Why Stars Are Swapping July 4th Fireworks for Wedding Vows
You probably *should* already know that July 4th doubles as Hollywood’s hottest wedding date—so let me guide you through the patriotic extravaganza you’ve been missing. When you’re juggling red, white and “I do,” why settle for ordinary when you can have built-in fireworks and summer sizzle?
Consider Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, who quietly turned July 3, 2021 into their own patriotic playground at Shelton’s sprawling Oklahoma ranch. According to her interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and photos shared by People, the couple erected a private chapel, donned white stiletto cowboy boots, and hosted an intimate fête with only their nearest and dearest—pandemic style. As Gwen explained, she envisioned bleachers at first, but wisely pared down to a cozy guest list for the perfect star-spangled soirée.
Flash back to July 4, 2002, when Julia Roberts caught her A-list pals off guard at her Taos, New Mexico estate. E! News and a treasured Instagram selfie confirm she walked down the aisle in a rosy-hued dress while cinematographer Danny Moder rocked a ruffled red shirt. Guests George Clooney and Brad Pitt mingled over barbecue, sparklers in hand, never suspecting they were there for more than a standard Independence Day bash.
And if you thought only Americans play the holiday wedding card, think again. That same date in 1999 saw Victoria Beckham marry soccer legend David Beckham at Ireland’s opulent Luttrellstown Castle (per People), where golden thrones and a sword-cut wedding cake boasting nude figurines of the bride and groom stole the show. Because when you’ve conquered football pitches and fashion runways, you go big or go home.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher followed suit on July 4, 2015, exchanging vows at California’s Secret Garden at Parrish Ranch. The mountain vistas provided a scenic backdrop as Mila and their infant daughter, Wyatt, twinned in white—proof that synchronized outfits extend to newborns, too.
Legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne made a strategic move on July 4, 1982, by marrying Sharon at a Maui resort precisely to never forget his anniversary, as detailed in his memoirs. Fast-forward to 2014 and British heartthrobs Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley said “I do” in a French castle amid ooh-la-las and champagne flutes. Then there’s Billy Joel’s fourth walk down the aisle to marry Alexis Roderick on July 4, 2015, officiated by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo—a ceremony followed by a baby announcement the very next month.
See the pattern? Holiday weddings mean built-in guests, zero décor guessing games, and fireworks that aren’t your own. So next time you plan a summer nuptial, consider raiding the national calendar—your Instagram will thank you. Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, People Magazine, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
