17 Weddings That Were Doomed From the Start

From arguing couples to inappropriate song choices, these marriages were destined to fail.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A collection of 17 anecdotes about weddings that were clearly doomed from the start, including couples who argued before the ceremony, made inappropriate song choices, and generally displayed a lack of compatibility on their big day.

Why it matters

These stories highlight the importance of couples being truly ready for marriage and taking the time to ensure they are compatible before making such a major commitment. The examples show how red flags at the wedding itself can be early indicators of deeper issues that will likely lead to an unsuccessful marriage.

The details

The stories detail a range of problematic behaviors exhibited by the couples, including constant arguing, lack of affection, verbal undermining, cheating, drunkenness, inappropriate comments, and more. In one case, the bride and groom admitted they were only marrying to prove they had a "stable home environment" to a judge. In another, the groom spent the reception away from his new wife. Several couples chose inappropriate or ironic wedding songs that foreshadowed their eventual divorce.

  • The weddings described took place between an unspecified time in the past and 2026.

The players

Unnamed couples

The stories describe the behaviors and outcomes of several unnamed couples on their wedding days and in the early years of their marriages.

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What they’re saying

“Constant arguing, total lack of affection, always verbally undermining each other, never accepting blame.”

— Unnamed source (izismile.com)

“I was a bridesmaid and when the groom got drunk at the reception he tried to put his hand up my dress. He cheated on her within a year of their marriage.”

— Unnamed source (izismile.com)

“My SIL's second wedding. She got drunk and said she only married him to prove to a judge she had a stable home environment so she could keep full custody of her daughter. Told her husband and he admitted he married for the same reason.”

— Unnamed source (izismile.com)

The takeaway

These stories serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the importance of couples thoroughly evaluating their compatibility and readiness for marriage before taking that big step. Rushing into wedlock without addressing underlying issues is a recipe for disaster, as these examples clearly demonstrate.