Love is in the air, especially in these films that gave us some of the greatest wedding scenes ever committed to celluloid. From dramatic to comedic movie weddings are always highlights and below are a few of the best. Who says so? I do…

Four Weddings and a Funeral – The Holy Goat

There is obviously an abundance of wedding related action in this classic British comedy. In fact so classic and British is this comedy that any film subsequently that has possessed both these qualities and has been half decent comes with the commendation of being the ‘best British comedy since Four Weddings and a Funeral.’

Despite the numerous comedic moments, for this list we’re going with Rowan Atkinson’s scene stealing performance as the nervous Father Gerald. After stumbling through the vows making numerous errors and faux pas, he has made it to the end, only to make one last mistake, “In the name of the father, the son and the holy goat. Ahem… ‘ghost’.”

The Princess Bride – Mawwidge…

It is a sweeping generalisation, but a fair one, to suggest that The Princess Bride is the greatest love story ever told. And seeing as it has the word bride in the title it is perhaps unsurprising that it features here. The specific moment in question is not the most sophisticated, seeing as it is based around a speech impediment. Nevertheless the character the Impressive Clergyman is in cohorts with the evil Prince Humperdinck so it’s ok to laugh… “Mawwige. Mawwige is wot bwings us togefer tooday. Mawwige, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam…”

Godfather – A Sicilian can’t say ‘no’ on his daughter’s wedding day.

Presumably at weddings where the father of the bride is Sicilian this tradition keeps the entire wedding party entertained all day. In Coppola’s sprawling gangster epic the first instalment begins with a marriage ceremony to end all marriage ceremonies, it’s boisterous and hectic and serves as an introduction to all the major players, their relationships with one another and the values they hold most dear. And while the party progresses outside in the dark of Don Corleone’s study he conducts his business. What a juxtaposition, just brilliant.

The Graduate – “Elaine!”

The rescue of Elaine, Mrs. Robinson’s daughter, from her wedding in the final moments of The Graduate has become one of the most iconic film moments of all time, let alone of those featuring a wedding. Considering that it’s no wonder it’s a shoe-in here. It is worth noting how this film represents a generation, still capturing the essence of period of time in which it was made, helped not only by the brilliant performance of Hoffman as Ben, but also by the eerily sentimental soundtrack provided by Simon and Garfunkel.

Love Actually – Love Is All You Need

This film is a montage of sorts as different stories all focusing on love intertwine and overlap covering the full range of emotions that are associated with relationships. One such scene is a wedding in which the best man has organized a bit of a Beatles themed surprised. As the happy couple turn to leave the church after completing the ceremony a choir and soloist make a surprise appearance on a balcony and start singing the classic, All You Need Is Love. They’re given musical accompaniment by an orchestra that springs from the ranks of guests situated in the pews. Very cute.

Are these among your favourite movie wedding moments? Or are there, to your mind, glaring omissions. Others that nearly made the list were Father of the Bride, Philadelphia Story and the Deer Hunter… but it seemed prudent to stop at five, maybe a sequel is called for?

Author: Aaron Bale is a lover of love, which has helped him build an expert knowledge of Valentines gifts, a talent he utilises for Find Me A Gift.