Jump directly to the content
TEE-D THE KNOT

Rory McIlroy and new bride Erica Stoll marry before celebrity A-listers in glittering ceremony

Motown legend Stevie Wonder, Niall Horan, Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin and actor Jamie Dornan are at the bash

GOLF ace Rory McIlroy and his new bride Erica Stoll have tied the knot in a glittering ceremony in front of a star-studded guest list.

Soul legend Stevie Wonder, Coldplay's Chris Martin and One Direction's Niall Horan were among the crowds to watch the pair say "I do" at the magical Ashford Castle in Ireland.

 Pro golfer Rory McIlroy and his American partner Erica Stoll tied the knot at Ashford Castle in County Mayo today
8
Pro golfer Rory McIlroy and his American partner Erica Stoll tied the knot at Ashford Castle in County Mayo todayCredit: Getty Images
 'I just called': Stevie Wonder was pictured at a phone shop in Galway, Ireland, before the wedding ceremony
8
'I just called': Stevie Wonder was pictured at a phone shop in Galway, Ireland, before the wedding ceremonyCredit: compub/Twitter
 Staff have been seen walking the battlements of the historic castle that is now a five-star hotel
8
Staff have been seen walking the battlements of the historic castle that is now a five-star hotel

Fifty Shades of Grey heart-throb Jamie Dornan was also part of the star-studded guest list with three-time Majors champion Padraig Harrington and golfer Paul McGinley also attending McIlroy's wedding on the grounds of Ireland's top of hotels.

Childhood pals also joined the celebrations, which saw a huge security presence.

It is believed Ed Sheeran, who is currently playing a series of concerts in Manchester, was the last guest to arrive after a gig in Manchester.

He is only scheduled to stay on site for a few hours for a special performance before he jets back.

Loved-up McIlroy and his new wife are believed to have chosen the medieval setting because they wanted somewhere private and that would be easy to lockdown.

The newlyweds said their vows in a specially built marquee decorated with fairy lights and flowers shipped in from the UK.

It was an impressive affair, with the wedding including a spectacular fireworks display - estimated to have cost more than £50k alone.

 Golfer Paul McGinley, purple sweater, was pictured enjoying a drink in town before the star-studded ceremony
8
Golfer Paul McGinley, purple sweater, was pictured enjoying a drink in town before the star-studded ceremonyCredit: [email protected]

 

 

 Hundreds of security staff are said to be ensuring safety and privacy at the star-studded bash
8
Hundreds of security staff are said to be ensuring safety and privacy at the star-studded bashCredit: [email protected]
 Guests will be arriving by car and helicopter ahead of the ceremony at Ashford Castle later today
8
Guests will be arriving by car and helicopter ahead of the ceremony at Ashford Castle later todayCredit: Collins Photo Agency

Photos taken earlier today show each of the hotel’s four entrances staffed by numerous security personal keeping watch for uninvited guests.

Security staff were spotted positioned up in turrets where Stevie Wonder was expected to perform to a host of stars at the lavish bash.

Anyone seeking to make their way on to the 350-acre grounds is being stopped and quizzed before being allowed though.

Those staff seen manning the front gates were spotted with radios and clipboards, taking note of each vehicle attempting to gain access to the hotel.

The heavy security presence isn’t expected to interfere with the 160 guests though, as many will be arriving by helicopter.

Operatives even remained in place as darkness fell over the castle, with an insider explaining: "They were taking absolutely no chances and hired a specialist team that prevent equipment such as drones from being used."

 One Direction star Niall Horan will be at Ashford Castle for the wedding
8
One Direction star Niall Horan will be at Ashford Castle for the weddingCredit: Getty Images
 'Isn't she lovely': Stevie Wonder will perform at the golfer's wedding to Erica Stoll
8
'Isn't she lovely': Stevie Wonder will perform at the golfer's wedding to Erica Stoll

Elsewhere there is a lot of local buzz, with many in Cong delighted to be hosting what's been dubbed "the wedding of the year."

Ballinrobe Golf club have put up a welcoming sign offering their congratulations to the soon to be newlyweds.

Posted at the entrance nearest to Cong village, the sign reads: "Congratulations Erica & Rory from Ballinrobe Golf Club"


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368


 

Topics