Clooney and fiancée set for Venice nuptials

A clutch of photographers were on hand to record the couple’s arrival at the Tronchetto terminal, where they were picked up by Clooney’s regular water-taxi driver and taken to the luxury Cipriani hotel.

The couple were accompanied by supermodel Cindy Crawford and her husband, among the many celebrities arriving for the festivities.

Among the other arrivals in Venice were actors Matt Damon and Miguel Ferrer.

Clooney, 53, and human rights lawyer Alamuddin, 36, have not publicly divulged details of the celebrations, although Venice city officials have closed the area along the Grand Canal on Monday.

The couple have reportedly ordered guests at their wedding not to bring their mobile phones or tablets to the three-day event in a bid to stop unauthorised photos leaking to the Press.

The Hollywood actor is said to have sold the rights to photographs of the wedding to American Vogue, in return for the fashion magazine making a contribution to a charity of his choice.

Ms Alamuddin, 36, who is of Lebanese background, arrived in Italy on Wednesday ahead of her marriage to Clooney, 53, until now regarded as the world’s most eligible bachelor.

Media commentators have speculated that there will be two ceremonies – one today, followed by a civil ceremony on Monday.