The White House, located in Washington, D.C., is a symbol of the American government and the home of the President of the United States. Over the years, the White House has been the site of many historic events, including weddings. But how many people have gotten married at the White House and who were they?
According to records, nineteen couples have had documented weddings at the White House. However, the circumstances surrounding these weddings were vastly different. Some of the weddings were elaborate and lavish affairs, while others were more low-key, intimate events.
The bride and groom have not always been the usual suspects. While nine of the nineteen couples were the children of presidents, others were a niece or nephew of the president or first lady, siblings, staffers, a granddaughter, a friend or even a president himself.
One of the most notable weddings to take place at the White House was that of President Grover Cleveland and Frances Folsom. Cleveland was the 22nd president of the United States, and Folsom was his young bride. The couple’s wedding took place in the Blue Room of the White House on June 2, 1886. The event was attended by only about 30 guests, and the decor was reportedly understated.
During the 20th century, weddings at the White House continued to capture the public’s imagination. The Kennedy family was one of the most notable to have weddings at the White House. On October 12, 1953, Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy were wed in the Newport, Rhode Island, church. Their reception took place at the White House, with about 900 invited guests in attendance.
Another notable White House wedding was between Tricia Nixon and Edward Cox, which took place on June 12, 1971. President Richard Nixon’s daughter wed in the White House Rose Garden in front of 400 guests. The wedding was one of the most elaborate and the first to be broadcast live on television.
During the Obama administration, three weddings took place at the White House. The first was that of the former President’s personal chef, Sam Kass, and MSNBC host, Alex Wagner. The private affair took place in the East Wing of the White House, with less than 30 guests in attendance.
The second wedding saw the marriage of President Obama’s senior adviser, Valerie Jarrett’s daughter to Tony Balkissoon in the Rose Garden. The wedding was held in June 2012 and was a private ceremony with about 200 guests in attendance.
The third and final wedding during the Obama administration took place in January 2017, just before President Trump was inaugurated. Obama’s deputy director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, Stephanie Valencia, married Patrick Moffitt in an intimate ceremony with about 60 guests present.
In conclusion, over the years, the White House has served as a backdrop for many historical events, including weddings. With a total of nineteen weddings recorded, nine have been children of presidents, three have been a niece or nephew of the president or first lady, two siblings, two staffers, one granddaughter, one friend, and one president. The style and grandeur of each wedding varied significantly and reflected the times. With a new administration in place, only time will tell how many more weddings will take place within the walls of the White House.
FAQ
Who’s paying for the White House wedding?
Recently, there has been a lot of buzz and curiosity surrounding the White House wedding. Many have wondered who is financially responsible for this lavish event. Fortunately, Elizabeth Alexander, the first lady’s communications director, has put these speculations to rest by clarifying that the Biden family is taking care of the costs of the wedding.
As is observed with most weddings, the expenses can quickly pile up. From the venue to the wedding dress, from the catering to the entertainment, and from the flowers to the photography, a wedding can easily amount to thousands of dollars. The White House wedding is no exception, as it is an extravagant event taking place at one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in the United States.
This announcement from Elizabeth Alexander was a relief to many taxpayers, who understandably could have been concerned about paying for such an event during these trying economic times. The announcement also shows an admirable sense of responsibility on the part of the Biden family and a desire to contribute to the wedding’s financing, even though they are occupying one of the most prestigious and expensive residences in the country.
We now know that the Biden family is paying for the White House wedding. With that out of the way, we can all focus on anticipating what will undoubtedly be a beautiful and memorable celebration of love.
How many Americans get married every day?
In the United States, marriage is a traditional and valued institution, and many people choose to tie the knot every day. According to the latest statistics, about 2.3 million couples get married each year in the United States. This breaks down to an average of 6,200 weddings per day!
It’s important to note that the number of daily weddings can vary depending on the time of year. For example, the summer months are typically the busiest time for weddings, with June being the most popular month to get married. This is likely due to the warm weather and longer days, which allow for outdoor celebrations and beautiful scenery.
Moreover, the number of people attending an average wedding is also quite significant. On average, a couple invites 178 guests to celebrate their wedding. From distant relatives to close friends, wedding guests come from all over to witness and celebrate the union of two individuals.
In terms of age, the average bride in the United States is about 25 years old when she marries, while the groom is slightly older, averaging almost 27 years old on the wedding day. However, it’s important to note that age ranges for marriage can vary greatly across different regions and cultures within the United States.
The data shows that marriage is still an important milestone for many Americans, with thousands of couples choosing to embark on the journey of a lifetime each day.
Does the White House have maids?
Yes, the White House has maids, along with a range of other staff members responsible for maintaining the iconic residence. The Chief Usher manages the White House Residence Staff of approximately 90-100 people. This staff includes butlers, maids, housekeepers, chefs, cooks, doormen, florists, curators, electricians, plumbers, storekeepers, engineers, and others.
These employees work around the clock, seven days a week, to ensure that every aspect of the presidential residence is spotless, well-stocked, and functioning smoothly. They are responsible for cleaning, laundry, cooking, and even security measures.
To become a maid at the White House, an applicant typically needs experience in hotel housekeeping or a similar field. The job requires attention to detail, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and excellent communication skills.
The White House residence staff plays a crucial role in keeping the President’s home running smoothly. Without their hard work and dedication, the world would not see the White House as the elegantly maintained residence that it is.
