Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts married cinematographer Daniel Moder in a private, rain-soaked midnight ceremony on July 4, 2002. Held at Roberts’ 51-acre secluded ranch just outside Taos, New Mexico, the intimate gathering brought together approximately 50 family members and close friends, far away from the typical pressures of Hollywood spotlight events.
A Secluded Celebration on a New Mexico Ranch
The choice of venue reflected the couple’s desire for privacy. The expansive property featured a newly constructed small wooden chapel complete with a cross on the roof, alongside a spacious white reception tent erected on the green grass. Invitations sent to guests described a unique aesthetic. They blended a “Midsummers Night DreamISH” theme with a “Wild West Bohemian” motif.
Guests flown in from Los Angeles were greeted with a relaxed dress code. The invitations explicitly instructed attendees, “Think Linen, try Seersucker, Dawn Sweet Summer Hats, Free yourself from black.” Due to heavy afternoon thunderstorms and torrential rain that swept through the region, many guests accessorized with cowboy hats while braving the elements.
Star-Studded Guest List and Midnight Vows
Despite the remote location, the 50-odd guest list included several high-profile Hollywood figures. Academy Award winners George Clooney and Brad Pitt were in attendance. They were joined by director Steven Soderbergh, who directed Roberts in both Erin Brockovich and Ocean’s 11.
The torrential downpour that soaked the area stopped abruptly just half an hour after the midnight ceremony began. Celebrations continued well past dawn. Guests enjoyed southwest-style barbecue under a clear, star-studded New Mexico sky while media outlets gathered outside the perimeter gates.
How Julia Roberts and Danny Moder Met
The wedding marked the second trip down the aisle for Roberts. She was previously married to country singer Lyle Lovett for 21 months and famously called off her wedding to actor Kiefer Sutherland in 1991. Roberts and Moder met two years prior on the set of the film The Mexican, which co-starred Brad Pitt. Moder subsequently divorced his wife, makeup artist Vera Steinberg, before beginning his life with Roberts.
The couple’s low-key wedding in Taos set the tone for a long-lasting partnership focused on family life. This approach contrasted sharply with the media scrutiny that had followed Roberts’ high-profile relationships throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Julia Roberts and Danny Moder get married?
Julia Roberts and Danny Moder were married on July 4, 2002, during a midnight ceremony.
Where did the wedding take place?
The wedding was held at Julia Roberts’ 51-acre private ranch located just outside Taos, New Mexico.
How many guests attended the wedding?
The intimate celebration included approximately 50 guests. It featured close friends, family, and Hollywood colleagues like George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
What was the wedding theme and dress code?
The wedding followed a “Midsummers Night DreamISH” and “Wild West Bohemian” theme. Guests were instructed to wear linen, seersucker, and summer hats, leading many to wear cowboy hats during the rainy evening.
Is this Julia Roberts’ first marriage?
No, this is Roberts’ second marriage. She was previously married to country musician Lyle Lovett from 1993 until their divorce in 1995.
