A vintage wedding car — a 1950s Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, a classic convertible, a 1960s Cadillac — creates unforgettable photos and a sense of romance. A modern luxury car — a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Cadillac Escalade or Rolls-Royce Ghost — offers air conditioning, comfort, reliability and space for a dress. Many couples get the best of both: a vintage car for photos and the ceremony-to-reception ride, and modern vehicles for the bridal party, guests and the long drive to the airport or hotel.

Pros and cons

Vintage car Modern luxury car
Photos Spectacular, timeless Elegant, sleek
Comfort Varies; often no A/C Excellent, climate-controlled
Reliability Needs a careful operator High
Dress space Often limited Good; SUVs best for big dresses
Weather Rain and heat are concerns Handles any weather
Distance Best for short trips Any distance

Questions to ask about vintage cars

  • Is there a backup vehicle if the classic breaks down?
  • Does it have air conditioning and seat belts?
  • How far will it travel, and at what speed?
  • Is the chauffeur experienced with the car?

Classic favorites

The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Silver Shadow, classic Bentleys, 1950s and 1960s Cadillacs and Lincoln Continentals are wedding favorites. Read the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, the Lincoln Continental and the Jaguar E-Type — the car Prince Harry and Meghan Markle used, electrified, after their 2018 wedding.

Summer weddings

On hot summer days, a car without air conditioning can be uncomfortable in formal wear. Plan short rides and cool drinks, or choose a modern car.

Book

See our wedding transportation and wedding car etiquette.