What are your favourite TV weddings of all time?
TV weddings are a popular trope in television shows, often serving as major storylines or pivotal moments for characters. They can be dramatic, romantic, comedic, or even disastrous, adding excitement and emotional impact to the narrative.
Here’s the thing about TV weddings: It’s seldom easy to say “I do” without much ado.
In real life, the officiant might get held up by traffic, or weird cousin Otto and his plus-one (who is she again?) might dance a bit inappropriately at the reception. But the drama tends to be ratcheted up way higher for TV nuptials, making it harder to pull off a sweet ceremony worthy of the couple being celebrated.
With the traditionally popular wedding month of June upon us, TVLine decided it was time to revisit our list of TV’s best weddings, first published way back in the year 2015. A lot of on-screen vows have been exchanged since then, but only a select few unfolded in storybook (or Storybrooke) fashion.
In our list below, the weddings may not have always gone off without a tiny hitch (or, you know, the intrusion of Nazis from an alternate Earth), but they were memorable affairs tailor-made for the two saying “I do.”
Here are a few notable TV weddings:
Saved by the Bell: Zack and Kelly
The couple was so iconic, they got their own TV movie, in which the longtime high school sweethearts decided to elope in Vegas before getting a proper ceremony (and a last-minute visit from Jessie!).
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Jemma and Leopold
What began as a very bad day — Coulson realized he was dying — took a decidedly upward turn when Coulson & Co. surprised Fitz (and us!) with a picture-perfect wedding, to Simmons. The beautiful, drama-free ceremony was timed perfectly to the Marvel series’ 100th episode, and among other things it featured the stealth reveal, at least to viewers, that Deke from the future is FitzSimmons’ grandkid! (Watch video above.)
Glee: Santana and Brittany… and Kurt and Blaine
Only the Fox series could pull off a spontaneous, double same-sex wedding without making it seem like too much of a stretch. Plus: a group performance from Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Coolidge and Gina Gershon? This was like the Oscars of gay weddings.
The Big Bang Theory: Bernadette and Howard
Despite Leonard, Sheldon and the rest of the gang totally hogging their friends’ spotlight, Howard and Bernadette’s rooftop ceremony was romantic, succinct and — much like the lovebirds themselves — thoroughly quirky.
Bones: Booth and Brennan
After nine seasons, the couple’s vows felt so rich and earned, especially Brennan’s words (read from a note she wrote to Booth while buried alive years earlier): “How is it possible that simply looking into your fine face gives me so much joy? Why does it make me so happy that every time I try to sneak a peek at you, you’re already looking at me? Like you, it makes no sense. And like you, it feels right.”
Boy Meets World: Cory and Topanga
Arguably the most satisfying TV wedding of all time — seriously, we followed this couple’s every step, from their first kiss in middle school — Cory and Topanga’s ceremony also served up one of the most emotional episodes of the series… even if it wasn’t technically supposed to be their big day. (Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Peterman!)
The Brady Bunch: Mike and Carol
With the classic sitcom’s very first episode, we began the story of a man named Brady (busy with three boys of his own) and his marriage to a lady named Carol (who was bringing up three very lovely girls). The mayhem that ensued when the girls’ cat got chased around the venue by the boys’ dog, culminating in a wedding cake fiasco, loosened up the about-to-be-blended clans and set the tone for the years to come.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Jake and Amy
Much like Jake Peralta’s butt, Amy Santiago’s wedding vows were “da bomb.” But perhaps even better was hearing wedding officiant Captain Holt admit that it’d been a true pleasure to watch their “distracting, childish rivalry evolve into a distracting, childish courtship.”
Brothers and Sisters: Kevin and Scotty
Not even Scotty’s disapproving parents could stand in the way of the historic union. (It was the first same-sex commitment ceremony between series regulars to be depicted on network TV.)
Charmed: Leo and Piper
Besides the fact that Piper and Leo had to literally defy the heavens in order to form their perfect union, we dare you to find another TV wedding officiated by a damn ghost. No, really, take all the time you need.
Chicago Fire: Casey and Dawson
The NBC drama has had its fair share of fancy weddings, which makes the casual but meaningful nature of Casey and Dawson’s impromptu nuptials – they got hitched in the courthouse, wearing their uniforms – truly stand out. They simply couldn’t wait another second.
Chuck: Sarah and Chuck
“You can count on me,” the spy told his bride. You can also count on smiling like a fool throughout the sweet scene, which even got Casey a little verklempt.
Cougar Town: Grayson and Jules
After a magical wedding on the beach, the Cul de Sac crew’s central couple rode off into the sunset on horseback.
A Different World: Dwayne and Whitley
Winners: Dwayne, Whitley and the studio audience, which exploded in catcalls when he stopped the love of his life from marrying another man.
Losers: Jilted groom Byron, the bridesmaids (those dresses!) and whoever had to catch Whitley’s mom when she swooned.
Downton Abbey: Matthew and Mary
Before he met his demise (sob!), Matthew and Mary had one elegant and unpredictable wedding. He may not have been sure if his future wife was going to show up, but we had no doubt it was meant to be.
ER: Luka and Abby
Luka and Abby didn’t have a fairytale romance, but they did have a fairytale wedding. Not only did Kovac manage to surprise his bride with an intimate ceremony attended only by their closest friends from County General, but an unprepared Lockhart just so happened to have the perfect poem in mind (“I carry your heart in my heart…”) in lieu of traditional vows.
The Flash: Barry and Iris
Soooo wonderful was this wedding — a stunning bride and a robust, crossover-fueled guest list! Kara sang “Running Home to You”! — that we’re letting it claim a spot even though Nazis from another Earth crashed the proceedings. Besides, Barry and Iris (…and Oliver and Felicity, grr) did say “I do” when all (meaning the “Crisis on Earth-X”) was said and done.
Beverly Hills, 90210: Donna and David
After Donna lost her virginity to David in Season 7, the couple’s relationship was an on-and-off roller coaster. Thankfully, they got it together in time for the show’s series finale.
The Fosters: Lena and Stef
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, Lena and Stef pledged their love in a touching ceremony officiated by their parents. Not that we needed a wedding to know the couple was committed to each other.
“Friends” – Ross and Emily’s Wedding
In the hit sitcom “Friends,” Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) marries Emily Waltham (Helen Baxendale) in London. The wedding is memorable for Ross accidentally saying Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s during the vows, leading to complications and ultimately the dissolution of the marriage.
Friends: Phoebe and Mike
Monica and Chandler’s nuptials were great and all, but Phoeb’s happy ending was a long time coming and even a snowstorm wasn’t going to get in the way of it.
Full House: Rebecca and Jesse
Jesse’s touching nuptials were capped off by a romantic performance of The Beach Boys’ “Forever,” accompanied by a large gospel choir and a cheesy-as-all-heck montage of his time with Rebecca.
Game of Thrones: Margaery and Joffrey
It ended with the awful Joffrey’s death, so that’s a win in our book.
General Hospital: Luke and Laura
The 1981 wedding may only be one of TV’s best ever, but it’s inarguably daytime TV‘s best ever. Between the popularity of the couple, the lavishness of the affair and the crashers it attracted (Elizabeth Taylor, for Pete’s sake!), its no wonder the event was — and still is — the most-watched hour in soap opera history.
Gilmore Girls: T.J. and Liz
The renaissance faire-themed affair just reinforced how perfect these two kooks are for each other. Plus, it gave us Luke waltzing with Lorelai, and for that, it edges out Lane and Zack’s rockin’ reception.
Gossip Girl: Blair and Chuck
It might have been rushed — you know, to make sure it was over before the cops showed up to arrest both the bride and groom — but Chuck and Blair’s wedding also fit perfectly with the couple’s tumultuous history. They were too cool to even swap traditional vows, simply “three words, eight letters” from Chuck and “one word, three letters” from Blair. That’s love.
Grey’s Anatomy: Arizona and Callie
Before hitting one seriously ugly rough patch and splitting up, the pair tied the knot in the stunning outdoors while Bailey, fittingly, officiated.Hart of Dixie: Zoe and Wade
“Grey’s Anatomy” – Cristina and Owen’s Wedding
In the medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) and Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) have a turbulent relationship that culminates in a wedding. The ceremony reflects their complex dynamic and the challenges they face as surgeons in a high-pressure environment.
How I Met Your Mother: Lily and Marshall
The twosome’s low-key and touching ceremony before their “official” one only made us love them more. Marshmallow + Lilypad 4ever!
I Dream of Jeannie: Tony and Jeannie
Midway through its fifth (and what would be final) season, Major Nelson and Jeannie made their love official, though the ceremony faced one hitch: Genies cannot be photographed! Cue a Jeannie “robot” that Dr. Bellows walked down the aisle in front of photographers, as a campy, robot-ified version of the classic “Here Comes the Bride” played.
NCIS: Los Angeles: Kensi and Deeks
When a buncha bad guys rudely RSVP’d for Deeks and Kensi’s big day, Hetty returned from a disappearing act (Linda Hunt had been recuperating from her July 2018 car accident) to literally “crash” the wedding by mowing down a goon with her Mini Coop. As an added bonus, she then officiated the ceremony!
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman: Lois and Clark
New Girl: Cece and Schmidt
After having to FaceTime into the service and reception he so painstakingly planned but then missed (don’t ask), Schmidt formally weds Cece in a gorgeously intimate ceremony at the apartment. Vows about his mispronunciation of common words? Stomping the douchebag jar instead of a glass? We love a show that revels in long-running, jokey details.
The O.C.: Seth and Summer
The brief glimpse of the couple’s long-awaited big day during a flash forward montage is all that’s needed to bring on the tears. Thankfully, as if sensing the oncoming waterworks, Summer stuck out her tongue as she walked down the aisle, breaking up the hefty emotions.
The Office: Jim and Pam
It’s hard to pick a highlight — everyone dancing down the aisle? Jim and Pam’s private kodak moment? Them secretly exchanging vows on the boat? — but the look of pure happiness and love on the groom’s face has to be it.
Jim and Pam’s Wedding: In the American version of “The Office,” Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) tie the knot in a heartwarming wedding ceremony. The event is filled with touching moments and a surprise dance sequence, showcasing the beloved couple’s journey.
“The Office” (UK)
Tim and Dawn’s Wedding: In the original British version of “The Office,” Tim Canterbury (Martin Freeman) and Dawn Tinsley (Lucy Davis) finally get together and have a bittersweet wedding. The scene provides closure to their long-running will-they-or-won’t-they storyline and offers a satisfying conclusion for fans.
Once Upon a Time: Emma and Hook
In the first, 2015 edition of this list, OUAT was represented by Snow and Charming’s impromptu “Lady of the Lake”-side ceremony from Season 2 (officiated by Lancelot). But years later, the fantasy drama gave us Emma and Killian’s wedding, which featured vows that spoke to each character’s journey-to-date, punctuated by the musical episode’s final performance — the duet-turned-all Storybrooke singalong, “Happy Beginning.”
One Tree Hill: Haley and Nathan
Despite getting hitched while still in high school, these lovebirds beat the odds. They even made it to a vow renewal ceremony — all before graduation!
The Originals: Jackson and Hayley
If you didn’t swoon when Jackson took Hayley’s hand and walked her down the aisle — a nice change of ritual — then you may need to get your heart checked.
Outlander: Jamie and Claire
Despite the fact that Claire was marrying Jamie just to save herself from Black Jack, the vows managed to be heartfelt and emotional. And they were followed by an even more memorable wedding night.
Parenthood: Sarah and Hank
Any occasion that gets the entire Braverman clan in one place (and gives an ailing Zeek the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle) is a welcome one. And even though many a Parenthood fan is still mourning the loss of Sarah’s relationship with Mark, Hank had proven himself more than worthy of his lady’s love.
Parks and Recreation: Ben and Leslie
From the handcrafted dress to their vows — “I love you, and I like you” — to Ron walking Leslie down the aisle, it was all absolute perfection.
Pose: Angel and Lil Papi
Angel and Lil Papi’s sweet nuptials delivered everything we’d come to expect from the FX drama: heartfelt emotion, fabulous fashion (even the ring bearer looked like an A-lister!) and a little music, courtesy of Papi’s surprise performance of All-4-One’s “I Swear.”
Rookie Blue: Andy and Sam
After six seasons, Andy and Sam finally got their happy ending in the show’s series finale – and it was worth the wait! From the way he called her McNally in his vows to a tearful Andy saying that while she won’t obey him, she will always hear him, it was so perfectly them.
Schitt’s Creek: Patrick and David
David and Patrick’s sweet nuptials were memorable for a multitude of reasons — including the fact that it served as the show’s swan song — but Moira taking her role as officiant above and beyond? Absolutely priceless.
Sex and the City: Charlotte and Harry
Everything went wrong on the day of Charlotte’s second wedding, and somehow, it was still perfect. Plus, there has never been a more stunning bride.
Smallville: Clark and Lois
Before Clark supersuited up at the close of the two-part series finale, he donned a tux to make Lois his bride — meeting her at the start of the aisle to calm some last-minute jitters, and even passing by the spectre of his late father, Jonathan, as they marched to the altar. “Everything OK, Smallville?” asked Lois. “Everything’s perfect,” Clark replied… albeit prematurely, seeing as his Darkseid-possessed best man, Oliver, would soon waylay things with a gold kryptonite wedding band!
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