Celebrity babies, marriages, engagements and break-ups in 2021

Despite living under a coronavirus-shaped cloud for the best part of 2021 love was in the air for many of our favourite celebrities this year, with a number of stars either putting a ring on it or walking down the aisle with their beaus.

While some celebrations were seriously scaled back thanks to the pandemic, other A-listers refused to let COVID-19 get in the way of some fabulously frothy big days.

As well as switch-ups in the romance department, there was also the patter of some seriously cute celebrity feet, with everyone from royals to red carpet regulars welcoming new arrivals this year.

But along with the giddy new romances and gorgeous newborns, 2021 brought with it some difficult moments and some not-so-happy endings, including some pretty unexpected celebrity break-ups.

So as we prepare to wave goodbye to 2021, here's a look back on the year's births, big days, break-ups and bended knees.

Break-ups

Bill Gates and Melinda Gates

Back in May, after 27 years together, Bill and Melinda Gates revealed they were to divorce, issuing a joint statement saying that they had agreed they couldn’t grow old together as a couple.

“After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage,” the statement said.

“Over the last 27 years we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives.

“We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives.”

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello

Hearts were broken all over the world when singers Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello announced their break-up in November after being each other's plus-one for two years.

The former couple revealed news of their split by sharing a joint statement on their respective Instagram Stories and declaring they will “continue to be best friends”.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

Rumours had been circulating for months, but at the start of the year, details of the divorce of celebrity power couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West started to emerge.

And after seven years of marriage, reality star Kardashian now seems to have moved on with serial celebrity dater Pete Davidson.

The 44-year-old rapper, on the other hand, has made no secret of the regret he feels that his wife is determined to go through with the divorce, having filed to be legally single and have her maiden name restored.

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez

One of the most unexpected break-ups of 2021 happened earlier this year, when Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez announced they were to split.

After postponing their nuptials several times because of the pandemic, the former couple realised they were “better as friends” and broke off their engagement, paving the way for Bennifer 2.0.

Read more: 2021's unforgettable celebrity fashion from naked dresses to feather boas

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik

The supermodel and former One Direction star seemed very much the perfect family after welcoming their daughter Khai in September 2020, however the relationship seemingly came to an end after it was reported that the singer had a disagreement with the model's mum, Yolanda Hadid.

Elon Musk and Grimes

After starting to date in 2018 and becoming parents of their son X Æ A-Xii early last year, entrepreneur Elon Musk and Canadian singer Grimes announced their were going their separate ways.

“It’s mostly that my work at SpaceX and Tesla requires me to be primarily in Texas or travelling overseas and her work is primarily in LA,” Musk stated.

Weddings

Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez

COVID pretty much killed the big white wedding in 2020, but Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez sparked a trend for micro weddings after opting for an intimate affair at home in LA in May earlier this year.

The pop star may sing about diamond rings and splashing the cash on champers, but her wedding was really rather modest.

“They got married," her rep confirmed at the time. "It was tiny and intimate – less than 20 people. The room was so happy and full of love. The couple and both families couldn't be happier."

The nuptials may have been scaled back but Grande looked totally dreamy in a custom Vera Wang column gown with an elegant plunging open-back.

Paris Hilton and Carter Reum

She was never going to do things by halves, but Paris Hilton pulled out all the stops to wed her beau at the former Bel Air estate of her late grandfather, Baron Hilton, in November.

She remained true to extravagant form, from the dramatic flower arrangements to the five-tier wedding cake and the incredible Oscar de la Renta bridal gown.

Captioning a post of a picture of the stunning custom white, lace design, the entrepreneur wrote: "Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamt of my fairytale wedding.

Hilton added: "My incredible @OscarDeLaRenta gown transformed me into the bride I knew I would one day become. It was right out of a storybook. Dreams do come true."

For the evening celebrations she changed into a puffball mini dress, also by Oscar de la Renta.

Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell

Lily Collins opted to share the happy news that she was married via Instagram. “I’ve never wanted to be someone’s someone more than I do yours, and now I get to be your wife," the newlywed wrote.

"On September 4th, 2021 we officially became each other’s forever. I love you beyond.”

The Emily in Paris star said 'I do' to Charlie McDowell surrounded by nature at Dunton Hot Springs, wearing a bespoke Ralph Lauren gown with a matching hooded veil.

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Malala Yousafzai and Asser Malik

Back in September human rights and education activist, Malala Yousafzai revealed she had tied the knot by sharing some stunning images of her big day.

The 24-year-old, who now lives in Britain after surviving a Taliban attack at the age of 15 in her native Pakistan, shared the exciting news on social media.

“Today marks a precious day in my life,” she wrote. “Asser and I tied the knot to be partners in life. We celebrated a small nikkah ceremony at home in Birmingham with our families. Please send us your prayers. We are excited to walk together for the journey ahead.”

Lena Dunham and Luis Felber

In the very definition of a whirlwind romance, we barely knew that Lena Dunham was in a couple before finding out they'd actually tied the knot a few months later.

The Girls actor wore three different dresses by designer Christopher Kane for her nuptials at Soho's Union Club in London, where her bridesmaids included Taylor Swift, 13 Reasons Why actor Tommy Dorfman and Industry actor Myha’la Herrold.

Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton

Of course Gwen Stefani had something of a rock star wedding! The Hollaback Girl singer tied the knot with her country beau at his Oklahoma ranch in an intimate ceremony in front of close family and friends.

Stefani confirmed the happy news on Instagram by sharing an image of the newlyweds posing at sunset.

In the image, the 50-year-old singer can be seen wearing a custom-made Vera Wang gown with a plunging sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice and cutaway back.

"July 3rd 2021 dreams do come true !!!" she wrote in the accompanying caption.

True to her rock chick persona, she changed into a Vera Wang corseted mini, stiletto cowboy boots and fishnets for the reception. “You need a party dress when u get to marry Blake Shelton,” she wrote on Instagram.

Sarah Snook and Dave Lawson

Succession star Sarah Snook, 34, revealed that she fell in love with her best friend during lockdown, going on to propose to and then marry her long-term pal.

During an appearance on This Morning, back in October, the Australian actor, who plays Shiv Roy on the hit series, opened up about how her friendship with actor Dave Lawson, 43, turned into romance, which culminated in the couple tying the knot in February.

Living together during COVID-19 apparently helped the couple realise their relationship was no longer platonic and they reportedly married in Snook's Brooklyn garden.

Adam DeVine and Chloe Bridges

After dating for six years, Pitch Perfect actor Adam DeVine, 37, and fellow actor Chloe Bridges, 29, tied the knot in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico back in October.

The couple reportedly met on a plane while flying out to film 2015's The Final Girls.

Watch: Celebrity babies born in 2021

Engagements

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker

If awards were given out for lavish engagements, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker would have scooped the prize without question.

The musician popped the question on October 16 in an elaborate proposal on the beach at sunset with the couple surrounded by red roses and candles.

The reality TV star shared two photos to Instagram of the new engaged couple embracing, writing: "forever @travisbarker", while he commented: "FOREVER" with an infinity symbol.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari

She's had something of a rollercoaster year, but alongside her successful legal battle for freedom after her 13-year conservatorship, a further high came via the singer's engagement to Sam Asghari.

The long-time couple made it official and are now happily planning their nuptials with details of her wedding dress, with details of the big day starting to emerge including the proposed pink dress designed by Donatella Versace.

Lindsay Lohan and Bader Shammas

Last month Lindsay Lohan revealed that she was engaged to her boyfriend of two years, Bader Shammas.

The Mean Girls actor shared a series of snaps with her new fiancé showing off her incredible sparkler captioning the images: "My love. My life. My family. My future. @bader.shammas #love."

Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer

She may opt to keep her relationship out of the spotlight, but Twilight star Kristen Stewart was thrilled to announce her engagement during an interview with Howard Stern.

“We‘re marrying, it’s happening,” she said.

The Spencer star and her screenwriter fiancée have been dating for at least two years, but they took their partnership to the next level back in November.

“I wanted to be proposed to, so I think I very distinctly carved out what I wanted, and she nailed it. It was really cute; she did very well," she added.

Read more: Meghan and Harry 'loving life as a family of four' and finding 'work-life balance'

Celebrity babies

Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor

2021 has certainly been a popular year for Royal babies, but perhaps the most celebrated regal arrival was that of baby Lilibet Diana, the second child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Named in honour of the Duke of Sussex's late mother Princess Diana and the Queen's personal family nickname, Lilibet Diana arrived on June 4, little sister for big brother Archie and the first royal baby to be born in the United States, following the couple's move across the pond.

August Philip Hawke

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank also embraced parenthood after welcoming their first child, August Philip Hawke on 9 February.

Sharing a black and white photo of the newborn to Instagram, the couple shared their delight at becoming parents.

“Our hearts are full of love for this little human, words can’t express,” Eugenie wrote, describing her husband as “the ultimate father to our boy!”

Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi

The Royal Family baby boom continued when Princess Beatrice also announced she was expecting her first child with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi earlier this year.

Their daughter Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi was born on 18 September, with Princess Eugenie sharing a sweet message for her sister on social media.

“To my dearest Beabea and Edo⁣: Congratulations on your new angel. I can’t wait to meet her and I’m so proud of you,” she wrote.

Grace Elizabeth Jane

The Duchess of Cambridge's sister Pippa Middleton also welcomed her second child this year with husband James Matthews.

Grace Elizabeth Jane was born at 4.22am on 15 March, weighing 6 lb 7 oz, a little brother to first born Arthur, three, born in October 2018.

The baby's middle name is a nod to her aunt Katherine and grandmother, Carole, who both share Elizabeth as their own middle name.

Louise Jean McCary

While the couple didn't announce Emma Stone's pregnancy publicly, the actor was spotted out and about in LA with a pregnancy bump and reportedly welcomed her first child, a daughter with husband Dave McCary, back in March.

The new parents have remained fiercely private about their new arrival, but have reportedly named their daughter Louise Jean McCary, using the middle name Jean, as a tribute to Stone's grandmother Jean Louise.

Sylvester 'Sly' Apollo Bear

Model Emily Ratajkowski became a new mum earlier this year after welcoming her first child, a son, with Sebastian Bear-McClard.

“Sylvester Apollo Bear has joined us earth side. Sly arrived 3/8/21 on the most surreal, beautiful, and love-filled morning of my life,” she shared on Instagram.

Mae James Blair

2021 saw Hilary Duff and her husband Matthew Koma welcome a new arrival to their family.

Baby Mae James Blair was born on 24 March with the couple announcing the happy news by sharing a beautiful photo taken moments after the arrival of her second daughter.

The intimate snap shows Duff in a birthing pool, surrounded by her two-year-old daughter Banks, her nine-year-old son Luca and husband Matthew Koma.

Cosmo

Scarlett Johansson also expanded her family this year, welcoming son Cosmo, who she shares with her husband Colin Jost, into the world in August.

Unfortunately, her seven-year-old daughter Rose, whose father is Romain Dauriac, doesn’t seem quite so enamoured with the new addition to the family.

"She has a lot going on in her life," Johansson revealed recently. "She's got a very active social calendar, so she's not as interested in the baby as, I don't know, let's say, like, any other thing really?"

Watch: Celebrity Weddings in 2021