Liz Hurley's secret marriage

Mar 5, 2007, 12:20 GMT

© Janet Mayer / Photorazzi

Liz Hurley secretly married fiancé Arun Nayer on Friday (02.03.07).

The 41-year-old actress surprised the showbiz world when she tied the knot with the Indian businessman in a civil ceremony at Gloucestershire's Sudeley Castle, a day early.

The couple, who had been said they were to be married on Saturday (03.03.07), instead had their union blessed on that day.

Reverend John Partington, who led the blessing ceremony, revealed: "The bride and groom looked stunning. Liz's son Damian was the ring bearer."

Liz - who was wearing an off-white V-necked Versace sleeveless dress - was emotional throughout her big day.

She cried during her vows and again after Arun told guests how well Liz fitted into his family. She burst into tears a third time when Elton John congratulated her on being a good mother to four-year-old son Damian.

Elton, who reportedly gave Liz away, serenaded the couple with a special version of 'Your Song'.

A source said: "It was fitting Elton gave Liz away because he became a father figure to her when her dad Roy died in 1996."

Guests including supermodels Elle MacPherson and Eva Herzigova, Elton's partner David Furnish and Pasty Kensit - who gave an emotional Bible reading - were treated to a sumptuous four-course meal of seafood cocktail, roast chicken and sticky toffee pudding, accompanied by 400 bottles of vintage champagne.

Despite reports, David and Victoria Beckham and Liz's former lover Hugh Grant did not to attend the nuptials at the castle owned by Liz's close friend Henry Dent-Brocklehurst.

After dinner, Arun and Liz surprised guests by showing a homemade Bollywood-style movie about how they met and fell in love.

Celebrated photographer Mario Testino took the wedding pictures, while Estee Lauder - who have a multi-million pound deal with Liz - provided make-up artists.

Arun, 42, presented his new wife with a stunning £8,500 diamond choker, which she will wear at the Hindu blessing of their wedding at Rajasthan's 548-year-old Meherangarh Fort later this week.

Liz and Arun are due to arrive in Mumbai today (05.03.07) for a lavish three-day ceremony, which includes a private blessing at Arun's family home and a cricket match between the bride and groom's family.

Arun and Liz will spend their 10-day honeymoon in the Seychelles.

(C) BANG Media International