The Prince drove out of Buckingham Palace with his new wife at his side in the convertible with the number plate 'JUST WED'.
The couple left their reception and headed to Clarence House in the open-top car ? decorated with heart-shaped balloons and an 'L' plate.
The beaming couple smiled as those still lining the Mall let off a roar as they went past in the dark blue sports car.
It is the same Aston Martin that 28-year-old Wills' father Prince Charles had driven Princess Diana in in 1982.
MARRIED couple leave Palace in Aston Martin with "JU5T WED" registration
William drove Kate, 29, the short distance to Clarence House as his colleagues from the RAF flew overhead in a yellow rescue helicopter.
Best man Prince Harry, 26, and other family and friends had tied the balloons to the back of the Prince of Wales's car.
A St James's Palace spokesman said: "It was Prince William's idea to drive his new bride away from the official reception on their first journey as a married couple to his family home."
The Seychelles blue Aston Martin was decorated with patriotic red, white and blue ribbons tied from the windscreen to the bonnet.
RAF pilots from 'B' Flight 22 Squadron, of which William is a member flew overhead in the Sea King helicopter as a special surprise for the bride and groom.
It was in honour of William's job as a RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.
The new Duke of Cambridge - who had switched from his scarlet wedding ceremony attire in to a black frock coat of the Irish Guards- smiled broadly as he drove his wife, still in her bridal gown, through the Privy Purse.
Wills and Kate emerged from the palace at 3.35pm in the Aston Martin Volante DB6 MKII.
The convertible was a gift to the Prince of Wales from the Queen in 1969 for his 21st birthday.
A St James's Palace spokeswoman said: "The Prince of Wales was more than happy to loan the car to the couple for this special journey."
In 2008, at the request of environmentally-friendly Charles, the car was converted to run on E85 Bio-ethanol which is made from English wine wastage.
Well-wishers lining the route reacted to the choice of car with delight and disbelief.
Claire Bull, 52, from Flimwell, East Sussex, said: "It was quite a surprise, I thought it would be another carriage or something.
"They both looked very happy and relaxed."
Pamela Anderson, 66, from Bridgend, South Wales, said the car was "a real surprise" and was "wonderful".
She said: "I was expecting a Rolls-Royce."
She added the choice showed they were "at one" with the people and the country had "taken them to their hearts".
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