Are guests getting paid to attend 'The Golden Wedding'? Fans suspect ABC paying 'huge amount' to make Gerry Turner's exes to attend
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA: The wedding bells are ringing in gold. Gerry Turner, star of 'The Golden Bachelor,' is poised to marry his fiancée Theresa Nist in a highly anticipated broadcast wedding on January 4, and fans are keen to hear if the vast guest list will be paid to attend the televised ceremony.
The OGs of 'The Bachelorette', Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter, were the franchise's first broadcast weddings in 2003, with ABC dedicating three episodes to the big day, as well as the bachelor and bachelorette parties and family turmoil that occurred before to the ceremony.
They were paid $1 million for the program, which was seen by almost 17 million people. Max and Blakesley, the couple's two children, are still together.
As some of Gerry's exes are said to be attending 'The Golden Wedding', including the runner-up, Leslie Fhima, fans are left wondering what would prompt them to attend their ex's wedding.
On Reddit, fans speculated, "She could’ve been contracted by abc or offered a huge amount of 💰💰💰💰abc is really invested in making this wedding special profitable."
While one quipped, You couldn’t pay me enough to go to my exes wedding 💀."
One user wrote, "I like Leslie and don’t mean this in a bad way, but I’d say it’s more likely contractually obligated that she either show up in general to be announced as Golden Bachelorette or contractually has to show up to be the Golden Bachelorette at all."
A fourth person commented, "She's definitely going to the wedding for appearances only. She is definitely one of the final contenders for golden bachelorette (possibly already offered the gig? Maybe the gold shirt is a hint?) so it behooves her to play nice.
Also her and Theresa are friendly, she only has reason to have a problem with Gerry."
As April Kirkwood confirmed her presence alongside Ellen Goltzer, Nancy Hulkower, and a few others, fans asked on Instagram, "I hope y’all are getting paid for this JS."
While another user chimed in, "oh yeah they probably are. Their faces in the audience are valuable. ABC wants them there."
Who will be attending 'The Golden Wedding'?
Though the pair told Entertainment Weekly that they expect "millions" to watch the occasion from home, they anticipate that just 100 to 150 people will attend the ceremony in person.
Here's who will and may attend.
According to Theresa, she and Gerry invited the whole cast of 'The Golden Bachelor'.
"We want all of the women from ‘The Golden Bachelor’ to be there. We don’t know who’s going to be able to make it," she explained.
Theresa also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that members of Bachelor Nation – reality show alums — will be in attendance.
Gerry and Theresa had previously been married. According to PEOPLE, Gerry has two children and two granddaughters, while Theresa has a son, a daughter, and six grandchildren.
Theresa's sisters were also shown on 'The Golden Bachelor.' Theresa and Gerry intend to invite their families to the wedding.
"There’s not anybody that’s left out," she told Entertainment Weekly. "It's going to be a big bridal party."
Gerry's children, Angie Warner and Jenny Young, as well as granddaughters Charlee and Payton Young, made their 'The Golden Bachelor' finale debuts.
According to Forbes, Jesse Palmer, the host of ABC's 'The Golden Bachelor,' has revealed that the bride and groom's family will be present on their wedding day. The wedding will be attended by Theresa's son Tommy, son-in-law Matt, daughter Jen Woolston, daughter-in-law Amanda, and her six grandchildren, Leo, Dempsey, Henry, Brandon, Brody, and Braxton.
Jen, Theresa's daughter, will serve as maid of honor. Gerry will be joined on the big day by his two children, Angie and Jenna, and his son-in-law, Rob.
Rob, Gerry's son-in-law, will serve as best man.
In addition, "all the Golden Women are going to be there."
All 21 of Theresa's former opponents will be present to witness their wedding vows, including Leslie, who assumed she would marry Gerry.
Faith Martin, Ellen, Sandra Mason, Susan, April, Kathy Swarts, Nancy, Christina Kempton, Joan Vassos, Edith Aguirre, Jeanie Howard, Peggie Dercole, Natascha Hardee, Marina Perera, Anna Zalk, Maria Trice, Pamela Burns, Patty James, Renee Halverson-Wright, and Sylvia Robledo were among the ladies who took part in 'The Golden Bachelor'.
Other guests confirmed to attend 'The Golden Wedding' include Trista Sutter, Ryan Sutter, Desiree Siegfried, Chris Siegfried, Jason and Molly Mesnick, Wells Adams, and Ben Higgins, according to Just Jared.
Who will be officiating 'The Golden Wedding'?
Susan Noles will undoubtedly be present. In the week leading up to the big day, the fan-favorite cast member confirmed she would officiate the marriage. "I'm just beyond excited!" she said on Instagram.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to have you officiate for us, Susan!!!" Theresa commented under the Instagram post. "Love you so much for being the wonderful woman you are and for doing this for us!!! We cannot wait!!!"
Where is 'The Golden Wedding' filmed?
While ABC has yet to reveal the official wedding destination, Reality Steve has delivered as usual. Gerry and Theresa are slated to marry at the La Quinta Resort & Club near Palm Springs, California, where the pair was photographed visiting in December, according to the spoiler site.
Loyal Bachelor Nation viewers will recognize the place because it served as the scene for Clare Crawley and Tayshia Adams' season of 'The Bachelorette,' which was filmed totally under lockdown in 2020.
La Quinta has both indoor and outdoor wedding venues, such as "secluded courtyards," "historic guesthouses," and even the chance to marry in front of their majestic waterfall. Whatever Gerry and Theresa's wedding looks like, it will be stunning.
(LOCATION SPOILER): Gerry & Theresa touring the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, CA today. I spoiled on Saturday during my IG Q&A this is where their live wedding will be taking place on Jan 4th on ABC. pic.twitter.com/JEhT9vxzVL
— RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) December 5, 2023
What is the cost of 'The Golden Wedding'?
It seems logical that ABC would choose a destination they've previously worked with for 'The Golden Wedding,' but it's not as expensive as you might assume. WeddingWire reports that couples who marry at La Quinta often spend between $25,000 and $33,000 on their big day, depending on the wedding date, amount of guests, and amenities chosen.
Receptions normally start at $3,500 during peak season and $2,500 off-peak, while ceremonies are said to start at $5,000 during peak season and $3,500 off-season.
The cost of Gerry and Theresa's wedding is unknown and may never be revealed. But, considering that ABC is bearing the cost of a TV special, it's bound to be expensive.
'The Golden Wedding' will premiere live on ABC at 8 pm ET on January 4.