Finally: Hollywood star, George Clooney marries lawyer lover in Venice

Clooney and new wife, Amal

Hollywood star George Clooney has married human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in Venice, in one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the showbusiness year.

A host of fellow stars descended on the city’s canals for the union between the film world’s most eligible bachelor, 53, and Ms Alamuddin, 36.

The ceremony was celebrated in a hotel overlooking the famous Grand Canal.

Clooney’s agent broke the news to journalists in a brief statement.

Clooney and his friends had sipped champagne before gliding up the Grand Canal on Saturday evening to the luxury Aman Hotel, waving to hundreds of well-wishers.

Guests include Cindy Crawford, Bill Murray, Matt Damon and the U2 singer Bono.

Clooney’s boat was momentarily blocked by a passing cruise liner and then by a water bus, giving time for dozens of boats carrying photographers to catch up.

A police boat swerved in vain to try to keep the paparazzi away.

Ms Alamuddin was last seen publicly on Friday riding in a water taxi down the Grand Canal with Clooney’s arm round her.

The couple were engaged in April.

Despite the long build-up to the wedding, interest still abounded on social media at news of the knot being tied.

“George Clooney is married,” wrote one tweeter. “Heterosexual men of earth release a collective sigh of relief. Everyone else mourns.”