Selena Gomez to wed Benny Blanco in Santa Barbara this weekend

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are set to marry this weekend in Santa Barbara, California, with the couple renting out the El Encanto hotel for guests during the wedding weekend. The ceremony is expected to take place at a location yet to be disclosed, and Gomez’s longtime friend Taylor Swift is confirmed to be in attendance. A-list guests are anticipated, and the weekend marks a major milestone for the singer-actor after years marked by health struggles and high-profile relationships.

El Encanto, a fabled coastal retreat owned by Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen, has been booked for the celebrations, according to Page Six. Gomez’s close circle includes her Only Murders in the Building co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short, and Paris Hilton and her husband Carter Reum are also reported to be on the guest list. While Meryl Streep’s potential attendance hasn’t been confirmed, Swift’s fiancé Travis Kelce will not be able to join her due to a Kansas City Chiefs game. Gomez’s former confidant Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham are not expected to attend, with sources citing pre-existing commitments and scheduling.

[Image: forever begins now image]

The couple began dating publicly after collaborating on music projects, with Blanco often speaking publicly about his admiration for Gomez. They first connected as friends during Gomez’s teens, but their relationship deepened after several collaborations, including the 2019 single “I Can’t Get Enough” and the 2023 collaboration that helped rekindle Gomez’s social momentum. They went public with their relationship in 2023 and announced their engagement in December 2024, when Gomez shared a post signaling the milestone: “Forever begins now.” The image of the dazzling ring circulated widely on social media, drawing swift reaction from fans and friends alike.

[Image: el Encanto exterior]

The couple’s story is frequently contrasted with Gomez’s past relationship with Justin Bieber, which Gomez has described in retrospect as complicated and emotionally abusive. The health chapters Gomez faced—lupus diagnosis in 2013, a kidney transplant in 2017 donated by friend Francia Raisa, and a public sharing of mental health challenges—have colored public perception of her resilience and personal growth. Blanco has likewise become a steady presence in her life, publicly praising her honesty and artistry and supporting her through professional projects and personal milestones.

In a broader sense, the wedding weekend signals a pivot in Gomez’s life toward stability and celebration after a period of intense media scrutiny. With 417 million followers on Instagram, Gomez remains one of the most influential figures in music and entertainment, and her relationship with Blanco has been described by insiders as built on mutual respect and deep affection. The event is also notable for the attendance of Swift, who herself has a high-profile engagement and schedule surrounding Sunday’s football game but is expected to be present for the ceremony and celebrations, underscoring the close circle Gomez has cultivated over the years.

[Image: Gomez and Blanco at a public event]

Blanco, whose professional background spans music production and publishing, has long emphasized the couple’s shared love of cooking and everyday interests. He has published a cookbook and has collaborated with Gomez on multiple projects, including a joint album. The couple’s weekend in Santa Barbara is expected to be a milestone not only for their relationship but also for Gomez’s ongoing narrative of personal health and artistic renewal.

As the weekend unfolds, guests are anticipated to gather at a venue that has become synonymous with discreet luxury and celebrity gatherings. The El Encanto property’s location and exclusive nature align with Gomez’s desire for privacy during such a life moment, while still allowing close friends and mentors to celebrate with her. The wedding marks a new chapter for Gomez, who has long balanced her public image with a carefully managed personal life and a commitment to philanthropic and artistic work.

After the wedding, Gomez and Blanco are expected to shift focus to ongoing collaborations and public appearances tied to Gomez’s career, charity work, and future musical projects. The couple’s history—built on collaboration, mutual support, and a shared appreciation for family and friends—suggests a celebration that reflects the couple’s values as they begin their life together.