Cue the Tony! Toni! Tone! because the The Carters are celebrating another year of marriage on April 4. The famously low-key lovebirds are sure to celebrate their union in a big way, privately, as they've always done in their relationship. The couple have been an item since 2001 and secretly tied the knot in 2008. All these years later, they have three children together, and unimaginable success in their careers, Beyoncé the greatest living entertainer, Jay touted by many as the best rapper to do it and a top-tier businessman.
They've certainly come a long way since their early days as an item. Let's take a look back at their love story in pictures through the years.
*This article was first published in 2012 and was last updated in April 2024 🤯
Jay-Z and Beyoncé are the couple's couple and their love story spans over 14 years in an industry where many celebrity couples don't last. We take you back to when it all began and follow their love story throughout the years. Let's review!
Rumors of a romance began to stir when the video for Jay-Z’s “03 Bonnie and Clyde” hit the small screen. Here, Beyoncé poses with Jay wearing his signature Yankee fitted baseball cap for a “TRL” appearance at MTV studios in November 2002.
As time went on, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were much more open about their relationship, even giving some steamy performances like this one at the 2003 MTV Awards.
Still in their courting days, the glamorous couple attend an EMI holiday party together in 2004.
The future Mr. and Mrs. Carter attend the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards.
The couple, seen here at the 77th Annual Academy Awards in 2005, is always dressed to the nines and knows how to complement each other effortlessly.
The fashionable couple makes a grand and loving entrance at the 2005 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Los Angeles.
Basketball games seem to be a favorite pastime for the Carters. Here, the lovebirds get a little quality time in at a Nets game in 2006.
As their relationship evolved, so did Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s style. She lost the braids and he the Timberland boots. Here they are at the 2006 Grammys.
Naturals onstage together, Jay-Z and Beyoncé kick off the 2006 BET Awards with her hit song “Deja Vu.” As far as performances go, we think they bring out the best in each other.
Beyoncé made a surprise appearance at Jay-Z’s concert to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his first album, “Reasonable Doubt,” at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall in June 2006.
Channeling the late great Josephine Baker, a sexy Beyoncé performs with her handsome beau at the 3rd Annual Fashion Rocks in NYC in 2006.
Beyoncé shines as the birthday girl at a bash celebrating her 25th birthday and the release of her sophomore solo album, “B’Day,” at Jay-Z’s New York club 40/40 in 2006.
The happy couple celebrates the first year anniversary of Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in New York City.
By 2007, Jay-Z and Beyoncé have become regulars at A-list events such as the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards held in Beverly Hills.
Last April, just days after the couple revealed never-before-seen wedding footage during a stop on their On The Run Tour performance, Jay-Z shared more exclusive footage on Instagram, including this precioud moment they shared at the altar. Just beautiful.
Queen B can barely contain her excitement as she, Jay-Z and LeBron James watch the Opening Night festivities at the 40/40 Club in Las Vegas.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z master sharing the spotlight as both of their careers take them around the world. Jiggaman spreads peace at an after-party for one of his London concerts.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z lock lips aboard their yacht, as their relationship stays hot in the summer of 2007.
Months before their secret wedding, Beyoncé and Jay-Z had that beautiful glow couples in love have.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z photographed at the Emporio Armani men’s collection fashion show during Milan Fashion Week in 2008. They would be married three months later. “We’ve been together a long time. We always knew it would happen,” Beyoncé told ESSENCE.
Through rain or sunshine, these two always seem to give each other their backing and their blessing, which is imperative in a healthy relationship. Jay-Z escorts his wife at the New York premiere of “Cadillac Records” in December 2008.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter braved the cold weather and the packed crowd to witness President Obama’s Inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C. in 2009.
Jay and B are the power couple to watch on every red carpet they set foot on — and the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2009 was no exception.
The cute couple shares a moment backstage at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2009.
All work and no play is definitely not the mantra of Mr. and Mrs. Carter. These two are often photographed at NBA games — only in courtside seats, of course — but their body language at the NBA All-Star Game in February 2009 was an indication that they were becoming more comfortable being seen in public together.
The couple on vacation in St. Barths in 2009.
Though clearly smitten with her hubby, Beyoncé advises that every woman maintain her own sense of self. “Make sure you have your own life before you’re someone else’s wife,” she said during her appearance on Oprah.
By 2010, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were known as supporters of the arts. Here, they visit the cast of “Chicago” on Broadway.
We’re addicted to watching these two perform like they did at Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in 2010.
Jay-Z brought along his grandmother Hattie White for a Yankees game. The rapper has always spoken about how close he is to his grandmother.
In 2010, Jay-Z and Beyoncé partnered with the other equally fab Black couple — Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith — to become producers of “FELA!” a play about Nigerian singer Fela Kuti. The musical was a smash on Broadway and earned 11 Tony Awards nominations.
The Carters balance working hard with having a good time. They were snapped attending a Boston Celtics game in 2010.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z attended the 64th Annual Tony Awards, where the musical they co-produced, "Fela!, won three awards.
The Carters attend the French Open in Paris during the summer of 2010.
A personal shot from Jay and Bey’s private album that she recently shared with her Tumblr followers.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z enjoying a holiday in the luxe Mediterranean paradise of Portofino, Italy in the summer of 2010.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé on vacation in Saint Tropez in the summer of 2010.
The happy couple walks along the beach in Saint Tropez, France during the summer of 2010.
Here are the lovebirds having a private photo shoot off the coast of southern Italy.
Beyonce rides in style on her man’s lap aboard their private yacht.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z enjoying an intimate vacation in the beautiful town of Portofino, Italy.
We just can’t get enough of Bey and Jay’s style. Love those platforms, girl.
Beyoncé joined Jay-Z on stage in New York for his historic “Home & Home” Concert at Yankee Stadium.
A stunning still shoot from a performance where Mr. and Mrs. Carter shared the stage.
The Carters support Alicia Keys’ charity by attending the 7th Annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball in fall 2010.
“Most people dream of having a family someday,” Jay-Z once told reporters. “So I’m just a regular American boy.” We’re glad you got your wish, Jay.
Could these two be any more photogenic? We think not. Lovely!
What better way for a hot couple to bring in the new year than a weekend in Vegas? At least that’s how Mr. and Mrs. Carter brought in 2011.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z attend the 2011 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
NBA All-Star Game
Beyoncé and Jay-Z celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary on April 4, 2011. Here’s a toast to Black love!
Jey and Bey rock their finest causal chic at the airport in Paris this spring.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z have dinner at XXIX’s Restaurant on the Champs Elysees in Paris. We adore this look on Bey!
As Beyoncé endures the craziness of a whirlwind press tour, Jay-Z is never more than a step behind his leading lady.
The Carters take a stroll in an undisclosed (but breathtaking) location.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z are photographed taking a walk after lunch in the City of Lights.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z arrive at Fouquet’s Barriere restaurant on April 24, 2011 in Paris.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé, in Emilio Pucci, attend the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2 in New York City.
After years of false rumors and speculation, Beyoncé stunned fans and friends at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards when she confirmed her pregnancy on the red carpet then showed off her baby bump on stage during her “Love on Top” performance.
Anyone can see that Beyoncé adores and admires her husband of four years. Just look at how the mom-to-be lovingly stared at her man during the US Open in the fall of 2011 — they can’t ever seem to get enough of each other, and it only makes us love them more.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z took their newborn, Blue Ivy Carter, on her first outing in the Big Apple. The family was seen heading to lunch at Sant Ambroeus in the West Village.
Taking a break from new parenthood, the happy, yet always-coy couple are photographed while out enjoying a date night in New York City. Don’t let their mean mugs fool ya’ – the paparazzi aren’t their favorite people! – these two have nothing but love for each other, and it shows.
In March 2012, Beyoncé, who proves she can still look fabulous just six weeks after giving birth, and Jay-Z, are spotted court side in New York City rooting for the NJ Nets. (Jay is co-owner of the team.)
Beyonce and Jay-Z hold hands as they tour Old Havana, Cuba. The couple traveled to Havana for their fifth wedding anniversary.
Beyonce and Jay-z wave to fans from the Saratoga Hotel in Havana, as hundreds of Cubans turning out to catch a view of the power couple.
Beyonce and Jay-Z enjoy an intimate vacation in the beautiful town of Portofino, Italy.
Jay-Z and Beyonce take their daughter Blue Ivy to lunch at Szptime restaurant on in Paris, France.
In another scene from the "Drunk In Love" video, beachfront lovers Jay-Z and Beyoncé share tender kisses and sexy secrets before the cameras. Beyhive, can you take it?
Superstar Beyonce and music mogul Jay-Z welcomed their first child into the world on January 7. The proud mommy was all smiles when she debuted her bundle of joy, daughter Blue Ivy Carter, in a picture on her Tumblr page in February.
Beyonce and Jay Z open the 56th GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles with a sexy performance of "Drunk In Love."
Jay-Z and Beyonce attend the 56th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Perhaps reminiscent of the message on one of her surprise album's newest tracks, "Mine," Beyoncé closes out the "Drunk In Love" video with a sultry stare that speaks for itself as she holds on tight to her hubby. Okay, Beyoncé, we get it. Hands off Jay-Z!
Jay-Z and Beyonce watch the NBA game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in New York.
Jay-Z and Beyonce at the Arts club in London, England.
The couple attended a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé were all laughs sitting courtside at the Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets game at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn.
Jay-Z and Beyonce attend the 'Charles James: Beyond Fashion' Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles attend the Miami Heat vs Brooklyn Nets playoff game at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Jay-Z and Beyonce perform during opening night of the 'On The Run Tour: Beyonce And Jay-Z' at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé perform during the 'On The Run Tour: Beyoncé And Jay-Z' at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Jay-Z and Beyonce perform during the 'On The Run Tour: Beyonce And Jay-Z' at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.
Beyonce and Jay-Z perform onstage during the 'On The Run Tour: Beyonce And Jay-Z' at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Beyonce and Jay-Z swing little Blue Ivy as they walk together.
Beyonce and Jay-Z squeeze in a laugh and some champagne backstage at the On The Run tour.
Black-ish star Marsai Martin said she cried a little bit when she met Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the Easter Egg Roll. We probably would have cried too!
Jay-Z and Beyonce have a date night at Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
2014. Jay-Z keeps his lady close on the sidelines at a Nets playoff game in Brooklyn.
Beyonce Knowles and Rapper Jay-Z attend Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions And Canelo Promotions Present Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez At The Mandalay Bay Events Center Live On HBO Pay-Per-View at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
If you’re going to dress up as an iconic couple, be sure to pick an iconic moment in their career. This one should do it if you're planning to dress up as the Carters. You’ll Need: A bodysuit and tights for you and an American Flag t-shirt, shades and a few gold chains for him.
Beyonce and Jay-Z attend the 'China: Through The Looking Glass' Costume Institute Benefit Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Beyonce and Jay-Z attend a basketball game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z attend the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Brooklyn Nets game at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
Beyonce and Jay-Z are seen photographed on their way to the Frieze Art Fair in London.
