Britain's Prince Harry marries U.S. actress Meghan Markle

May 19 (UPI) -- Britain's Prince Harry and U.S. actress Meghan Markle smiled, laughed, cried and held hands during their wedding ceremony at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle Saturday.

The bride wore a white, Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy gown, which was slightly off the shoulder with long sleeves, a train, diamond tiara and veil.

The couple, now officially known as the duke and duchess of Sussex, chose Cleave and Company to craft their wedding rings. Harry's is a platinum band with a textured finish and Markle's was created from a piece of Welsh gold Harry's grandmother -- Queen Elizabeth II -- bestowed upon her.

Harry's father Prince Charles walked the former Suits star down the aisle because her own dad Thomas Markle is battling health issues and was not able to attend the ceremony.

Harry's brother Prince William served as his best man and William's elder children -- Prince George, 4, and Princess Charlotte, 2 -- were among those selected to be bridesmaids and page boys.

Harry and his only sibling wore the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals for the occasion.

Among the estimated 600 guests at the wedding were Elton John, Oprah Winfrey, Idris Elba, James Blunt, James Corden, Serena Williams, Priyanka Chopra, Carey Mulligan, Patrick J. Adams, Gina Torres, George and Amal Clooney, and David and Victoria Beckham. The queen, her husband Prince Philip, William's wife Kate Middleton, her sister Pippa Matthews and Markle's mother Doria Ragland also helped the couple celebrate their happy day.

A children's choir sang religious hymns, the Kingdom Choir gospel singers performed a moving rendition of "Stand By Me" and Sheku Kanneh-Mason masterfully played the cello. Another unforgettable moment was when the newlyweds shared a kiss on the steps of the church in front of cheering well-wishers outside.

After the ceremony, the queen hosted a lunchtime reception at St. George's Hall in Windsor Castle.

The wedding cake -- a spongey confection with filling made from Amalfi lemon curd and elderflower buttercream, as well as elderflower syrup made at the monarch's residence in Sandringham -- was expected to be served at the reception.

Speeches from Markle, Prince Charles, Prince Harry and Prince William were also scheduled to take place.

Harry and Markle got engaged in November after dating for more than a year. The prince proposed as they were cooking dinner during a quiet night at home.