JK Rowling weds doctor lover in secret Boxing Day ceremony

Only 15 guests attended the wedding – all of them close family and sworn to secrecy – and caterers were brought in for the celebrations from 50 miles away.

Rowling and 30-year-old Murray, both of whom have been previously married, met two years ago.

The couple married at Rowling's 500,000 hideaway in Aberfeldy, Killiechassie House, which the author bought two months ago. It was reported last night that the bride wore a "stunning" cream outfit, which had been specially designed for her. Her eight-year-old daughter from her first marriage, Jessica, was among the bridesmaids. The others were Rowling's sister, Dianne, 33, and Murray's sister, Lorna.

Rowling, who makes every effort to guard her privacy, went to extraordinary lengths to make sure news of the wedding did not slip out.

Rather than employ local caterers, she is reported to have brought in a firm from Edinburgh, 50 miles away.

The author's agent last night confirmed that Rowling and her partner had married. She said: "JK Rowling married privately on the 26th of December in their house in Perthshire. Immediate family attended the wedding."

The ceremony, which lasted 20 minutes, was attended by the bride's father, Peter, and stepmother Janet, who travelled from Chepstow, Monmouthshire. Murray's father, Ernest, 57, and mother, Barbara, 54, braved heavy snow to travel from their home in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

The author, who is said to be worth 65m, did not restrict her attempts to preserve secrecy to hiring caterers from outside the area. It is believed that the minister who conducted the service also travelled from some distance away.

Rowling was previously married to Portuguese journalist Jorge Arantes, a union which lasted just over a year. Murray also has a failed marriage behind him. The doctor married a fellow student, Fiona, 29, four years ago but the couple divorced.

A friend said last night: "Joanne was desperate her wedding to Neil would go as she wanted it and that meant having total privacy. The house in Perthshire is totally isolated and no one can get near. It's ideal for someone who wants isolation."

It is believed the couple will not be taking a honeymoon as Murray, who was working as a senior house officer in anaesthetics at St John's Hospital, Livingston, when they met is now studying to become a general practitioner and is unable to take time off.