The Wildling Wedding: Inside Kit Harington And Rose Leslie's Fairytale Nuptials, 7 Years Later

Few celebrity romances capture the global imagination quite like a real-life fairytale, and the union of *Game of Thrones* stars Kit Harington and Rose Leslie is the epitome of modern Hollywood royalty. As of today, December 12, 2025, the famously private couple recently celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary, marking a major milestone in their journey from co-stars to soulmates and now, parents of two. Their 2018 Scottish wedding remains one of the most talked-about celebrity events of the decade, blending ancient family heritage with a star-studded guest list from the world’s biggest fantasy show. The details of their special day, from the historic venue to the stunning bridal gown, are a testament to their enduring, quiet love story.

The couple, who first met on the set of the HBO epic, translated their on-screen chemistry as Jon Snow and Ygritte into a deeply private, committed relationship. Their nuptials were a beautiful, yet surprisingly traditional affair, held far from the Hollywood glare in the Scottish Highlands. The entire event was a nod to Rose's noble Scottish ancestry, providing a dramatic, castle-based backdrop that was perfectly suited to the "King in the North" and his Wildling love.

The King and the Wildling: A Complete Biographical Profile

The foundation of the couple's enduring appeal lies in their individual backgrounds and their shared career trajectory. Both are known for their reserved nature and dedication to their craft, making their public romance all the more compelling.

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Christopher Catesby "Kit" Harington

• Full Name: Christopher Catesby Harington
• Born: December 26, 1986, in London, England
• Key Roles: Jon Snow (*Game of Thrones*), Eret (*How to Train Your Dragon* franchise), Dane Whitman (*Eternals*)
• Ancestry: Descended from Charles II of England; his paternal grandmother, Lavender Cecilia Denny, was a descendant of politician Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville.

Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie

• Full Name: Rose Eleanor Arbuthnot-Leslie
• Born: February 9, 1987, in Aberdeen, Scotland
• Key Roles: Ygritte (*Game of Thrones*), Gwen Dawson (*Downton Abbey*), Maia Rindell (*The Good Fight*)
• Ancestry: Grew up in Wardhill Castle, her family's ancestral seat in Aberdeenshire. Her father is the Aberdeenshire Chieftain of Clan Leslie.

The Royal Fantasy: Proposal, Venue, and The Iconic Elie Saab Gown

The couple’s relationship began in 2011/2012 while filming the second season of *Game of Thrones* in Iceland, a location Kit Harington famously described as where he "fell in love." After years of speculation, the pair officially confirmed their engagement in a very traditional manner: a formal announcement in the 'Forthcoming Marriages' section of *The Times* newspaper in September 2017.

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A Romantic Proposal Gone Wrong (Almost)

While the announcement was formal, Kit’s proposal story was famously sweet and slightly chaotic. He had planned a meticulously romantic setting, including lighting trees, but the moment was so overwhelming that he ended up proposing a day early. He later joked on *The Jonathan Ross Show* that he "blew his load early" by asking the question before he could execute his grand plan.

The Historic Scottish Wedding Venue

The wedding ceremony took place on June 23, 2018, at the picturesque Kirkton of Rayne church in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The reception was then hosted at Rose’s family home, the magnificent 12th-century Wardhill Castle. This venue choice injected a genuine sense of history and personal connection into the event, far surpassing the manufactured fantasy of any movie set. The castle and its sprawling estate, which has been in the Leslie family for over 900 years, provided a stunning, private backdrop for the celebration.

Rose Leslie's Timeless Bridal Look

Rose Leslie’s wedding dress was a masterpiece of classic bridal design, perfectly suited for the castle setting. The gown was a vintage-style ivory lace design by the renowned Lebanese designer, Elie Saab. The dress featured long, intricate lace sleeves, a delicate full skirt, and beautiful embroidery, complemented by a simple floral crown in her hair. Kit Harington, meanwhile, wore a traditional morning suit, looking every bit the dashing groom.

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The Reunion of Westeros: Game of Thrones Co-Stars and Post-Wedding Life

The wedding was affectionately dubbed the "Second Royal Wedding" by fans, not just for the castle venue, but for the unprecedented reunion of the *Game of Thrones* cast. Production on the show’s final season was reportedly shut down to allow the actors to travel to Scotland for the event, highlighting the deep bonds forged over a decade of filming.

The Star-Studded Guest List (A Westeros Who's Who)

The sight of the actors arriving at the small Scottish church was a global media event, providing fans with a final, joyful reunion of their favorite characters in real life. Key cast members who journeyed to the Scottish Highlands included:

• Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen)
• Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister)
• Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark)
• Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)
• Liam Cunningham (Ser Davos Seaworth)
• John Bradley (Samwell Tarly)

The presence of the *Game of Thrones* ensemble, from the Stark sisters to the Mother of Dragons, underscored the fact that the show was not just a job, but the very place where Kit and Rose's life together began. The celebration at Wardhill Castle was a lavish, yet intimate affair, marking the start of their new chapter.

Life Beyond the Wall: Family, Privacy, and the Future in 2025

Since their wedding in 2018, the couple has fiercely protected their private life, choosing to raise their family away from the constant scrutiny of Hollywood. Their commitment to privacy has only strengthened the public's fascination with their relationship, which has matured from a passionate on-screen romance to a quiet, supportive marriage.

Building a Family of Four

In a major update to their love story, Kit and Rose are now a family of four. They welcomed their first child, a son, in February 2021. In July 2023, the couple’s representative confirmed the birth of their second child, a daughter. The names of both children have been kept private, further illustrating their dedication to a normal, grounded upbringing.

The transition to parenthood has been a central focus of their lives in the mid-2020s. Kit Harington has often spoken about the challenges and joys of being a father, famously commenting on the surreal nature of their children potentially watching *Game of Thrones* one day, suggesting the experience would be "deeply uncomfortable" for them.

The Enduring Legacy of Jon and Ygritte

Seven years into their marriage, and over a decade since they met on the set of *Game of Thrones*, the love story of Kit Harington and Rose Leslie continues to be a source of inspiration. Their ability to navigate the pressures of fame, support each other through personal challenges (including Kit’s brief stay at a wellness facility following the end of *GoT*), and build a strong family unit in the quiet solitude of the English countryside and Scottish Highlands is the true fairytale ending fans had hoped for. The Wildling and the King in the North have found their "happily ever after," proving that sometimes, love stories written in fiction can become even more beautiful in real life.