“Not a Million-Dollar Wedding”: Wayne Gretzky Once Rubbished the Idea of Splurging on His ‘Royal’ Marriage Despite Gifts Including Rolls Royce Worth Over $200,000

For Wayne Gretzky and American actress Janet Jones their wedding was a lavish affair. From the Prime Minister himself sending the young couple his regards to people staying hooked to the tabloids to get an insight into the big day, for the Canadians, it was not any less of a royal wedding. Everyone was eager to watch The Great One and his lady love tie the knot.

It wasn’t a surprise that their wedding became the nation’s affair. During the said time, 27-year-old Wayne had already proved his dominance in the ice ring. While his future wife was the famous actress Janet Jones who posed for the 1987 March issue of Playboy. Thus, they were someone who everyone looked up to.

A royal affair but not a ‘million-dollar’ wedding for Wayne Gretzky and Miss Jones

While reporting for Wayne‘s big day, Western Report magazine commented, “It will be the closest thing to a royal wedding this country has seen since Pierre Trudeau took Margaret Sinclair as his bride almost 20 years ago.″ As the speculations were high that it would be a lavish affair, the then Edmonton Oilers star himself stepped in, to squash some claims.

The Canadian prince acknowledged giving his starlet lady a $207,500 Rolls Royce as a wedding gift. But he denied the rumors of the ‘million-dollar wedding.’ He said, ″We want it to be as first-class as possible, but it is not a million-dollar wedding like everyone says. We’re from sensible families.″

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On 16th July 1988, Wayne married the “Police Academy 5″ star at St. Joseph’s Basilica. The venue was specially chosen to accommodate the 700 guests. Miss Jones flew with her eight bridesmaids from Los Angeles. Making a statement, she wore a $40,000 wedding gown. Her sister Jeannette accompanied her as the maid of honor. Everyone looked delighted while the NHL star awaited at the end of the aisle.

The day Hockey met Hollywood!

The wedding of Wayne and Janet was a perfect amalgamation of two very distinct fields. From Hollywood big names like Alan Thicke to hockey stars Gordie Howe and Paul Coffey, people marked their presence by blessing the young couple. Apart from big names, even people in large numbers thronged the streets near the church to get a glimpse of the couple.

Their wedding was broadcast live throughout Canada. Gretzky was a guest on Miss Jones’ dancing show Dance Fever in 1982, where they first crossed paths. They reconnected during a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game and started dating the following year. The couple since then have been inseparable and are still happily married. Together they have five children. What do you think of Gretzky’s wedding? Let us know in the comments.

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