Culture and Lifestyle Celebrities Jenna Bush Hager Says Dad George W. Bush Wanted Her to Elope He lost that argument! By Meghan Overdeep Meghan Overdeep Meghan Overdeep has more than a decade of writing and editing experience for top publications. Her expertise extends from weddings and animals to every pop culture moment in between. She has been scouring the Internet for the buzziest Southern news since joining the team in 2017. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on May 19, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Shealah Craighead/Getty Images Jenna Bush Hager's Texas ranch wedding almost didn't happen. During a segment on Today with Hoda and Jenna, the former first daughter revealed that her father, president George W. Bush, wanted her to elope instead of planning a big wedding during his second term in office. "My dad wanted us to elope because it was a pain," Jenna told her friend and co-anchor Hoda Kotb. "He was like, 'What are y'all doing? Y'all should just elope.' " "I don't know if he wanted us to go to Vegas to do it," she added. Despite her father's suggestion, Jenna and Henry were married at the Bush's ranch in Crawford on May 10, 2008. WATCH: Inside Henry and Jenna Bush Hager's Adorable Love Story In 2021, Jenna recalled an emotional wedding day moment she shared with her famous father. "I think my dad picked me up in a pickup truck, in his pickup truck, and he said, 'You look beautiful, baby,' and then we both just wept," she told Kotb. Seems like he came around in the end! The couple are still happily married and have three children, Mila, Poppy, and Hal. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit