The Eight Lives Of Liz: Decoding Elizabeth Taylor's Most Iconic And Unconventional Wedding Gowns

Few figures in Hollywood history captivated the world quite like Elizabeth Taylor, and no aspect of her life was more scrutinized than her legendary journey down the aisle. As of December 2025, the story of her eight marriages to seven different men remains a masterclass in evolving style, defiance of convention, and the sheer spectacle of celebrity romance. Her choice of wedding attire for each occasion was never just a dress; it was a powerful statement, a reflection of her current life stage, and often, a dramatic departure from the traditional white gown.

From the lavish, traditional Hollywood bridal debut of a young starlet to the unexpected, colorful choices of a seasoned icon, Taylor’s wedding wardrobe is a fascinating study of fashion, wealth, and passion. Each gown—whether a bespoke Helen Rose creation or a scandalous yellow chiffon—tells a unique chapter of her life, revealing a woman who always dressed exactly as she pleased, regardless of public opinion.

Elizabeth Taylor: A Chronology of Seven Husbands and Eight Weddings

Elizabeth Taylor was married a total of eight times to seven men, spanning from 1950 to 1991. The list of her husbands and the corresponding wedding dates provides the essential context for her iconic bridal fashion choices.

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• 1. Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr. (Hotel Heir): May 6, 1950 – January 29, 1951
• 2. Michael Wilding (British Actor): February 21, 1952 – January 26, 1957
• 3. Mike Todd (Film Producer): February 2, 1957 – March 22, 1958 (Widowed)
• 4. Eddie Fisher (Singer): May 12, 1959 – March 6, 1964
• 5. Richard Burton (Welsh Actor): March 15, 1964 – June 26, 1974 (First Marriage)
• 6. Richard Burton (Welsh Actor): October 10, 1975 – July 29, 1976 (Second Marriage)
• 7. John Warner (Politician/Senator): December 4, 1976 – November 7, 1982
• 8. Larry Fortensky (Construction Worker): October 6, 1991 – October 31, 1996

The Eight Gowns: From Traditional White to Scandalous Yellow

Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding dresses are legendary for their variety and their complete disregard for the "rules" of traditional bridal wear, especially after her first marriage. The collection showcases a spectrum of colors, silhouettes, and designers, cementing her status as a true fashion icon.

1. The Traditional Hollywood Debut (Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr., 1950)

At the tender age of 18, Taylor had her only truly traditional wedding. The gown, designed by MGM costume designer Helen Rose, was a gift from the studio and was a mirror image of the dress Rose created for Taylor in the film *Father of the Bride* (1950).

• Designer: Helen Rose (who also designed Grace Kelly's gown).
• Style: A classic 1950s ivory satin ball gown with a cinched waist, a full A-line skirt, and long sheer sleeves. It was embellished with seed pearls and delicate lace.
• Legacy: The wedding was a massive spectacle with over 700 guests. The dress later sold at a Christie's auction in 2013 for a staggering £121,875 (approximately $188,175), far exceeding its initial estimate, proving its enduring cultural value.

2. The Sophisticated Suit (Michael Wilding, 1952)

For her second marriage, Taylor opted for a more mature and understated look, as was customary for second-time brides at the time.

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• Designer: Helen Rose (again).
• Style: A chic, non-traditional tea-length suit with a flared skirt and a white collar. The ensemble was a sophisticated departure from the voluminous satin of her first wedding.

3. The Acapulco Blue Hood (Mike Todd, 1957)

Taylor’s marriage to producer Mike Todd, the only husband she did not divorce (he tragically died in a plane crash), was marked by a vibrant, unconventional choice for their destination wedding in Acapulco, Mexico.

• Style: A stunning light blue hooded A-line gown made of chiffon. The hooded detail added a dramatic, almost ethereal touch, perfectly suiting the exotic location.

4. The Scandalous Green Gown (Eddie Fisher, 1959)

The marriage to Eddie Fisher was highly controversial, as he was married to Taylor’s close friend, Debbie Reynolds, at the time. The ceremony was a private affair in Las Vegas, and the dress reflected the quiet, yet defiant, nature of the union.

• Style: A green silk A-line dress featuring a matching hood. The choice of green, instead of white, was a clear signal that she was no longer interested in traditional bridal expectations.

5. The Iconic Yellow Chiffon (Richard Burton, First Marriage, 1964)

Perhaps her most famous and most unconventional gown, the yellow dress for her first marriage to Richard Burton was a bold, bohemian statement.

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• Designer: Irene Sharaff (costume designer for *Cleopatra*).
• Style: A bright, canary yellow chiffon babydoll dress that was knee-length, with an empire cut. The dress was paired with a dramatic, intricate braided hairstyle adorned with hyacinths and lilies of the valley. The look was a perfect representation of the era’s free-spirited fashion.

6. The Tie-Dye Bohemian (Richard Burton, Second Marriage, 1975)

After their first tumultuous marriage ended, the couple remarried in a remote ceremony in Botswana. The dress was a reflection of the 1970s bohemian aesthetic.

• Designer: Gina Fratini.
• Style: A colorful tie-dye gown featuring a mix of green, blue, and pink. The flowing, multi-layered silk dress was utterly unique and perfectly captured the spirit of the decade and the couple's adventurous nature.

7. The Winter Cashmere (John Warner, 1976)

When Taylor married Virginia politician John Warner, the setting was a private, practical winter ceremony on his farm. Her attire was chosen for warmth and the occasion.

• Style: A modest, warm violet/purple cashmere dress worn underneath a tweed and fur coat. The choice of purple, a color long associated with royalty and luxury, was a subtle nod to her own legendary status, even in a subdued setting.

8. The Pale Yellow Spectacle (Larry Fortensky, 1991)

Taylor’s eighth and final trip down the aisle was a massive, star-studded affair held at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. The wedding was a media spectacle, and the dress was appropriately grand.

• Designer: Valentino.
• Style: A bespoke pale yellow lace gown in three shades of yellow, custom-made by the Italian fashion house. The dress was a luxurious, romantic capstone to her bridal wardrobe, costing an estimated $25,000. Guests included Eddie Murphy, Liza Minnelli, and Nancy Reagan, making it one of the most high-profile celebrity weddings of the decade.

The Enduring Legacy of Elizabeth Taylor’s Bridal Style

Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding gowns are more than just historical fashion pieces; they are cultural artifacts that symbolize a woman who lived her life on her own terms. Her willingness to abandon the "rules" of bridal fashion—opting for vibrant colors like blue, green, and yellow, and silhouettes ranging from suits to hooded gowns—paved the way for future celebrity brides to express their individuality.

The Helen Rose white gown remains an iconic piece of Old Hollywood glamour, while the Irene Sharaff yellow dress is a testament to the power of a woman in love, defying the world. The auction success of her first dress in 2013 highlights the enduring fascination with her life and her style. Today, her eight wedding looks continue to inspire designers and brides who seek to make a bold, personal statement on their wedding day, proving that true style is timeless, unconventional, and utterly authentic.