Katie Price has reportedly married her boyfriend Lee Andrews in a symbolic ceremony held in Dubai this week, though emerging reports suggest the couple must complete crucial legal paperwork to make their union officially binding under the law.
Surprise Ceremony Details
The glitzy ceremony took place at the luxurious One and Only Royal Mirage hotel on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah island, with only one other individual present besides the couple. Darryl Rees, a part-time DJ and MC who officiated the event, revealed that Lee contacted him about the wedding on the very same day the couple announced their surprise engagement to the world.
Darryl told the Mail: "When Lee messaged me on the Saturday, he said 'I want to do a wedding with my fiancée'. Then he gave me the names as Lee Andrews and Katie Price, and I was a bit taken aback, so I wasn't that surprised when I saw it was indeed her the following day."
Legal Status Concerns
Despite the romantic exchange of vows, there are significant doubts about the legal validity of the marriage. Darryl explained that what he conducts are symbolic ceremonies, with couples needing to complete the official paperwork separately through the courts to make their marriage legally recognised.
"From what I've heard, it's a pretty straightforward process, but what I do is a symbolic wedding," Darryl clarified. "I'm like the showman, and then they get married in the courts with all the paperwork."
A wedding specialist from Dubai confirmed that many couples opt for a symbolic ceremony either before or after their legal marriage, making it standard practice for couples to essentially have two weddings when marrying in Dubai.
Family Reaction and Personal Changes
Following her whirlwind wedding, Katie has returned to the UK to face her family, who were reportedly completely unaware of her plans to get married. The ceremony was personalised to reflect the couple's relationship, including their matching 11:11 tattoos bearing each other's names.
Lee recently posted on Instagram revealing that Katie has adopted a new name following their marriage, changing her surname to Katie P Andrews. To mark the occasion, Lee reportedly purchased a Ferrari, adding to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding their union.
Previous Husband's Reaction
Katie's second husband Alex Reid expressed his astonishment at the swift wedding, telling The Mirror: "Is he going to move to the UK? Or is she going to move to Dubai? I don't get her. I was married to her, and I don't get her. I don't think she knows herself."
Darryl noted that despite the unconventional circumstances, the couple appeared very grounded and seemed more content than ever during their symbolic ceremony. The officiant mentioned that the couple indicated they planned to legalise their marriage the following Monday, though it remains unclear whether this crucial step has been completed.
