Tennis star Venus Williams marries Italian actor-model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach ceremony

Venus Williams weds Andrea Preti

For most of her life, Venus Williams has been defined by fierce competition, discipline and historic victories on the tennis court.

This December, however, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion stepped into a very different spotlight, as she tied the knot with Italian actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.

The wedding was not a single day but a carefully planned five-day celebration, allowing Venus Williams and Andrea Preti to savour every moment with those closest to them.

At 45, Venus Williams shared parts of the experience with fans through her Instagram account, offering a rare and personal glimpse into a life moment she has largely chosen to keep private.

Venus Williams and Andrea Preti, 37, first crossed paths in 2024, with their relationship developing quietly away from public attention.

After confirming their engagement earlier this year, the couple initially exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony in Ischia, Italy, in September 2025.

Due to delays with international documentation, that ceremony could not be formally recognised, prompting an additional official celebration in Florida with family and close friends present.

Palm Beach became the setting for a series of intimate gatherings, including a courthouse wedding on December 19, followed by a joyful reception that blended elegance with warmth.

Speaking to Vogue, Venus Williams captured the emotion of the moment perfectly: “I can’t describe how beautiful, calm, sacred, exciting, and exciting it was. It was just a dream.”

Music, memory and meaning were woven throughout the celebrations. Venus Williams and Andrea Preti made their entrance to Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’, before sharing their first dance to The Flamingos’ ‘I Only Have Eyes for You’ — a moment that reflected the romance and simplicity of the occasion.

Family played a central role, particularly Venus Williams’ sister Serena Williams, who helped bring the celebrations to life. Serena Williams gifted the couple a yacht for part of the festivities, creating an intimate space for loved ones to gather. “Serena gave us this gift of a beautiful yacht, and she arranged all the food, everything,” Venus Williams said. “We had 10 to 12 of our closest family and friends who were in town on the boat, and we were singing, dancing, gossiping, and just enjoying each other.”

Over the course of the week, Venus Williams wore 12 different dresses, each marking a unique moment of celebration. Looking back on the experience, she summed it up simply and sincerely: “We all love each other so much. It was just the happiest, most beautiful, sweetest day.”