A posse of photographers and scores of spectators descended on Saturday on a quiet town in western England for a lavish wedding party for model-actress Elizabeth Hurley and businessman Arun Nayar.

Gloucestershire County Council confirmed media reports that the pair married Friday in a private civil ceremony at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, 200 kilometers west of London.

Hurley, 41, and Nayar, 42, held a blessing and party at the castle Saturday evening, with guests including Elton John who arrived by helicopter Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson, and Hurley's ex, Hugh Grant.

Security guards on Saturday patrolled the grounds of the 15th-century castle, set amid the Cotswold hills of central England. A large tent had been erected in the grounds, and a covered walkway led from the gardens to the building.

Hurley and Nayar reportedly have signed a lucrative deal with Hello! magazine for exclusive rights to images of the event.

Several shopfronts in the picturesque town were adorned with signs and notices wishing the couple good luck.

"Obviously, people are out celebrity spotting I don't think they'll see any but they are out at the thought and it's just a lot of excitement for the small town of Winchcombe," said butcher Colin Pilcher.

According to reports, the couple will fly to India for celebrations in Mumbai and Rajasthan this week.

Hurley's 13-year relationship with Hollywood star Grant ended in 2000 after his well-publicised encounter with a prostitute.

Two years later, she had a son with US film producer Steve Bing. She met Nayar, who has celebrity status himself, shortly after her child was born.

Source: China Daily/Agencies