Zeta-Jones and Douglas Tie the Knot

November 19, 2000 -- A horde of well-wishers and paparazzi gathered outside New York City's famous Plaza Hotel Saturday, hoping for a glimpse of A-list celebs Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones on their wedding day.

The couple never materialized. They were likely ushered into the hotel's decadent grand ballroom through the deep security barricades well before celebrity guests began arriving in a cavalcade of limousines. Various news outlets reported the rumored $2 million ceremony was attended by more than 250 guests.

Among the chosen few were actors Goldie Hawn, Christopher Reeve, Sean Connery, Jack Nicholson, Sharon Stone, Danny DeVito, and Rhea Perlman. Directors Oliver Stone and Steven Spielberg were also in attendance, according to The Associated Press.

Douglas, 56, and Zeta-Jones, 31, sold their wedding photo rights to English magazine OK!, meaning many tabs don't expect to see the exclusive images for several days. The bride and groom were last spotted Friday night, as they prepared for an elaborate rehearsal dinner at the swanky Russian Tea Room.

When the pair arrived in a black limo, a reporter asked Douglas what was the best thing about marrying the much-worshipped Zeta-Jones. "You're looking at her," he answered.

Douglas' actor father Kirk added, "I'd marry her myself, but my wife won't let me," the AP reported.

Though the date and location of the pair's nuptials was well publicized, details about the ceremony were kept hush-hush.

Several outlets noted that guests were asked to make donations to a charity fund established for the couple's infant son, Dylan Michael, in lieu of gifts. The New York Daily News claimed that Douglas hired a 40-man security force to supplement the numerous barricades, identification-screening tents, New York police, and Plaza Hotel security established to keep curiosity seekers away from guests and the venue.

The ceremony was a culmination of the couple's 20-month courtship. They met at the Deauville Film Festival in France in 1998 and were engaged New Year's Eve in Aspen, Colo. Welsh-born Zeta-Jones gave birth to their son in August.

Zeta-Jones' gown was reportedly designed by David Emanuel, who also assisted in the creation of the late Princess Diana's fairy tale wedding dress, the BBC said.

The elaborate, seven-course wedding meal was said to have combined elements of American and Welsh cuisine. Guests were served lobster, New England clam chowder, foie gras, and Welsh lamb and cheeses.

Welsh singer Tom Jones was to sing at the ceremony in Zeta-Jones' native tongue.

This is Douglas' second marriage and Zeta-Jones' first. Douglas admitted in a recent interview with Movieline magazine that his wife-to-be planned the entire ceremony. "Whatever Catherine wants, that's what she'll get," he said. "… Whatever makes her happy, she'll have it."

Douglas flew the bride's family in from Wales for the wedding, including her namesake grandmother, 85-year-old Zeta. Douglas' son from his first marriage, Cameron, was reportedly the best man.

The couple is said to be embarking on a snowy honeymoon in Colorado.

Reuters contributed to this story.