Naomi Biden married Peter Neal on the White House’s South Lawn late Saturday morning, the first wedding for a presidential family member on the grounds since the Clinton administration.
The breathtaking scenery almost made up for the freezing temps. On a clear, 40-degree day, President Biden’s eldest granddaughter wore a long-sleeved, ballgown-style bridal gown with a high lace collar. The south porch of the White House was draped with white and green flower garlands, and the doors were adorned with a floral arch and wreaths. A swarm of unwanted journalists and others clustered outside the White House barrier with telescopic lenses and ineffective phone cameras could make out the décor.
Guests were instructed to leave their phones at home and to dress warmly. They came at the White House’s pedestrian entrances wearing leather boots and wool jackets, and white scarves were waiting for them on their seats.
The event lasted around one hour. Naomi, 28, was escorted down the aisle by her father, Hunter Biden, and mother, Kathleen Buhle, to the Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” President Biden led the 25-year-old groom’s two grandparents down the aisle, one on each arm, before turning around and jogging back up the aisle with first lady Jill Biden.
Both the bride and groom wore Ralph Lauren. Finnegan, Naomi’s sister, was maid of honor, and Robert, the groom’s brother, was best man. Naomi’s other sister, Maisy, and her new sister-in-law, Katherine “Betsy” Neal, were among the navy-blue-dressed bridesmaids. Naomi’s aunt and the president’s daughter, Ashley Blazer Biden, read from the New Testament: “God is Love.”
They composed their own vows. “They reminisced about their experience with each other and what brought them to today,” said Linzi Lane, a friend of the Neal family. “It was beautifully done. … I don’t think there was a dry eye.”
According to Lane, a bee fell on Naomi’s dress during the ceremony, and Peter carefully wiped it off in a rare unscripted moment.
Peter and Naomi, both attorneys, met on a blind date set up by a mutual acquaintance in 2018 and have been living on the White House’s third floor ever since. “These two fell in love after two days,” a friend, Asha-Kai Grant, wrote on Instagram last year.
The 250 or so visitors included largely family, close friends, and some VIPs. Chris Dodd, a former senator, was sighted. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was invited, as was his wife, Evan Ryan. However, few White House officials were scheduled to attend.
The wedding was the 19th in White House history and the first for a presidential relative since Hillary Clinton’s brother, Anthony Rodham, married in 1994. It was also the first time a presidential grandchild was born. The absolutely private ceremony was paid for by the Biden family, so taxpayers are not on the hook, according to the first lady’s office.
Guests began to leave the White House just after noon. Few wanted to speak to the crowds of reporters who were anxious for information.
In a statement, Tamara Keith, head of the White House Correspondents’ Association, condemned the ceremony’s secrecy. The WHCA advocated allowing a small pool of journalists to cover some portion of the wedding,” she said. “Our request for coverage was declined, and we are deeply disappointed that the White House has chosen to keep this event fully closed to the press.”
After a luncheon and reception for the newlyweds and chosen guests, the bride’s grandparents delivered their own statement. “It has been a joy to watch Naomi grow, discover who she is, and carve out such an incredible life for herself,” the president and first lady said. “Now, we are filled with pride to see her choose Peter as her husband and we’re honored to welcome him to our family. We wish them days full of laughter and a love that grows deeper with every passing year.”
On Saturday evening, a bigger event with wedding cake and dancing was planned.