Television presenter Kirstie Allsopp has broken her silence on the secret wedding she held with her long-term partner, Ben Andersen, nearly a year after they privately exchanged vows. The Location, Location, Location star, known for her property expertise, chose to keep the ceremony an intimate affair, away from the public eye.
A Surprise Ceremony After Two Decades
Kirstie Allsopp and property developer Ben Andersen finally married in January 2024, after being a couple for 21 years. The ceremony took place at the historic Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, a venue of deep family significance for Kirstie, as it was where both her parents and grandparents had married.
The decision to wed came as something of a surprise, even to the couple themselves. In the early stages of their relationship, which began in 2004, Ben had expressed a reluctance to marry again following the end of his first marriage. However, he later made a U-turn, leading to a wedding planned at remarkably short notice.
"I think we told the children about the wedding on Christmas Day," Kirstie revealed in an interview. "Mostly, though, nobody knew until the Monday and then we got married on the Thursday." She purchased her wedding dress just two weeks before the big day.
An Intimate Day with Family at its Heart
The wedding was a deliberately low-key and traditional event. The couple's two sons together, along with Ben's older sons from his previous marriage, served as ushers. Guests were limited to close family, including Kirstie's sisters, Sofie Fletcher and Natasha Morley, her cousin Jamie Allsopp, and designer India Hicks.
Noticeably absent was Kirstie's long-time television co-host, Phil Spencer, who reportedly could not attend due to the short notice given for the date. The ceremony itself lasted around 40 minutes and featured a carefully curated soundtrack, including The Beatles' classic, All You Need Is Love.
Kirstie made a conscious decision to break with several wedding conventions. She skipped having a hen do entirely, describing the absence of such festivities as "fabulous." The ceremony was scheduled for 4 pm so guests would not have to take time off work or buy new outfits. "They just wore what they had," she explained.
Choosing Privacy Over 'The Big Day' Spotlight
While she has not fully detailed every reason for the secrecy, Kirstie Allsopp has been vocal about her views on modern weddings. She admitted she did not want "the attention of being a bride" and is not a fan of what she calls "the staggering, never-ending self-absorption of 'my big day'."
Despite their best efforts, the wedding did not completely escape public attention. After spotting paparazzi outside the venue, Kirstie took control of the narrative by later sharing a few of her own photographs on Instagram. In her caption, she expressed a desire for privacy but seized the opportunity to thank those who helped organise the beautiful day at short notice.
As the first anniversary of their secret wedding approaches, Kirstie's reflections paint a picture of a celebration that was truly about their union and their family, rather than public spectacle—a fitting tribute to a partnership that has endured for over two decades.
