Joe and Serena Wedding: What Really Happened in Charleston

So, they actually did it. Twice.

When Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt first revealed they got married in a random New York City courthouse back in 2022, everyone was a little shocked. It felt fast, even for a couple that met on a beach in Mexico. But the "real" Joe and Serena wedding—the one with the massive guest list, the designer gowns, and the tear-jerking vows—went down in Charleston, South Carolina, on September 2, 2023.

Honestly, it wasn't just another Bachelor Nation event. It was a whole vibe.

Why Charleston?

Most people assumed they’d pick Chicago or Toronto since those are their home bases. Instead, they chose The Cedar Room in Charleston. Why? They basically just wanted a "fun weekend getaway" city where they could create entirely new memories without any prior ties.

It worked.

The aesthetic was "warm and romantic," which is code for a lot of lush greenery and neutral tones. Serena is obsessed with neutrals, so if you were expecting a pop of bright pink, you were looking at the wrong wedding.

The Dress(es) and the Vows

Serena walked down the aisle to Adele’s "Make You Feel My Love." Classic, right? She wore a Robert Bullock gown that was super elegant—minimalist but striking. Later, for the party, she swapped it for a more "glam" Eisen Stein number. Joe, meanwhile, kept it simple in a Todd Snyder tux.

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But the vows were where things got human.

Serena actually admitted on their Bachelor Happy Hour podcast that she was so nervous she accidentally skipped the first page of her handwritten vows. She started on page two! She didn't even realize it until the ceremony was over.

Joe, being Joe, kept the mood light. He started his vows by describing the first time he saw "her" on the beach in Paradise, only to pull a bait-and-switch and reveal he was actually talking about Wells Adams.

Speaking of Wells, he was the one who actually married them. Having the Bachelor in Paradise bartender officiate was a full-circle moment that made a lot of sense for a couple that literally started their journey over margaritas.

The Guest List and the Vibe

There were 134 guests. That’s a decent size—big enough to feel like a party, small enough to actually talk to people. The crowd was a "who’s who" of the franchise:

• Nick Viall and Natalie Joy
• Abigail Heringer and Noah Erb
• Mari Pepin and Kenny Braasch
• Tia Booth
• Natasha Parker (who was also the only witness at their secret courthouse wedding)

They didn't skimp on the food or the booze. High-end alcohol was apparently the top priority for Joe. They had Southern-flair hors d’oeuvres, a full dessert bar, and mini espresso martinis passed around late at night.

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What People Get Wrong About the Timeline

There’s this misconception that the big wedding was just for show because they were "already married."

Kinda, but not really.

They did the courthouse thing in October 2022 mostly to take the pressure off. They wanted a private moment that belonged just to them before the public spectacle of a 130-person event. Serena has been open about how much that helped her anxiety. By the time they got to Charleston, the legal stuff was done, and they could just focus on the celebration.

Life Since the Big Day

Now that we're a few years out, they’re still one of the few success stories from the franchise. They spent their honeymoon in Italy—Lake Como, Florence, Tuscany—where Joe apparently did all the planning.

They’ve been living in New York City, though they've recently mentioned that "hard decisions" are coming regarding where they want to settle down long-term. Dealing with the Toronto-vs-Chicago-vs-NYC debate is a lot for any couple, let alone one under a microscope.

Actionable Insights for Planning Your Own Big Day

If you're looking at Joe and Serena's wedding as inspiration for your own, here are a few practical takeaways that actually work in the real world:

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1. The "Secret" Prequel
If the idea of reading vows in front of 100 people makes you want to hide, consider the courthouse route first. Doing the legal bit a few months early can significantly lower your stress levels during the big ceremony.

2. Officiant Matters
Don't just hire a random stranger. Having a close friend—like Wells was to Joe—makes the ceremony feel personal and less like a script. Just make sure they can actually handle the legal paperwork.

3. Stick to Your Palette
Serena’s commitment to neutrals made the photos look timeless. Don't feel pressured by "color trends." If you love beige and green, use beige and green.

4. The "Second Dress" Strategy
If you want a dramatic gown for the ceremony, go for it. But have a "party dress" ready. You don't want to be tripping over a six-foot train while you're trying to eat a late-night slider or dance to The Teskey Brothers.

5. Keep Your Vows in Order
Simple tip: Number your pages. Clearly. In big bold ink. Don't let a "page two" moment happen to you.