Marriage timeline
Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. were married for approximately 2 years and 10 months. Their wedding took place on September 21, 1996 on Cumberland Island, Georgia, and the couple died together in a plane crash on July 16, 1999. The duration is counted from the date of their marriage to the date of their deaths.
Courtship and engagement timeline
Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. began dating in late 1994. They became engaged in early 1996. The engagement was kept relatively private at the time, and the wedding followed about six months later on September 21, 1996.
Date of marriage
The wedding occurred on Saturday, September 21, 1996. The ceremony was held on Cumberland Island, Georgia, and was attended by a small group of family and friends. Officiant Charles Shreve presided over the vows exchanged by Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr.
Details of their marriage
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding date | September 21, 1996 | News reports and biographies |
| Marriage location | Cumberland Island, Georgia | Venue and guest statements |
| Date of death | July 16, 1999 | NTSB and official reports |
| Duration of marriage | About 2 years, 9–10 months | Calculated from wedding to death dates |
End of marriage
The marriage ended with the deaths of Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. on July 16, 1999, when the plane he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha’s Vineyard. No children were born to the couple.
Summary of key dates
- Late 1994: Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. began dating
- Early 1996: Engagement
- September 21, 1996: Wedding on Cumberland Island, Georgia
- July 16, 1999: Death of both in a plane crash
FAQ
Reader questions
How long were they married?
They were married for about 2 years and 10 months, from September 21, 1996 to July 16, 1999.
Did they have children?
No, Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. did not have children.
Where did they get married?
They were married on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in a small ceremony with close family and friends.