Robert Redford’s artistic marriage with Sibylle Szaggars, a partnership nearly three decades in the making, was a quiet yet profound union grounded in shared creativity and mutual respect. Their relationship, which culminated in a private wedding ceremony in 2009 in Hamburg, Germany, unfolded away from Hollywood’s glare, reflecting their dedication to art and a meaningful connection rather than public spectacle.
Redford, renowned both for his acting and his founding of the Sundance artists’ retreat, and Szaggars, a distinguished multimedia artist, had spent over a decade as partners before quietly marrying. Their commitment was celebrated in an intimate church service attended by close friends and family, illustrating a bond based on artistic passion and personal devotion rather than celebrity status.
An Intimate Ceremony in Hamburg
Choosing Hamburg as the location for their wedding was a deliberate statement against the media frenzy typical of celebrity unions. The couple’s ceremony took place in the Landscape Room of the Louis C. Jacob Hotel, attended by about 30 close guests. Redford, fluent in German, exchanged vows that honored Szaggars’ heritage and underscored their personal connection. The pastor who officiated, Frank Engelbrecht of St. Catherine’s Church, noted,
“The wedding was very important to both of them.”
The wedding reflected the couple’s preference for privacy and sincerity over spectacle. After their church service, guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner that matched the understated elegance of the event. Plans for a second, more private ceremony in Mexico later that same year were also rumored, reinforcing their desire for discretion in marking their union.
The Beginning of a Deep Connection
Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars’ relationship began in the late 1990s at the Sundance retreat in Utah. Szaggars had come to the area primarily for skiing, and despite recognizing Redford’s name, she admitted to having limited knowledge of his career, a fact that initially intrigued him.
Reflecting on their early days, Redford said,
“That’s one of the things that attracted me to her, she didn’t know much about me,”
adding,
“It began as two human beings meeting each other and finding a connection as two human beings, rather than being colored by success or whatever.”
This emphasis on genuine human connection was central to their relationship, allowing them to engage on equal footing without the overshadowing weight of fame.
A Relationship Built on Artistic Respect and Novelty
Before attending a dinner with Redford, Szaggars took a spontaneous interest in understanding his career, renting several of his films. However, she only managed to watch brief snippets from each, an experience that kept her perspective fresh and unburdened by predefined notions. She recalled with amusement,
“Of course, he did not talk about his films, so I was rescued and saved in a certain way.”
Redford expressed admiration for Szaggars’ unique presence in his life, recognizing her as a “very special person.” He valued their age difference and cultural backgrounds, saying,
“She’s younger than I am, and European, which I like, so that’s a whole new life.”
Importantly, their relationship met Redford’s deeper desire to be seen as an artist beyond just his acting career, with Szaggars serving as both a partner and a fellow creative who genuinely understood his artistic essence.
Sibylle Szaggars: An Artist Rooted in Nature and Activism
Born in Hamburg, Sibylle Szaggars had already established a significant global reputation as an artist before marrying Redford. Her work spans over four decades and includes oil paintings, abstract watercolors influenced by natural weather patterns, travel photography, and theatrical stage productions. Her environmental passion is evident across her artistic output, which has been exhibited widely in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the United States.
In 2016, her contributions received official acknowledgment when she was featured in the U.S. State Department’s Art in Embassies Program. Following a trip to Suriname’s rainforests and Indigenous communities, ten of her site-specific artworks were permanently placed at the U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo, symbolizing a fusion of art, environment, and diplomacy.
Szaggars once explained her artistic vision, saying,
“From the beginning of my [career] as an artist, nature was the force that inspired me to be an activist from within my art, warning of the impending dangers of extinction, but also pointing out through color and beauty how incredible this earth is.”
This blend of activism and beauty permeated her creative voice and shaped her lifelong mission.
Multimedia Art as a Call to Environmental Awareness
One of Szaggars’ standout projects, premiered in 2013, was The Way of the Rain, a multimedia performance co-created with Icelandic composer David Thor Jonsson. The work integrated music, film, dance, spoken word, and her signature silk rain paintings, delivering a powerful environmental message. The performance aimed to awaken audiences to the fragility of the planet and the urgent need for climate action.
Furthering this mission, Szaggars established The Way of the Rain, Inc. in 2015—a nonprofit organization devoted to environmental education through artistic expression. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, she expanded the project by collaborating with composer Tim Janis and Redford to create a video series titled
The Way of the Rain – Reflections on Earth.
Described as a
gift of hope to the world,
the series was screened at numerous global forums, including the Virtual Earth X Conference, United Nations Oceans Day, and the National Geographic Conference. Szaggars emphasized her goal to
create art that transcends words, languages, cultures and politics.
Moments Shared Away From the Public Eye
While Redford and Szaggars shared an intensely private partnership, they occasionally appeared together at notable cultural and artistic events. They were seen at prestigious occasions such as the Venice and Cannes Film Festivals, the Golden Globes, and the Princess Grace Awards, maintaining a low-profile yet elegant presence.
Photos from these events reveal Szaggars’ penchant for minimalist and bold-colored fashion choices and Redford’s timeless classic style, underscoring their complementary personalities. Away from the limelight, the couple often retreated to Redford’s secluded mountain home in Utah, where they cultivated a meaningful life centered on artistry, activism, and intimate companionship.
Their life together exemplified a bond shaped by creative collaboration and a shared vision for environmental and social causes rather than the glitz associated with celebrity culture.
Chronicle of Public Appearances Through the Years
2008: The couple attended the Sundance Institute Celebration Fundraiser in New York City, where Szaggars wore a subtly textured black dress and Redford opted for a casual ensemble with a dark shirt and gray cardigan. Amy Redford, Robert’s daughter, accompanied them in a black dress accessorized with a statement necklace.
2009: At the Americans for the Arts National Arts Awards in New York City, Szaggars appeared in a black gown with a halter neckline and jeweled brooch, while Redford donned a classic black tuxedo.
2010: Following Redford’s receipt of the Legion d’Honneur at the Élysée Palace in Paris, the couple posed hand in hand; Szaggars wore a black jacket with embroidered detailing, complementing Redford’s dark suit and the red medal pinned to his lapel.
2011: In London, they were photographed leaving a building; Szaggars wore a light gray blazer and patterned scarf, and Redford sported a tan coat and sunglasses, their look casual and unpretentious.
2012: They attended the Venice Film Festival premiere of The Company You Keep with Szaggars in a white lace gown and Redford in a white blazer and black shirt.
2013: At the Cannes Film Festival premiere of All Is Lost, Szaggars wore a floor-length blue lace gown and Redford a classic black tuxedo with a bow tie.
2014: The couple graced the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills; Szaggars wore a sequined black gown, while Redford appeared in a black suit and tie.
2015: They were honored at the Princess Grace Awards Gala in Monaco, with Szaggars in a black-and-white embroidered gown and Redford in a black suit. They accepted an award from Prince Albert II of Monaco, who wore a white tuxedo jacket.
2017: At the Venice Film Festival premiere of Our Souls at Night, Szaggars chose a black gown with draped details, and Redford a black suit and tie.
2019: The couple attended Redford’s tribute at the Marrakech International Film Festival, with Szaggars in a red velvet coat dress embroidered in gold and Redford in a black suit.
2021: They were present at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s award ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum; Szaggars donned a full-length white gown with geometric cutouts, and Redford wore an all-white suit with gray shoes.
Legacy of a Partnership Beyond Fame
The union of Robert Redford and Sibylle Szaggars stood apart from the traditional celebrity narrative, centered instead on their mutual dedication to art, environmental activism, and intimate human connection. Their marriage, kept largely away from media scrutiny, was a testament to the power of shared vision and creative synergy.
As Redford’s career continues to inspire generations of actors and artists, Szaggars’ environmental art and activism extend their shared legacy, reminding the world that profound love and purpose can flourish beyond public acclaim. Their story encourages an appreciation of artistry not just as personal expression but as a catalyst for hope and change.
