BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)
Pic: PhilYeomans/BNPS

Playwright Sir Tom Stoppard tied the knot with brewery heiress Sabrina Guinness in an intimate registry office ceremony today.

The 76-year-old father-of-four, regarded as Britain's greatest living playwright, wed Miss Guinness, 58, in the picturesque Dorset town of Wimborne.

It is the third time Sir Tom has married but the first for Miss Guinness, who counts Prince Charles and Mick Jagger among her past suitors.

The couple arrived at the registry office, Wimborne Town Council's council chamber, in a luxury silver Mercedes E-class car ahead of the midday ceremony.

Sir Tom wore a navy blue suit with a salmon pink striped tie while Miss Guinness wore a white wedding dress.

The understated service was conducted by a local registrar in front of a small congregation of 40 close friends and family.

Guests included Sir Tom's sons Ed, an actor, Oliver, Barnaby and William, and Zac Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park.

Rose petals were thrown over the couple as they emerged from the registry office's small side door to the cheers of the guests.

Following the service the newlyweds returned to their plush country pad in nearby village Tarrant Gunville for a lavish reception.