These Favorite Wedding Movies Sing the Praises of True Love

In their purest form, weddings should celebrate love and unity. However, for all the joy they offer, they can also add stress and messy situations.

Movies that center around these ceremonies reflect all of these conflicting emotions. Whether they revolve around the couple-to-be, the families, the wedding party, or everyone in between, these films often bring out the hopeful side of filmmakers.

Wedding movies dive deep into every aspect of what makes these events unique and generally will not be for the cynical viewer. On the contrary, the greatest in this subgenre makes us believe in true love in all its forms.

1. My Best Friend's Wedding (1996)

My Best Friend's Wedding remains the ultimate wedding movie because it charms to no end and subverts expectations of what a romantic comedy can be.

The story follows Julianne (Julia Roberts), a woman who realizes she loves her best friend Michael (Dermot Mulroney), but only after he announces he's marrying another woman. In the days before the wedding, Julianne tries everything to come between Michael and his sweet fiancée Kimmy (Cameron Diaz) to hilarious results.

My Best Friend's Wedding works so well because of the talented cast (which also includes the scene-stealing Rupert Everett) and the excellent script. A lesser screenplay would make Kimmy an unlikable snob and Julianne triumphant in her attempts to stop the wedding. This film, however, has viewers rooting against the leading lady while still feeling sympathy for her. The shenanigans, laughter, and unexpected tears prove to be plentiful in one of the finest films of Roberts' career.

2. Father of the Bride (1991)

One of the finest remakes ever made, Father of the Bride takes all of the original film's charm and infuses a dash more heart and spirit into the story. The movie delights to no end with Nancy Meyers as screenwriter and the fantastic cast of Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Martin Short.

The story features a simple premise. When Annie Banks (Williams-Paisley) tells her parents she's engaged, her mother, Nina (Keaton), greets her excitedly. On the other hand, she gets nothing but concern and consternation from her father, George (Martin). As they plan the wedding, George finds it difficult to let go of his daughter, whom he still thinks of as a little girl.

Father of the Bride proves that remakes can live up to or surpass the original. It also showcases the range of emotions from planning a wedding, meeting future in-laws, and learning to let your children live their own lives. Martin stands out in the cast, perfectly encapsulating reasonable frustrations and bittersweet feelings on the big day. The heartfelt film will inspire many laughs and tears.

3. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

In the realm of classic films, The Philadelphia Story stands out as the greatest movies about a wedding. A brilliant film on its own, the premise allows its cast and profound themes of life, love, and humility to shine through.

The movie takes place on the weekend of socialite Tracy Lord's (Katharine Hepburn) wedding. Complicating the nuptials include Tracy's ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), who still loves her, and reporters Mike Conner (James Stewart) and Elizabeth Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) sent to cover the event. As the day approaches, Tracy finds herself confused, humiliated, and unable to reconcile her feelings not for her fiancé but for Dexter and Mike.

Many consider The Philadelphia Story one of the finest films ever made, let alone in the “Wedding Movie” category. The unmatched cast represents some of the most esteemed in Hollywood history. The film proves all the better for it because those performances help to make it entertaining and thoughtful.

The crux of The Philadelphia Story showcases that love should never be about adoration or worship but rather mutual respect between two equal partners. In the film's final satisfying moments, the audience feels they've learned as much as Tracy and rejoices in her realization of who she genuinely loves.

4. Father of the Bride (1951)

The original Father of the Bride epitomizes what makes so many classic films appealing. It features understated comedy and naturalistic performances from its stellar cast led by one of the most natural actors ever, Spencer Tracy, and the ever-radiant Elizabeth Taylor.

The storyline follows the same basic plot of every Father of the Bride film. This original film's narration by Tracy sets it apart from the others with his matter-of-fact, dulcet tones. The put-upon, somewhat grumpy father must learn to let go of his child while finding his own sense of humility. Overall, the gentle humor and heartwarming tone create a cozy classic.

5. The Wedding Singer (1998)

One of, if not the best, Adam Sandler comedy, The Wedding Singer features his first team-up with the adorable Drew Barrymore, heavy doses of 1980s nostalgia, and hilarious fun. The movie follows a kind wedding singer (Sandler) whose fiancée breaks his heart by leaving him at the altar. Soon, his wounds heal when he helps plan the wedding of his new friend Julia (Barrymore), developing feelings for her in the process.

The Wedding Singer blends comedy and romance better than most of its counterparts, with as many laugh-out-loud moments as sweet, heartfelt ones. Sandler and Barrymore's natural chemistry proves why they've become one of Hollywood's go-to favorite duos.

The film also showcases the tried-and-true tropes of the rom-com, such as the love triangle and romantic declarations. Plus, within the unique 1980s setting, viewers get to indulge in outrageous fashion, pop culture references, and music, including a hilarious cameo by Billy Idol.

6. The Wedding Date (2005)

Light, breezy, and surprisingly poignant, The Wedding Date follows Kat (Debra Messing), who hires a man named Nick (Dermot Mulroney) to pretend to be her boyfriend for her sister's wedding. As they attempt to fool her family and ex-boyfriend, lines blur.

The Wedding Date's plentiful virtues include its excellent supporting cast (Amy Adams, Jack Davenport, Holland Taylor) and script that does not sugarcoat its darker themes nor turn into melodrama. Instead, the movie remains lighthearted with realistic undertones.

For anyone who has ever felt the pangs of singleness and familial pressure, especially at weddings, The Wedding Date provides a hopeful balm for the soul.

7. 27 Dresses (2008)

The age-old saying, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” takes on new meaning in 27 Dresses. The perpetual bridesmaid Jane (Katherine Heigl) has happily stood by friends 27 times, helping to make their wedding days special.

However, her flighty younger sister Tess (Malin Ackerman) tests her will when she turns the head of George (Edward Burns), Jane's boss she secretly loves. Things grow even more complicated when journalist Kevin (James Marsden) enters the picture.

27 Dresses resonates with viewers who have felt overlooked or taken for granted. Jane may seem unrealistic, but the heart of her character rings true. Good people who want to make others happy, in this case, on their wedding day, do exist. Moreover, the sister dynamic feels authentic, and Jane's anger at Tess's thoughtlessness feels justified.

For romantics, 27 Dresses remains a charming and pleasant experience. Numerous moments resonate deeply, especially the paramount importance of honesty with yourself and others.

8. The Proposal (2009)

A favorite for Sandra Bullock fans, The Proposal pairs the romantic comedy veteran with Ryan Reynolds for a hilarious and relatable story. In the film, the Canadian unflinching workaholic Margaret (Bullock) convinces her harried assistant Andrew (Reynolds) to marry her so she can stay in the U.S. He relents but only with the promise of a promotion. To convince the INS of the legitimacy of their relationship, the two fly to Alaska for his grandmother's 90th birthday.

Unsurprisingly, once the pair meet his family, hijinks ensue, and genuine feelings blossom. It may follow the romantic comedy formula, but that gives the film its comforting appeal. At the same time, the film also flips the traditional gender stereotypes, with Reynolds' Andrew having a more open demeanor compared to Bullock's guarded one.

Together, they bring out their best selves, showcasing that the foundation of the best relationships comes with a willingness to be vulnerable.

9. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding became a sleeper hit upon release and remains one of Nia Vardalos' highest-grossing romantic comedies ever. Fans of the genre understand why. The sweet, relatable story follows Toula (Vardalos), a Greek woman who transforms her life and finds love with the incredible but non-Greek teacher Ian (John Corbett).

When the two get engaged, Toula must prepare Ian for her loud, pushy, and ultimately loving family. As their wedding becomes a major production, Ian does anything to make Toula happy as she comes to terms with her identity.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding made an indelible mark in the hearts of so many because of its timeless, multicultural, and generational appeal. Families will often be complicated, controlling, and challenging to reconcile with. At the end of the day, as long as love remains, we will happily accept any eccentric uncle or nosy mother. What matters most will always be the union of two people in love.

10. Jumping the Broom (2011)

This underrated, lesser-known gem centers on the wedding between wealthy, kind, and refined Sabrina (Paula Patton) and kind-hearted but proud Jason (Laz Alonso). As their two very different families meet for the first time at the multi-day wedding event on Martha's Vineyard, personalities clash, secrets come to the surface, and the couple must decide if love will be enough.

Also starring Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Mike Epps, Jumping the Broom illuminates class differences and the importance of humility, honesty, and compromise. Weddings will always come with complications and conflicting opinions. In this heartfelt film, the characters learn to embrace others with varied perspectives and traditions, creating a new hybrid of modern and old-fashioned sensibilities.

11. Runaway Bride (1999)

Runaway Bride reunites Pretty Woman co-stars Julia Roberts and Richard Gere for a decidedly sweet, lighter PG romance. The movie revolves around Maggie Carpenter (Roberts), a vivacious but very lost woman who's stood up three men at the altar. When journalist Ike Graham (Gere) writes a scathing editorial about her, his editor forces him to smooth things over with the “runaway bride” or risk a libel suit.

As they spend time together, their feelings soften, and genuine understanding forms. Even more so, the two find themselves quickly falling for each other to amusing results.

Self-aware and yet unabashedly romantic, the small town setting and quirky supporting players (Joan Cusack, Christopher Meloni, Hector Elizondo, Rita Wilson, Laurie Metcalf) help round out the story and give it a unique charm. Runaway Bride also embraces its corniness, working because of the sincerity and magnetic chemistry between Roberts and Gere.

12. Mamma Mia! (2008)

For the brightest and happiest wedding movie of them all, look no further than Mamma Mia. This adaptation of the Broadway musical follows the days leading up to the wedding of Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and Sky (Dominic Cooper).

After finding her mother Donna's (Meryl Streep) diary, Sophie (who had never known her father) discerns three possible fathers and invites them to her wedding. Understandably, the arrival of all three men (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård) creates a fair amount of tension and hilarity.

Set in the Greek islands and featuring the musical catalog of the pop group ABBA, Mamma Mia has a sun-kissed beauty and lovely sincerity. The musical takes everything to the highest degree without shame and remains all the better for it.

Weddings should celebrate love, life, and family, blood or otherwise. Mamma Mia epitomizes all of these elements with its rich, lively spirit.

13. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

One of the first hits from writer Richard Curtis (Notting Hill, Love Actually), Four Weddings and a Funeral, features a lighthearted and thoughtful plot that involves several events for a close-knit group of friends.

Charles (Hugh Grant) takes center stage, an awkward man who instantly falls for Carrie (Andie McDowell). With a mutual attraction, their several rendezvous solidify his feelings, but distance and other partners stand in their way.

This film balances witty, understated humor and poignancy with grace and ease. It manages to create genuine surprises and thoughtful moments in a genre filled with mediocrity.

14. Ticket to Paradise (2022)

Ticket to Paradise harkens back to rom-coms of the 1990s and 2000s with its A-list cast, gorgeous locations, and unabashed sincerity. The film follows divorced parents David (George Clooney) and Georgia (Julia Roberts) of young Lily (Kaitlyn Dever), who believe she has hastily rushed into an engagement. When they head to Bali for her wedding, the pair agree to put their differences aside and stop their daughter from making a mistake.

Of course, once their old flames reignite when their daughter inspires and helps them remember why they fell in love years before.

The pretty locales and excellent actors help make Ticket to Paradise a fun-filled, romantic escapism that audiences adore. What elevates the film lies with its profound themes showcased throughout the wedding traditions and young love between Lily and her fiancé. The film ponders the question: “Why wait for the good stuff?” Indeed, Ticket to Paradise will embolden viewers to seize the day and not run away from love.

15. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Years from now, many will look to Crazy Rich Asians as a return to rom-coms in their heyday, with the added bonus of the common wedding sub-genre. The film follows the kind, intelligent, self-assured Rachel (Constance Wu). In a happy, committed relationship with her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding), she travels to Singapore to attend his best friend's wedding and meet his family.

Unbeknownst to Rachel, Nick comes from an extremely wealthy family and social circle, causing this confident woman to feel judged and insecure. Her journey to realize her worth proves beautiful as she and Nick discover that love means more than anything.

Crazy Rich Asians features timeless themes seen through a refreshing lens. Likewise, the stellar cast, which also includes Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, and Gemma Chan, each contributes to the film's spirit and fun. Featuring one of the most unique and lovely wedding scenes ever put to screen, the earnest, funny movie deserves to sit beside other rom-com classics for its core message: never sacrifice or doubt your worth to conform to others' expectations.

16. Anyone but You (2023)

Anyone but You may be from 2023, but it has a 2000s rom-com vibe that fans of that era will adore. The film takes inspiration from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and puts a modern spin on the classic romance.

The plot follows Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell), whose instant passionate connection turns sour after a misunderstanding. When traveling to Australia for the wedding of her sister and his friend, the pair clash constantly— until they decide to fake a reconciliation to put a stop to their friends and family's match-making schemes.

In the grand tradition of modern Shakespeare adaptations like 10 Things I Hate About You, Anyone but You works well because of the sizzling chemistry between Sweeney and Powell. Moreover, the supporting cast, especially Dermot Mulroney, GaTa, and Bryan Brown, provide a lot of hearty laughs. The film has a sweet, steamy, and affable atmosphere one cannot help but love. It gets bonus points for the energetic and fun inclusion of Natasha Bedingfield's “Unwritten,” proving that more films should end on vibrant musical montages.

17. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)

Surpassing the original in heart, sweetness, and humor, The Princess Diaries 2 sees Mia (Anne Hathaway), slightly less awkward but still very much herself, about to take over for her grandmother Clarisse (Julie Andrews) to become Queen of Genovia.

There's just one small hiccup—the law says she must marry before taking the throne and find a suitable husband in a month's time. Despite a plan to wed the kind and pleasant Andrew (Callum Blue), Mia finds herself drawn to Lord Nicholas (Chris Pine in his film debut).

What makes this film lovely lies in the powerful messages and the beautiful wedding that comes as a surprise. Mia's poise and confidence shines through as she implores that a woman can rule without a husband by her side. Ahead of its time, the film's feminist message does not feel trite, nor does it sacrifice any of the romantic elements. Rather, it demonstrates that finding your strength and longing for love need not be mutually exclusive.

18. Made of Honor (2008)

Made of Honor does not break any new ground as a romantic comedy wedding movie. However, the humor, terrific cast, and satisfying, if predictable, conclusion elevate the film to a higher plane.

In the movie, best friends since college, Tom (Patrick Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle Monaghan), stand by each other through multiple relationships without crossing that romantic line. When Hannah becomes engaged to a rugged Scotsman (Kevin McKidd), Tom realizes his true feelings.

Made of Honor remains an utterly charming romp despite the familiar tropes and plot devices. The Scottish locations will dazzle, and the traditional wedding festivities will provide unique opportunities to celebrate a heritage an American audience may not be familiar with.

In the end, the film delights because of Dempsey and Monaghan's magnetic and believable chemistry and the satisfying storyline of the reformed, consummate bachelor. Finding love with a best friend remains a dream of many viewers. Made of Honor provides escapist entertainment for those who enjoy that kind of romance.

19. Bride Wars (2009)

Though the term “bridezilla” can come across as insensitive, the source comes from reality. That said, deeming Bride Wars the “Bridezilla” movie underestimates its virtues.

The film involves two best friends who engage in petty tricks and behavior when the Plaza Hotel erroneously books their weddings for the same day. Whether these hijinks prove funny will be up to the viewer. However, for those who like to indulge in that unmistakable 2000s rom-com vibe, Bride Wars offers a treat.

What makes the film ultimately work stems from its underlying beating heart, which showcases, in the end, an unbreakable friendship. Bride Wars shows us that soulmates can be best friends and that no one should ever settle when choosing their life partner.

20. Bridesmaids (2011)

One of the most outrageous and raucous wedding movies, Bridesmaids follows a wedding party during the many events that lead up to the ceremony. At the forefront, Maid of Honor Annie (Kristin Wiig) competes with the wealthy, seemingly perfect bridesmaid Helen (Rose Byrne).

Dealing with personal struggles, one disaster after another arises. Make no mistake, though, Bridesmaids has more than one infamous, hilarious scene. (When you know, you know.) The film also features a surprising amount of heart and truth about what it means when our friends get married and embark on a new stage in life.

The cast, which also includes Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, and Jon Hamm, brings their “A” game providing an endless array of funny moments. The film also gets bonus points for its epic inclusion of the Wilson Phillips 90s classic “Hold On” that will latch onto hearts and eardrums and never let go.

21. The Decoy Bride (2011)

An underrated gem, this little film has a quirky sweetness and romance that will charm viewers. The story follows the beautiful and famous actress Lara (Alice Eve), who wants to marry her fiancé, James (David Tennant), away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

They flee to a remote Scottish island for their nuptials but cannot shake one relentless photographer. To fool him and the other media, they hire a local lonely girl, Katie (Kelly McDonald), as a decoy bride. Of course, things go awry when they two accidentally wed for real, and romance inevitably blossoms.

The Decoy Bride may have a silly plot. Still, it works because of the earnest performances, offbeat humor, and beautiful locales. Moreover, the film features refreshing sincerity and relatable characters to anyone who has ever felt ordinary and unseen.

22. Palm Springs (2020)

Zany and surprisingly poignant, Palm Springs features many familiar tropes but gives them new vitality. In the film, the cynical, aimless Nyles (Andy Samberg) rescues Sarah (Cristin Miloti) from giving a disastrous speech at her sister's wedding. Unfortunately, after an interrupted tryst, she gets pulled into his world- a time loop where they relive this day over and over again.

Palm Springs represents a non-typical wedding movie and that's what gives it its charm and helps it stand apart from the crowd. Infinite time loop movies can feel generic, but this film feels funny and fresh thanks to the hilarious performances and unexpected twists.

Additionally, the film occasionally delves into darker territory, bringing forth themes of humanity, humility, and what it means to live that will resonate with many.

23. Wedding Crashers (2005)

One of the most raunchy and outright funny wedding films ever, Wedding Crashers features a stacked cast, outrageous laughs, and even a few heartfelt moments. Starring the dynamic duo of Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, the two play charming lotharios who crash weddings to seduce women.

When they crash the wedding of the Treasury Secretary's (Christopher Walken) daughter, they become entangled in that family's lives, including their two other daughters (Rachel McAdams and Isla Fischer).

Although some aspects of Wedding Crashers have aged poorly, the rest of the film remains a hilarious romp. Vaughn and Wilson exude their undeniable charisma, which makes them likable despite their despicable behavior. Of course, audiences also enjoy their respective learned journeys where they leave their lecherous lives behind in the name of love.

24. The Wedding Planner (2001)

The Wedding Planner follows a lonely woman named Mary (Jennifer Lopez) who plans the happiest day in a couple's life while being unlucky in love herself. When the handsome doctor Steve (Matthew McConaughey) saves her life, she believes her luck has changed until she discovers her next wedding to plan will be his.

The Wedding Planner requires much suspension of disbelief when casting Lopez as the awkward, lonely protagonist. However, she makes it work thanks to her sweet chemistry with McConaughey, who makes a potentially unlikeable character endearing. Although Judy Greer somewhat steals the show as Mary's cohort, Penny, The Wedding Planner has enough of the comforting rom-com elements fans expect and love and wise truths about what everlasting love should be.