King Alexander weds his Draga

August 5, 1900

King Alexander of Serbia was married today to Draga Maschin. The ceremony was "performed with great pomp," according to the New York Times.

In honor of the wedding, King Alexander granted amnesty, and also granted political pardons.

Belgrade was decorated with flags and flowers, and the bridal procession made its way through the streets. Carpets were hung from window and the "balconies were crowded with people."

More than 30,000 people came from outside the capital and from abroad to see the wedding celebrations.

The bridal couple were proceeded by a Squadron of the Serbian Life Guards. King Alexander and his bride rode in an open carriage, "amid loud cheers" from the crowd. At the door of the cathedral, they were met at the door by the Metropolitan.

After receiving a blessing, the couple were married according to the rites of the Greek Orthodox church.

Following the service, the King and Queen "received the congratulations of the Diplomatic Corps. Afterwards, the royal couple got back into the carriage, and were driven back to the palace, where a wedding breakfast was served.