14 Vintage Photos of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy in the Summer of 1953 — from Their Engagement to Their Big Wedding Day
14 Vintage Photos of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy in the Summer of 1953 — from Their Engagement to Their Big Wedding Day
Stephanie SengweSat, September 12, 2026 at 10:15 AM UTC
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John F. Kennedy and his bride Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on their wedding day in Newport, Rhode Island.Credit: Bettmann/Getty
The summer of 1953 marked two major milestones for John F. Kennedy and Jackie Bouvier.
The couple, who had been dating since the previous year, announced news of their engagement on June 24. While there are different accounts of how the Senator popped the question — some say it was at the Omni Hotel in Boston, another account says it was Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.— the pair was headed to the altar. In July, they appeared on the cover of Life Magazine, with a headline reading, “Senator Kennedy Goes a-Courting,” which marked their first magazine cover together.
The duo would lay low in August as they prepped for their glamorous wedding. JFK and Jackie wed on Sept. 12, 1953, in a grand ceremony attended by roughly 600 diplomats, senators and social figures, followed by a reception that hosted about 900. Jackie walked down the aisle in a breathtaking ivory silk taffeta gown designed by Ann Lowe, one of the first notable African American fashion designers. The now-iconic dress featured a portrait neckline and 50 yards of material.
On the 73rd anniversary of their wedding, look back at John and Jacqueline Kennedy’s summer before they got married.
01 of 14
Over There
Senator John F. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Miss Jacqueline Lee BouvierCredit: Getty
The couple looked like American royalty as they sat on the porch at the Kennedy family’s Hyannis Port Compound, shortly after announcing their engagement.
02 of 14
Step by Step
Senator John F. Kennedy and Miss Jacqueline Bouvier stroll across the lawn of his family’s home after announcing their engagement.Credit: Getty
The couple walked in step in front of the massive main house.
03 of 14
Sunny Days
Credit: Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images
The senator and his future bride took a seat on the compound grounds on the sunny afternoon.
04 of 14
Above Water
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier go sailing while on vacation at the Kennedy compound in June 1953 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.Credit: Hy Peskin/Getty
The couple made their first official cover debut on Life Magazine, with the “Senator Kennedy Goes a-Courting” headline attached to this photo of the duo on a boat in Massachusetts.
05 of 14
Here for the Questions
Jackie and JFKCredit: Hy Peskin/Getty
The handsome couple were caught in a more relaxed moment while being interviewed for the magazine cover.
06 of 14
Quiet Moments
John F. Kennedy and fiance Jacqueline Bouvier at the Kennedy CompoundCredit: Hy Peskin/Getty
The two stole a moment away in this intimate, nearly silhouetted picture taken at the Kennedy compound.
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07 of 14
Fun Times
John F. Kennedy and fiance Jacqueline Bouvier with Ted KennedyCredit: Hy Peskin/Getty
The same day, the pair played a fun game of football with John’s brother Ted Kennedy.
08 of 14
The Big Day
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier at their outdoor reception.Credit: Bachrach/Getty
Senator John. F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island on Sept. 12, 1953. Jackie’s stepfather, Hugh D. Auchincloss, gave her away, and Archbishop Cushing of Boston performed the rites, which included a special blessing from the pope.
09 of 14
Meet the Kennedys
John F. Kennedy and his bride Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on their wedding day in Newport, Rhode Island.Credit: Bettmann/Getty
The newlyweds looked head-over-heels in love as they exited the church and headed to their reception at the Auchincloss estate, Hammersmith Farm.
10 of 14
First Dance
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier on their wedding day.Credit: Brooks Kraft LLC/Sygma/Getty
The couple held each other close for their first dance as husband and wife as guests looked on.
11 of 14
Sweet Treat
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier cut their wedding cake.Credit: Bettmann
The newlywed Kennedys appeared giddy as they cut their cake, which was a four-foot-tall confection featuring white sponge cake, raspberry preserves and raspberry-flavored buttercream, finished in white icing, per Allrecipes.
12 of 14
Looking On
Jackie Kennedy wedding
One flower girl joined them to supervise the cake cutting.
13 of 14
Welcome to the Family
Joseph Kennedy, his new daughter-in-law Jacqueline Bouvier and her new husband John F. Kennedy on their wedding day on September 12, 1953 in Newport, Rhode Island.Credit: Getty
John’s father, Joseph Kennedy, was pictured sharing a moment with his new daughter-in-law during the reception.
14 of 14
Happily Ever After
John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy with their wedding partyCredit: MPI/Getty
The entire day was made special, of course, by JFK and Jackie’s loved ones. Here, the lovebirds pose with their ushers and maids of honor.
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