Marvin Sapp's Wife Denies Church Funded Lavish Wedding

LaBoris Cole-Sapp says couple financed ceremony independently, defends husband's character

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering gold sequins and champagne-colored satin, capturing the luxurious textures and high-fashion glamour of a celebrity wedding.The lavish details and high-end materials of Marvin Sapp's recent wedding ceremony have drawn scrutiny, though his wife insists no church funds were used.Fort Worth Today

Marvin Sapp's wife, LaBoris Cole-Sapp, has publicly addressed speculation surrounding the funding of their recent lavish wedding, stating that no church funds were used for the ceremony. During an Easter Sunday service, Cole-Sapp responded to online claims about the scale and cost of the event, asserting that the couple financed the wedding independently and that 'everybody's not broke, and everybody doesn't need the church's money.'

Why it matters

The wedding drew significant attention on social media due to its high-profile elements, including a helicopter entrance, multiple designer gowns, and extensive floral arrangements. The claims about church funding raised questions about the appropriate use of religious organization resources, as well as the public perception of wealth and extravagance within the church community.

The details

Cole-Sapp stated that she personally paid for the helicopter entrance, which had become a focal point of online speculation. She also noted that both she and Sapp have income sources outside of their roles within the church. The wedding marked Sapp's first marriage in 16 years following the death of his late wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp. The couple had reportedly been friends for more than a decade before beginning a relationship in 2024.

  • The couple married on March 20, 2026 at The Chosen Vessel Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
  • Cole-Sapp addressed the congregation during Easter Sunday service on April 9, 2026.

The players

Marvin Sapp

A prominent gospel singer and pastor who recently remarried after the death of his first wife.

LaBoris Cole-Sapp

Marvin Sapp's new wife, who publicly addressed claims about the funding of their lavish wedding ceremony.

MaLinda Prince Sapp

Marvin Sapp's late first wife, who passed away 16 years prior to his remarriage.

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What they’re saying

“The church didn't pay for the wedding. Y'all stop lying.”

— LaBoris Cole-Sapp, Marvin Sapp's Wife

“You don't take or rob the church.”

— LaBoris Cole-Sapp, Marvin Sapp's Wife

“Everybody's not broke, and everybody doesn't need the church's money. God's been good, y'all.”

— LaBoris Cole-Sapp, Marvin Sapp's Wife

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny and public discourse around the use of church resources, as well as the perception of wealth and extravagance within religious communities. The couple's response underscores the need for transparency and accountability when it comes to the funding of high-profile events, in order to maintain public trust and uphold the values of the church.