Kanye West and Kim Kardashian threw the wedding of the century this past weekend. Not that there’s anything wrong with going international with a ceremony at a sixth-century-era fortress, and having Jaden Smith dress in a Batman suit (photos of which were released practically before the cake was cut). But there are options. These stars managed to keep their weddings out of the limelight and pretty normal, which is not for everyone.
Beyoncé Knowles and Shawn “Jay Z” Carter
Unlike their friends Kanye and Kim, the Knowles-Carters kept their nuptials under wraps, even after the ceremony. Married on April 4, 2008, the couple had a closely guarded ceremony in the groom’s Tribeca penthouse in New York City, with only 40 of their closest friends and family. Few details and photos have yet to emerge from their private wedding.
Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon
The couple married in a secret ceremony in the Bahamas on April 30, 2008. Each year, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon have renewed their vows on their wedding date at locales from Paris to Disneyland.
Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz
There was lot a controversy surrounding the nuptials between Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Rumors floated that Beatz began dating Keys while still married to his former wife, singer Mashonda. Despite the drama, the couple married in a private ceremony next to the Mediterranean Sea in 2010.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett have faced a lot of public criticism of their marriage (it’s rumored to be open) and their parenting skills, but their romance wasn’t always so polarizing. The couple wed in a secret ceremony in the bride’s hometown of Baltimore in 1997.
Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha
Scandal star Kerry Washington kept her marriage to San Francisco 49ers cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha so under wraps, you’d think she had the help of Olivia Pope. Details of their nuptials emerged a week after their June 24, 2013, wedding.
Tisha Campbell and Duane Martin
Tisha Campbell married fellow actor Duane Martin in a small ceremony in 1996. Their quintessential ’90s wedding video will bring tears to your eyes.