Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco kicked off their wedding weekend in true Hollywood style with a lavish rehearsal dinner Friday night at a sprawling private estate in Hope Ranch, Goleta Valley, California. The couple welcomed close friends, family, and a glittering roster of celebrity guests to the 1,863-acre property, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most talked-about weddings of the year.
Photos captured by Page Six showed “Only Murders in the Building” co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short arriving in sharp suits, smiling for cameras as they entered the opulent estate. Martin, 80, was later spotted laughing and chatting with fellow Hulu star Paul Rudd, while other guests enjoyed drinks and conversation around a long outdoor table adorned with sparkling wine glasses and polished dinnerware. The scene radiated casual elegance, blending Hollywood glamour with a relaxed, intimate vibe.
Steve Martin and Martin Short Bring the Laughs
Martin and Short, both icons of comedy, arrived looking effortlessly stylish. Short, 75, appeared solo without Meryl Streep, who is reportedly dating him. Sources close to the couple told the Daily Mail that Streep, 76, had to bow out of the wedding festivities due to a prior commitment filming at Dolce & Gabbana’s fashion show in Milan. Even without her, Short seemed in high spirits, joking with co-stars and mingling with other guests.
Meanwhile, Rudd’s appearance added a touch of charm to the evening. The “Ant-Man” actor shared a few laughs with Martin, while guests lingered at the elegantly decorated tables, enjoying wine and conversation under the soft glow of outdoor lighting. The atmosphere captured a balance of celebrity excitement and intimate celebration, giving attendees a night to remember.
Taylor Swift Joins the Celebration, Staying Nearby for Privacy
The weekend’s star power didn’t stop there. Pop superstar Taylor Swift reportedly attended the outdoor rehearsal dinner, although no clear photos of the 35-year-old singer surfaced. Swift, a longtime friend of Gomez, arrived in Santa Barbara earlier Friday, sneaking off a plane to join the festivities. For added privacy and security, Swift is said to be staying in a rental home near the wedding venue.
Swift’s presence adds another layer of anticipation to the weekend. Known for her close bond with Gomez, Swift is expected to play a prominent role in the main wedding ceremony, set to take place Saturday at a private estate in Santa Barbara.
Guests Stay in Luxury While Anticipating the Big Day
Guests will enjoy a weekend full of surprises. According to insiders, the majority will stay at the luxurious El Encanto hotel, whose $3,500-a-night rooms have been booked solid for the occasion. The couple reportedly arranged private transportation for their attendees, who will be shuttled to the wedding without knowing the location in advance. “Everyone is so excited despite the mystery,” a source said. “They know it will be an amazing time.”
The secrecy adds an element of Hollywood intrigue to the intimate ceremony, making it feel more like an exclusive event than a typical star-studded wedding.
A Glamorous Bachelorette Party in Cabo
The rehearsal dinner comes just weeks after Gomez celebrated her bachelorette party in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The singer and actress shared snapshots of the luxurious yacht getaway with her closest friends, including longtime gal pals Racquelle Stevens, Ashley Cook, and Courtney Lopez.
Photos from the trip captured Gomez in a backless pearl halter dress and a white veil reading “Bride to Be” in elegant cursive, paired with a simple white bikini. The yacht, sparkling waters, and sun-soaked celebrations highlighted the fun and intimate moments she shared with her friends ahead of her big day.
The Proposal That Started It All
Blanco officially proposed to Gomez in December after more than a year of dating. Gomez shared a carousel of photos showing off her sparkling engagement ring with the caption, “forever begins now.” The couple had kept their relationship private for several months before confirming in December 2023 that they had been secretly dating for six months.
Since then, their relationship has stayed relatively under the radar, with Gomez occasionally sharing glimpses of her life with Blanco on social media. The wedding weekend, however, promises to bring the couple’s private romance into the public spotlight in a glamorous and star-studded way.
A Starry Affair in Santa Barbara
With Steve Martin, Martin Short, Paul Rudd, and Taylor Swift among the attendees, the wedding weekend is shaping up to be a gathering of Hollywood’s finest. Guests will enjoy an intimate ceremony surrounded by close friends and family, with every detail carefully orchestrated to balance elegance, comfort, and a touch of playful secrecy.
While the rehearsal dinner offered a preview of the glamour to come, the main event is expected to surpass even the most extravagant expectations. From private transportation to luxurious accommodations and a guest list packed with A-listers, Gomez and Blanco have curated a weekend that promises unforgettable memories for everyone involved.
A Weekend Full of Excitement and Anticipation
Fans and media outlets alike are eager for glimpses of the ceremony and the star-studded reception. Social media buzz has already intensified, with speculation about outfits, speeches, and surprise performances running rampant. For now, attendees will enjoy the exclusivity and excitement of the private estate, with anticipation building for Saturday’s nuptials.
This intimate, private approach fits Gomez and Blanco’s style. They have combined the charm of a personal celebration with the allure of celebrity culture, creating a wedding that feels both luxurious and heartfelt. The mix of old Hollywood icons, contemporary stars, and close friends makes this weekend one for the history books.
Looking Forward to the Big Day
As the couple prepares to say their vows, the excitement is palpable. Fans of Gomez and Blanco are watching closely, while insiders hint at more surprises still under wraps. From the star-studded rehearsal dinner to a private ceremony in Santa Barbara, this wedding has all the makings of a headline-grabbing event, blending intimacy, glamour, and Hollywood magic in equal measure.
The countdown to the big day continues, and if Friday night’s rehearsal dinner was any indication, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s wedding weekend will be a dazzling celebration of love, friendship, and celebrity allure, all set against the stunning backdrop of California’s Santa Barbara coast.
