Years later, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ wedding location continues to stir debate; here’s the full story behind the controversy

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' 2012 wedding appeared perfect until people learned more about the venue's history. More than a decade later, their decision to marry at Boone Hall Plantation remains controversial.

The couple has received criticism several times and later expressed regret for their decision, as per a report.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are involved in a legal dispute over claims of sexual harassment and defamation of his reputation. False allegations have sparked criticism of both parties, but online detectives are also digging up the actress's previous gaffes to feed the flames, such as the contentious spot where she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, exchanged wedding vows.

Why is Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' wedding venue controversial?

The wedding of Lively and Reynolds took place at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, on September 9, 2012. One of the most well-known historical sites in the country, the plantation has played host to celebrities, politicians, and presidents for a variety of events.

Weddings are also held at the location. Although the site's natural beauty and decorations received a lot of attention, the couple at the time failed to notice that the land where they were married still has remnants of its troubled past.

Boone Hall Plantation, also known as "Slave Street," was constructed between 1790 and 1810 and contains nine preserved slave cabins.

These cabins, which are now part of a "Black History in America" exhibit for tour groups, were occupied by African Americans who worked on the plantations at Boone Hall, Laurel Hill, and Snee Farm during the Civil War, as quoted in a report by House of Beautiful.

Every day, descendants of the Gullah people give educational presentations, and guests can take part in a Gullah luncheon, which features a private performance about the history of Gullah culture along with a farm-to-table meal.

After seeing pictures of the picturesque manor on Pinterest, Lively and Reynolds decided to get married at Boone Hall. Since they got married more than ten years ago, they have drawn criticism for their wedding location on occasion.

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How have Lively and Reynolds responded?

This first happened right after the wedding, then again in 2018 and again in 2020 when the Black Lives Matter movement gained national attention in the wake of George Floyd's murder.

In the midst of the criticism, the couple posted a joint statement on Instagram that appeared to include an apology for their actions, and they donated $200,000 to the NAACP legal defense fund.

They have since apologized and donated to racial justice organizations, acknowledging their past ignorance. Ryan Reynolds reiterated the sentiment in an interview with Fast Company, saying he regretted the choice of setting for their initial vow renewal ceremony (they would later renew them at home).

FAQs

What makes Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' wedding venue so controversial?
They married on Boone Hall Plantation, a historic site with preserved slave cabins. Critics argue that holding weddings in slavery-related locations is inappropriate.

How did the couple handle the backlash?
They apologized, called it a mistake, and donated $200,000 to racial justice organizations, admitting their previous ignorance and promising to educate themselves.