Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s story feels like it was ripped straight out of a rom-com, complete with quirky meet-cutes, big surprises, and plenty of heartwarming family milestones. It all began back in 2003, at a Harvard fraternity party where Priscilla, a college student attending the event, crossed paths with Mark—of all places—in line for the bathroom. She described him as a “nerdy guy” with a unique sense of humor, which included beer glasses etched with coding jokes like “pound include beer dot H.” Sparks flew, and it wasn’t long before their relationship began to blossom.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan Exchanged Vows in 2012—The Couple Shares Three Children
Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, married in a secret backyard ceremony in 2012. They have three kids, all of whom are daughters: Maxima (9 years old, born in 2015), August (7 years old, born in 2017), and Aurelia (1 year old, born in 2023).
In 2010, Priscilla moved into Mark’s Palo Alto home while she was studying to become a pediatrician at UCSF. True to his tech-savvy nature, Mark made a Facebook post about the move, inviting friends to grab any spare household items they no longer needed. Then came May 2012—a massive month for the couple. Not only did Facebook go public, but they also pulled off a surprise wedding in their backyard.
Guests thought they were attending a party to celebrate Priscilla’s medical school graduation, but instead, they witnessed her walk down the aisle in a Claire Pettibone gown, escorted by their shaggy Hungarian sheepdog, Beast. The ceremony was intimate, featuring handwritten vows and desserts shaped like mice from Burdick Chocolate—a nostalgic nod to their first date.
Their love story expanded to include a growing family when their first daughter, Maxima “Max” Chan Zuckerberg, was born on December 1, 2015. Alongside Max’s arrival, the couple launched the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, pledging an eye-popping 99% of their Facebook wealth toward global issues like education and disease prevention. By 2016, they were gracing the cover of TIME as one of the “Most Influential People,” though Mark took a moment to gush about his wife’s impact behind the scenes, calling her “strong, kind, and compassionate.”
Despite their successes, they didn’t shy away from discussing challenges. Priscilla opened up in 2016 about her struggles with miscarriages before Max was born, using their experience to assure others in similar situations that they weren’t alone. In the same year, Mark debuted an AI named Jarvis—voiced by Morgan Freeman—that not only managed their home but also taught Max Mandarin.
In 2017, after more pregnancy difficulties, they announced they were expecting again, and in August that year, their second daughter, August, was born. Mark penned an emotional letter to her about the magic of childhood, urging her to smell flowers, read Dr. Seuss books, and dream big. That same year, he coordinated matching outfits with Max during his paternity leave, joking that she was becoming his mini-me.
Their parenting style emphasized responsibility and humility. From doing chores to visiting their parents’ workplaces, Max and August were raised to stay grounded despite their family’s immense privilege. By 2019, the family routines even inspired some of Mark’s inventions, including a “Sleep Box” to help Priscilla get better rest as a busy mom. That same year, they celebrated seven years of marriage with a trip to Greece, and by October, they funded $1.2 million in teacher resources, showcasing their shared dedication to education.
In 2022, the couple announced they were expecting their third daughter, and on March 24, 2023, baby Aurelia Chan Zuckerberg arrived, joining the family just in time for another whirlwind year. They celebrated big moments, from attending Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with their daughters (complete with sparkling jewels and friendship bracelets) to marking the 20th anniversary of their first date. Reflecting on the night they met, Mark recalled jokingly telling Priscilla they’d better go out quickly since he might be kicked out of Harvard soon. Two decades, a billion-dollar company, and three kids later, it’s safe to say their gamble paid off.
#WATCH: Mark Zuckerberg surprises his wife, Priscilla Chan, with a cover of the song ‘Get Low,’ featuring himself and T-Pain, as a gift. pic.twitter.com/VKog9TVYsL
— 6ixBuzzTV (@6ixbuzztv) November 15, 2024
The year 2024 brought even more milestones, including a star-studded celebration in India for a friend’s wedding and a massive 40th birthday bash for Mark Zuckerberg, complete with roasts from loved ones. Mark’s 40th birthday wasn’t just about him—it was a family affair. Priscilla Chan pulled out all the stops, recreating meaningful locations from Mark’s life. The Harvard dorm where Facebook began in 2004? Check. His childhood bedroom in Dobbs Ferry? Done. Even Pinocchio’s Pizzeria in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Mark practically lived during college, was brought back to life.
In true Chan style, the celebration also featured a hilarious roast. “No one suffered from a lack of material,” Priscilla joked. But she didn’t stop there. Reflecting on their 21 birthdays together, she praised Mark’s unwavering belief in people’s potential. “Here’s to many more,” she wrote, proving their bond is as strong as ever.
Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan Are Proud Parents to Three Adorable Daughters
Mark Zuckerberg may be best known as the tech genius behind Facebook, but at home, he’s simply a proud dad to three daughters. To celebrate his 40th birthday, he gave the world a rare glimpse into his family life—complete with nostalgic throwbacks, heartfelt moments, and a party that recreated his most formative memories. Here’s an inside look at the Zuckerberg kids and the stories that make their family unique.
Maxima, the First Star of the Zuckerberg Clan
Born on December 1, 2015, Maxima (lovingly called “Max”) made Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan parents for the very first time. Her arrival wasn’t just celebrated privately—it was a global announcement. Mark wrote an emotional Facebook post, pouring his heart into a letter for Max. He promised her a life filled with love and joy and even shared a weighty detail: Max tipped the scales at a healthy 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
Max’s birth was a moment of immense joy, but it came after heartache. Priscilla had experienced three miscarriages before Max arrived. Mark didn’t shy away from sharing their struggles, admitting how hopeful and heartbreaking the journey to parenthood can be.
By 2016, Max was stealing hearts in her household. Priscilla humorously told TODAY that she and Mark were over-the-top proud of everything Max did—whether it was eating, spitting, or sleeping. Rules still applied, though! Max won’t be getting a Facebook account until she’s at least 13, as her mom strictly enforces the platform’s age policy.
At 9 years old now, Max is already part of Zuckerberg family adventures, like exploring a recreation of Mark’s childhood bedroom. From Harvard dorm rooms to Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Max is soaking up stories from her dad’s fascinating past.
August, Born in Her Namesake Month
When Mark and Priscilla’s second daughter, August, arrived in—you guessed it—August 2017, her birth was like a love letter to childhood. In a heartfelt announcement, Mark and Priscilla painted a vivid picture of what they hoped August would enjoy: sniffing flowers, reading Dr. Seuss, and endlessly riding carousels with Max. The letter also included a plea for naps, which is a parenting wish as old as time!
Mark, a self-proclaimed girl dad, couldn’t have been happier to welcome another daughter. August, now 7, shares her dad’s curiosity. In a particularly nostalgic moment, August and Max explored a recreation of Mark’s childhood bedroom in Dobbs Ferry, New York—the very room where he first learned to code.
And let’s not forget August’s pop-culture moment. In 2023, Mark documented his “girl dad” duties at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. He even sported bead bracelets crafted by his daughters. Clearly, August has inherited her parents’ knack for blending fun with meaning.
Aurelia, the Baby of the Family
Born in March 2023, little Aurelia is the youngest member of the Zuckerberg crew—and she’s already making her mark. Her name is inspired by Roman history, just like her sisters’ names. Maxima nods to the Latin name Maximus, while August references Augustus Caesar. Aurelia? Her name pays tribute to Marcus Aurelius, one of history’s most revered Roman emperors.
Mark Zuckerberg announced her birth with a simple yet touching Instagram post, calling her a “little blessing.” At just 13 months old, Aurelia may not be reading Roman philosophy yet, but she’s already surrounded by a family full of love, learning, and laughter.
From Harvard dorm room recreations to birthday roasts for her dad’s 40th, Aurelia is growing up in a family that values history, humor, and connection. It’s safe to say her adventures are just beginning.
