Today could be the day...Tom and Katie plan a secret 'quickie ceremony'

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes could try to outwit the media today by marrying in a secret civil ceremony ahead of their Scientology nuptials tomorrow.

As jets continue to land in Rome bearing the guests invited to one or both ceremonies, the couple are closely guarding details of their plans.

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The couple need only passports, birth certificates and one form translated into Italian which would allow them to get a marriage licence in minutes.

Then a magistrate or other official in any number of locations in the Italian capital would be able to perform a simple ceremony.

Tom's mother and Katie's parents are expected at the civil ceremony along with the couple's three children, baby Suri and Connor and Isabella, who Cruise adopted with Nicole Kidman.

Tomorrow the couple will pledge their love in a Church of Scientology ceremony at the magnificent Odescalchi Castle in the mediaeval town of Bracciano, 37 miles from Rome.

Cruise, 44, a longtime adherent of the teachings of L Ron Hubbard and Hollywood's most outspoken member of the sect, persuaded Katie, 27, to join the church soon after they first met.

Among the 500 wedding guests will be some of the biggest Hollywood stars, including George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Steven Spielberg, Russell Crowe and John Travolta, who is another high profile Scientologist.

Last night the couple hosted a rehearsal party at Nino restaurant in Rome, attended by Jennifer Lopez, Brooke Shields and Jim Carey.