Oilers Superstar Leon Draisaitl Gets Married in Lavish French Ceremony With One Strict Rule Guests Were Warned Not to Break

Leon Draisaitl, the cornerstone of the Edmonton Oilers franchise and one of the NHL’s most electrifying talents, officially tied the knot in a breathtaking wedding ceremony in the French countryside. But amid the picturesque setting, the designer gowns, and the A-list guest list, it was one very specific rule that truly set the tone for the celebration.

Draisaitl married longtime partner and actress Celeste Desjardins in a lavish private event held at a secluded château in Provence, surrounded by family, close friends, and a handful of former teammates. The German-born hockey phenom, who’s been a fixture in Edmonton since being drafted third overall in 2014, stepped into a new chapter of life with a sense of style, romance — and discipline.

The wedding, described by attendees as “a modern fairytale,” was meticulously planned down to the last detail. White roses lined the cobblestone paths, a classical quartet played under the setting sun, and guests were served a six-course French-Italian fusion menu. But the most talked-about part wasn’t the food or the scenery. It was a rule that came directly from the groom himself: No phones, no photos, no social media.

Yes, the man who has dazzled millions under the bright lights of NHL arenas wanted his wedding to be a sanctuary — a place where love, connection, and privacy took precedence. Guests were notified weeks in advance that they would have to check in their phones upon arrival. Security was tight, with hired personnel ensuring the celebration stayed off the grid.

“Leon made it clear from the start,” said one source close to the Draisaitl family. “This day was about the people in the room, not the people on the internet.”

That move surprised some but was ultimately respected by all. Former Oilers teammates such as Connor McDavid, Evander Kane, Warren Foegele, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins were in attendance, as well as other NHL stars from across the league. Everyone abided by the rule — no exceptions.

“It was honestly refreshing,” said a guest who asked to remain anonymous. “Nobody was glued to their screens. We talked, laughed, danced, and experienced it all in real time. It felt… real.”

Draisaitl, 29, is known for his no-nonsense attitude on the ice and his unwavering loyalty to his team. That same level of intentionality was evident in how he approached the ceremony. Close friends say Leon was deeply involved in planning the celebration and was adamant that it reflect both his and Celeste’s personalities — elegant but grounded, exclusive but heartfelt.

The couple first met in 2018 and kept their relationship largely out of the spotlight. Desjardins, a Canadian actress best known for roles in “The Bold Type” and Hallmark films, has been praised for her down-to-earth demeanor despite her rising star. Together, the couple kept a low profile through the highs and lows of Draisaitl’s career, including the Oilers’ deep playoff runs and heartbreaking exits.

“She’s been his rock,” said a former teammate. “Through every injury, every overtime heartbreak, every stretch of games where it seemed like the world was watching him fail or succeed — Celeste was there, steady as ever.”

That emotional foundation was symbolically woven into the wedding ceremony. Instead of a celebrity officiant or a traditional religious figure, Leon and Celeste chose a childhood friend of Celeste’s to lead the vows. The script was original, written by the bride herself, and included hand-written promises instead of traditional vows.

Leon’s best man was his longtime friend and fellow German NHL player Tim Stützle, who gave a speech that balanced humor, sentiment, and a bit of hockey trash talk. “He may have a better slapshot,” Stützle said to roaring laughter, “but I win when it comes to hair.”

The ceremony had a heavy German-Canadian influence — bratwurst and Black Forest cake were served alongside poutine-inspired hors d’oeuvres. The wine flowed freely, as did the tears, especially during the couple’s first dance to a piano rendition of “All of Me” by John Legend. No phones meant no footage — only memories.

One surprising attendee was Wayne Gretzky, who has maintained close ties to the Oilers organization and offered a few words of wisdom to the groom privately during the reception. Gretzky was overheard saying, “Make your family your dynasty first — the cups will follow.”

But amid all the fanfare, one thing was clear: Draisaitl wanted the day to be about love, not legacy. For a man who has spent much of his adult life under the pressure of expectations — both from fans and from within — it was a rare moment to simply be present.

Still, Oilers fans couldn’t help but take to social media to express their excitement over the union, even if they didn’t get a single photo. “Leon getting married = elite husband szn,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “He locked down the ring off the ice — now bring one home to Edmonton!”

The Oilers have long been seen as a team with Stanley Cup potential but haven’t yet captured the ultimate prize during the Draisaitl-McDavid era. Still, with their top stars returning and a sense of renewed focus, fans are optimistic that this next season could be the one that changes everything. Some even joked that Leon’s wedding ring could be a good omen.

“He’s got a new goal to score now,” said a teammate. “Happiness.”

The newlyweds are now honeymooning in the Amalfi Coast, where sources say they’re continuing their “no phones” policy — just them, the waves, and the beginning of forever. According to insiders, the couple plans to settle down in a new home in Alberta while also maintaining a residence in Vancouver, where Celeste frequently films.

For Draisaitl, this wedding wasn’t just a personal milestone. It was a statement. That no matter how loud the world gets, some things — love, loyalty, legacy — are best cherished in silence.

And while fans may not get to scroll through a slideshow of wedding highlights, one thing is for certain: the Oilers’ MVP has never looked more focused — or more fulfilled.

As one guest put it best after returning home from France: “Leon Draisaitl may be chasing a Cup, but on this day, he didn’t need a trophy to know he’d already won.”