Beyoncé Told Guests Her 2008 Wedding Was a Party

The couple married in Jay-Z’s 13,500-square-foot penthouse in the Tribeca neighborhood. Sources told PEOPLE that a large tent was set up in the living room, which was decorated with flowers, candles and crystal icicles. Florist Amy Vongpitaka said the space “looked like a palace”; another source called it “a really pure, white wedding” and “just beautiful. Gorgeous. Opulent.”

The guest list included Destiny’s Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, as well as Beyoncé’s parents, Tina and Matthew, and her sister, Solange Knowles. Jay-Z’s mother, grandmother, sibling and niece were also there. The wedding date reflected the couple’s favorite numbers: Beyoncé was born on September 4, Jay-Z on December 4, and their daughter’s name, Blue Ivy, includes “4” in Roman numerals.

Beyoncé said her favorite part was her dress, designed by her mother. “It was gorgeously simple and made with her love,” she told i-D, adding that wearing a dress Tina designed mattered more to her than wearing one by a designer. Beyoncé showed the gown during a 2011 performance of “I Was Here.” Tina later posted a photo of it on Instagram in 2017, marking nine years since the wedding.

A guest described the ceremony to PEOPLE as “a very emotional” moment, with “lots of crying.” The reception was also held at home, with an emotional first dance, according to an insider. DJ Cassidy handled the music. Speaking on the “Drink Champs” podcast in 2024, he said he played throughout the party, aside from the entrance songs and first dance selections chosen by the couple.