‘It was like an intervention’: Salma Hayek recalls having ‘no choice’ but to marry husband François-Henri Pinault in surprise 2009 courthouse wedding
She married French billionaire businessman François-Henri Pinault back in 2009 on Valentine’s Day.
But Salma Hayek has now revealed that she didn’t actually have a say in the nuptials, which were sprung upon her by family, friends and her partner.
The actress, 57, recalled having ‘no choice’ in the matter as she was brought to a courthouse, describing it as an ‘intervention’.
Putting it down to nerves, she recalled having a phobia of marriage – leading her nearest and dearest to take matters into their own hands.
Taking to the February cover of Glamour Magazine, the Magic Mike’s Last Dance actress shared the story of her wedding after over 13 years of marriage.
‘It was like an intervention’: Salma Hayek recalls having ‘no choice’ but to marry husband François-Henri Pinault in surprise 2009 courthouse wedding
Spouses: Salma and François-Henri tied the knot in a low-key civil ceremony on February 14 2009 with only family in attendance, before rolling out the lavish celebrations two-months later for an A-list wedding bash (pictured in 2010)
Salma and François-Henri tied the knot in a low-key civil ceremony on February 14 2009 with only family in attendance, before rolling out the lavish celebrations two-months later for an A-list wedding bash.
But speaking on the initial day, the beauty told Glamour: ‘I didn’t even know I was getting married that day. It was like an intervention. I don’t think I ever told this story.
‘No, they just took me to the court. My parents, my brother, they were all ganging up on me. I had a phobia of the marriage thing. The reason it was a courthouse wedding was because they dragged me there. I was nervous.
She concluded: ‘And then after, there was a lunch at his parents’ house. My mother-in-law, who’s the most tasteful person when it comes to entertaining, had already been doing the lunch. I had no choice.’
In April that year, the couple welcomed pals such as Stella McCartney, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz to a weekend celebration in Venice.
The weekend celebrations featured a masquerade ball-style rehearsal dinner, before Salma stunned in a Balenciaga gown for a romantic ceremony at at La Fenice opera house.
And while she may not have had a say in her initial wedding, the actress is still going strong with her long-time beau.
Explaining the secret to keeping the spark alive, Salma noted that it was the ‘little things’ as she enjoys just ‘doing nothing together’ with her other half.
Covergirl: Taking to the February cover of Glamour Magazine, the Magic Mike’s Last Dance actress shared the story of her wedding after over 13 years of marriage
The story: But speaking on the initial day, the beauty told Glamour: ‘I didn’t even know I was getting married that day. It was like an intervention. I don’t think I ever told this story’
While she also detailed the helpfulness of meeting François-Henri ‘later in life’, as she was 39 when they initially crossed paths.
According to People, the couple met in the Spring of 2006 while attending agala at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice.
They are now parents to Valentina Paloma Pinault, 15, while François is also dad to three children from previous relationships.
Nerves: ‘No, they just took me to the court. My parents, my brother, they were all ganging up on me. I had a phobia of the marriage thing. The reason it was a courthouse wedding was because they dragged me there. I was nervous’
(Salma and Francois pictured in 2021)