Wedding bands were glinting on the hands of George Clooney and his new bride Amal Alamuddin as they emerged from the luxury hotel in Venice where they were married a day earlier.

The groom, in a smart light grey suit, sported a simple ring on his left hand.

His wife, in a flouncy white dress with pastel-coloured appliques, had a thin band studded with what appeared to be diamonds.

They hopped into a water taxi this afternoon and, embracing, made their way down the Grand Canal.

Gondoliers steered out of the way while tourists cheered.

The 53-year-old actor, who had vowed he would never wed again, and the 36-year-old London-based human right lawyer were married with Hollywood stars and family among guests.