not be something you’re into, but it certainly brings an element of the natural world in a beautifully raw way, and can absolutely inspire bringing nature into the ceremony if it fits the theme.
The US Office (2005 – 2013)
Pam and Jim’s wedding (S6, E4 & 5) was highly anticipated among fans of the show for good reason. The execution of this wedding? Perfect.
If the idea of a traditional wedding is simply overwhelming and far from what you’re after, a quick hop and a skip style elopement might be more your style.
Pam and Jim had the best of both worlds, having secretly got married under Niagara falls before turning up at the wedding where their families, friends and colleagues were all in attendance.
Another example of a wedding where love is the only motivator for a marriage.
Let’s not forget Dwight and Angela’s wedding, too! A gorgeous outdoor wedding in the show’s finale (S9, E23).
Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)
An intimate ceremony with a stunning lake as the backdrop and arguably the most gorgeous wedding dress in any sci-fi film ever.
Need I say more?
Bridgerton (2020 – )
If regency era weddings are your thing, Bridgerton certainly isn’t short of them, making it an ideal reference point for elegant weddings in movies and TV.
Frocks, flowers, wedding breakfasts and more. When did wedding breakfasts stop being a thing?
Personally, Penelope and Colin’s wedding is my favourite. Pen really got to shine on her day with Colin.
Check out my Bridgerton themed vanilla and raspberry jam cake recipe and my Bridgerton inspired afternoon tea menu!
13 Going On 30 (2004)
A back garden wedding featuring beautiful flowers, a gorgeous family home, and the right couple.
This one is a great reference point if you’re opting for a spring wedding.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest and Jenny make their vows to one another in a gorgeous intimate ceremony on the estate of Forrest’s family home.
An arch, some flowers, and the people most important to them. What more could one need for a beautiful wedding motivated entirely by unconditional love?
Homemade chocolates can make a delightful party favour. I created a recipe for chocolates inspired by Forrest Gump and would be ideal for a gorgeous backyard wedding.
Downton Abbey (2010 – 2015)
For those of you looking for inspiration for 1920s weddings, Downton Abbey has got you covered.
From the grandeur of Lady Mary’s wedding to Matthew Crawley featuring a glorious long sleeve dress encrusted with precious stones, to the quaint and wholesome ceremony bringing together Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson, Downton Abbey provides ample 1920s inspiration for any budget.
Let’s not forget to mention the wedding of Anna and Mr. Bates; Lady Mary’s second wedding in which she opted for a gorgeous 1920s silhouette silk suit, both the tulle beaded gown and embroidered pale blue suit that were worn by Lady Rose, and the lace gown and tiara combo worn by Lady Edith during her wedding to Berthie Pelham.
If the roaring 20s is your wedding theme, don’t disregard Downton as a reference point.
Coming To America (1988)
White dresses are optional, remember? Give me ALL the pink princess goodness.
A royal wedding may not be within the budget for everyone, but Coming To America still provides inspiration for a big (pink) wedding full of life, love, and celebration.
Note: In case it isn’t clear; I do not encourage cultural appropriation.
New Girl (2011 – 2018)
Different religions and different cultures brought together through the marriage of Cece and Schmidt, entirely in love.
Honestly, I included this New Girl wedding in my list of weddings in movies & TV because it’s just pure joy.
Cece and Schmidt experience a fair few obstacles before finally tying the knot (S5, E22), all of which were worth it in the end.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Traditional Greek weddings are up there with some of the most interesting and enjoyable social events.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding shows us so much of this joy. Even if a Greek wedding isn’t what you’re planning, this film can still show you the potential there is for a fun wedding.
Shrek (2001)
Don’t look at me like that. I HAD to.
The end scene in Shrek involves – you guessed it – a wedding. Shrek and Fiona’s wedding, as it happens.
Sure, we see Fiona almost marry Lord Farquaad in a seemingly traditional church ceremony, but who cares about that when the real love story is progressed through the vows of marriage when Fiona chooses Shrek instead.
Her TRUE love. Whom she marries in an enchanted woodland (swamp) style wedding, where they ride off into the sunset in a giant onion.
Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017)
Romantic K-Dramas will, more often than not, involve a wedding. Usually sleek, modern weddings where the bride and groom really are put on display and celebrated by their loved ones.
If you’re looking for something a little different in the wedding inspiration department, K-Dramas can be a great place to start, especially if you’re a Westerner.
Plus, full length wedding dresses are lovely, but who says a dip hem dress can’t be just as beautiful? Bong-soon doesn’t.
If you’re looking to delve into the sub-genre of K-Dramas in general, check out my K-Dramas for beginners list to get you started.
Note: I’m obviously not promoting cultural appropriation in any way, especially regarding the traditional elements of South Korean wedding ceremonies. I am simply recommending checking out the elegant, modern wedding ceremonies that a lot of K-Dramas include.
Bridesmaids (2011)
A classic American comedy, no?
From bridesmaids dresses and party favours to bachelorette party (hen do) ideas and wedding dress inspiration, Bridesmaids gives so much.
It’ll give you a laugh at the very least.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
Jane Hawking’s wedding dress gives a classic English bride vibe. Makes sense.
Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009)
An enchanting wedding set in a Louisiana swamp with all the animal friends and more magic that could fill a gumbo pot.
Tiana and Naveen’s fairytale wedding is not only incredibly romantic and fulfilling, it also includes their transformations back into humans. The latter is inspiring because it’s true love. That’s what all weddings should be driven by.
Also, Tiana’s green dress is next level stunning. As is her white wedding dress that she wears in their church wedding!
30 Rock (2006 – 2013)
Fellow nerds, this one is for us (S7, E7). I had to include a different kind of ceremony in my list of weddings in movies & TV shows.
Hands up: who else would seriously consider getting married in Princess Leia cosplay?
Clearly there were Star Wars fans at work here because Carrie Fisher starred in an episode 4 of season 2.
Mamma Mia! (2008)
Another Greek wedding, except no one getting married is Greek. Nevertheless, Mamma Mia! makes the dream of a destination wedding, particularly one on an island, seem wonderfully possible.
It’s rustic, intimate (despite Skye’s comments) and eventful.
Mamma Mia! inspires a real destination wedding dream.
A Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 (2011)
Dreaming of a woodland wedding? I’ve been there. Especially after watching Breaking Dawn Part 1 for the first time. Say what you want about the movie, but this wedding is really something.
Does anyone else remember the secrecy shrouding Bella’s wedding dress in the lead up to the film’s release? It was like Marvel had the designs under lock and key, with security on guard at all times.
The entire wedding sequence in this movie is stunning. The flowers, the trees, the CAKE. Oh, and Turning Page by Sleeping At Last playing made it. What a song.
Jane the Virgin (2014 – 2019)
There are multiple weddings throughout Jane the Virgin, all with their own unique elements that made them showstoppers.
Jane and Michael’s long awaited wedding was something else (S2, E22). I’m not saying just anyone could get Bruno Mars to perform at their reception of anything, but wow. At the very least, the staging is inspirational.
Honestly, Jane and Rafael’s wedding in the show’s finale is the one (S5, E19). The dress, the outdoor setting with an elegant and incredibly pretty theme.
GORGEOUS. Weddings in movies & TV really are dreamy, right?
Made of Honour (2008)
More Scottish wedding inspiration in these weddings in movies & TV, AND a lovely rooftop New York wedding to boot.
The whole film is essentially building up to a wedding that doesn’t go through, but still ends with a wedding.
A rooftop wedding in an epic setting sounds really special.
Little Women (2019)
Another lovely back garden setting for the wedding of Meg March to John Brooke.
Flowers, ribbons, and homemade decorations in an intimate ceremony that brings so much love and joy and wholesomeness. That seems to be the general theme running through my weddings in movies & TV list, I reckon.
Schitt’s Creek (2015 – 2020)
Is monochromatic the theme for your wedding? Schitt’s Creek saw David, ever the style icon, designing his wedding to Patrick (S6, E14) with a monochrome aesthetic, and it’s so eye-catching.
Monochrome doesn’t have to mean absolutely no colour, though. Flowers and foliage can give a natural colour lift in a monochrome wedding, making it feel ethereal.
Just make sure your family don’t wear anything resembling a white wedding dress when they aren’t the ones getting married…
Bride Wars (2009)
Self-explanatory, no?
A whole film about planning weddings. Wedding inspiration-central, especially if your vibe is June 15th at The Plaza.
Just make sure you don’t lose sight of what’s really important. Hint: it’s not materialistic stuff.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Yeah, this next film in my weddings in movies & TV list is a SOB fest. If you haven’t seen it already, prepare yourself.
It has one heck of a cast, though. The pink wedding of Shelby’s (Julia Roberts) dreams comes to fruition in Steel Magnolias.
If late 80s aesthetic with magnificent curly hair and pink puffy *everything* is your wedding’s calling, Steel Magnolias has your bridal back.
The Vow (2012)
You may have gathered by now that I am a fan of pink.
Paige’s wedding dress in The Vow is not only pink, it’s also a lovely knee length, strapless frock that is too cute to poot.
Even her veil is pink! I love it.
The Vicar of Dibley (1994 – 2020)
It’s only right to wrap up this list of weddings in movies & TV with a true comedy classic.
There are a number of weddings in The Vicar of Dibley, as you can imagine from the title of this BBC sitcom.
Alice and Hugo’s wedding is nothing but bright, quirky and fun. Alice wears a floral princess gown with an *interesting* headpiece. She’s entirely, unapologetically herself. That right there should be part of your entire wedding inspiration ethos.
Be true to you.
Let’s not overlook Geraldine’s dream wedding to Sean Bean, either. As part of her bridal look, Geraldine has chocolates from a Celebrations box in her hair, and Alice is wearing a pink fairy outfit with full sized chocolate bars attached to her head like a ferris wheel.
Geraldine’s actual wedding to Harry was everything a fan of the show could have wanted, pyjamas and all. A little more traditional than Alice and Hugo’s, but still seasoned with unique elements that scream Geraldine.
I created a fun recipe for a The Vicar of Dibley themed chaos cake inspired by the iconic puddle scene, which you can find here.
Cinematic Inspiration for Your Wedding
I really hope you find this list of weddings in movies & TV inspiring, friends.
Whether you’re on the hunt for wedding inspiration while planning your own nuptials, or you’re envisioning your dream ceremony down the line, movies and TV can be a great reference point.
Dresses, decorations, venues, themes.
They’re all in film & TV and now you know where to look.
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