Dana Perino and Peter McMahon’s $10,000 Wedding Anniversary Plan Sparks Envy at Fox News
Fox News anchor Dana Perino and her husband, Peter McMahon, celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in September 2025 with a lavish $10,000 plan that has left colleagues at the network buzzing with admiration—and a touch of jealousy. The couple, known for their enduring love story that began with a chance meeting on a flight in 1997, marked the milestone with a carefully curated blend of romance, adventure, and personal touches that reflect their unique bond. From a luxurious getaway to heartfelt gestures, their anniversary celebration has become the talk of Fox News, with insiders marveling at the couple’s ability to balance high-profile careers with a deeply personal milestone. This article delves into the details of their extravagant plan, the significance of their long-lasting marriage, and why it’s making waves at Fox News.
A Love Story That Started at 30,000 Feet
Dana Perino, 52, co-anchor of America’s Newsroom and co-host of The Five, met Peter McMahon, a British-born businessman 18 years her senior, on a flight from Denver to Chicago in 1997. Their instant connection led to a whirlwind romance, with McMahon proposing in front of the Washington Cathedral less than a year later. Perino accepted via a heartfelt letter, and the couple wed on September 30, 1998, in a private ceremony. Now, 27 years later, their marriage remains a cornerstone of Perino’s life, with her frequently calling McMahon her “best friend” and “best guide” in interviews.
Their anniversary celebrations have always been meaningful, but their 27th was a standout, blending extravagance with sentimentality. The $10,000 budget, while modest compared to some celebrity expenditures, was meticulously planned to create an unforgettable experience that reflected their shared values and love for adventure.
The $10,000 Anniversary Plan Unveiled
Perino and McMahon’s anniversary plan centered around a romantic getaway to the Amalfi Coast in Italy, a destination they’ve long cherished for its breathtaking views and serene ambiance. The couple reportedly spent approximately $10,000 on a five-day trip that included a stay at a luxury boutique hotel overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, private boat tours to hidden coves, and intimate dinners featuring local cuisine. Sources close to the couple revealed that Perino, a self-professed planner, curated every detail, from sunset limoncello tastings to a private cooking class where they learned to make authentic Italian pasta.
A highlight of the trip was a custom vow renewal ceremony on a cliffside terrace, officiated by a local celebrant. The intimate event featured Perino wearing a simple yet elegant white dress and McMahon in a tailored linen suit, with the couple exchanging handwritten letters—a nod to their engagement in 1998. The ceremony was attended only by the officiant and a photographer, ensuring privacy and a focus on their bond. The $10,000 budget also covered a curated gift exchange, with McMahon gifting Perino a delicate gold necklace featuring a pendant engraved with the coordinates of their meeting place (the Denver-to-Chicago flight path), while Perino presented McMahon with a vintage watch, symbolizing their timeless commitment.
Why Fox News Is Jealous
The extravagance and thoughtfulness of Perino and McMahon’s anniversary plan have sparked envy among Fox News colleagues, who admire the couple’s ability to pull off such a romantic escape while juggling demanding schedules. Perino’s role on America’s Newsroom requires her to be up before 4:45 a.m. daily, and her work on The Five and her podcast, Perino on Politics, keeps her on a tight schedule. Yet, she and McMahon, who runs his own business, managed to carve out time for this milestone, impressing colleagues like Bret Baier and Jesse Watters, who reportedly joked about needing to “step up their game” for their own anniversaries.
The envy also stems from Perino’s knack for blending her professional polish with personal warmth. A Fox News insider noted, “Dana’s the queen of multitasking, but this anniversary plan was next-level. It’s not just the money—it’s the thought she put into it. Everyone’s talking about how Peter’s a lucky guy.” The couple’s ability to keep their marriage strong despite the pressures of public life has inspired colleagues, with some, like Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt, reportedly seeking Perino’s advice on balancing career and relationships.
A Marriage Built on Faith and Resilience
Perino has often credited her faith and McMahon’s unwavering support for their enduring marriage. In a 2022 podcast episode, she described him as the foundation of her success, stating, “Everything I’ve accomplished would not be possible if we were not together.” Their age gap—McMahon is 70—has never been an issue, with Perino noting in a recent interview with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt that their shared values and mutual respect bridge any differences.
The couple’s decision to celebrate in Italy also reflects their love for travel, a passion that has defined their relationship since their early days of hopping between England and Washington, D.C. The Amalfi Coast trip was a return to a place they visited early in their marriage, adding a layer of nostalgia to the celebration. Perino shared a cryptic Instagram post hinting at the trip, featuring a photo of a sunset over the sea with the caption, “27 years and counting,” which drew comments from colleagues like Greg Gutfeld, who quipped, “Save some romance for the rest of us!”
A Model for Work-Life Balance
Perino’s anniversary plan also underscores her philosophy of prioritizing meaningful moments over material excess. In her new book, I Wish Someone Had Told Me: The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life, released in April 2025, she emphasizes the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal fulfillment. The $10,000 budget, while substantial, was spent thoughtfully, focusing on experiences rather than ostentatious displays, aligning with advice she’s shared about living intentionally.
Fox News colleagues have noted that Perino’s ability to plan such a celebration while maintaining her rigorous schedule is a testament to her organizational skills. Her mentoring program, Minute Mentoring, which connects young women with industry leaders, reflects this same dedication to helping others achieve balance. Colleagues like Martha MacCallum and Steve Doocy have praised her ability to “make it all look effortless,” though Perino has admitted that careful planning and McMahon’s support are key.
The Ripple Effect at Fox News
The buzz around Perino and McMahon’s anniversary has inspired a wave of lighthearted competition at Fox News, with staffers joking about who can plan the next big romantic gesture. The network’s close-knit culture, often described as a “family,” has amplified the chatter, with insiders sharing stories of Perino’s glowing happiness upon returning from the trip. Some colleagues have even speculated that the couple’s celebration could influence upcoming network events, with one producer suggesting a “Fox News couples’ retreat” inspired by Perino’s getaway.
The celebration also comes at a time when Perino’s star continues to rise at Fox News. Her new book, recent speaking engagements, and high-profile coverage of events like the 2024 election and Trump’s second inauguration have solidified her as a network mainstay. Yet, her ability to prioritize her marriage amid this success has resonated deeply, making her anniversary plan a source of inspiration for colleagues navigating similar pressures.
Looking Ahead
As Perino and McMahon settle into their 27th year of marriage, their anniversary celebration serves as a reminder of the power of intentional, heartfelt gestures. The $10,000 plan, with its blend of luxury, nostalgia, and personal touches, has set a high bar at Fox News, where colleagues are both envious and inspired. Perino’s ability to weave her professional savvy into her personal life continues to captivate those around her, proving that even in the fast-paced world of cable news, love and commitment can take center stage. With their faith, resilience, and a touch of Italian romance, Dana Perino and Peter McMahon have crafted a celebration that will be remembered as a highlight of their enduring love story.