Sean Parker Fined $2.5 Million Over Lavish Wedding Setup, Facebook Cofounder Will Contribute to Environmental Causes

Newlywed has reached an agreement with the California Coastal Commission on how to move forward with the hefty fine

By Bruna Nessif Jun 05, 2013 1:30 AMTags
E! Placeholder Image

Sean Parker's wedding cost him a pretty penny. And that was before the hefty fine.

The Napster and Facebook cofounder's nuptials to Alexandra Lenas in Big Sur, Calif., ended up costing him another $2.5 million after the California Coastal Commission determined that he did not secure proper permits for the cottage, pond, fake castle ruins and other elements of the ceremony's lavish decor that were specially built in the woods behind the Ventana Inn.

However, the amount Parker was fined for environmental violations will go toward promoting coastal conservation, improved public access and recreational opportunities in the coastal zone and protection of coastal redwood habitats in that region of Monterey County, E! News has learned.

"Alexandra and I were thrilled to celebrate our wedding with friends and family in Big Sur, one of our favorite places," Parker said in a statement.

"We have always been very supportive of environmental causes, so we are proud to be working with the Coastal Commission to develop public benefit programs that will provide greater coastal access and expand conservation areas for everyone while building greater awareness of the incredibly beautiful Big Sur area."

Added Parker's rep, Rick Zbur: "Sean appreciates the efforts of the Coastal Commission staff in working with him to embrace innovative ideas that will bring long-lasting public benefits to the Big Sur community and surrounding areas. By working cooperatively, Sean and Alexandra were able to celebrate their wedding with friends and family in a place that they love and we've simultaneously achieved an outcome that will help preserve our coastline, enhance access to it, and protect conservation areas for others to continue to enjoy."

The 33-year-old entrepreneur and Lenas tied the knot Saturday evening in front of 300 family members and friends, including Sting, Emma Watson and Sean Lennon.

Parker wore a tux by Ngila Dickson and his singer-songwriter bride walked down the aisle in a custom Elie Saab gown. Dickson also outfitted the flower girls and the couple's daughter, Winter.