Skip to main contentSkip to footer
jennifer lopez ben affleck marry© Photo: Getty Images

Ben Affleck reveals real reason he and Jennifer Lopez called off 2004 wedding

Bennifer finally married in July 2022

Jenni McKnight
US Lifestyle Editor
August 25, 2022
Share this:

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck cemented their union in front of family and friends on 20 August, decades after they originally planned to wed.

SHOP: Jennifer Lopez's mermaid wedding dresses were iconic – and we've found the best lookalikes

The couple initially got engaged in 2002 but called time on their relationship just two years later before reuniting in 2021 – and now Ben has revealed why he believes they never made it down the aisle the first time around.

WATCH: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck officially marry in Las Vegas

During their lavish three-day wedding at Ben's stunning $8million Georgia estate, the groom reportedly told guests during his wedding speech that he and Jennifer did not marry the first time because they needed to have their respective children.

After their break-up, Ben went on to have three kids, Violet, 16, Seraphina, 13, and Samuel, ten, with his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, while JLo shares twins Emme and Max, 14, with ex-husband Marc Anthony.

MORE: Newlyweds Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's decadent wedding gifts revealed

SEE: Jennifer Lopez shares first look at her THREE Ralph Lauren wedding dresses

According to UsWeekly, Ben made an "impassioned speech" in which he professed his love for his new bride and her children and told guests that they are the "blessing and gift" that occurred because he and Jennifer didn't marry before.

He added that their existence is "proof that everything happens for a reason".

jennifer lopez wedding dress

Jennifer wore three custom Ralph Lauren wedding dresses

The children were a big part of the couple's weekend wedding and all walked down the aisle behind the happy couple, dressed in all-white outfits - as were all the guests in attendance at JLo's request.

The wedding celebrations kicked off on Friday with 'Drinks and Dessert' with guests dressed in "festive attire".

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed dinner and dancing with food on the menu said to include fried pork chops, rice and vegetables, oven-roasted chicken and mac and cheese. The couple wrapped up their festivities with a casual Sunday brunch.

jennifer lopez ben affleck 2002© Photo: Getty Images

Jennifer and Ben originally split in 2004

Last month, Jennifer confirmed that she had married Ben on July 16 at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas. "We did it. Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient," she wrote in her newsletter, On the J.Lo.

"They were right when they said, 'all you need is love'. We are so grateful to have that in abundance, a new wonderful family of five amazing children and a life that we have never had more reason to look forward to."

She signed the post: "Jennifer Lynn Affleck."

Read more HELLO! US stories here 

Planning your wedding? Sign up to HELLO!’s brand new Bride Guide newsletter for expert advice, budget help, wedding inspiration and real life stories delivered straight to your inbox.

More Weddings

See more