People News

Clinton wedding remains shrouded in mystery in final hours

Jul 31, 2010, 17:02 GMT

New York - Details of Chelsea Clinton's wedding were being guarded like a state secret in the run-up to the nuptials on Saturday.

The only clear thing is that the daughter and only child of former US president Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is to get married in Rhinebeck, north of New York.

The 30-year-old Chelsea and investment banker Marc Mezvinsky, one of 10 children of another US political couple, became engaged in late 2009.

There had been some speculation of a massive decoy operation ahead of the Clintons' arrived on Friday evening in Rhinebeck, which has just under 8,000 residents.

'We love it here. Chelsea loves the area as well,' Bill Clinton told reporters during a short walk through the small town.

But he wouldn't be drawn out on details of the ceremony or the guest list.

His wife had characterized the ceremony as being only 'a family wedding,' even though US media estimate that the affair could cost anywhere from 2 to 3 million dollars. The wedding dress alone is said to be listed for 25,000 dollars.

Guests reportedly had to turn in their mobile phones and any other recording devices. The only thing known about the guests is that US President Barack Obama won't be among them.

The security measures especially are likely to push up the cost of the wedding. Rhinebeck has been practically sealed off, with many streets blocked. The airspace over the town was also shut down for 12 hours.