Katy Perry in an off-the-shoulder black dress and Orlando Bloom in a tux© Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Why Katy Perry hasn't married Orlando Bloom following five-year engagement

The American Idol judge has hinted she was planning a destination wedding

Deputy Lifestyle Editor
Updated: July 26, 2024

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom have kept fans guessing when it comes to their relationship. They got engaged in 2019 following a three-year relationship, but they have barely shared any updates on their wedding plans over the past five years. So why haven't they walked down the aisle?

As Katy, 39, revealed she won't be marrying Orlando until after her 40th birthday, we the look at the American Idol judge and The Lord of the Rings actor's rare comments…

Coronavirus pandemic

The couple have postponed their wedding for several reasons, including the outbreak of COVID-19.

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom had reportedly planned to tie the knot in Japan in 2020

The pair were reportedly hoping to tie the knot in front of 150 guests in Japan in the summer of 2020 – just months after much of the world was put into lockdown.

"It's a party far from home. We're still trying to make it work, [but] every two months it's like: 'New variant! New variant!'" she said during an appearance on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in 2022.

Speaking on Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Zoe Hardman this week, Katy further elaborated on her wedding plans, revealing she was going to be waiting until after her milestone 40th birthday.

Katy Perry's marriage plans at 40: a legal expert weighs in

Charles Hale KC, Barrister at 4PB, says:

"The news that Katy Perry has announced that she is waiting until she is 40 before marrying has taken some by surprise. It looks like an unromantic decision but people should think again. Planning not only the wedding day but the actual details of married life, the marriage that you want, is far from boring; it is essential if you want a long-game marriage. 

"From a legal perspective, planning what might happen if your happy marriage goes south can actually lead to greater security in the marriage itself.  Many celebs will use pre-nuptial agreements or even post-nuptial agreements which are used often if there’s just not enough time before the big day, to regulate their finances on divorce. 

"We have not been told whether the soon-to-be Blooms have opted into a nuptial contract but chances are they will and they will enter into it knowing when things go wrong, there should be no arguments at the end.  Pre-nups are still strictly speaking not binding in England but they are very persuasive and our courts now routinely uphold them, if they are fair and meet the needs of the parties and any children involved."

"I am turning 40 this year at the end of October, so I might be celebrating that first," she said, hinting at a 2025 date.

Discussing the stress of planning a wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic, she added: "COVID happened and now I have a really large credit at a venue I’m going to use. I just can’t tell you more."It was literally like I was going to get married on February 27th of 2020 and then it all happened."

Daughter's birth

Had the couple tied the knot in 2020, Katy may have been walking down the aisle pregnant.

She announced she was expecting her first child in March 2020, telling Instagram fans: "I'm excited. We're thrilled, and it's probably the longest secret I've ever had to keep. 

"I like to share everything with you all, but I knew I wanted to reveal this news through a song because that's how I communicate best."

They welcomed daughter Daisy Dove in August 2020, with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announcing the news.

© Instagram

Katy's daughter Daisy is turning four

"Welcome to the world Daisy Dove Bloom! We are honoured to introduce Goodwill Ambassadors Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom’s new bundle of joy," the organisation said on its website and Instagram account.

"We are floating with love and wonder from the safe and healthy arrival of our daughter," the new parents told UNICEF.

Katy has since hinted to People that she would like to expand her family.

Work commitments

© Getty Images

Katy left American Idol in 2024 after six years

With the aftermath of the pandemic calming down and the couple's daughter turning four this year, some fans assumed 2024 could be the perfect time for Katy and Orlando to tie the knot.

Katy hinted that she may have more time on her hands once her work commitments on American Idol stop.

She said on Jimmy Kimmel Live!: "I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I mean, I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat."

She added to Parade: "It’s definitely making space for a lot of different things."

Love story

© Getty Images

The couple met after the Golden Globes in 2016

Katy and Orlando started dating in 2016 after meeting at In-N-Out following the Golden Globes. Despite taking a break in 2017, they rekindled their romance less than a year later.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor proposed to Perry over dinner in February 2019, with the Dark Horse singer admitting she was taken by surprise. 

"I thought we were going to see some kind of art after the meal, but we boarded a helicopter. We had champagne and the ring box was in his jacket pocket," she said.

He presented her with a ruby and diamond engagement ring. When she seemed to have swapped it for a gold band in early 2024, she sparked speculation that the pair had secretly tied the knot.

© Instagram

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's engagement photo

However, Katy and Orlando never commented on the photos, which could have simply shown the same ring but twisted.

READ NEXT: Rob Lowe's ever-youthful wife Sheryl blows fans away with appearance to mark 33rd anniversary

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