The present disclosure is directed to a fastener retention assembly for a wind turbine rotor. The fastener retention assembly includes a rotor hub and a pitch bearing race coupled to the rotor hub. One of the pitch bearing race or the rotor hub defines an annular slot. The pitch bearing race and the rotor hub further defines a plurality of passages extending from the slot through the pitch bearing race and the rotor hub. The fastener retention assembly also includes a plurality of fasteners coupling the rotor hub and the pitch bearing race. Each of the plurality of fasteners is at least partially positioned within the slot and one of the plurality of passages. The fastener retention assembly further includes a retaining ring partially positioned within the slot to retain the plurality of fasteners within the plurality of passages.