On July 4, 2002, at the stroke of midnight, Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts and cinematographer Danny Moder pulled off one of Hollywood’s most secretive weddings. Eschewing traditional luxury hotels, the couple chose a secluded setting: Roberts’ 51-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico. Surrounded by canyon views and wide-open skies, the midnight ceremony outsmarted the paparazzi of the early 2000s. It offered a magical celebration shared with just 50 close family members and friends.
The path to the ranch wedding was disguised as a casual holiday gathering. Guests flown in from Los Angeles were told to come celebrate Independence Day. According to invitations featuring a whimsical “Midsummers Night DreamISH meets Great Gatsby like combined with Wild West Bohemian” theme, attendees enjoyed an afternoon by the pool, played sports, and ate homemade turkey prepared by Roberts herself.
As the clock struck midnight, the true nature of the gathering was revealed. Moder and Roberts appeared under a canopy made from white and pink silk sheaths, stepping into a circle of scattered rose petals. The ceremony was officiated by Roberts’ lawyer, Barry Hirsch, beneath a star-filled sky. In a touching moment recalled by attendees, Moder knelt down and asked, “In front of everyone we love, I want to know, will you marry me?” To which Roberts joyfully replied, “Yes, yes, yes.”
An Intimate Guest List and Star-Studded Attendance
Despite the secrecy, the guest list included major Hollywood figures. A-listers such as George Clooney and Brad Pitt were spotted among the approximately 50 guests. Also in attendance was acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh, who directed Roberts in Ocean’s Eleven and Erin Brockovich-the film that earned Roberts her Academy Award.
The dress code matched the rustic environment. The invitations instructed guests to “Think Linen, try Seersucker” and avoid black. True to the bohemian motif, many guests wore cowboy hats as severe weather rolled in. A torrential thunderstorm descended on the dusty town during the celebrations, stopping just a half-hour after the midnight ceremony commenced.
The Bride’s Unique Attire and Ranch Details
For her walk down the aisle, Roberts wore a pale pink cotton halter dress embroidered with pearls and antique beads, hand-painted with delicate flowers. Moder opted for a relaxed look, sporting a red ruffled shirt and tan pants. The couple exchanged handwritten vows during the intimate ceremony, which lasted until 2 a.m. as guests feasted on southwest-style barbecue.
The 51-acre property served as the ultimate sanctuary. Roberts had recently built a tiny wooden chapel with a cross on the roof on the grounds, alongside a spacious white reception tent. The ranch’s remote location provided a level of privacy impossible to achieve at a conventional celebrity wedding venue.
Life Over Two Decades Later
The secret wedding kicked off a lasting partnership. Over two decades and three children later, Roberts and Moder remain an enduring couple. Roberts often gushes about her husband in interviews, famously telling the Today Show, “It all starts with Danny Moder. He is our person and, in the most beautiful way, the captain of our ship. For me, understanding how deeply felt life could be, really started with him.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Julia Roberts’ 2002 Wedding
When did Julia Roberts and Danny Moder get married?
Julia Roberts and Danny Moder married on July 4, 2002, during a midnight ceremony.
Where did the wedding take place?
The wedding took place at Julia Roberts’ secluded 51-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico.
How many guests attended the wedding?
The intimate celebration had approximately 50 guests, including close friends and Hollywood stars like George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
What was the dress code for the wedding?
The wedding invitations specified a relaxed dress code described as “Wild West Bohemian,” encouraging linen, seersucker, and summer hats instead of formal attire.
Who officiated the ceremony?
The ceremony was officiated by Julia Roberts’ longtime lawyer, Barry Hirsch.
