20 Photos of What Weddings Looked Like in the 1970s

Daniel Bonfiglio Published 01/02/2025 in wow

Weddings these days are out of control, with couples spending a gazillion dollars on themes and gimmicks that don't even look good. But if you think that's a new phenomenon, think again.

The 1970s were filled with ceremonies taking the decade's unique fashions to the extreme. What good is "timeless," when those bridesmaids gowns could only be from a five-year span?

Featuring the good and the bad, here are what 20 weddings looked like in the 1970s.

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1. Two Brothers
At their joint wedding, 1970s.
2. Puerto Rican Wedding
East Harlem, Manhattan, New York, 1970.
3. “The Epitome of a 1970's Wedding”
“The girl to the far left may look upset because she had just been crying. She was having some issues with her boyfriend at the time, the guy standing behind her, and her brother said something to lines of, ‘he shouldn't be in the picture, they aren't even engaged,’ and she broke down. They ended up breaking up a few weeks later.”
4. “A Very ‘70s Wedding Pic”
“My aunt and uncle.”
5. “Pastel Rainbow”
Wedding in 1976.
6. A Wedding Day in 1970
“My grandparents hadn’t known each other very long at all but knew marriage was what they wanted.”
7. “My Mom”
At her sister’s wedding in the late 1970s.
8. Ghanaian Wedding Photo
Happy couple, 1970s.
9. 1970s Bridal Party
Of differing enthusiasm levels.
10. “My Parents’ Wedding”
In 1979.
11. 1970's Bridal Party
Nice and colorful.
12. Wedding Reception
Portugal, 1970s.
13. Bridesmaids and Groom
And some funny hats, 1974.
14. White Lace Robes
Bridesmaids, 1977.
15. Christmas Theme
Wedding in 1970.
16. Mixed Emotions
Bride and her friends, 1973.
17. German Wedding
Lots of green, 1970s.
18. Cutting the Wedding Cake
Newlyweds in 1974.
19. “Our Wedding in 1973”
“Photo with my parents.”
20. Bridesmaid Vests
Quite a look for 1975.

1. Two Brothers
At their joint wedding, 1970s.
2. Puerto Rican Wedding
East Harlem, Manhattan, New York, 1970.
3. “The Epitome of a 1970's Wedding”
“The girl to the far left may look upset because she had just been crying. She was having some issues with her boyfriend at the time, the guy standing behind her, and her brother said something to lines of, ‘he shouldn't be in the picture, they aren't even engaged,’ and she broke down. They ended up breaking up a few weeks later.”
4. “A Very ‘70s Wedding Pic”
“My aunt and uncle.”
5. “Pastel Rainbow”
Wedding in 1976.
6. A Wedding Day in 1970
“My grandparents hadn’t known each other very long at all but knew marriage was what they wanted.”
7. “My Mom”
At her sister’s wedding in the late 1970s.
8. Ghanaian Wedding Photo
Happy couple, 1970s.
9. 1970s Bridal Party
Of differing enthusiasm levels.
10. “My Parents’ Wedding”
In 1979.
11. 1970's Bridal Party
Nice and colorful.
12. Wedding Reception
Portugal, 1970s.
13. Bridesmaids and Groom
And some funny hats, 1974.
14. White Lace Robes
Bridesmaids, 1977.
15. Christmas Theme
Wedding in 1970.
16. Mixed Emotions
Bride and her friends, 1973.
17. German Wedding
Lots of green, 1970s.
18. Cutting the Wedding Cake
Newlyweds in 1974.
19. “Our Wedding in 1973”
“Photo with my parents.”
20. Bridesmaid Vests
Quite a look for 1975.