Bette Midler’s Spontaneous Elopement: A 39-Year Love Story Defying Time

Our wedding was just us, the Elvis impersonator who married us, and a wardrobe switch for my husband,” reminisced the Hocus Pocus star about their 2:00 am ceremony, costing only $45.

“He dressed in a suit I wasn’t keen on for the wedding, so he had to change,” she chuckled. “We headed to a small church, got the license, and walked down the aisle to music by Nino Rota, the composer of The Godfather trilogy.”

The impromptu wedding was a blessing. Two years later, they welcomed their daughter Sophie, now 36, an actor featured in Woody Allen’s 2015 film “Irrational Man.”

Until recently, “The Rose” singer and her artist husband, famous for his work in the 1980s in The Kipper Kids, had no photos to reminisce about their magical Vegas wedding.

After more than thirty years, an unexpected surprise arrived.

“Surprisingly, a photographer captured our wedding,” Midler shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2021. “When the Starlight Chapel closed five years ago, they sent us the pictures, unseen till then.”

Their journey post-wedding wasn’t always smooth. Approaching their 40th anniversary, the “Wind Beneath My Wings” singer unveiled that early on, compromise was vital, focusing on being exemplary parents to Sophie.

“We used to have fierce fights,” Midler disclosed to Closer, noting Sophie’s birth shifted their priorities. “We aimed to raise a child without causing any harm. So, we stayed together until it improved, and it did.”

Von Haselberg emphasized prioritizing family. “We intentionally built our life,” said the former performance actor, leaving a career as a commodities trader to support his wife’s career and raise their daughter.

Praising her husband as the “greatest father,” the First Wives Club star continues to adore their journey together.

“My husband is an incredible father. He taught [Sophie] a new language, cooking,” Midler shared. “He’s been my rock for years, sacrificing a lot.”

She admits learning to compromise, a shift from her strong-willed nature.

“Listening is tough, so is compromise,” expressed the Stepford Wives star. “Accountability too. Blaming is tough; it’s passing the burden. You must learn not to.”

In 2020, the ecstatic parents escorted their daughter down the aisle, despite a limited guest list of 11 due to Covid-19.

“It was lovely. They had a blast,” Midler shared about her daughter, Harry J. N. Guinness, and son-in-law’s celebration. “They stayed up all night, had a blast, and enjoyed some drinks.”

And in case you’re curious, Elvis was a no-show.

It’s heartening to see couples dedicated in an industry where commitment is scarce.

What’s your take on Bette Midler and her husband? Share this tale to hear others’ thoughts!

If you found joy in the 39-year marriage of Bette Midler and Martin von Haselberg, you’ll surely cherish the story of their daughter, Sophie!