21 Rare Photos from Grace Kelly’s Royal Wedding That Will Make You Feel Like You Were There
Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier in Monaco during an elaborate wedding in April 1956. Relive the magical day–or see it for the first time!–with these incredible ceremony and reception photos.
-
Grace Kelly gets white dove before civil ceremony
Receiving a Dove
On the day of her civil ceremony, before her televised religious wedding, a little girl gave Grace Kelly a white dove.
-
Grace Kelly Releases Wedding Dove
Releasing the Dove
Here's the bride happily freeing the dove back into the air.
-
Grace Kelly Civil Ceremony Dress
Grace Kelly's Civil Wedding Ceremony Dress
Helen Rose, a costume designer for MGM Studios, created this dress in addition to the famous gown the actress wore for her religious wedding ceremony.
-
Grace Kelly Monaco Cathedral Arrival
Red Carpet Arrival
Grace Kelly walked the red carpet before entering St. Nicholas Cathedral for the couple's religious ceremony.
-
Grace Kelly Monaco Cathedral Arrival 2
It Was a Long Walk!
Thirty-million people tuned in to this landmark televised event and eagerly anticipated the moment their favorite Hollywood starlet officially became a princess.
-
Grace Kelly's Bridal Party
Grace Kelly's Bridal Party
The matron of honor was Kelly's sister Peggy. Six of her longtime American friends served as bridesmaids. The child attendants were the couple's nieces and nephews and one royal cousin.
-
Formal Couple Portrait
Formal Wedding Portrait
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier posed for this classic wedding picture.
-
Grace Kelly Wedding Closeup
Grace Kelly's Wedding Veil
According to People, Kelly's headpiece was specially designed so her unforgettable face would show up clearly in photos even while she wore it.
-
Grace Kelly Wedding Bouquet
Grace Kelly's Wedding Bouquet
The bride carried a simple gathering of Lilies of the Valley.
-
Grace Kelly Wedding Dress Back
The Wedding Dress from Behind
Designer Helen Rose believed the back of a gown was important, hence the ornate rear view.
-
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier on Their Wedding Day
The Happy Couple
The bride and groom were surrounded by cameras and people at almost all times throughout their wedding day.
-
Her Most Serene Highness Princess Grace Patricia
The Religious Ceremony
Here's when Grace Kelly became Her Most Serene Highness Princess Grace Patricia.
-
Praying During Service Monaco Cathedral
Praying in the Cathedral
Though very little about this fairytale wedding was typical, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier did have a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony.
-
Walking Downstairs Monaco Cathedral
Steps to a Great Marriage
At last, the bride and groom walked down the stairs at St. Nicholas Cathedral.
-
Grace Kelly Wedding Guards
Heavily Guarded
Military flanked the newlyweds during their recessional.
-
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier Leaving Monaco Cathedral
The Royal Ride
The bride and groom made their grand exit in a 1956 Rolls Royce.
-
Shrine Of St Devota Patron Saint Of Principality
Pious Pitstop
As is custom, the couple visited the Shrine of St. Devota on their wedding day.
-
Grace Kelly Waving from Car
Acknowledging the Crowd
Grace Kelly waved to adoring fans. As many as 20,000 people flocked to Monaco for the event--effectively doubling the population!
-
Princess Grace Arrives For Evening Celebrations
Reception Arrival
Here's the newly crowned princess making her entrance for her nighttime celebration.
-
Grace Kelly's Wedding Cake
The Wedding Cake
A towering confection provided a regal backdrop at the couple's reception.
-
Grace Kelly's Wedding Cake Full
The Whole Wedding Cake
Now you can see just how tall it was!