He was born in Leizpig Germany. He was the 9th child in his family. His father was Carl Wagner who was a police clerk. His mother was Johnna Rosine and she was a baker. He had 9 siblings.
He had 2 wives. The first was Minna Planer who was married from 1836 to 1866. His second was Cosima Wagner. She was married from 1870 to 1883 when Richard had died.