At the wedding celebration of Patrick Schwarzenegger and Abby Champion in September 2025, Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with those in attendance. The event, held in Idaho, marked a significant moment for the family and showcased Arnold’s supportive role as a father through his memorable words.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Emotional Address at the Wedding
During the ceremony and festivities, over which the Terminator star presided as a key figure, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s speech reflected pride and warmth. Rob Lowe, who attended the wedding, shared details about the patriarch’s remarks during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on September 17. According to Lowe, Arnold greeted the guests warmly, stating,
“It’s good to see everybody here,”
setting a friendly tone for the occasion.
He went on to praise his son Patrick’s acting career, specifically mentioning,
“It’s a wonderful day. And Patrick is killing it now with The White Lotus,”
highlighting Patrick’s recent success in the popular television series.
Lowe also revealed that Schwarzenegger, age 77 at the time, humorously recounted his eldest son’s entire filmography to those gathered, which included notable names such as Patrick’s White Lotus co-stars Jason Isaacs, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Sam Nivola with his girlfriend Iris Apatow, as well as actor Taylor Lautner and influencer Olivia Jade.
Interestingly, when asked whether Arnold delivered one of his signature catchphrases at the wedding, Lowe joked,
No catchphrase. I think you have to pay extra for the catchphrase.
Rob Lowe
Celebrating a Meaningful Moment with Close Friends and Family
Rob Lowe expressed a personal connection to the event, sharing that his experience was particularly touching given his longtime relationship with Patrick. He told Jimmy Kimmel,
I’ve known Patrick since he was a little boy,
he said.
It was a beautiful wedding. I’m at that stage where all my kids’ friends are getting married.
Rob Lowe
The wedding took place in a stunning setting overlooking Lake Coeur d’Alene, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the distance, creating a scenic backdrop for the fairytale ceremony that Patrick and Abby shared with their closest friends and family.
Guests enjoyed a lively three-day celebration, beginning with an intimate rehearsal dinner for family and the wedding party. The next evening featured a Western-themed welcome party where attendees embraced cowboy boots and hats. Abby shared with Vogue,
Western night was a whole different vibe, and honestly, one of the most fun looks of the weekend.
Abby Champion
Patrick matched Abby’s style with a black leather coat and bolo tie, complementing the festive atmosphere. On the wedding day, Abby wore a fitting white gown with an overskirt train, and was escorted down the aisle by her father, Greg Champion, who also officiated the ceremony.
Reflecting on the entire weekend and the start of their married life, Abby shared,
I still can’t believe it’s over—it all flew by like a dream. I’m so excited to start this next chapter with Patrick.
Abby Champion
The Couple’s Journey: From Early Days to Their Wedding
Patrick Schwarzenegger and Abby Champion’s relationship has been public for several years, evolving alongside their careers and personal growth. They first made their Instagram relationship official in February 2016 and were seen together publicly by May that year, spotted leaving a dinner date at Nobu in Malibu.
Later in 2016, the couple appeared closely bonded during a shopping trip in Brentwood, California, where Patrick recounted on The Drew Barrymore Show that Abby initially
“blew me off for a while, and then finally we got to go on a date.”
Their public appearances continued, including a red carpet debut at the Hammer Museum’s 2017 Gala in the Garden event in Los Angeles, solidifying their status as a glamorous pair.
Both successful in the modeling world, the duo attended significant fashion events, such as sitting front row at Tom Ford’s show during New York Fashion Week in 2018.
Abby was a constant supporter of Patrick’s acting endeavors. When he starred in the film Midnight Sun, Patrick told E! News in 2019,
I think the best part about having her by my side is that she’s always rooting for me and wanting the best for me and bringing out the best in me,
Patrick Schwarzenegger
The couple also shared lighter moments, attending Coachella 2018 and celebrating personal milestones together, including birthdays and festive Halloween parties. Abby once captioned a birthday post for Patrick, writing,
Happpppy birthday to my main amigo @patrickschwarzenegger love you,
Abby Champion
Milestones Leading to Their Wedding Day
Through the years, Patrick and Abby supported each other’s careers and personal lives. They coordinated matching outfits at Nashville’s 2020 CMA Awards and attended Patrick’s red carpet event for Amazon Prime’s The Terminal List in June 2022, a series featuring Patrick alongside his brother-in-law, Chris Pratt.
In 2022, the couple enjoyed vacations including a sun-soaked trip to Capri, Italy, and festive celebrations such as Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, alongside Arnold and brother Christopher Schwarzenegger.
Their commitment grew stronger as they publicly supported family events, appearing with Patrick’s sisters Katherine and Christina Schwarzenegger, mother Maria Shriver, and Katherine’s husband Chris at a Cleobella collaboration event in Pacific Palisades, California, in November 2023.
At the end of 2023, Patrick announced their engagement with a series of beachside photos on Instagram, captioning them FOREVER AND EVER. He proposed surrounded by rose petals at sunrise, marking a romantic milestone.
Recent Highlights Before Tying the Knot
In early 2025, Abby stood proudly beside Patrick at the season three premiere of The White Lotus. She posted on Instagram,
Celebrating my movie star being in the new @thewhitelotus so incredibly proud of you and all your hard work @patrickschwarzenegger love watching you accomplish your dreams,
Abby Champion
The couple postponed their wedding to accommodate Patrick’s role as Saxon Ratliff on The White Lotus, yet their relationship remained strong. At the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Patrick candidly told InStyle,
We’ve been together ten years, so it’s like we’re basically married,
adding,
We bring out the best in each other. I feel that I’m the best version of myself with her and I think she does as well.
Patrick Schwarzenegger
Intimate Wedding Surrounded by Loved Ones
Finally, on a September weekend in 2025, Patrick and Abby exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony in Idaho. The celebration brought together their dearest friends and family, including Maria Shriver, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and siblings from both sides, symbolizing the beginning of their shared future.
This wedding not only marked a new chapter for the couple but also highlighted Arnold Schwarzenegger’s enduring role as a loving father, whose touching wedding speech further immortalized this joyous occasion for the Schwarzenegger family and their circle.
