Hurley, Nayar marry twice

London, Mar 3 (UNI) Model and actress Elizabeth Hurley tied the nuptial knot with Indian business tycoon Arun Nayar in a secret ceremony yesterday, as the world anxiously waited for their wedding today.

The Gloucestershire County Council confirmed that the couple wedlocked in a civil ceremony in a civil service in one of the licenced rooms of Sudeley Castle, in Winchcombe.

The model and the Indian businessman went to extraordinary lengths to conceal their intimate wedding. Only a handful of confidantes were told about it - and they were sworn to utmost secrecy.

Anne Williams, county superintendent registrar for Gloucestershire, conducted the proceedings. She was joined by a second registrar.

Celebrities, including Patsy Kensit, Elton John and Donatella Versace, will all be at tonight's lavish bash, described on the invitation as the couple's ''marriage''. But Hurley and Nayar will already be wed by the time the festivities start at 1830 (local time).

Rev John Partington confirmed he will conduct tonight's blessing in the castle's chapel, which he described as ''a celebration of their wedding''.

Now the couple is officially married, Hurley and her new husband will ''wed'' for a second time today - complete with five bridesmaids, 10 pageboys, nine ushers and a choir.

Like many modern brides, she will not promise to obey Nayar.

Instead, The Mirror reported she will be asked: '' Elizabeth, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of Matrimony.

''Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?'' Indian textile heir Arun, 42, will then make the same vow at the blessing ceremony. Arun's younger brother Nikhil will be best man and Elizabeth's four-year-old son Damian - from millionaire Steve Bing - is said to be acting as ring bearer.

Guests will include supermodel Elle Macpherson, 42, TV style guru Trinny Woodall, 41, will also attend along with Tamara Mellon, 37, of Jimmy Choo shoes.

Ushers will include London-based financier Alessandro Tome - the man who brought the couple together at a dinner party after Arun separated from his Italian wife Valentina Pedroni, a part-time model.

UNI