The media wedding of the year was taking place at Blenheim Palace today amid a news blackout imposed by the bride's father publishing tycoon Rupert Murdoch.

Details of the marriage between Elisabeth Murdoch and Matthew Freud have been kept strictly under wraps, and an army of security guards has been deployed to keep public and photographers at arm's length.

Miss Murdoch, 32, a TV executive, and Mr Freud, 37, a PR guru, are to be married at a private ceremony this evening.

Only close family and friends will witness the couple tie the knot at a house in the Woodstock palace grounds owned by Mr Freud, great-grandson of pioneering psychotherapist, Sigmund Freud.

The ceremony will be followed by a select dinner attended by Rupert Murdoch, 70, and both his ex-wives, Wendy Deng and Anna Murdoch, in what is thought to be the first meeting between the women.

Tomorrow, swarms of celebrities - including Chris Evans, Billie Piper, Bob Geldof and Geri Halliwell - are expected to attend a lavish party at the palace.

The couple, who have a six-month-old baby daughter, each have two children from previous marriages.