Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton are one of the most watched pairs in Hollywood history. The short answer to how many times they were married is two. They first married in 1964, divorced in 1974, then remarried in 1975 before separating again in 1976. This evergreen profile explains the timeline, context, and frequently asked questions about their relationship, separating verified records from speculation. The following sections clarify the number of marriages, dates, and public narrative around their union.
Verifiable Relationship Timeline
The relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton can be summarized through a small set of confirmed milestones. Below is a concise table that captures the key dates, the event, and why it matters for understanding their marital history.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | First on-screen collaboration, "Cleopatra" | Sparked public and media interest in their pairing |
| March 15, 1964 | First marriage in Montreal, Canada | Began their first legal union |
| June 1974 | First divorce finalized | Ended their first marital period |
| October 4, 1975 | Second marriage in Las Vegas, Nevada | Began their second marital period |
| March 22, 1976 | Second divorce filed | Marked the end of their marriage and legal separation |
Number of Marriages and Legal Union Status
Across their shared lives, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were married exactly two times. There was one legal separation between these marriages but no additional marriage ceremonies beyond the two. Rumors of additional weddings in other locations are not supported by legal records.
Summary of Marriages
- First marriage: March 15, 1964 to June 1974 (about 10 years)
- Second marriage: October 4, 1975 to March 22, 1976 (about 5 months)
In total, they were legally married on two separate occasions. There is no verified record of a third ceremony or additional formal union outside these dates.
Context and Public Narrative
Their relationship unfolded during an era when celebrity romances were closely covered by magazines and television. The fact that Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton twice made headlines each time, reflecting both the novelty of the remarriage and the public fascination with their pairing. Press coverage emphasized the dramatic nature of their breakups and reconciliations.
Why So Much Confusion About the Number of Marriages?
Media coverage at the time often emphasized the drama of their reunions, and some outlets reported unconfirmed rumors of additional ceremonies. Over time, these stories blended with verified events, making it difficult for later audiences to distinguish fact from speculation. Certified records show exactly two legal marriages.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were married twice, in 1964 and 1975, with a divorce between each ceremony. There is no verified evidence of additional marriages beyond these two events. Understanding the distinction between confirmed legal unions and public rumors helps clarify one of Hollywood's most enduring relationships.
FAQ
Reader questions
Were they ever engaged before marrying?
There is no widely reported or verified engagement prior to their first marriage in 1964. The relationship progressed quickly to marriage following their work on "Cleopatra."
Did they live together between marriages?
Yes, there were periods when they lived together between the first divorce and the second marriage, a pattern that contributed to public speculation about a permanent reconciliation.
How did the public perceive their relationship?
Public perception was mixed, with fascination and criticism in roughly equal measure. Their status as two married people choosing to reunite drew significant commentary on morality, celebrity culture, and the institution of marriage.
Were there other romantic partners during their separations?
Both Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had other relationships during their periods apart, which received coverage at the time. Details vary across reports, but these relationships are separate from the legal record of their two marriages.