When did Beyonce and Jay-Z get married? Relationship timeline explored as couple celebrates 17th anniversary

Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter and record executive Jay-Z tied the knot on April 4, 2008, reportedly away from public attention. Today marks the day the couple celebrates their 17th marriage anniversary. As they enter another year of conjugality, let’s walk through their relationship timeline, from first meeting to welcoming twins.

Bey and Jay-Z initially met when she was eighteen years old. However, they did not immediately begin a romantic relationship. After approximately one and a half years, they became as familiar with each other as friends. Following this period, they went on their first date. Bey later stated that this time spent as friends helped to create a strong base for their relationship.

In 2002, the pair collaborated musically on Jay-Z’s 03 Bonnie & Clyde. The subsequent year, Beyonce released her song Crazy in Love, which featured Jay. Speaking to Cosmopolitan in 2006, the songstress was asked about her marital status, to which she replied:

“Right now the tabloids are saying I'm pregnant, and they're naming the baby. It's hilarious. I don't know when I'll want to get married. I never pictured myself as a bride, but after my sister's wedding, I did start thinking about what kind of wedding I'd want. I don't think I want a big one.”

According to People Magazine, days before their wedding on April 1, 2008, Beyonce and Jay-Z went to upstate New York to get their marriage license. They had a private ceremony at home.

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Who were the attendees at Beyonce and Jay-Z’s wedding?

On her wedding day, Beyonce wore a dress that her mother had made. The celebration was kept private, with only forty guests. The guests included close friends like Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Others were Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Family members, including her parents and her sister, Solange, were in attendance.

The songstress announced her first pregnancy during a live performance in 2011. The next year, the couple welcomed their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. In 2013, a documentary, Life Is But a Dream was released in which she shared her emotions, saying:

“This baby has made me love him more than I ever thought I could love another human being. It's just that I love him so much that we almost feel like one. I don't know how to describe it.”

In the year 2017, she revealed her second pregnancy. The same year, the couple bought a large house in Bel Air for eighty-eight million dollars. Last year, Jay-Z was seen showing his support at the first showing of the movie Mufasa: The Lion King. In this movie, Beyonce provides the voice for the character Nala. Blue Ivy Carter played the young Kiara.

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During the interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, she was asked whether keeping her relationship with Jay-Z private had benefitted their connection. Beyonce clarified their approach. She explained that they were not concealing anything. Instead, they chose not to discuss their relationship openly with the public.

She felt that this method gave more personal space and greater consideration from others. According to her, once a couple starts openly discussing their relationship, it invites unnecessary attention and rumors.