NFL star Christian McCaffrey gets married: who is his wife, Olivia Culpo?

Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey have tied the knot. According to Vogue, the couple married this Saturday, 29 June, in a church in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

Speaking about this weekend’s nuptials, Culpo told the magazine: “It’s a covenant. It’s the beginning of the rest of your life - and it’s the union and bond of two people forever.”

Culpo wore a Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress with long sleeves, a round neck, a voluminous skirt and a button-lined back, topped off with a 16-foot veil. Discussing her choice of dress, the 32-year-old said: “I wanted something that felt as serious as that commitment. I didn’t want it to exude sex in any way, shape, or form. I wanted it to feel effortless and as if it’s complimenting me, not overpowering me. There’s so much beauty and simplicity.” She added: “When I think about Christian and what he loves and the moments that he thinks that I’m most beautiful, it’s absolutely in something like this: timeless, covered, and elegant.”

Who is Olivia Culpo?

A Rhode Island native, Culpo was named Miss USA in June 2012, before winning the global Miss Universe beauty contest the following December. Since then, she has remained closely involved with Miss Universe. She has returned to the pageant as its co-host on several occasions - including at the 2023 contest in El Salvador in November - and has also worked as a judge and backstage correspondent.

In the decade that has followed her Miss Universe triumph, Culpo has established herself as a prominent model and influencer. Most notably, she posed for the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue in 2020.

She has also moved into acting, featuring in several films. She has had minor parts in movies such as The Other Woman, starring Cameron Diaz, and I Feel Pretty, with Amy Schumer, as well as larger roles in pictures including Reprisal, which also starred Bruce Willis. Culpo’s latest movie, Clawfoot, was released in October. Meanwhile, Culpo’s regular TV work - aside from her Miss Universe hosting duties - has included a role on the series Paradise City, and appearances as a contestant on the reality singing show The Masked Singer.

Culpo’s relationship with McCaffrey

Culpo and McCaffrey became an item in 2019, after being introduced by friends. In a 2022 Instagram post, Culpo recalled that her initial reluctance to be set up with the then-Carolina Panthers running-back was quickly dispelled when she met the “sweet, vulnerable and humble” McCaffrey.

“When my best friends Kristen & Tyler called me and asked if I would be open to meeting their friend Christian I was apprehensive,” Culpo wrote. “I was worried it would be the same old story all over again and that all guys were the same. While my expectations were low, I knew I couldn’t close myself off and make decisions based on fear […]. I’m so grateful for the voice inside me that told me to give love another chance.”

In an interview with Maxim last year, McCaffrey described Culpo as “inspiring to be around”, telling the magazine: “I wish people could sometimes see her through my eyes too. She works so hard. One of the hardest workers I’ve ever met in my life. You want to talk about somebody who wakes up every day and chases greatness.” Culpo and McCaffrey announced their engagement in April 2023.