Elizabeth Hurley to marry next year

Oct 25, 2006, 11:10 GMT

Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar will marry in India early next year.

The Indian businessman - who has been dating the 'Austin Powers' actress for three years - announced the couple will tie the knot in the city of Udaipur, possibly in February.

He said: "We aim to marry real soon, probably in February in Udaipur, when it is not too hot."

However, those close to the couple are convinced the announcement is simply meant to create a smokescreen over the real wedding date, which is just 16 days away.

Friends believe a planned party in Udaipur on November 9 - officially to mark Arun's mother's birthday and the couple's engagement - will actually be the real wedding.

Arun and Liz have hired 39 suites at plush Devi Garh Palace hotel for 80 guests.

A source said: "Many of us feel this isn't the rehearsal but the wedding itself."

The couple have announced they will have a second ceremony in England.

The wedding is expected to involve camels and elephants, a lavish feast and they will exchange vows at a specially constructed mandap - a platform covered in flowers.

Celebrities expected to attend are Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish, soccer star David Beckham and his wife Victoria, Pamela Anderson and Liz's former love Hugh Grant.

(C) BANG Media International