21 Jubilant Books about Weddings Perfect for Wedding Season
Wedding season is here and I’m READY FOR IT! There is nothing more romantic than 2 people in love, claiming each other in front of their closest family and friends. Romantic tales are always my go-to genre, and a good wedding story is a cherry on top of the literary cake. This is why I always gravitate towards books about weddings.
Without any more weddings to attend on my own this year, I am soaking up my favorite fictional affairs. Looking to discover your own Happily-Ever-After tale? Allow us to recommend 17 of our favorite books featuring weddings.
If you are looking for children’s books about weddings, head here.
*The wedding novels post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Best Books About Weddings
Big Gay Wedding
Author: Byron Lane
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Named one of Cosmopolitan’s Best Books of 2023
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Barnett has returned home to his mother’s farm in rural Louisana to announce that he’s getting married – to another man. Needless to say, introducing Ezra to his mom does not go down smoothly.
Byron Lane delivers a FANTASTIC novel filled with family drama, growth, acceptance, and a BIG GAY WEDDING. I think this is my favorite wedding novel of all time.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s over the top exactly where it needs to be and its heartwarming in the best way possible. Also, I cried over a sheep. I adored Barnett and Ezra’s families and especially their relationship. This one is a total must-read and a pick for the best books of 2023!
Find this book in: The Best Books of 2023/ Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Books About Weddings
The Wedding People
Author: Alison Espach
Year: 2024
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: August 2024 Read With Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Phoebe Stone arrives at the Cornwall Inn, she is the only person in the hotel who is not there for the wedding. She’s there to commit suicide after her marriage ends and she feels she has nothing else to live for.
Lila, the bride, has thought of every detail but did not account for Phoebe being at the hotel. She figures out what Phoebe is there to do and Lila will NOT let it happen. Soon, Phoebe is joining in on the weeklong festivities and readers get to learn about Lila’s motivations too. This funny, poignant novel about the people we meet along the path of life is sure to be a hit.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide Attempt, Infertility
Why Kirsten loves it
I love it handled anxiety, depression, and the ending of a relationship. It reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians because of the over-the-top wedding vibes. There is so much to discuss in this one that I think it’s perfect for book clubs. #gifted Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm
Find this book in: Books About Weddings / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best New Fiction Books of 2024: Contemporary and Literary Fiction
The Wedding Sisters by Jamie Brenner
This wacky story about three sisters who get engaged at the same time is laugh-out-loud funny. When their parents decide that the best way to save money is to throw them a joint wedding, well…let’s just say it’s a wild ride! How can there not be some serious drama?
Full of heart, sisterhood, and love, this contemporary fiction family drama story is one of Brenner’s best works. Of all the books featuring weddings on this list, this is probably one of my favorite feel-good books for the wedding season and it is a perfect pick for a list of books about sisters!
The Wedding Veil by Kirsty Woodson Harvey
Kirsty Woodson Harvey has done it again with this novel about 4 women and the wedding veil that has shaped their lives. I loved this book, the witty characters and their growth, as well as the mystery behind the wedding veil.
In Present day, Julia Baxter is engaged and feeling the pressure of wearing the wedding veil gifted by a stranger on a train in the 1930’s that has brought good luck to her family for three generations. She panics and with the help of her grandmother, she runs away from her wedding.
in 1914 Edith Vanderbilt is at a loss after her beloved husband died and is struggling to manage the massive Biltmore estate. She is torn between honoring the life and dreams of her husband and the huge financial burden of running the estate.
Books About Weddings
Wedding Issues by Elle Evans
All Liv wants is to help her best friend, Leighton, land the coveted cover of Southern Charm‘s bridal issue. But when her conniving Aunt manipulates Liv into also being the bridesmaid for her cousin, Kali, things get crazy because she’s competing for the cover too.
As the competition heats up between the brides, and Liv tries to orchestrate the perfect outcome for everyone, she realizes she might be in over her head. Add in a taboo romance and you’ve got the makings of a fun fictional tale.
Why I Love it: Looking for a romp of a beach read? You’ve come to the right place! This story is pure functional fun! I had such a great time watching Liv create and get out of insane scenarios. It was over the top in exactly the way I want my beach reads to be.
Find this book in Wedding Novels / Beach Reads 2024
Meet Me in Monaco
Author: Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I was so excited to get a copy of this story which is set against the backdrop of Grace Kelly’s wedding to the Prince of Monaco. Grace is making her final appearance as a Hollywood starlet at the Cannes Film Festival before her wedding. She’s ready to escape the spotlight and hides in Sophie’s perfume shop. There, the two women bond – but the story is more about Sophie. As Sophie is helping to hide Grace, she bumps into a photographer, James, and sparks fly.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was a second-chance romance, a story of female friendship, and it was fantastic. It’s hard for me to figure out which character I loved the most – possibly Grace herself. Just know that Grace is more of a minor character in the story. I listened to parts of it on audiobook as well, and I can recommend that one too! Gifted by Harper Collins
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Royal Reads / Books about Weddings
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson
James Patterson writes Christmas Romance novellas? Who knew? The premise of this wedding novel is funny. A mother decides to announce her upcoming Christmas day wedding without telling her grown children the name of the groom!
She wants to ensure they actually come to the wedding and this appears to be the best way for her to get them up all together for Christmas. We dive right into the drama of the family in this contemporary tale that reminds us of the true joy of the season. Let’s just say that I would not be happy if my mom threw a stunt like that, but I enjoyed reading about someone else’s crazy family dynamics.
The Bride Test (The Kiss Quotient series #2) by Helen Hoang
I thought that this was such a fun read- perfect for the beach or the start of summer. It reminds me a little of Crazy, Rich Asians in that a girl falls for a guy and has no idea that he is crazy rich.
However, this is not what the book is about primarily. It is a sweet love story that was the perfect palate cleanser for some of the heavier, longer books that I read this month. It was very different from her first book, The Kiss Quotient which is the first book in the Kiss Quotient series but enjoyable!
Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close
Close delivers a great coming-of-age tale of single women in their twenties as they age and grow. One by one they get married, have bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and divorce along the way, they grow and find themselves. It totally reminded me of the wedding season of my own 20s.
Any woman who has gone through the wedding blitz (you know, those years where your social calendar is made up primarily of weddings and wedding-related events for EVERYONE you know) will relate to this book. It’s a coming-of-age story from fiction books about weddings is one that just put a smile on my face.
It Had to Be You by Georgia Clark
I loved this book. When a wedding planner dies, he leaves the business to his partner/ wife AND his mistress. The story that follows is not what you would expect. It is not a story of revenge or anger. Instead, it is a heartwarming love story.
It is a love story that reminds me of the movie Love Actually. It is smart, fun and you will not want to put it down. #gifted by Atria Books
Royal Fiction Books About Weddings
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
I thought this was going to be a wedding book about Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip based on the cover, but I was wrong. Instead, it was about a couple of seamstresses who worked on the now-Queen’s wedding dress.
Part historical fiction, part romance, part mystery – this pick from books about Queen Elizabeth II reminded me a bit of The Lost Vintage. This story is definitely not a royal romance but instead offers brief glimpses into the wedding dress-making process.
The Royal Wedding by Melanie Summers
Looking for a funny take on a royal romance? Summers delivers in her sequel to The Royal Treatment. I read it right when Prince Harry’s wedding was about to happen and it was the perfect pair!
Royal protocol, in-law issues, and multiple hijinks kept me turning the pages to see if the wedding would go off without a hitch. This is a great pick on fiction books about weddings.
For more Royal Reads, Check out this post of more than 40!
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
This movie is one of my favorites of all time and I was so shocked to learn that it was originally a book. If you lived through the ’80s then you might think that this is inconceivable but, alas, it is true.
Read all about Buttercup and her beloved Wesley and their harrowing tale of finding true love. It will not disappoint you. You might even want to read the book to someone else.
In the book, the author is narrating for the reader and describing a fictional book that his father read to him as a child. Sound confusing? It’s straightforward and a wonderful pick from books about weddings.
More Fiction Books About Weddings
A Wedding in Lake Como by Jennifer Probst
Ava, Madison, and Chelsea were inseparable in college but a mistake caused a rift that never fully healed. Ava is getting married in Lake Como and she hopes the pact they made to be there for each other’s weddings will still hold.
Ava was always rich, beautiful, and the center of attention. Chelsea was always practical, but despite having the family she always wanted, her professional life has been put on hold. Maddison has become the fashion influencer she always wanted to be but knows there is something missing.
This wedding may be their last chance to heal old wounds. Will they be able to keep their friendship and move forward? #gifted
Why I Like This Book: I love the relationships and friendships in this book. There are highs and lows that made me laugh and cry with the characters. The growth over the years as well as the descriptions of fashion throughout were wonderful.
Find This Book in Books About Friendship / Books Set in Italy /Novels About Fashion
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
According to his mother, Rufus Leung Gresham must marry a wealthy woman to save his family from ruin. The family’s seemingly unlimited funds have been squandered but society is not yet the wiser.
Determined to help her son snag a woman of means, his parents throw his sister an over-the-top Hawaiian wedding. When a volcano erupts at the wedding, and a hot mic exposes a secret affair, everything seems to be going up in flames.
Told from a few perspectives, this story is heavy on the drama but light on the communication. It portrays the majority of aristocrats as extravagant ninnies only concerned with money and their reputation, spending little time on underlying motivations. In short, it’s a fun lark but don’t go in expecting depth.
Why I Liked It: While not quite up to Crazy Rich Asians’ level of juicy, this story is still filled with all the scheming, sex, and showboating I’ve come to expect from Kevin Kwan. I listened to my copy and found myself thoroughly entertained during household chores.
Find this book in Books About Weddings
Amanda’s Wedding by Jenny Colgan
This was Colgan’s first book and although I enjoyed it, it did not have the charisma her other books have. There is something so comforting about a book that involves friends, food, and love. This story was a different sort of equation with characters that are a little more flawed and a little less adorable and loveable than I have become accustomed to.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
This modern classic retelling of Pride and Prejudice had me giggling multiple times. The Bennett sisters get modern updates in all the best ways.
And in this one, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have hate sex as part of the courting ritual which just cracked me up. Mrs. Bennett’s hysterics remain true to form and will be sure to delight. We love this pick from our list of best contemporary fiction books. It also appears on our list of Jane Austen Book Adaptations.
The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall
When Freya is left a the altar by her fiance, she’s not sure how she’s going to get through the wedding season ahead of her. Soon her friends have a plan – Freya must perform a series of challenges at each of the 7 weddings she’s going to attend.
In the process, she tries to put her relationship behind her and get over the heartbreak while celebrating her friends and loved ones. This charming tale had me smiling and cheering for Freya and her heart.
Love a good wedding story? Check out these fiction books about wedding season!
Before I Do by Sophie Cousens
Audrey has never quite decided what she wants to do with her life. Josh is down to earth and steady, the exact opposite of Audrey and they fit together perfectly.
The night before their wedding, Josh’s sister comes to the rehearsal dinner with “the one that got away”. As Audrey questions if Josh is really the one, she also starts to question if Fred’s appearance is more than a coincidence.
I loved this sweet and unusual love story. It is a must-read for anyone who loves Sophie Cousens or romances about weddings.
Family Drama Wedding Novels
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
It’s a fake dating romance from the queens of romance themselves, Christina Lauren! Anna thought that she had divorced West after they graduated from UCLA. Now, three years later, West needs to contact his not-so-ex-wife and convince her to pretend they are still happily married. Why? To receive a huge inheritance of course!
Anna, desperate for the money to pay for her dad’s medical bills, agrees to jet off to a tropical paradise to spend a week with West’s toxic family at his sister’s week-long wedding celebration. The over-the-top shenanigans reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians in the best way!
Why I Loved it: I was cheering Anna on as she took on West’s snooty family with her pink hair and bohemian spirit. The chemistry between them was crackling, but it was how they looked after each other that made my heart swoon.
Find this book in Fake Dating Books / Wedding Novels / Beach Reads 2024 / Romance Seaside Books
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Ready for some over-the-top wedding shenanigans? Kevin Kwan delivers in this wedding book! When a young man decides to bring his girlfriend home to Singapore for a wedding, she has no idea what to expect.
She didn’t know he was crazy rich, that his family was crazy, and that everything in Singapore is more, more, more. The details within these pages were so vivid, I could picture everything in this one-of-a-kind contemporary fiction!
This one makes it onto our list of the best books about weddings, too!
Destination Wedding by Diksha Basu
I’m obsessed with Destination Wedding. It’s a wonderful read for the summer wedding season or all year round. I knew very little about Indian weddings but now I’m dying to be invited to one! They sound like so much fun! This book takes place in India, but the main character is American-born. This could be just a light, beach read, but instead, it’s more.
The author touches on racism, and what it means to be an American-born child to parents who are from India. The feeling of not being at home in either location is explored in a way that I found very relevant today. I actually highlighted a few lines because they were eye-opening to me. It’s a summer read that has heart and a family drama book that is not to be missed.
The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz
What a delightful tale of one dress and the three brides that wore it. If you are looking for a fun book to get inspired for a wedding, this is the one for you.
Three generations of women wear the same dress and this book swaps between the time in their lives when all three wore it. It was lovely to see how tradition and history repeat throughout multiple time periods in this charming wedding novel.
Romance Wedding Novels
Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
Sophie is about to get married to a man who has cheated on her, desperate to save face and make him pay, she hires Max, an objector, to stand up and claim they have a good reason why the couple shouldn’t be wed.
When Sophie befriends Max and learns more about his side hustle, she wants to get in on the objector act too. As they travel to different weddings to end things at the altar, their chemistry becomes an unexpected bonus.
But can two love-averse friends make this relationship work?
Why I Like It: I love a friends-to-lovers story, and when you add in the unique set-up of the book, this turns into a great romance.
Find this book in Wedding Novels
The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea
Willa recently found her fiance in bed with her best friend, causing her to hit rock bottom. She wants to get out of town to heal her broken heart, but she’s broke. So when Maise offers to pay Willa to be a bridesmaid at all her wedding events, Maise accepts.
In the process of being a good bridesmaid-for-hire, Willa is able to turn her life around, make new friendships, and fall for the best man. This is such a fun book for wedding season!
A must-read for those looking for books about weddings!
Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin
The first book from famed author, Emily Giffin, Something Borrowed features a woman who sleeps with her best friend’s fiance.
While hiding the mistake from her dear friend, Rachel needs to determine what to do, and if she should be helping the wedding move forward or working to call it all off. It’s hard to make cheaters likable, but Giffin pulls it off with ease. This is a must-read wedding novel.
The Wedding Date (The Wedding Date #1) by Jasmine Guillory
This was such a fun read- it was perfect to take with me for a weekend away. When Alexa gets stuck in an elevator with Drew, she makes the crazy choice to accompany him as a fake wedding date to a wedding the next day. If you love fake dating books, this is one of the books like The Love Hypothesis you must read.
What she didn’t account for was the fact that there might be some real attraction between them. She is a good girl and he is a commitment-phoebe. Can they make it work? We think you’ll love this wedding book.
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Catalina is a fiercely independent woman who ran away from her past but now she has to face it at her sister’s wedding where her former fiance is the best man.
She needs a fake boyfriend – and fast! Enter Aaron her annoying and grumpy co-worker who offers to help her with her ruse. As they put their differences aside to help each other out, their love begins to grow. This is the fake dating trope at its best.
While I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers romance in this book, at over 500 pages this office romance novel was just a bit too long.
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
I got this cute romance from a friend for Valentine’s Day. The story is about a wedding calligrapher who predicts a marriage between a couple will be a mistake. In writing. On their wedding program.
When the wedding gets canceled, the groom comes in demanding answers. It was a great romance!
Thrillers Set at a Wedding
The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve just read THE thriller
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far. It also made our Best of 2020 list!
Adaptation Information
This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books
The Last One at the Wedding
Author: Jason Rekulak
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Are you looking for an epic mystery-thriller that will keep you invested until the last page? Jason Rekulak’s newest novel DELIVERED.
Frank has not spoken to his daughter, Maggie, in three years and is shocked when she calls to invite him to her wedding. When he arrives at the private estate where the wedding will take place with his sister and her foster child, Frank discovers Maggie is marrying billionaire heir, Aiden Gardner.
The family is not friendly, Maggie has no time for him, and Frank gets suspicious when he releases that Aiden is suspected of having something to do with a missing woman. When a fellow wedding guest winds up dead, Frank goes on the hunt to figure out what secrets are being kept from him in a bid to save his daughter.
Why Kirsten loves it
Frank is an everyman way over his head with the antics of the 1%. While he strives to help his daughter in a bid to repair their relationship, he is met with a myriad of scenarios he can’t wrap his head around as he is thwarted at every turn. His outsider looking in perspective was an exceptional narrative tool and as he uncovered each secret, I was every bit as shocked as he was. At the 70% mark my mind literally looked like this – 🤯. I DEVOURED it and you will too.
Find this book in: Wedding Novels / Best New Thrillers of 2024/ Best Psychological Thriller Books / Giftable Books
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