The daughter of one of Malaysia's most powerful sultans married her Dutch fiance yesterday, in a ceremony steeped in centuries of tradition during a day of lavish celebrations.

Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim, 31, the only daughter of the Sultan of Johor, tied the knot with Dennis Muhammad Abdullah, 28, capping a romance of more than three years.

The Dutchman, who has converted to Islam, and the princess wed according to Muslim Malay custom at the Serene Hill Palace, the royal family's residence in the city of Johor Bahru, in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.

In keeping with centuries-old wedding customs in Johor, he also gave her a dowry of 22.50 ringgit (HK$41), and the couple kissed the hands of their parents, aunts and uncles as a mark of respect.

An evening reception will be the main event, featuring a "sitting-in-state" ceremony, with some 1,200 guests due to attend, and crowds expected to watch the event on a big screen in a city square.