Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett’s Shocking Reveal: The Untold Secrets of Their Wedding Plans

Ant McPartlin, the charismatic co-host of Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and his wife Anne-Marie Corbett stunned fans when they tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony on August 7, 2021. While the wedding at St Michael’s Church in Heckfield, Hampshire, was a joyous occasion, recent revelations about the couple’s secret wedding plans have left fans and media buzzing with intrigue. From covert preparations to unexpected decisions, Ant and Anne-Marie orchestrated their nuptials with a level of secrecy that few anticipated. This 1000-word article uncovers the shocking details behind their wedding, drawing from reports and insider accounts to reveal what no one knew at the time.

A Low-Key Affair Shrouded in Secrecy

Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett’s wedding was initially billed as a “low-key intimate ceremony,” a stark contrast to Ant’s first wedding to Lisa Armstrong in 2006, which was a glitzy showbiz affair. However, the level of secrecy surrounding their 2021 nuptials was unprecedented. According to reports from The Sun and Daily Mail, the couple went to great lengths to keep their plans under wraps, even from close friends and family. Guests, including high-profile names like Declan Donnelly, Phillip Schofield, and Holly Willoughby, were reportedly kept in the dark about the exact location and details until the last moment. “Ant and Anne-Marie wanted it to be their day, not a media circus,” a source told The Sun. “They were adamant about avoiding the razzmatazz of a showbiz wedding.”

The couple’s desire for privacy stemmed partly from the public scrutiny they faced when their relationship began in 2018, shortly after Ant’s split from Lisa Armstrong and Anne-Marie’s divorce from Scott Corbett. To ensure their wedding remained a personal milestone, they opted for a quaint Hampshire church and a reception at the luxurious Heckfield Place Hotel. Preparations were so discreet that villagers in Heckfield only suspected a major event when barriers and floral deliveries arrived days before. “As soon as people heard there were barriers going up at the church, we sort of guessed it was going to be a big wedding,” local resident Janice Collette told Daily Mail.

A Last-Minute Change of Plans

One of the most shocking revelations was that Ant and Anne-Marie had originally planned to marry abroad. Sources close to the couple revealed to Sky News that they envisioned an overseas ceremony, possibly in a sun-soaked destination, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a drastic change. “They had to pivot quickly due to travel restrictions,” the source explained. “Hampshire became the next best thing—a beautiful, private setting that still felt special.” This decision was kept secret even from their inner circle, with guests expecting an international event until invitations specified the UK venue.

The switch to St Michael’s Church, a 13th-century Grade II-listed building, added an element of historic charm. The couple reportedly paid just £25 to hire the church, a modest sum compared to the estimated £500,000 total cost of the wedding, which included a £110,000 guest accommodation bill at Heckfield Place and a £5,000 honeymoon suite. The last-minute change didn’t compromise the event’s elegance, with Mirror Online noting the couple’s choice of a lilac and pastel color scheme, featuring hydrangeas and roses in elaborate floral arches.

A Star-Studded Guest List Kept Under Wraps

While the guest list was rumored to include 100 attendees, the full extent of its star power was a closely guarded secret. Ant and Anne-Marie invited a who’s-who of British television, including Declan Donnelly (who served as best man), Alesha Dixon, David Walliams, Dermot O’Leary, and Christine and Frank Lampard. However, Entertainment Daily reported that the couple deliberately withheld the guest list to avoid leaks, with even close friends like Simon Cowell (who was on holiday in Barbados) and Amanda Holden (also away) unaware of the final lineup until the day. “Ant was paying for 100 friends to stay at £1,000 per night and told them to send the spa bill to his suite,” a source claimed, highlighting the lavish yet secretive arrangements.

The presence of Anne-Marie’s daughters, Poppy and Daisy, from her previous marriage, added a heartfelt touch. Ant paid tribute to them in his emotional speech, saying, “I’m grateful they call me Dad,” according to Daily Mail. The girls, along with Dec’s daughter Isla, served as flower girls, a detail that was only revealed post-ceremony. This family-focused element underscored the couple’s intent to make the day about their blended family, a priority they kept private until the event unfolded.

Anne-Marie’s Stunning Dress and Ant’s Emotional Reaction

Anne-Marie’s wedding dress was another well-kept secret that left guests—and Ant—speechless. Designed by Suzanne Neville, the bespoke silk one-shoulder gown featured hand-embellished floral details and a cathedral-length veil, costing an estimated £15,000. HELLO! reported that the dress was crafted over months, with each floral detail hand-sewn, a process Anne-Marie kept hidden from all but her closest confidants. She complemented the look with a bouquet of purple and white roses, tying into the lilac theme. “When Anne-Marie walked into the church, I had to fight to hold it together,” Ant said in his speech, as quoted by heatworld. “She looked so beautiful.”

Ant’s emotional reaction was a highlight, with Daily Mail noting that he paid tribute to Anne-Marie’s mother and his own during his speech, thanking them for their support. Dec, in his best man speech, called Ant “the best friend a man could have” and read a prayer, adding to the heartfelt atmosphere. These personal moments, shared only with attendees, were later leaked by insiders, revealing the depth of emotion behind the carefully curated event.

A Lavish Yet Private Reception

The reception at Heckfield Place Hotel was a masterclass in understated luxury. A large marquee hosted the 100 guests, who enjoyed a night of toasts, dancing, and fine dining. Chronicle Live reported that the couple’s choice of a countryside estate with ancient woodlands and tranquil gardens reflected their desire for a “simple and beautiful” day, as insiders had promised. The floral arrangements, featuring pastel hydrangeas and roses, extended to the reception, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

Ant reportedly spent £500,000 on the event, with Daily Mail detailing expenses like £1,000-per-night rooms for guests and a £5,000 bridal suite. Despite the cost, the couple avoided a “showbiz” vibe, with a source telling The Sun, “They wanted it to be a thank you to everyone who has been there for them.” This included Anne-Marie’s daughters, who performed readings during the ceremony, and Dec, whose presence as best man symbolized Ant’s journey of recovery and renewal.

The Aftermath: A Familymoon and New Beginnings

Post-wedding, Ant and Anne-Marie planned a “familymoon” with Poppy and Daisy, a detail that emerged only after the event. “They feel like a proper family now,” a source told heatworld, emphasizing the couple’s commitment to their blended family. The wedding marked a turning point for Ant, who has credited Anne-Marie as his “rock” during his recovery from addiction and a 2018 drink-driving incident. “They can’t wait to start their new life together,” the source added.

The secrecy of their plans has only added to the public’s fascination. Fans on X expressed admiration, with one post from 2021 noting, “Ant McPartlin will marry the love of his life Anne Marie Corbett clean, sober and blissfully happy,” capturing the sentiment of renewal. The couple’s ability to pull off such a high-profile yet private event has cemented their status as a power couple who prioritize family over fame.

A Wedding That Redefined Ant’s Journey

Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie Corbett’s wedding was more than a celebration—it was a testament to their resilience, love, and ability to keep the world guessing. From the last-minute venue change to the secret guest list and Anne-Marie’s breathtaking dress, every detail was meticulously guarded, revealing a couple determined to protect their happiness. As they continue their life together, now with their son Wilder and a second child, Juniper Sage, their 2021 wedding remains a masterclass in balancing star power with personal meaning, leaving fans in awe of what no one knew until now.