Few themes resonate as universally as the whirlwind of emotions surrounding weddings. These can be amazing days, full of ups and downs – and rarely does everything go to plan.
To the stress and chaos of planning the big day, to finally looking your loved on in the eye and saying “I do”, there are some great movies produced over the years capturing every step of the journey.
Whether you’re in the midst of organizing your big day, reminiscing about your own wedding or simply a fan of love stories, these films offer a delightful escape.
Grab some popcorn (and maybe a pack of tissues or two) and let’s dive into the heartwarming, hilarious, and sometimes chaotic world of wedding movies!
The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride is an enchanting tale that blends romance, adventure, and fantasy together into an unforgettable adventure. The story follows the beautiful Buttercup and her true love, Westley, as they navigate a series of challenges, including a kidnapping, a rescue mission, and encounters with quirky characters like Inigo Montoya and Fezzik. Their love story is framed as a book being read to a sick child, adding a layer of nostalgia and warmth.
This film is a real celebration of enduring love and the power of storytelling. This is a lovely uplifting watch during the often-stressful wedding planning process, and themes of true love and overcoming obstacles together are particularly resonant.
Four Weddings and a Funeral
A personal favourite, this British romantic comedy revolves around Charles and his group of misfit friends as they navigate a series of weddings. The film’s narrative is structured around four weddings and one tragic funeral, each event bringing new romantic scenarios, comedic moments, and poignant segments.
In the wake of all this, Charles, played by Hugh Grant, finds himself falling for an American girl named Carrie, and their on-and-off relationship provides the central thread of the story.
The portrayal of different types of weddings are a great source of inspiration for couples planning their big day. The movie’s emphasis on the importance of friends and loved ones is a wonderful reminder for couples to cherish those around them as they plan their wedding.
Father of the Bride
In Father of the Bride, we follow the story of George Banks, whose world is turned upside down when his daughter Annie announces her unexpected engagement. The film comically depicts George’s struggle to come to terms with his daughter’s impending marriage and the chaos of organizing a wedding. His journey from denial to acceptance is both humorous and touching, really leaning into that parental angle.
This movie is oftentimes classed as one of the best wedding movies and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great watch for those in the midst of planning a wedding, as it humorously addresses the stresses and joys that come with such a significant event. The film also serves as a gentle reminder of the emotional aspect of weddings, not just for the couple but for families too.
The Wedding Singer
Set in the 1980’s, The Wedding Singer stars Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who is left heartbroken at the altar. He meets Julia, played by Drew Barrymore, who is engaged to a wealthy but unkind man. The real kicker is an infamous singing scene that will undoubtedly leave you cracking up with laughter.
The Wedding Singer is a feel-good movie that combines romance with humor, making it great escapism for couples in the thick of wedding planning. The film’s focus on the importance of marrying for love and not material items is a very welcome theme too.
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids is a comedy exploring the complexities of female friendships amidst the backdrop of wedding planning. The story follows Annie, played by Kristen Wiig, whose life is in a downward spiral just as her best friend Lillian gets engaged. As the maid of honor, Annie finds herself involved in a bunch of funny and chaotic events leading up to Lillian’s wedding, all whilst dealing with her own personal issues.
Bridesmaids is another must-watch, focusing on friendships and the challenges that can test these bonds. As one may expect, it’s perfect for bridal parties. The movie is a great reminder to not let wedding stress overshadow the importance of relationships.
27 Dresses
27 Dresses centers on Jane, a perpetual bridesmaid who has been to 27 different weddings, selflessly putting others’ needs above her own. However, Jane’s world is shaken when her younger sister Tess captures the heart of Jane’s secret crush, her boss George. Complicating matters is Kevin, a cynical wedding reporter who becomes interested in Jane’s story.
This film is a delightful watch for those planning a wedding, especially for its unique perspective of bridesmaids. The array of different weddings presented can also inspire ideas for themes and decorations for your own big day too. Oh, and the happy ending is always a bonus!
Mamma Mia!
Set on a picturesque Greek island, a wedding list just would not be complete without Mamma Mia present! This vibrant and joyful musical is built around the hits of ABBA and boasts an all-star cast. The story follows Sophie as she prepares for her wedding while secretly inviting three men from her mother Donna’s past, hoping to discover which one is her father.
Mamma Mia is perfect for lifting the spirits; it’s an infectious, memorable musical, with some stunning landscapes. The film’s emphasis on family, self-discovery, and embracing the past is likely to similarly resonate with couples embarking on a new chapter in their lives.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
This heartwarming comedy tells the story of Toula, a Greek-American woman who falls in love with Ian, a non-Greek man. Toula struggles with her family’s expectations and her own desires as she plans her wedding, dealing with a loud, loving, and often overwhelming family.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a wonderful movie that serves as a reminder toward the importance of staying true to oneself while honoring family traditions. The film’s portrayal of a big, boisterous wedding can be particularly inspiring for those couples looking to blend different cultures together.
Wedding Crashers
In Wedding Crashers, Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn play divorce mediators who crash weddings to meet women. Their foolproof plan takes a turn for the crazy though when they attend the high-profile wedding of the daughter of a US. Treasury Secretary. When one of them starts falling for a bridesmaid, a series of humorous and heartwarming twists ensue.
This film offers a lighthearted and comedic take on weddings. It’s also a great reminder to enjoy the fun and celebration that weddings represent.
Corpse Bride
Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is a darkly whimsical animation set in a Victorian-era village. The story follows Victor, who accidentally finds himself betrothed to a mysterious corpse bride while practicing his wedding vows in the woods.
As Victor navigates both the underworld and the real world, he’s eventually forced to choose between his human life and his growing affection for the corpse bride.
Corpse Bride offers a unique perspective on love and commitment, making it a fascinating watch. Those looking for an inspiring gothic or alternative aesthetic for the big day will absolutely be in their element with this one!
Table 19
One of the newer titles on the list, Table 19 is a comedic drama that revolves around Eloise, who, after being relieved of her maid-of-honor duties at her oldest friend’s wedding, decides to attend anyway.
When Eloise is seated at the ‘random’ table in the back of the ballroom, these guests at table 19 form an unlikely bond.
While this one is more subjective, it’s still a heartwarming reminder of the unexpected friendships and connections that can form in the most unlikely places. Table 19 brings a sense of humor and warmth to the sometimes overlooked aspects of wedding planning.
The Wedding Planner
Speaking of wedding planning, The Wedding Planner stars Jennifer Lopez as Mary, a successful wedding planner who is all work and no play. However, her entire life is thrown into disarray when she falls for a handsome doctor called Steve. Unfortunately, it turns out he’s the groom for the biggest wedding of her career. Woops!
The Wedding Planner is a fun, lighthearted take on the challenges and surprises that can arise from wedding planning. Mary’s personal journey is also another lovely reminder to balance work with personal happiness too.
Emma (1996)
There have been a lot of adaptations for Jane Austin’s work. Although the four-part miniseries is arguably the best version of Emma, the 1996 film is certainly not a bad choice either.
This adaptation stars Gwyneth Paltrow as the titular character, a well-meaning but misguided matchmaker in Regency-era England. Emma’s meddlesome nature leads to a series of romantic misadventures as she attempts to arrange marriages for her friends, only to realize her own heart might not be as clear on love as she thought.
Emma offers a timeliness and witty look at love and matchmaking. The film’s period setting and elegant aesthetic might actually be a great choice for anyone looking for inspiration toward a classic or vintage-themed wedding.
The Proposal
The Proposal features Sandra Bullock as Margaret, a high-powered book editor who faces deportation to Canada. In a desperate move, she convinces her assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), to engage in a fake marriage. As they visit Andrew’s family in Alaska to fake the relationship, their feelings start to grow for one another.
The film’s comedic take on relationships and love will undoubtedly bring plenty of laughter along the way. The story also highlights the importance of genuine connections; a lovely reminder for couples as they plan their true-to-heart wedding.
Runaway Bride
Runaway Bride stars Julia Roberts as Maggie, a woman known for leaving grooms at the altar. Opposite her is Ike, played by Richard Gere, a cynical journalist who writes a fake report on Maggie and then comes to her small town to get the real story. As Ike delves into Maggie’s history, a romantic spark develops between them.
This movie features a great blend of humor and romance. It’s also a lovely reminder that it’s okay to step back and re-evaluate what you truly want in a marriage. Maggie’s journey towards self-discovery and honesty is an inspiring message for couples.
So there we have it! Our top 15 picks for the best wedding movies. These films should hopefully inspire you and get you excited for your big day. Feel like we’ve missed one of your faves? Want to let us know what your favourite wedding movie is? Let us know in the comments below!