Mel C, the Spice Girls' Sporty Spice, married Chris Dingwall in a private countryside ceremony in Cumbria, making her the final band member to wed. The event, held at Country House Cumbria, saw only three of her bandmates attend: Geri Halliwell-Horner, Emma Bunton, and Mel B. Victoria Beckham was absent as she was in the US with husband David Beckham for the FIFA World Cup Final, according to a source cited by Metro. Despite her absence, Victoria played a key role by designing Mel's wedding dress.
Victoria Beckham's Dress Gift
Victoria gifted Mel a backless wedding dress for the UK ceremony, described as 'the most special present of all' by an insider. This followed a legal ceremony in Australia, for which Victoria lent Mel a dress from her own wardrobe—the Victoria Beckham Lace Cami Dress, serving as Mel's 'something borrowed'. For the UK celebration, Victoria created a bespoke gown using vintage lace from Jean Bracq, hand-stitched onto a satin slip. Mel noted the emotional fittings at Victoria's atelier, saying, 'Victoria was so excited about being able to do this for me, and having her and Scarlet there… every step of the way has been very special.'
Low-Key Affair with Personal Touches
The wedding was understated, as Mel desired, with her 17-year-old daughter Scarlet as a bridesmaid. A source told the Mail: 'Mel and Chris wanted an understated wedding; she didn’t want a big, flashy day but something smaller and very classy.' The venue, co-owned by Ben Forster, was described as the 'perfect setting for an elopement or small, sophisticated wedding'. During the vows, a herd of cows reportedly ran toward the ceremony, but no stampede occurred.
Mel C's Change of Heart on Marriage
Mel had long insisted marriage wasn't for her, but meeting Chris on celebrity dating app Raya changed her mind. She told The Times earlier this year: 'It’s something I didn’t think would be part of my story, but I’m so happy with Chris. Maybe it is something that will be in my life.' The couple went public in 2024, and Mel credited Chris with shaping her album 'Sweat', which became her highest-charting solo album. At the Nordoff and Robbins Silver Clef Awards, she said: 'I am living my best life. I am the happiest I have ever been.'
Spice Girls Wedding Timeline
Mel C's wedding completes the Spice Girls' marital milestones: Victoria married David Beckham in 1999, Geri Halliwell-Horner wed Christian Horner in 2015, Emma Bunton married Jade Jones in 2021, and Mel B tied the knot with Rory McPhee in 2025. Mel C's relationship history includes a 20-year partnership with property developer Thomas Starr, with whom she shares Scarlet, and a previous relationship with manager Joe Marshall.
