The Scene

A Trip Down the Aisle with Some Memorable TV Weddings

Published on Friday, November 11 2011
Written by Super User

Wedded bliss? Maybe not. Reality TV weddings may be popular but can be an "I don't" when it comes to longevity!

The most recent televised wedding, of course, was Kim Kardashian's elaborate $10 million wedding to NBA player, Kris Humphries. The wedding aired on E! as a two-part special; the marriage itself lasted a mere 72 days.

Kim is not the first and certainly won't be the last to marry on camera. Here are some other notable on-screen unions!

One of the first televised weddings came in 1969. High-voiced singer Tiny Tim married 17-year-old "Miss Vicki" on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show", and it was watched by 50 million people!

Perhaps the worst example of on-screen matrimony came in 2000 with the 2-hour television special "Who Wants To Marry A Multi-Millionaire?". Gold diggers came out of the woodwork to marry millionaire Rick Rockwell. Unfortunately, Rick had a history of domestic violence and was significantly less wealthy than described! "Winner" Darva Conger quickly annulled the marriage.

Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro and actress Carmen Electra married in 2003, and the couple had their own MTV show, "Till Death Do Us Part: Carmen and Dave". The marriage didn't quite live up to the title of their show -- they divorced three years later.

The first "Bachelorette" Trista Rehn did it right. She married Ryan Sutter in a three-part television special. They have been married since 2003, and have two children together. Perhaps the longer the special, the longer the marriage?

"The Hills" stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt married twice -- once privately and once for the cameras, of course! The first wedding took place in Mexico and was not a legal ceremony. The second, however, provided a dramatic backdrop for the season finale of "The Hills".

Kim was not the first Kardashian sister to broadcast her nuptials. Khloe Kardashian married Lamar Odom on an episode of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians". The star-studded guest list and performance by Babyface made for a memorable episode!

"Survivor" couple Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich married in a 2005 primetime special. After the special, the couple returned to their normal life -- before Rob returned to "Survivor", that is! Rob and Amber have two children together.

When 2009's "Bachelor" Jason Mesnick wed Molly Malaney, it created a firestorm! His initial choice on the show was Melissa Rycroft. He changed his mind, dumped her on the "After The Final Rose" episode, and asked for a second chance with Molly. Who ever said romance was dead?

Nick Lachey has been married twice on-screen! The first was to pop princess, Jessica Simpson, and the two become America's Sweethearts. They starred in their own reality series "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" for three seasons before their divorce in 2005. This summer, Nick took the plunge for a second time with long-time girlfriend, Vanessa Minnillo. The ceremony was filmed for TLC in a beautiful and "private" ceremony on the British Virgin Islands. Here is hoping the second time is the charm!

The royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton was watched by more than 23 million Americans alone. For a while, Will and Kate were the only news story. Wedding fever ensued!

Despite the poor success rate, celebrities are still eager to wed in front of the cameras. Former "Beverly Hills 90210" star Shannen Doherty filmed her recent wedding for an upcoming reality show, tentatively titled "The Shannen Doherty Project". 

What is the appeal of televising such a private moment? For celebrities, almost every other aspect of their lives is public. A televised wedding may simply be an extension of this public persona. Whatever the reason, it is clear reality TV weddings remain a huge draw. As long as fans keep watching, celebrities will continue their on-screen wedded bliss. 

 

- Shannon Boyce, YH Staff