The White House is set to host its first wedding in nearly a decade – just the 19th such celebration at the ultimate venue since 1812. The site has also hosted four wedding receptions.
President Joe Biden’s eldest granddaughter, Naomi Biden – the daughter of Hunter Biden and his former wife Kathleen Buhle – is marrying fiancé Peter Neal at a ceremony on Saturday.
The White House is clearly a desired wedding location – and one not available to the average citizen.
Sarah Fling, with the White House Historical Association, explained to the BBC how often such events take place – and who even gets to throw a White House wedding.
There are very few people who can sign off on hosting nuptials at the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States, said the historian.
“It’s exciting because really there’s no hard and fast rule about who can or cannot be married at the White House. It’s essentially up to the President and First Lady.”
While most past weddings have been held for close family members of the president, some White House staff members have had the rare privilege.
“In 1942, Harry Hopkins, who was a really close adviser to President Franklin Roosevelt, was able to have his wedding on the second floor of the White House in the Oval Room, which was at that time, President Roosevelt’s private study,” Ms Fling said.
Most recently in 2013, Barack Obama allowed White House photographer Pete Souza to get married in the Rose Garden, which borders the building’s West Wing. (BBC)
