Introduction to the Relationship
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were among the most closely watched couples of the 20th century, known for their intensity, fame, and multiple marriages. Their relationship began with an affair during the making of Cleopatra (1963), leading to marriage while both were still legally tied to others. The pair exchanged vows twice, separated, reconciled, and ultimately parted in ways that reflected both personal chemistry and public pressure. This overview explains the timeline, contexts, and outcomes of each marriage and what their story reveals about celebrity unions.
First Marriage: 1964 to 1974
Taylor and Burton first married on March 15, 1964, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, shortly after filming Cleopatra. Both were previously married—Taylor to film producer Michael Wilding and Burton to his former girlfriend Sally-Ann Howes—and their decision to wed while spouses raised considerable controversy. The marriage endured for roughly a decade, during which they starred together in several films, including Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966). Their first union concluded with divorce in 1974, a separation that stemmed from personal tensions and the emotional toll of tabloid scrutiny.
Key Details of the First Wedding
- Date: March 15, 1964
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Context: Both were still legally married to others at the time
- Notable collaborations: Cleopatra (1963), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
Second Marriage: 1975 to 1976
The couple remarried on October 10, 1975, nearly a year after their divorce, in an attempt to reconcile. The second marriage proved even shorter, lasting less than a year amid ongoing personal struggles, including health issues and turbulent interactions. They separated again in October 1976 and did not reunite as spouses, though they maintained a complex friendship until Burton’s death in 1984. The brevity of this second marriage highlighted the volatile dynamics that had characterized their relationship for years.
Key Details of the Second Wedding
- Date: October 10, 1975
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
- Context: Remarried after a 16-month separation; ended after renewed conflict
- Duration: Approximately 10 months before final separation
Comparison Table of the Two Marriages
| Attribute | First Marriage | Second Marriage |
|---|---|---|
| Date | March 15, 1964 | October 10, 1975 |
| Location | Montreal, Canada | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Legal Context at Marriage | Both still married to others | Both legally single |
| Duration | Approximately 10 years | Approximately 10 months |
| Outcome | Divorce | Separation without legal divorce; remained legally divorced |
Public and Personal Factors Affecting the Marriages
Media attention played a significant role in shaping the public narrative around Taylor and Burton, with constant speculation about infidelity, substance use, and emotional volatility. Both struggled with health issues—Burton with emphysema and Taylor with addiction—and these challenges often fueled public concern. While they remained professionally supportive, collaborating on films and public appearances at times, their private conflicts were well documented. The intensity of their connection, often romanticized, also made their separations highly publicized events.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The relationship of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton remains a benchmark in celebrity culture for its drama, talent, and repeated attempts at reconciliation. They demonstrated both the possibilities and limits of love under the glare of global attention. The question of how many times Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton married is answered clearly: twice, with each marriage reflecting different chapters in a long, complicated, and enduringly fascinating partnership.