Madonna and her British film director boyfriend Guy Ritchie plan to marry in the Scottish highlands three days before Christmas, reported Agence France Presse.
The Registrar's Office in Dornoch, northern Scotland, published an official proclamation Thursday of the intended marriage, as required for all Scottish weddings.
According to AFP, the announcement said that the couple would wed in this town of 1,200 souls in eastern Scotland on December 22.
Mr. Showbiz reported that the notice read that Guy Stuart Ritchie will marry Madonna Louise Ciccone on Dec. 22. No further details were available, but the marriage was expected to be held at the Dornoch Cathedral, according to the British media.
The Rev. Susan Brown, who will officiate at the wedding, said, "This is a wonderful thing for Dornoch, in the sense that it is going to bring a lot of people here. This is important, as it has not been a very good tourist season here."
According to AFP, the marital event has certainly boosted tourism in the area.
Paul Hart, owner of the Eagle Hotel, said all his rooms were fully booked.
"Dornoch has many attractions and this wedding has created great publicity for the town," he said.
Skibo Castle, a turreted fortress on Scotland's northeast coast, is a favorite backdrop for the weddings of the rich and famous, including Trainspotting actors Ewan McGregor and Robert Carlyle.
Set in 7,500 acres of grounds, the Gothic castle has 20 bedrooms and another 12 separate lodges for those seeking more privacy.
The castle, which was bought in 1898 by Scottish-American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, is also reputed to be a favorite bolt-hole for Hollywood stars Sean Connery and Jack Nicholson, as well as billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
The castle owners have refused to comment on whether the singer has made any bookings there. But today security guards barred photographers from the premises.
Meanwhile, according to Mr. Showbiz, the day will not be an easy ride for the duo.
Weather forecasters warned that the sexy icon could be in for a windy day. "It is notoriously unsettled at this time of the year," said a spokesman for the local meteorological office.
Madonna and Ritchie, who is 10 years her junior, paid a visit to Scotland earlier this week, sparking speculation that they were laying plans for their big day.
The 42-year-old pop star and Ritchie, 32, have a 3-month-old son, Rocco. They live in London's fashionable Notting Hill neighborhood. – Albawaba.com.
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