Hollywood romances usually fizzle out before the second season premiere. It's just the nature of the beast. But for Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer, the spark that started on the set of True Blood didn’t just survive the spotlight—it turned into one of the most low-key, yet fascinating, marriages in the industry.
Most people remember the "Sookie and Bill" era. The chemistry was undeniable. Honestly, though, the Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer wedding wasn't some over-the-top, televised circus like we're used to seeing with A-listers. It was weirdly normal. Refreshing, actually.
A Sunset Ceremony Without the Paparazzi Madness
The date was August 21, 2010. While fans were busy debating Team Bill vs. Team Eric, the couple was quietly tucking themselves away at a private residence in Malibu. It wasn't a hotel ballroom. It was a home.
They chose a beachside villa, which is basically the ultimate power move if you want to keep things "discrete." They exchanged vows under a white tent just as the sun started to dip. Very atmospheric. Very vampire-adjacent, without the actual blood.
What’s kind of funny is how they managed to keep it so quiet. Most of the guests didn't even know exactly what to expect until they arrived. Mariana Klaveno, who played the villainous Lorena on the show, later described the whole thing as "special" and "intimate." It’s rare to find that kind of privacy in California.
The Look: Halter Necks and 50-Carat Diamonds
Let’s talk about the dress. Anna Paquin isn't really a "poofy ballgown" kind of person. She opted for a white, halter-neck gown that had a very Marilyn Monroe, vintage vibe. It was elegant but definitely didn't scream "I’m an Oscar winner."
📖 Related: Leonardo DiCaprio Met Gala: What Really Happened with His Secret Debut
Except for the jewelry.
That's where the understated vibe ended. Anna wore a staggering 50-carat diamond necklace designed by Neil Lane. The diamonds were set in darkened metal to give it a "patina" look, which fits that whole gothic-romance aesthetic they both seem to love.
- The Hair: A dramatic updo that showed off those diamond studs.
- The Shoes: Black pumps. A bold choice for a white dress, but Anna has always been a bit edgy.
- The Groom: Stephen kept it classic in a dark suit, white shirt, and black tie. Simple.
Why the Reception Went Viral (For 2010 Standards)
The ceremony was formal, but the reception was a total pivot. Once the "I dos" were out of the way, things got a little chaotic in the best way possible.
You’ve probably heard the story: Stephen Moyer, still in his wedding attire, decided the Pacific Ocean looked too good to pass up. He literally jumped into the water. And he wasn't alone. Several other guests followed suit, turning a high-end Malibu wedding into a late-night beach party.
It’s that kind of spontaneity that makes people still talk about the Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer wedding years later. It wasn't about the photos or the "brand." It was about a guy being so happy he married his co-star that he needed to cool off in the surf.
👉 See also: Mia Khalifa New Sex Research: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With Her 2014 Career
Who Actually Showed Up?
The guest list was basically a True Blood family reunion. You had Sam Trammell (Sam Merlotte), Rutina Wesley (Tara), and Ryan Kwanten (Jason). Even the show’s creator, Alan Ball, was there to see the couple he technically "created" get hitched.
Elijah Wood also made the cut. He’d recently worked with Anna on The Romantics, and apparently, they hit it off enough for him to score a Malibu invite.
The Proposal: Love at First Bite
Before the wedding, there was the proposal, which was actually inspired by a song. Stephen told Glamour that his character, Bill, listens to a song about a white sandy beach. He took that as a sign, flew Anna to a beach, and popped the question with a rustic, Cathy Waterman-designed ring.
They had been dating since the pilot episode in 2007. They kept it a secret from the cast for almost a year. Can you imagine? Working those steamy scenes and then just going home together while everyone else thinks you're just "good friends."
Why Their Marriage Actually Lasted
Most people get it wrong. They think these two are just another "set-mance" that stuck. But if you look at how they've handled their life since 2010, it's clear it's deeper.
✨ Don't miss: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
They have twins now, Poppy and Charlie. You almost never see photos of them. They are incredibly protective of their kids' privacy. They still work together, too. Stephen directed Anna in The Parting Glass and A Bit of Light.
Usually, working with a spouse is a recipe for a blowout fight, but they’ve both said in interviews that it feels "weird" when they aren't working together. They’ve built a life that balances the madness of Hollywood with a very grounded home life in Venice, California.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Wedding
You might not have a 50-carat Neil Lane budget, but you can steal a few moves from the Paquin-Moyer playbook:
- Prioritize Privacy: If you want an intimate vibe, keep the details on a "need to know" basis until the last minute.
- Mix Tones: Anna’s black shoes with a white dress proved you don’t have to follow the "rules" of bridal fashion.
- The "After" Plan: Have a moment of release. Whether it's jumping in a pool or just changing into sneakers, don't be afraid to break the formality once the vows are done.
- Invest in Meaning: Their wedding bands were designed by the same person who did the engagement ring (Cathy Waterman), creating a cohesive story rather than just buying random pieces.
The Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer wedding remains a blueprint for how to do a "celebrity" wedding without losing your soul in the process. It was stylish, a little bit weird, and totally authentic to who they are.