> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Grace Kelly Marries Prince Rainier, April 1956 - URL: https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/grace-kelly-marries-prince-rainier-april-1956/ - Published: 2020-08-05T15:45:53.000Z - Updated: 2020-08-04T22:24:39.000Z - Author: Jessica - Tags: #wp, #wp-gallery, #slideshow, #Import 2026-10-07 08:09 ## Grace Kelly Arriving for Her Wedding ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-515457496-1596568708-scaled.jpg) (Original Caption) A liveried footman assists Grace Kelly from her car as she arrives for her church wedding to Prince Rainier in the cathedral of St. Nicholas, on April 19th. Her father, John B. Kelly, Sr. (at front of car) escorted her to the church. The Prince arrived a few minutes later, and as is the custom in Europe, for commoner as well as royalty, he followed his bride to the altar. The original Informative Caption here was, in fact, just that: *A liveried footman assists Grace Kelly from her car as she arrives for her church wedding to Prince Rainier in the cathedral of St. Nicholas, on April 19th. Her father, John B. Kelly, Sr. (at front of car) escorted her to the church. The Prince arrived a few minutes later, and as is the custom in Europe, for commoner as well as royalty, he followed his bride to the altar.* This set-up is all very dramatic! ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-627407080-1596568790.jpg) Wedding of Prince Rainier III of Monaco to American Actress Grace Kelly (Photo by Rene Maestri/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images) It also makes me wonder if weddings, in general, need more flags. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-107409967-1596568587-scaled.jpg) FRANCE - APRIL 19: Wedding Of Grace Kelly And Prince Rainier Of Monaco Celebrated In Monaco'S Cathedral Grace Kelly With Her Father John Kelly On April 19Th 1956\. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) Truly, this gown is stunning; it's been suggested (including by me, at the time) that it was an inspiration for Kate Middleton's wedding gown, and I absolutely stand by that. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-186171455-1596568668.jpg) The big movie star Grace Kelly photographed in her bridal dress in a frescoed gallery within the Prince's Palace, just before the wedding ceremony where she will marry Ranier III of Monaco, becoming princess of the Principality. Monaco, April 18th, 1956\. (Photo by Mondadori via Getty Images) Kelly's bouquet is so small because she's also carrying [a pearl-encrusted (also by MGM) "bride's manual](https://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/152527.html?ref=go-fug-yourself.ghost.io)." Listen, if you're attempting to create a spectacle -- which, by all accounts, they were -- you DO have MGM do costumes and props. They are professionals! ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-111293857-1596568612-scaled.jpg) The bridesmaids arrive at Saint Nicholas Cathedral for the wedding of American actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III, Monaco, 19th April 1956\. Original publication: Picture Post - 8336 - The Hour Of Marriage - pub. 28th April 1956 (Photo by Joseph McKeown/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Here are our many bridesmaids, in yellow and all seemingly concerned about losing their hats. These gowns were designed by Joe Allen Hong, who worked at Neiman Marcus at the time. There was a contest to design these gowns, and Hong worked Lawrence Marcus to win it. [Per Marcus's Wiki:](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence%5FMarcus?ref=go-fug-yourself.ghost.io) *In the 1950s, Lawrence's brother Stanley asked him to assist in a contest to design the bridesmaid outfits for the wedding of Grace Kelly to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco. He worked closely with fashion designer Joe Allen Hong to come up with ideas and strategies for winning the contest. Lawrence flew to Monaco to scout the location of the wedding at Saint Nicholas Cathedral to give Hong as many ideas and leads as possible. The winning design was submitted by Hong, and since he was considered a minority of Mexican and Chinese descent, Neiman Marcus further burnished its image of being a multicultural friendly concern.* Hong was an interesting person; this was his first big assignment, can you imagine? He also designed [these AMAZING little boxes for Joseph Magnin](https://www.flickriver.com/photos/rocor/6243937897/?ref=go-fug-yourself.ghost.io). I know they're museum pieces but also I want one. ## Joe Hong ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-517448598-1596568779.jpg) Indeed, here he is! Joe Hong was also cute and had great taste in glasses, apparently. Indeed, here he is! Joe Hong was also cute and had great taste in glasses, apparently. ## Ava Gardner ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-111294232-1596568629-scaled.jpg) American actress Ava Gardner (1922 - 1990) among the guests in Monaco on the wedding day of American actress Grace Kelly and Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, 19th April 1956\. Original publication: Picture Post - 8336 - The Hour Of Marriage - pub. 28th April 1956 (Photo by Joseph McKeown/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) We did not get a ton of photos of guests, but here is Ava Gardner wearing really rather wacky headpiece. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-104402026-1596568573.jpg) MONACO - APRIL 19: The religious marriage of Grace KELLY and Prince RAINIER III OF MONACO celebrated in Monaco cathedral. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images) This wedding is very, very beautiful, and whoever was in charge of this lighting scheme -- probably they were on loan from MGM -- NAILED IT. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-111652550-1596568645.jpg) A photo taken on April 19, 1956 shows US actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco during their wedding ceremony in Monaco. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read /AFP via Getty Images) That lace Juliet cap/veil situation is exquisite. Sometimes I'm sad that I was not the young bride in an extravagant and expensive Catholic wedding. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bf/b9/bfb99790-924d-4e41-a7e6-5e3c6e04fe57/content/images/static-gofugyourself-com/uploads/2020/08/gettyimages-517292808-1596568768.jpg) Grace Kelly prays during her wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco on April 20, 1956. THIS LACE IS SO BEAUTIFUL. Per [the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which owns Grace's whole bridal look](https://philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/56621.html?ref=go-fug-yourself.ghost.io) (Philly is her hometown), *delicate rose point lace, a type of nineteenth-century Brussels needle lace that features elaborate floral motifs, forms the bodice, which appears seamless because the lace motifs were detached from their original ground and pieced together to follow the shaping of the dress. Touches of the lace, accented with lustrous seed pearls, unify the gown and accessories.* Just really good work, everyone. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/shutterstock_editorial_7362681a-1596568860-scaled.jpg) Mandatory Credit: Photo by AP/Shutterstock (7362681a) Die Hochzeitszeremonie von Grace Kelly mit Fuerst Rainier von Monaco am 18\. April 1956 in Monaco. Am 9\. Mai 1999 regiert Fuerst Rainier von Monaco fuenfzig Jahre. (AP-Photo) ------ ROYAL WEDDING - In the wedding of the year, Hollywood movie queen Grace Kelly became the wife of Prince Rainier of Monaco. The Prince and his bride were married in a religious ceremony in Monaco MONACO JAHRESTAG Yes, this wedding WAS televised. ## Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier Exiting the Cathedral ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-515488802-1596568739-scaled.jpg) (Original Caption) Hearts everywhere were thrilled by the dream like romance of Hollywood actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco, shown here waving to the crowds from the Monaco Royal Palace after the magnificent wedding in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. The entire world seemed to stand still while the lovely Philadelphia girl married her prince charming. Let me share the original 1956 caption on this photo: *Hearts everywhere were thrilled by the dreamlike romance of Hollywood actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco, shown here waving to the crowds from the Monaco Royal Palace after the magnificent wedding in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. The entire world seemed to stand still while the lovely Philadelphia girl married her prince charming.*Very poetic, although perhaps not wholly accurate, as no one is waving here. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-1184829794-1596568804.jpg) American actress Grace Kelly and her husband Prince Rainier III of Monaco visit the shrine of St Devote or Devota, patron saint of Monaco, after their wedding, April 1956\. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images) Here, they're dropping by the shrine of St Devote, who is the patron saint of Monaco, after the wedding. I am not doubting Kelly's sincerity -- she was a lifelong Catholic -- but you have to think that at some point during this wedding, she must have reflected to herself that this is the greatest role she ever got to play. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-487817711-1596568680-scaled.jpg) Prince Rainier III of Monaco and US actress and princess of Monaco Grace Kelly salute the crowd as they leave Saint Nicholas Cathedral after their wedding ceremony in Monaco on April 19, 1956 in a convertible cream and black Rolls Royce offered by the people of Monaco as a wedding gift. (Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images) *The convertible cream and black Rolls Royce \[was\] offered by the people of Monaco as a wedding gift* and I have some logistical questions about how that worked. Was a collection taken up? Who was in charge of choosing this gift? Did people argue about it? Did one rando rich dude buy it and just sign the card for everyone? I need to know these things. ## Monegasque Royals ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-52802782-1596568556-scaled.jpg) Prince Rainier of Monaco (1923 - 2005) and his new bride, American actress Grace Kelly (1929 - 1982) leave Monaco Cathedral in an open-top car after their wedding, 19th April 1956\. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) It is a sweet ride, though. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-111652580-1596568657.jpg) Prince Rainier III of Monaco and US actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly are seen during their wedding lunch in Monaco on April 19, 1956\. (Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images) "I don't know what I think about this cake," thinks the bridesmaid in the background. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/shutterstock_editorial_10294980a-1596568922-scaled.jpg) Mandatory Credit: Photo by Everett/Shutterstock (10294980a) Prince Rainier, Princess Grace Kelly waving from the Monaco Royal Palace after their wedding, 1956 Historical Collection It's certainly not a royal wedding without a balcony shot. ## Wedding Snappers ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-3167404-1596568544.jpg) 19th April 1956: Standing on a temporary platform photographers at the wedding of Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly check their equipment before the proceedings begin. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) I just thought this was a great shot: *Standing on a temporary platform, photographers at the wedding of Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly check their equipment before the proceedings begin.* I love the guy lighting a cig before this whole thing begins. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-515462742-1596568724.jpg) Original caption: 1/5/56-Philadelphia, PA: Prince Rainier III of Monaco and lovely Grace Kelly, reigning "Queen" of the American screen, pose for photographers at the home of Miss Kelly's parents after the pair's engagement was announced Jan 5, 1956\. The wedding plans were disclosed to more than 40 American and European reporters and 25 photographers and cameramen at a news conference in the Kelly's red brick home. The couple announced they would be married shortly after Easter. Here, again per our Informative Captioneers: *Prince Rainier III of Monaco and lovely Grace Kelly, reigning "Queen" of the American screen, pose for photographers at the home of Miss Kelly's parents after the pair's engagement was announced Jan 5, 1956\. The wedding plans were disclosed to more than 40 American and European reporters and 25 photographers and cameramen at a news conference in the Kelly's red brick home. The couple announced they would be married shortly after Easter.* Grace looks a bit washed out in this. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-515015406-1596568696.jpg) (Original Caption) Soon to be princess Grace Kelly shields her eyes from the brilliant sun as she stands with Prince Rainier on the steps of the prince's palace during today's ceremony of receiving wedding gifts. Among the presents received by the bride-to-be was a huge doll presented to her by a group of Monaco children. I love whoever was writing all these Informative Captions back in the day. They're so well done. For example, this one: *Soon to be princess Grace Kelly shields her eyes from the brilliant sun as she stands with Prince Rainier on the steps of the prince's palace during today's ceremony of receiving wedding gifts. Among the presents received by the bride-to-be was a huge doll presented to her by a group of Monaco children.* Wait. I have more questions. Like: A DOLL OF WHAT? ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-3134906-1596568529.jpg) 16th April 1956: American actress Grace Kelly (1929 - 1982) wearing sunglasses and a cloche hat during her wedding rehearsal at Monaco Cathedral. (Photo by George W. Hales/Fox Photos/Getty Images) This was Grace's look for her wedding rehearsal and it is GLAM. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/shutterstock_editorial_10294825a-1596568910.jpg) Mandatory Credit: Photo by Everett/Shutterstock (10294825a) PRINCE RAINIER and PRINCESS GRACE at their wedding, 1956 Historical Collection And here we are with Rainier and Grace at the garden party after their civil ceremony, prior to the religious one. This dress, also a Helen Rose joint, was pink. It's lovely. I want to know more about the appetizer tray next to Rainier, please. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/shutterstock_editorial_7371652a-1596568896.jpg) Mandatory Credit: Photo by Anonymous/AP/Shutterstock (7371652a) Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier are seated in the Throne room of the Prince's Palace in Monaco, where they were married in a civil ceremony on . Their Cathedral wedding is April 19 Prince Rainier Grace Kelly Wedding, Monaco The civil ceremony in question. Y'all could have turned on some lights! ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/shutterstock_editorial_7362703a-1596568878-scaled.jpg) Mandatory Credit: Photo by Anonymous/AP/Shutterstock (7362703a) Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier wave to their guests from a balcony at the palace garden party following their civil wedding in Monaco, on Monaco Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, Monaco Two ceremonies gets you two balcony waves, though! ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/GettyImages-517258056-1596568756.jpg) (Original Caption) New York: Grace's Cathedral Wedding Gown. Here is a sketch of the gown actress Grace Kelly will wear when she becomes the Princess-Bride of Prince Rainier III on Thursday, April 19, in St. Nicholas Cathedral. The gown was designed by Helen Rose of MGM Studios and is in the "Regal Style Designed Along Renaissance Lines." The color of the gown and veil is ivory. The bodice of the gown is fashioned from two pieces of rose point lace. The lace fits around the neck and down the front of the bodice and winds up in long, form fitting sleeves. The over skirt of the gown, made of Peau De Soie, is ball shaped. The veil has been designed so as not to hide the face at any time of silk illusioned net, and has embroidery of rose point lace, re-embroidered with thousands of tiny pearls. Two tiny lace love birds are embroidered on the back of the veil which rests on a Juliet Cap The original Informative Caption on this is superb, too. Ahem: *Here is a sketch of the gown actress Grace Kelly will wear when she becomes the Princess-Bride of Prince Rainier III on Thursday, April 19, in St. Nicholas Cathedral. The gown was designed by Helen Rose of MGM Studios and is in the "Regal Style Designed Along Renaissance Lines." The color of the gown and veil is ivory. The bodice of the gown is fashioned from two pieces of rose point lace. The lace fits around the neck and down the front of the bodice and winds up in long, form fitting sleeves. The over skirt of the gown, made of Peau De Soie, is ball shaped. The veil has been designed so as not to hide the face at any time of silk illusioned net, and has embroidery of rose point lace, re-embroidered with thousands of tiny pearls. Two tiny lace love birds are embroidered on the back of the veil which rests on a Juliet Cap.* ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/shutterstock_editorial_6380528g-1596568816.jpg) And here is the gown itself, on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2006 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this very wedding. And here is the gown itself, on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 2006 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this very wedding. ![](https://static.gofugyourself.com/uploads/2020/08/shutterstock_editorial_6380528h-1596568827-scaled.jpg) A bit yellowed with age, yes, but still so beautiful. A bit yellowed with age, yes, but still so beautiful. [Royal Wedding Rewind: Grace Kelly Marries Prince Rainier, 1956Swoonsville.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bf/b9/bfb99790-924d-4e41-a7e6-5e3c6e04fe57/content/images/static-gofugyourself-com/uploads/2020/08/gettyimages-517292808-1596568768.jpg)](https://go-fug-yourself.ghost.io/royal-wedding-rewind-grace-kelly-marries-prince-rainier-1956-08-2020/)