Celebrity Marriages: A Look at Stars Who Said "I Do" Once Vs. Those Who've Walked the Aisle Multiple Times

Celebrity marriages are a spectacle of love and heartbreak, playing out under the limelight. They range from fleeting moments to lifelong journeys, often reflecting the pressures of fame. Let's explore the dynamics of these high-profile unions, their swift downfalls, the rare enduring bonds that captivate the public’s heart, and why some marriages fall apart quickly.

Celebrity weddings: A timeless fascination.

Celebrity weddings have always held a special charm. These events, often filled with glamour and style, are not just about two people coming together; they’re a blend of fashion, luxury, and romance between famous couples. From lavish venues to designer gowns, every detail is watched and talked about. People love to see the wedding rings, the cakes, and the decorations that set the trends.

It’s a day when celebrity couples shine bright, and their happiness becomes a part of our own. Whether it’s a beach wedding or a royal affair, we’re drawn to these celebrations of love, making them a timeless fascination. Let's explore some famous Hollywood weddings, relationship timelines, star-studded marriage ceremonies, and high-profile breakups.

One and done: Celebrities who married just once.

Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso

Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso’s love story is one of serendipity and privacy. Damon, having married Barroso in 2005, credits their 19 years of marriage to keeping their private lives out of the public eye. The actor fondly refers to his wife as a “civilian,” appreciating the normalcy and grounding she brings to his life.

Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault

Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault’s romance reads like a modern fairy tale. Meeting in 2006, the couple had a whirlwind engagement and welcomed a daughter the following year. Despite a brief separation, they married in 2009 and have since celebrated over a decade of marriage. Hayek has shared that their secret is focusing on solving problems together and never resorting to blame.

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley

Jon Bon Jovi, the iconic rock musician, and his wife Dorothea Hurley have a love story that many admire. The couple met during their high school years in New Jersey and have been together ever since. Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea’s relationship began in 1980, and despite a brief breakup in 1985, their bond only grew stronger. During the time of their split, Jon Bon Jovi had a short-lived relationship with actress Diane Lane, but it was Dorothea who ultimately captured his heart for good.

Their wedding was as spontaneous as it was romantic. In 1989, at the peak of Bon Jovi’s fame with the No. 1 album and single, the couple eloped to Las Vegas and married at the Graceland Wedding Chapel2. This impromptu decision to tie the knot was made amidst a tour, showcasing the couple’s adventurous spirit. Over the years, they welcomed four children: Stephanie, Jesse, Jacob, and Romeo.

The secret to their enduring marriage, as Jon Bon Jovi puts it, is mutual respect and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. They have worked hard to maintain their relationship, steering clear of the pitfalls that often accompany celebrity status. Their partnership extends beyond their personal life into their charitable endeavors, reflecting a shared commitment to making a positive impact. Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea’s marriage stands as a testament to their love and dedication to each other and their community.

Multiple bells: Stars who’ve had multiple weddings.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson, the Canadian-American actress and model, had her first marriage to Tommy Lee, the drummer for Mötley Crüe, in 1995 after a whirlwind romance. The couple’s relationship was intensely scrutinized by the public, especially after their private honeymoon video was stolen and leaked online. Despite the challenges, their union produced two sons. Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee divorced in 1998.

Anderson’s subsequent marriages included a brief union with singer Kid Rock in 2006, which ended in 2007, and two marriages to professional poker player Rick Salomon—the first in 2007, which was annulled, and the second in 2014, ending in divorce the following year. In a surprising turn of events, Anderson married film producer Jon Peters in 2020; however, this marriage was annulled within the same year. Most recently, she was married to her bodyguard, Dan Hayhurst, in 2020, but the couple parted ways in 2022. Each of Anderson’s marriages and spouses has been subject to intense media attention, reflecting the continuous public fascination with her personal life.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage has been married five times, making him one of the celebrities who have been married the most. His first marriage to Patricia Arquette lasted from 1995 to 2001. He then married Lisa Marie Presley in 2002, but they separated after 107 days.

Cage’s third wife was Alice Kim, with whom he has a son and was married for 12 years. His fourth marriage to Erika Koike in 2019 was annulled within the same year. Most recently, he married Riko Shibata in 2021, celebrating in Las Vegas. Cage hopes this marriage will be different from the past.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez, known for her high-profile relationships, has been married four times. Her first marriage was to Ojani Noa in 1997, followed by a marriage to dancer Cris Judd in 2001.

She was married to singer Marc Anthony from 2004 to 2014, with whom she shares twins Max and Emme. Most recently, she rekindled her romance with actor Ben Affleck, and the couple married in 2022.

Lasting love: Longest celebrity marriages.

Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson’s love story is a testament to the enduring power of love in Hollywood. Meeting on the set of the sitcom Bosom Buddies in 1981, their friendship blossomed into romance over the years.

Despite the challenges that come with life in the limelight, they have navigated their journey together with grace and humor. Married since 1988, they have shared both personal and professional milestones, including their battles with health issues and their triumphs on the silver screen. The celebrity couple has been together for over 35 years now and is one of the longest celebrity marriages.

Pauletta Pearson and Denzel Washington

Denzel and Pauletta Washington’s marriage is a rare Hollywood romance that has stood the test of time. The couple first met on the set of the television film Wilma in 1977, where their initial professional relationship evolved into a deep and lasting bond.

They tied the knot in 1983 and have since become one of the industry’s most respected and admired couples. With a family of four children, they have managed to keep their relationship strong and private, away from the prying eyes of the public.

Victoria and David Beckham

Victoria and David Beckham’s relationship began in a truly modern fairy tale fashion. They met in 1997 at a Manchester United soccer game, where Victoria, known as Posh Spice from the Spice Girls, was instantly charmed by the young soccer star. Their courtship captured the hearts of fans worldwide, leading to a lavish wedding in 1999.

Since then, the Beckhams have built a brand that transcends their careers, becoming global icons of fashion, sports, and entertainment. Their marriage has been a journey of growth, with the couple raising four children and frequently renewing their vows, showcasing their dedication to each other.

Brief bonds: Shortest celebrity marriages.

Britney Spears and Jason Alexander

The whirlwind marriage of Britney Spears and Jason Alexander in 2004 is one of the most notorious short-lived celebrity couple unions. The childhood friends married impulsively in Las Vegas, only to have their marriage annulled 55 hours later. Spears later described it as “innocent fun.” The event was a significant moment in Spears’ life, as it highlighted her desire for independence and control over her decisions.

Tracey Edmonds and Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds’ romantic sunset ceremony took place on January 1, 2008, on a private island off Bora Bora in French Polynesia. Edmonds walked down the aisle barefoot to Gladys Knight’s “Makings of You,” wearing a custom-designed dress by Sugia Nazel and Jill Baracci. The wedding was prepared by event designer Colin Cowie, who created a gazebo on the beach made out of 6,000 shells. However, the marriage ended after just 14 days.

Nicolas Cage and Erika Koike

Nicolas Cage’s marriage to makeup artist Erika Koike in March 2019 lasted only four days. The couple filed for a marriage license and received their marriage certificate on the same day. Cage later filed for an annulment, claiming he didn't think clearly and didn't understand his actions when agreeing to the marriage. The annulment proceedings revealed that Koike had not disclosed her full personal history to Cage.

Breakups to makeups: Revisiting famous reunions.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck

In the rollercoaster world of celebrity relationships, some stars have turned their breakups into makeups, leading to grand reunions and even grander weddings. A standout example is the romance between Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. After their initial engagement in the early 2000s, the couple went their separate ways, only to rekindle their love nearly two decades later. Their reunion culminated in a lavish wedding in 2022, a true Hollywood happy ending that fans had been rooting for.

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth

They are another famous couple who experienced a breakup before eventually getting married. They met in 2009 on the set of “The Last Song” and had an on-and-off relationship over the years. They became engaged in May 2012 but called it off in September 2013.

However, they rekindled their romance and got engaged again in January 2016, leading to an intimate wedding ceremony in December 2018. Unfortunately, their marriage ended less than a year later, with the couple separating in August 2019.

Justin and Hailey Bieber

The Biebers also had a journey of breakups and makeups before tying the knot. They had a brief, casual relationship in 2016, which ended dramatically. However, they reunited in 2018 at a church conference in Miami, announced their engagement a month later, and were married four months after that. Their marriage is still going strong, and the couple is currently expecting their first child.

The role of media in celebrity relationships.

The media has always played a pivotal role in shaping public perception of celebrity relationships. With the advent of social media, this influence has only grown stronger, allowing stars to communicate directly with their fans and control their narratives to an unprecedented degree.

For celebrities who have said "I Do" once and maintained a lasting union, the media can be a platform to showcase the strength and longevity of their relationships. Such celebrity couples often use media to share their stories of enduring love and celebrate years of togetherness every chance they get, serving as role models for stable relationships in the fast-paced world of Hollywood.

On the other hand, celebrities who have walked down the aisle multiple times, such as Nicolas Cage, and Jennifer Lopez, find their romantic lives under intense scrutiny by the media. Each new relationship and subsequent marriage is widely covered, with the media often speculating on the reasons behind the multiple unions.

Why do celebrity marriages fail so often?

Celebrity marriages often fail due to the intense scrutiny and pressure from the media, infidelity, time apart, and personal and professional stresses. Societal expectations can paint an unrealistic picture of perfection, while the reality is far more complex. For example, the high-profile breakups of Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, and Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, showcase how personal issues are amplified under public scrutiny.

Over time, the portrayal of these marriages has shifted from studio-controlled images to real-time updates on social media, further blurring the lines between public image and private reality.