Adam Peaty’s wedding sparks controversy over Bath Abbey exclusivity
Olympic icon Adam Peaty and his fiancée Holly Ramsay have sparked criticism by reserving Bath Abbey exclusively for their nuptials this Saturday, preventing other couples and visitors from accessing the historic landmark throughout the entire day, reports BritPanorama.
The 30-year-old swimmer and his 25-year-old model bride will exchange vows in a ceremony lasting approximately 90 minutes; however, the venue has been secured on an all-day basis. Abbey sources confirmed that tourists would be barred from entering, while a dedicated security operation will ensure privacy by preventing any photographs of the couple.
This arrangement has incited local ire, with one resident describing it as “rather selfish” to hire the abbey for the entire day when the wedding service lasts just a short time. Standard wedding hire at the abbey typically costs around £2,500, though Peaty and Ramsay are believed to be paying significantly more for their privacy.
Under abbey regulations, the couple must demonstrate a qualifying link to the venue, which permits ceremonies only for parishioners, congregation members, or those with an established connection to the site. While the precise nature of their relationship to Bath Abbey remains unclear, reports indicate that they possess a “special connection” that satisfies these eligibility criteria.
When approached for comment, Peaty’s spokesman maintained a stance of privacy, stating, “It’s a private, family wedding.” Approximately 200 guests are expected to attend the ceremony, including Holly’s famous father, chef Gordon Ramsay, and close family friends David and Victoria Beckham. However, a significant family dispute has resulted in the exclusion of Peaty’s mother, Caroline, from the invitation list entirely.
The rift seemingly extends beyond the wedding, as Peaty has reportedly decided not to purchase Christmas gifts for most of his relatives this year, with his parents and brothers omitted from the list. This exclusion has drawn criticism, especially in light of the recent arrest of his brother James for allegedly making threats against Peaty, further deepening the apparent estrangement within the family. Despite these tensions, Peaty did purchase gifts for some younger relatives, including his brother Richard’s daughter and his sister Bethany’s children, but chose not to buy anything for James’s sons, a decision condemned as “cruel and spiteful” by a family source.
Peaty and Ramsay first met in 2021 during the filming of the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, where Peaty was a contestant alongside Holly’s younger sister, Tilly Ramsay. Initially, their relationship was platonic, but romance blossomed later, reportedly beginning in 2023. The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in June 2023 following a trip to Rome and announced their engagement in September 2024.
In the midst of wedding preparations, the juxtaposition of grandeur and familial rifts is palpable. As Peaty prepares for a day steeped in personal celebration, it remains to be seen how such choices resonate with the public and those left outside the abbey walls.
