**Kelly Ripa Reveals Wedding Regret on Live with Kelly and Mark**
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In a recent episode of *Live with Kelly and Mark*, television host Kelly Ripa opened up about a lingering regret from her wedding to actor Mark Consuelos in 1996. The 55-year-old presenter reflected on their Las Vegas nuptials, expressing her disappointment at not including flowers in her wedding. She believes this omission has made her wedding photos appear awkward.
Ripa and Consuelos exchanged vows at the Chapel of the Bells, a decision that cost them a mere $179. During the show, Ripa reminisced about the special moment, telling viewers, “I’m still sorry we didn’t spring for flowers, because I always think my hands look awkward.” As she shared this sentiment, she humorously pointed to her husband, suggesting that he was the reason behind their bare-handed wedding photos.
The couple went on to discuss the affordability of their wedding, emphasising that everything from photography to the ceremony itself was included in the budget. “Those marriages without the ‘muss’ and ‘fuss’ usually last,” Ripa asserted while advising fellow celebrities Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their upcoming wedding plans. Ripa suggested that the couple consider a simpler wedding like hers, rather than the extravagant event rumoured to take place at Madison Square Garden, costing around £1 million a day to rent.
In a light-hearted exchange, Consuelos chimed in, “Less than a couple hundred bucks, probably even now still. I’m not sure how much it is. And those marriages stick.” He continued, echoing Ripa’s earlier comments and adding, “You can go in there in the middle of the night, no one has to know anything, you know what I mean? And then throw your afterparty at Madison Square Garden.”
As young actors who met on the set of *All My Children*, Ripa and Consuelos have often shared anecdotes about their relationship on the show. Despite their happiness with their spontaneous elopement, Ripa revealed that their parents were less than thrilled with their decision. “None of our parents liked the fact that we eloped. They [hated] that,” she remarked. She further cautioned any couples planning to elope, saying, “Spoiler alert: if you’re planning on eloping, your parents will hate that.”
However, Consuelos recounted that their families gradually came to appreciate their choice, stating that they “figured out all the money they saved” by not hosting a more conventional wedding. As time passed, their parents eventually embraced the couple’s decision, realising the financial benefit of the elopement.
The pair share three children—Michael, 29, Lola, 24, and Joaquin, 23—and have built a life together, often celebrating their milestones publicly. In January 2024, they recreated one of their iconic wedding photos from Las Vegas to commemorate their union, accompanied by the caption, “Viva Las Vegas ✨ Then ➡️ Now.”
To mark their 30th wedding anniversary, the couple recently celebrated on their show with enthusiasm, high-fiving and exclaiming, “30 years! We did it.” Ripa and Consuelos took a moment to reflect on their journey together, describing their relationship as “destined” and a “big adventure.”
As they continue to share their love story with audiences, it is clear that Ripa and Consuelos cherish the simplicity and intimacy of their elopement. Their insights into wedding planning serve as a reminder that, often, the most meaningful moments arise from personal choices rather than traditional expectations.