In pictures: Brunei Wedding

1 of 9 The Crown Prince of Brunei became a married man on Thursday, in what has been described as Asia's grandest wedding this year.

2 of 9 Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah escorted his son - wearing a gold crown and a traditional dagger - into the Nurul Iman Palace.

3 of 9 Prince Billah was then joined by his 17-year-old half-Swiss bride, who emerged from a stateroom clutching a bouquet made of gold and diamonds.

4 of 9 The Sultan of Brunei is one of the world's richest men, but Sarah Salleh's parents are commoners.

5 of 9 Among the 2,000 guests were many of Asia's leaders, as well as dignitaries from around the world.

6 of 9 Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri (R) attended the beginning of the ceremony, but left early after hearing of the bomb blast in Jakarta.

7 of 9 Muslim prayers were recited during the ceremony, but traditional Malay customs were observed as well.

8 of 9 After the wedding, the couple left the palace for a parade across the capital.

9 of 9 Undeterred by the rain, thousands of well-wishers turned up to celebrate with the newlyweds.