
The most expensive wedding in the world is the 2004 marriage of Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia, which reportedly cost over $60 million. This extravagant wedding, held in France, featured opulent venues, private concerts, and world-class luxury at every step—making it the most luxurious wedding ever recorded.
The Story Behind the World’s Most Lavish Wedding
When Vanisha Mittal, daughter of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, married banker and businessman Amit Bhatia, the world watched in awe. The wedding wasn’t just about two people uniting—it was a global spectacle of unmatched wealth and grandeur.
Held at the Palace of Versailles and Château Vaux-le-Vicomte are indeed among the most iconic luxury wedding venues in the world. The week-long event hosted over 1,000 guests flown in from all around the world in first-class style. The wedding invitations themselves were sent in silver boxes, setting the tone for what was to follow.
Key Highlights of the Mittal-Bhatia Wedding
1. Venue & Ambience
The choice of venues reflected the family’s grandeur. The main ceremonies took place at Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, a property historically associated with French aristocracy. Lavish decor, world-class florals, and intricate lighting transformed the chateau into a fairy-tale setting.
2. Celebrity Performances
An exclusive private concert by Kylie Minogue reportedly cost around $330,000. Top Bollywood performers and international artists entertained the elite guest list, making it a global entertainment affair.
3. Food & Catering
Top chefs from India and Europe were flown in to curate a personalized, multi-cuisine menu. Each meal, set in different palatial backdrops, included rare ingredients, exquisite wines, and Michelin-star presentation.
4. Luxury Travel & Hospitality
Guests were pampered with luxury accommodations in five-star hotels and given chauffeured limousines for transport. Chartered flights and helicopters were arranged to ferry high-profile invitees between venues.
5. Wedding Attire and Jewelry
Vanisha’s wedding trousseau included custom-made outfits from top Indian designers like Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, as well as international labels. Her jewelry was crafted using rare diamonds and gems, estimated in millions.
Start your dream wedding plan today — Talk to our experts now! +91 97404 92288
Why Was This Wedding So Expensive?
The estimated $60–$75 million price tag wasn’t just for display—it reflected a personal statement of prestige, tradition, and celebration. With Lakshmi Mittal being one of the world’s richest men, money was no object when it came to celebrating his only daughter’s marriage.
Key spending areas included:
- $10M on venue rentals and transformation
- $6M on accommodation and hospitality
- $3M on performances and entertainment
- $1.5M on food and catering
- $5M on attire, jewelry, and gifts
How Does It Compare to Other High-End Weddings?
While celebrities like Prince Charles & Princess Diana, Kim Kardashian & Kanye West, and Prince Harry & Meghan Markle had high-profile weddings ranging between $2M–$40M, the Mittal wedding remains the highest in terms of spend.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
Couple | Estimated Cost | Year | Location |
Vanisha Mittal & Amit Bhatia | $60+ Million | 2004 | France |
Prince Charles & Diana | $48 Million | 1981 | UK |
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West | $12 Million | 2014 | Paris & Florence |
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle | $45 Million | 2018 | Windsor Castle, UK |
Impact on Luxury Wedding Trends
The Mittal-Bhatia wedding set a global benchmark in the luxury wedding industry, redefining how ultra-rich families celebrate milestones. It inspired a rise in destination weddings, celebrity performances, and multi-day events among affluent circles.
Today, elite wedding planners offer bespoke services that match or attempt to emulate such grandeur, with budgets easily touching $10 million or more for private island weddings or palace affairs.
What This Means for Indian Weddings
India, known for its lavish wedding culture, took great pride in the Mittal wedding. It showcased India’s wealth, elegance, and cultural richness on a global stage. It also sparked a demand for high-end wedding planners, premium destination venues, and curated guest experiences, especially among NRI families.
Your perfect day starts with a perfect plan — Schedule your free consultation! +91 97404 92288
Final Thoughts
So, which is the most expensive wedding in the world? It’s the majestic union of Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia, where heritage met opulence, and tradition danced with extravagance. With no expense spared, this wedding remains a gold standard in luxury matrimony—and likely will for decades to come.