Elton John to wed

[Guest guest]

Singer Sir Elton John has said he plans to wed partner David Furnish

in a " very low-key " civil ceremony next month with only their parents

as witnesses.

 

The couple are expected to tie the knot on 21 December, after gay

civil partnerships become legal in England.

 

Sir Elton told Attitude magazine that the ceremony would be " very

private " out of respect to the couple's parents, followed by an

evening reception.

 

He added that they had " yet to work out " the full arrangements.

 

The couple had been expected to stage a lavish ceremony, with

celebrity friends such as the Beckhams and actress Liz Hurley among

their guests.

 

Sir Elton said the couple had decided to hold " a very small family

affair " but predicted it would still be " an incredibly emotional day " .

 

" The ceremony itself will be David's parents and my parents and the

two of us, " he said.

 

Law change

 

" They've been so fantastic to us and so supportive. Out of respect for

their support, we want to just keep it small. Not to make a ballyhoo

of the ceremony.

 

Sir Elton John

Sir Elton was pleased to be part of Live 8 but called it an anti-climax

 

" There will be a party somewhere, but the day will be very low-key and

we'll take our parents to lunch afterwards. "

 

Sir Elton's publicist Gary Farrow said 21 December was the " probable "

date for the ceremony.

 

Under the Civil Partnership Act 2004, the first gay marriages can be

staged on 21 December.

 

Canadian-born film-maker Furnish said the act was " hugely significant "

for society.

 

" It is one of the defining issues of our times, " he said.

 

" And I applaud Britain for embracing the diversity of our society. "

 

The government has predicted that up to 22,000 gay couples will take

civil partnership in the first five years.

 

Sir Elton previously married Renate Blauel in 1984 but they divorced

four years later.