A series of solid-state structures of gold(I) complexes using the semi-rigid cis-1,2- bis(diphenylphosphino)ethene (= cis-bdppe) ligand are reported. The proximity of the phosphine donor atoms of the bidentate ligand framework greatly favors formation of mononuclear over di nuclear complexes. Structural analysis and theoretical studies shed further light on counter intermolecular packing motifs in the solid state including interactions of solvent, ligand and counterion fragments.