The king, 66, married his sixth wife, Queen Zola Mafu, 28, in a colourful traditional ceremony during which Zulu warriors danced and those present sang. More than 10000 people, including traditional leaders and VIP guests, descended on the former KwaZulu homeland capital, which had been a hive of activity since Friday in anticipation of the royal nuptials.
International guests and the who's who of South Africa joined the celebrations, including President Jacob Zuma. More than 60 cows and scores of sheep were slaughtered for the wedding.
Zwelithini paid lobolo of 20 cattle - nine more than were required - eight years ago. Mafu was selected to be Zwelithini's bride when she took part in the 2003 Swazi reed dance. She was 18 at the time and a pupil at the prestigious St Mark's High School in Mbabane, Swaziland.
She was picked out by Zwelithini's third wife, Queen Mantfombi.
Today, the wedding will enter its second day with the umabo ceremony, when gifts are exchanged between the groom and bride's families.
Later this evening, the king will hold a reception to celebrate his wedding and his birthday.
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