Church bells ring as Kidman weds Urban

Nicole Kidman (L) and Keith Urban pose during their candlelit wedding ceremony at Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel in Manly, Sydney June 25, 2006. REUTERS/Cath Muscat/Handout (AUSTRALIA)

Church bells rang out over Nicole Kidman's hometown Sunday to announce her marriage to country music star Keith Urban in a lavish but intimate ceremony attended by relatives, close friends and a smattering of Hollywood stars.

The beaming bride wore a flowing white Balenciaga gown and pearl drop earrings. Her cream Rolls-Royce limousine drove from her waterfront mansion across the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge, through streets lined with cheering fans.

Kidman, accompanied by her father, Antony, smiled and waved to well-wishers outside the Gothic-style St. Patrick's College building, which was dramatically floodlit for the evening ceremony.

The nuptials were held in a small chapel on the compound atop cliffs overlooking a beach.

Urban, a Grammy-winning country music star, wore a black suit with a white rose in his lapel matching a bouquet clutched by Kidman.

The ceremony was private, amid intense public interest and speculation about the details. The pastor said the Oscar-winning actress and Nashville, Tenn.-based singer would have a traditional Roman Catholic service.

It was Urban's first marriage. Kidman and Tom Cruise divorced in 2001 after 10 years of marriage.

The couple released an official photograph showing them smiling and holding hands.

"We just want to thank everyone in Australia and around the world who have sent us their warm wishes," the newlyweds said in a brief statement accompanying the photo.