George Clooney went all out for his second wedding, and as he and Amal celebrate a decade together, we’re reflecting on their lavish three-day Italian celebration.
It’s charming to think George didn’t anticipate the media frenzy surrounding his wedding to international human rights attorney Amal Clooney (née Alamuddin). Just five months after his romantic proposal during a homemade pasta dinner, they gathered 100 close friends and family for an unforgettable ceremony in Venice.
“We didn’t tell anyone else about our plans,” George recalled to The Hollywood Reporter, but word eventually got out, turning their nuptials into a major event. After a scenic boat ride from his Lake Como villa, they were met with a swarm of paparazzi. Instead of hiding, George decided to embrace the moment: “Why are we ducking? We shouldn’t be ashamed of this,” he said, as they waved to onlookers.
Their traditional ceremony on September 27, 2014, was a star-studded affair, drawing celebrities like Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Matt Damon, Bono, and Anna Wintour to witness George, once a self-proclaimed lifelong bachelor, commit to the love of his life.
Reflecting on his relationship with Amal, George said, “I dated a lot of terrific women, but Amal showed up and it was different on every level for me.” Their connection led him to see that a life shared with the right partner was the clear choice.
“There’s no question that having Amal in my life changed everything for me. Everything about her became infinitely more important than anything about me,” he noted.
Amal had a vision for their wedding—romantic and elegant. She spent time with designer Oscar de la Renta in New York, ultimately choosing a stunning gown with layers of ivory tulle and Chantilly lace, topped off with a cathedral-length veil.
The festivities kicked off with separate bachelor and bachelorette parties on September 26. Amal celebrated at the Aman Canal Grande Venice, donning a chic Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen cocktail dress. Meanwhile, George and his friends enjoyed a private dinner at Ristorante Da Ivo, where the owner rearranged guests to accommodate them.
The following evening, the main event took place at the luxurious Aman Venice, adorned with white roses and candelabras. Officiated by former Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni, the 30-minute ceremony included heartfelt speeches and the couple sealing their vows with a kiss.
After a five-course dinner and a stunning four-tiered cake, George and Amal shared their first dance to “Why Shouldn’t I?”—the very song that had signaled the start of their love story. The celebration continued late into the night, with champagne flowing and Amal changing into a beaded party dress for the occasion.
The next day, they hosted a lively poolside bash at the Cipriani Hotel, complete with a laid-back buffet and upbeat music, before wrapping up the festivities with a final gathering at the hotel’s restaurant.
The couple also took care of the legal side of things with a brief civil ceremony the following afternoon, with Amal donning a stylish cream Stella McCartney suit.
The weekend, which reportedly cost around $4.6 million, was filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. As guest Bill Murray aptly remarked, it was simply about “those two people finding each other.”
After their fairytale wedding, George and Amal soon began discussing the possibility of starting a family. “We felt very lucky and thought we should share that good fortune,” George shared. Their journey into parenthood began with the arrival of twins, Alexander and Ella, just ahead of their third anniversary.
Today, George reflects on how becoming a father has enriched his life in ways he never anticipated. “It gave me a sense of belonging and unconditional love,” he said, emphasizing the profound joy his children have brought him.
Years later, they remain deeply connected, even sharing love notes during the pandemic. George acknowledged how meeting Amal transformed his perspective on family and fulfillment, proving that sometimes the most unexpected love stories lead to the happiest endings.
