Elizabeth Taylor’s eight marriages are the stuff of Hollywood legend, but behind each union lay a deeper desire for something more than fleeting romance. She believed that marriage was the ultimate expression of love, an idea instilled in her by her religious upbringing. In fact, she once confessed that her puritanical values led her to believe that any romantic entanglement had to be formalized through marriage.

“I think I ended up being the scarlet woman partly because of my rather puritanical upbringing and beliefs,” she reflected. As a result, Taylor’s quest for love became inextricably linked with her desire for matrimony. While some might view this as a recipe for disaster, Taylor’s eight marriages remain an enduring testament to her passion and commitment to the institution.

Conrad ‘Nicky’ Hilton (1950-1951)

Elizabeth Taylor’s marriage to Conrad Hilton, heir to the iconic hotel chain, was a lavish affair that drew over 700 guests to Los Angeles. The 18-year-old bride wore a show-stopping gown designed by Helen Rose, who created a masterpiece of lace and ivory satin with a full skirt and intricate embroidery. This wedding dress went on to become an enduring symbol of 50s glamour and even fetched a substantial sum at a Christie’s auction.

Interestingly, Helen Rose was also responsible for crafting the iconic wedding dress worn by Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Michael Welding (1952-1957)

Elizabeth Taylor’s second marriage to Michael Wilding, a British actor 20 years her senior, was marked by a more understated approach than her first union with Conrad Hilton. The actress opted for a sleek, modern ensemble comprising a fitted jacket adorned with a prominent white collar and a flared skirt that fell just above the knee. As with her initial wedding dress, Helen Rose was responsible for crafting this stylish yet demure attire.

Furthermore, Taylor’s engagement ring featured a sapphire stone, setting a trend at the time.

Michael Todd (1957-1958)

In a twist of fate, Elizabeth Taylor’s marriage to Mike Todd, an American film producer, in 1957 marked the only union she entered that wouldn’t ultimately end in divorce. Unfortunately, their love story was cut short when Todd’s private jet crashed in 1958, claiming his life. According to sources, Todd was one of three significant loves in Taylor’s life, alongside Richard Burton and her prized diamonds.

Their wedding was an intimate celebration held in Acapulco, where the actress wore a delicate, hooded organza dress. Her engagement ring from Todd featured a stunning 29-carat diamond.

Eddie Fisher (1959-1964)

Elizabeth Taylor’s tumultuous life took a dramatic turn after the passing of her first husband Mike Todd. Seeking solace in the arms of his closest friend, Eddie Fisher, she found comfort and companionship in their whirlwind romance. The pair tied the knot in 1959 at an intimate ceremony held within the walls of a Las Vegas synagogue. Taylor’s unconventional approach to fashion continued, as she opted for a striking green silk gown featuring a hood and flowing sleeves.

In a move that echoed her unorthodox style, Fisher proposed to the actress with a stunning 40-carat diamond bracelet adorned with 50 dazzling diamonds.

Richard Burton (1964-1974)

Elizabeth Taylor’s whirlwind romance with Richard Burton in the 1960s was nothing short of legendary. It all began on the set of Cleopatra, where they reportedly started an affair that would scandalize the Vatican and captivate the world. After leaving their respective spouses behind, the power couple tied the knot in Montreal in 1964. For her big day, Taylor enlisted the help of Irene Sharaff, who created a stunning canary yellow chiffon gown that would be remembered for years to come.

In a romantic gesture worthy of a Hollywood film, Burton proposed with a Bulgari brooch – a symbol of his love for Taylor, which he famously quipped was ‘the only Italian word Elizabeth knows.’ Adding an extra touch of elegance to the proceedings were hyacinths and lilies woven into her hair, giving modern-day flower crowns a run for their money. This unforgettable union has become etched in history as one of the most iconic celebrity marriages of all time.

Richard Burton … Again (1975-1976)

After a tumultuous divorce in 1974, Elizabeth Taylor found herself inexplicably drawn to reuniting with Richard Burton just one year later. The fiery passion between them was palpable, as Taylor candidly confessed: ‘Our love is so furious that we burn each other out.’ In a bold move, she reaffirmed her commitment to him on the banks of Botswana’s Chobe river, donning a vibrant tie-dye gown designed by Gina Fratini.

This unapologetic expression of their love stood in stark contrast to the refined attire that preceded it, adorned with feathers. Five years into their initial marriage, Burton surprised Taylor with one of the world’s most celebrated diamonds – the asscher-cut Krupp Diamond, now rechristened as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. Weighing in at a staggering 33.19 carats, it’s said she wore this dazzling gem almost daily.

John Warner (1976-1982)

In the aftermath of her second divorce from Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor took a new path by marrying Senator John Warner in 1976. The private ceremony, devoid of witnesses, took place on his Virginia farm. To complete her understated yet elegant ensemble, Taylor donned a violet cashmere dress paired with a tweed and fur coat, finishing the look with a matching turban. According to Hub Pages, this was the actress’s third marriage.

Larry Fortensky (1991-1996)

Larry Fortensky, Elizabeth Taylor’s eighth husband, had a lavish wedding that cost almost $2 million. The construction worker walked his bride down the aisle at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, where she wore a $25,000 Valentino gown, a gift from the designer himself. The media frenzy surrounding their union was palpable, with reports of a photographer parachuting onto the ranch to capture the big day. Unfortunately for Fortensky, history repeated itself when Taylor filed for divorce in 1996.

When Taylor passed away in 2011, she left Fortensky an inheritance of $800,000, a small consolation considering their tumultuous relationship.