The final countdown! George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin are joined by their celebrity pals as they prepare for wedding in Venice

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The countdown has officially begun for George Clooney's final hours as one of the world's most famous bachelors.

As the 53-year-old continued preparations for his Saturday wedding with fiancé Amal Alamuddin, 36, a host of well-heeled guests began jetting over to romantic Venice, Italy, ahead of the nuptials.

His close pal Matt Damon was one of the first guests seen arriving in the picturesque city, as he boarded a taxi boat with his beautiful wife Luciana Barroso on Friday.

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Look into my eyes: Glowing couple George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin couldn't take their eyes off each other when they sped through Venice, Italy, on Friday on taxi boats to their future wedding location

Look into my eyes: Glowing couple George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin couldn't take their eyes off each other when they sped through Venice, Italy, on Friday on taxi boats to their future wedding location

The next Vidal Sassoon? George lovingly fixed his bride-to-be's shiny tresses as they boarded the boat to the five-star Cipriani Hotel for a dinner with their wedding guests

The next Vidal Sassoon? George lovingly fixed his bride-to-be's shiny tresses as they boarded the boat to the five-star Cipriani Hotel for a dinner with their wedding guests

Mr. Romantic: George shared an intimate moment with his stunning fiancée ahead of the ceremony, while they clearly couldn't take their eyes off one another 

Mr. Romantic: George shared an intimate moment with his stunning fiancée ahead of the ceremony, while they clearly couldn't take their eyes off one another 

Me and my girl: The actor lovingly hugged his bride-to-be as best man Rande Gerber affectionately looked on at the sweet duo

Me and my girl: The actor lovingly hugged his bride-to-be as best man Rande Gerber affectionately looked on at the sweet duo

No looking back: George and Amal hugged affectionately as they waited to speed off for the start of their lavish four-day nuptials

No looking back: George and Amal hugged affectionately as they waited to speed off for the start of their lavish four-day nuptials

Wearing a black sweater, blue jeans and dark glasses, the Bourne Identity star waved at gathered crowds as he made his way to his luxurious accommodation ahead of the big day.

Cindy Crawford proved she's every much the head-turner she was at the height of her supermodel career, when she stepped out looking casual yet stunning in a denim jacket over a black v-neck.

With her brown tresses tied back into a ponytail, she smiled gleefully as she stood beside her entrepreneur husband Rande Gerber, who is set to be George's best man at the ceremony, and therefore a special guest that no doubt everyone will be vying for a snap of.

A fierce bidding war has broken out among the world's biggest celebrity publications, who are all desperate to capture the moment that Oscar-winner Clooney finally says 'I do'.

It is understood that the US edition of fashion bible Vogue has all but secured the rights after bidding well in excess of £1million.

In hot pursuit: Boats full of photographers surrounded the stars as they sailed along the city's canals in taxi boats

In hot pursuit: Boats full of photographers surrounded the stars as they sailed along the city's canals in taxi boats

The final countdown! George and Amal stepped out in the Italian city of Venice on Friday, ahead of their anticipated Saturday nuptials

The final countdown! George and Amal stepped out in the Italian city of Venice on Friday, ahead of their anticipated Saturday nuptials

Dapper gent: Silver-haired heart-throb George looked stylish in a grey suit as he stepped out with his stunning bride-to-be

Dapper gent: Silver-haired heart-throb George looked stylish in a grey suit as he stepped out with his stunning bride-to-be

Blushing bride: Human rights lawyer Amal couldn't contain her joy as she stepped out into the sunshine with her handsome beau

Blushing bride: Human rights lawyer Amal couldn't contain her joy as she stepped out into the sunshine with her handsome beau

Stepping out in style: Amal wowed as she walked beside her famous fiancé in a black-and-white dress

Stepping out in style: Amal wowed as she walked beside her famous fiancé in a black-and-white dress

Elegant: Amal channelled vintage Hollywood glamour in a retro monochrome dress with dainty black heels and a co-ordinating hat box

Elegant: Amal channelled vintage Hollywood glamour in a retro monochrome dress with dainty black heels and a co-ordinating hat box

Tender touch: The Oscar-winning star kept a loving arm around Amal as they navigated their way to a waiting boat

Tender touch: The Oscar-winning star kept a loving arm around Amal as they navigated their way to a waiting boat

However, there are said to have been further negotiations for a British celebrity magazine to share the rights with a seven-figure offer being made.

Any fee given to the couple will be donated to a charity of the couple's choice. 

The couple have already requested that guests do not bring mobile phones in a bid to prevent unauthorised pictures being leaked from the event. 

Having secured rights to the pictures, US Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was proud to secure an invite to the high profile event.

She jetted straight out from Paris Fashion Week to Venice in Italy wearing a suitably stylish green knit and a yellow satin skirt.  

Happy couple: George and Amal were the picture of happiness, clinging tightly to one another and looking camera-ready at all moments

Happy couple: George and Amal were the picture of happiness, clinging tightly to one another and looking camera-ready at all moments

Stunning: Even close up, the beauty looked totally flawless the day before her big day - she wore Prada sunglasses to protect her eyes in the sunshine spot

Stunning: Even close up, the beauty looked totally flawless the day before her big day - she wore Prada sunglasses to protect her eyes in the sunshine spot

Helping hand: George was on hand as Amal was guided into the boat by an aid, watching her step in black pointed heels

Helping hand: George was on hand as Amal was guided into the boat by an aid, watching her step in black pointed heels

Helping hand: Glamorous Amal received some assistance as she boarded the boat with the Hollywood actor

Helping hand: Glamorous Amal received some assistance as she boarded the boat with the Hollywood actor

Cold feet? George shot a look to the camera that summarised most men's feelings the night before his wedding day, especially George who's been a batchelor for 54 years

Cold feet? George shot a look to the camera that summarised most men's feelings the night before his wedding day, especially George who's been a batchelor for 54 years

Picturesque: The setting for the wedding was like something out of a George Clooney blockbuster, as the boat parties sped down the Venice canal

Picturesque: The setting for the wedding was like something out of a George Clooney blockbuster, as the boat parties sped down the Venice canal

Hollywood royalty Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are also expected to attend the high profile ceremony this weekend. 

The lavish four-day event is expected to begin when guests attend an intimate dinner hosted by Mr Clooney at the exclusive, five-star Cipriani Hotel on the nearby island of Giudecca on Friday night.

Among the guests jetting in, was George's actor cousin Miguel Ferrer, son of screen and singing legend Rosemary Clooney, who was seen arriving with his wife Lori Weintraub.

Wearing cat eye sunglasses and an all-black ensemble, George's Ocean's Thirteen co-star Ellen Barkin drew the attention of photographers and fans alike as she made a glamorous arrival. 

Love is in the air: Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande shared a kiss when they arrived aboard a boat on Friday afternoon for the romantic dinner

Love is in the air: Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande shared a kiss when they arrived aboard a boat on Friday afternoon for the romantic dinner

Smooth: Cindy put an arm around her beau Rande as they locked lips in the romantic city of Venice ahead of George's big nuptials

Smooth: Cindy put an arm around her beau Rande as they locked lips in the romantic city of Venice ahead of George's big nuptials

All-smiles: Cindy and Rande looked blissfully happy in the Italian sunshine spot, coasting along a river to George's wedding location

All-smiles: Cindy and Rande looked blissfully happy in the Italian sunshine spot, coasting along a river to George's wedding location

Romantic setting: It looked like the picturesque setting was rubbing off on some of the guests, including Cindy and Rande who hugged on their boat

Romantic setting: It looked like the picturesque setting was rubbing off on some of the guests, including Cindy and Rande who hugged on their boat

Stealing a kiss: Cindy and her beau couldn't resist an intimate moment
Her best man: Best man at the wedding Rande stole the affections of Cindy

Cute duo: In the mood for a wedding, the boat taxi was a place where love was definitely in the air on Friday, as the high profile guests were transported to the event

Special guests: Model Cindy and her husband have two teenage children together, but it didn't look like children had a part to play in the Clooney wedding

Special guests: Model Cindy and her husband have two teenage children together, but it didn't look like children had a part to play in the Clooney wedding

Contemplative: Rande married Cindy nearly 16 years ago, but it looked like the couple's flame was still strong a decade on

Contemplative: Rande married Cindy nearly 16 years ago, but it looked like the couple's flame was still strong a decade on

Ahoy: George and Amal picked special guests to join them on their boat, the VE1995, which included Cindy Crawford and best man Rande

Ahoy: George and Amal picked special guests to join them on their boat, the VE1995, which included Cindy Crawford and best man Rande

Special guests: Cindy arrived with her husband Rande, who will serve as George's best man, and boarded a boat

Special guests: Cindy arrived with her husband Rande, who will serve as George's best man, and boarded a boat

 Raise a toast... or two: Rande is reported to have transported boxes of tequila over to Italy for the wedding

 Raise a toast... or two: Rande is reported to have transported boxes of tequila over to Italy for the wedding

Strike a pose: The foursome used the stunning city as their backdrop as they posed for snapshots

Strike a pose: The foursome used the stunning city as their backdrop as they posed for snapshots

Full speed ahead: Clooney found himself at the front of the boat, speeding on the boat parties that followed in quick succession

Full speed ahead: Clooney found himself at the front of the boat, speeding on the boat parties that followed in quick succession

Best buddies: Rande and the groom-to-be posed for a boys-only shot at the pre-wedding celebration

Best buddies: Rande and the groom-to-be posed for a boys-only shot at the pre-wedding celebration

Wedding party: Having been selected for the bride and bridegroom's water taxi, Cindy and Rande will no doubt secure good spots for the impending nuptials  

Wedding party: Having been selected for the bride and bridegroom's water taxi, Cindy and Rande will no doubt secure good spots for the impending nuptials  

Matched made in heaven: The stunning twosome looked like they were made for each other walking at similar heights and in co-ordinating ensembles

Matched made in heaven: The stunning twosome looked like they were made for each other walking at similar heights and in co-ordinating ensembles

Old Hollywood glmaour: George and Amal looked like they were on a glamorous movie set as they settled in on the water vessel

Old Hollywood glmaour: George and Amal looked like they were on a glamorous movie set as they settled in on the water vessel

Frenzy: There wasn't a shot to be missed as crowds gathered on the banks and news followed that their wedding pictures would be highly exclusive

Frenzy: There wasn't a shot to be missed as crowds gathered on the banks and news followed that their wedding pictures would be highly exclusive

Taking to the water: The photogenic couples sailed along one of the city's many canals

Taking to the water: The photogenic couples sailed along one of the city's many canals

Joyous: The couple looked very relaxed and stylish as they smiled at onlookers from aboard a taxi boat

Joyous: The couple looked very relaxed and stylish as they smiled at onlookers from aboard a taxi boat

Camera-ready: There wasn't an angle that didn't capture Amal and George's totally happiness at setting sail to get wed this weekend

Camera-ready: There wasn't an angle that didn't capture Amal and George's totally happiness at setting sail to get wed this weekend

Pearly whites: The love birds were clearly in high spirits as they observed their gathering well-wishers

Pearly whites: The love birds were clearly in high spirits as they observed their gathering well-wishers

Romantic history: George and Amal decided to tie the knot in Venice as it's the city where they met
Romantic history: George and Amal decided to tie the knot in Venice as it's the city where they met

Romantic history: George and Amal decided to tie the knot in Venice as it's the city where they met

The kiss: Although photographers won't be able to get inside the wedding on Saturday, the crowd were given a quick preview of the wedding kiss on Friday

The kiss: Although photographers won't be able to get inside the wedding on Saturday, the crowd were given a quick preview of the wedding kiss on Friday

Prepared: The two looked totally relaxed as they anticipated the big day that they had been planning since April this year, now only one night away

Prepared: The two looked totally relaxed as they anticipated the big day that they had been planning since April this year, now only one night away

Chilled: For a man who's about to be married for the first time in 53-years, George seemed pretty relaxed with the affair on Friday

Chilled: For a man who's about to be married for the first time in 53-years, George seemed pretty relaxed with the affair on Friday

Happy man: Ready to get married to his beautiful future bride, George looked seriously pleased with himself as he stood next to her on the boat

Happy man: Ready to get married to his beautiful future bride, George looked seriously pleased with himself as he stood next to her on the boat

A moment in time: The couple travelled with a personal photographer as they soaked up the atmosphere

A moment in time: The couple travelled with a personal photographer as they soaked up the atmosphere

Glide-by sighting: A couple on a gondola looked on curiously as the stars sped by them

Glide-by sighting: A couple on a gondola looked on curiously as the stars sped by them

On Saturday, the couple host a star-studded reception in the city's seven-star Aman Hotel on the Grande Canal, an occasion that Amal's parents reportedly insisting on paying for. 

Security at both venues was being stepped up on Friday with staff at the Cipriani Hotel, once a favourite of Princess Diana, said to have been asked to sign strict confidentiality contracts before being issued with microchip passes to allow them access to and from the building. 

Clooney and his British fiancée, 36, will finally tie the knot in a civil ceremony in the palatial 14th century Ca' Farsetti palazzo on Monday. The building houses Venice's town hall. 

Exclusive: US Vogue's Anna Wintour was seen jetting straight out of Paris Fashion Week for the couple's high profile wedding on Friday

Exclusive: US Vogue's Anna Wintour was seen jetting straight out of Paris Fashion Week for the couple's high profile wedding on Friday

Romantic: The magazine editor looked suitably stylish in a green knit and yellow satin skirt, walking on nude peep toe heels
Business: As US Vogue have reportedly secured the rights to the pictures of the couple's wedding, she naturally received an invite

A-lister: The fashion mogul will most likely be particularly interested in Amal's choice of wedding dress for the special occasion this weekend

Special invite: Anna maintained her iconic image with her bob haircut perfectly in tact and a pair of dark glasses perched on her nose

Special invite: Anna maintained her iconic image with her bob haircut perfectly in tact and a pair of dark glasses perched on her nose

Busy schedule: Anna continued her jet set lifestyle by flying straight from Paris to Italy for the exclusive occasion and happy event

Busy schedule: Anna continued her jet set lifestyle by flying straight from Paris to Italy for the exclusive occasion and happy event

Helping the lady: An aid on Anna's boat held her bag as she was assisted into a waiting boat taxi headed for Venice on Friday

Helping the lady: An aid on Anna's boat held her bag as she was assisted into a waiting boat taxi headed for Venice on Friday

Ladylike: The editor-in-chief didn't lose an ounce of dignity as she stepped into the boat in a ladylike fashion

Ladylike: The editor-in-chief didn't lose an ounce of dignity as she stepped into the boat in a ladylike fashion

The centre of Venice will be brought to a temporary standstill on Monday when the small streets and walkways surrounding the will be closed off between 12pm and 2pm to stop tourists and pedestrians from disrupting the carefully-planned proceedings.

Gondolas and water taxis have been banned from stopping outside the Aman Hotel to prevent accidents on the waterways while a small tunnel will be erected by security staff to stop photographers getting a glimpse of the couple. 

The bride and bridegroom ignited a flurry of excitement when they sped their way into the water-locked city aboard a taxi boat on Friday. 

With her voluminous dark hair worn down in a natural style, the British-Lebanese human rights lawyer wowed in a black-and-white striped dress, which showed off her svelte frame. 

Going for a romantic ride: Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso were all smiles as they arrived

Going for a romantic ride: Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso were all smiles as they arrived

Veterans: Matt and Luciana are set to celebrate a decade of marriage in 2015

Veterans: Matt and Luciana are set to celebrate a decade of marriage in 2015

Plenty to pack: Photographers caught a glimpse at the luggage needed to set up the Clooney wedding this weekend

Plenty to pack: Photographers caught a glimpse at the luggage needed to set up the Clooney wedding this weekend

Party time: The guests looked set to be treated to plenty of Pinot Grigio at the impending nuptials this weekend 

Party time: The guests looked set to be treated to plenty of Pinot Grigio at the impending nuptials this weekend 

Arriving in style: Hollywood actress Ellen Barkin arrived in cat eye sunglasses and an all-black ensemble

Arriving in style: Hollywood actress Ellen Barkin arrived in cat eye sunglasses and an all-black ensemble

Connections: Veteran screen star Ellen appeared alongside George in the 2007 movie Ocean's Thirteen

Connections: Veteran screen star Ellen appeared alongside George in the 2007 movie Ocean's Thirteen

He's a little bit rock 'n' roll: Toto rocker Steve Lukather was also among the starry arrivals

He's a little bit rock 'n' roll: Toto rocker Steve Lukather was also among the starry arrivals

A plethora of guests: Rock star Steve, from the band Toto, arrived at Marco Pollo airport to board a water taxi into Venice on Friday

A plethora of guests: Rock star Steve, from the band Toto, arrived at Marco Pollo airport to board a water taxi into Venice on Friday

Ever the sophisticated gent, silver-haired heart-throb George stepped out in a button-down shirt under a perfectly tailored grey suit.

Both wearing sunglasses, they looked relaxed and stylish - seemingly lacking in the stress that most couples face on the eve of their big day.

George was seen putting a loving and protective around the back of his fiancé as they made their way to a waiting taxi boat, from which they soaked up the jovial atmosphere.

Windswept: Stunning Amal attempted to hold onto her immaculate hairstyle as the breeze took a hold

Windswept: Stunning Amal attempted to hold onto her immaculate hairstyle as the breeze took a hold

Venue: The couple will reportedly tie the knot at the luxurious Aman Canal Grande Venice hotel

Venue: The couple will reportedly tie the knot at the luxurious Aman Canal Grande Venice hotel

The love boat: George was all smiles as he sailed away on the appropriately named boat

The love boat: George was all smiles as he sailed away on the appropriately named boat

Sail away, sail away, sail away: The couples appeared to be fascinated with their striking surroundings

Sail away, sail away, sail away: The couples appeared to be fascinated with their striking surroundings

Ready for their close-up: The stars kept the party going as snappers zoomed in for shots

Ready for their close-up: The stars kept the party going as snappers zoomed in for shots

Gorgeous Amal was recently pictured touching down in Italy on Wednesday, where George recently confirmed the pair would be marrying as it was where they had first met. 

Carrying a Stella McCartney garment bag, a large box and one small suitcase, the stunning brunette looked happy and carefree as she made her way through arrivals, with her mother Baria.

Meanwhile a new report from Us Weekly claims that Amal will walk down the aisle wearing a creation by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

She is the same woman who created Kate Middleton's impressive lace wedding dress when she married Prince William in 2011.

BFF: Hollywood actor Matt Damon was one of the first celebrities seen arriving in the romantic city

BFF: Hollywood actor Matt Damon was one of the first celebrities seen arriving in the romantic city

Keeping it casual: Matt opted for a black sweater and jeans as he arrived in the historic city

Keeping it casual: Matt opted for a black sweater and jeans as he arrived in the historic city

Who's that girl? Luciana curiously looked on at a woman in bridal wear as she entered a car with Matt

Who's that girl? Luciana curiously looked on at a woman in bridal wear as she entered a car with Matt

George and Amal met at a charity event and began dating in September last year. Mr Clooney proposed to Miss Alamuddin in April, presenting her with a seven-carat diamond engagement ring.

His Oxford-educated fiancee has a high-profile client list – she has represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and is an advisor to former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Mr Clooney has been married once before, but split from his former wife Talia Balsam in 1993, describing himself as a ‘lousy husband’. 

We are family: George's actor cousin Miguel Ferrer was seen arriving with his wife Lori Weintraub

We are family: George's actor cousin Miguel Ferrer was seen arriving with his wife Lori Weintraub

Hollywood royalty: Michel is the son of Academy Award–winner José Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney

Hollywood royalty: Michel is the son of Academy Award–winner José Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney

Getting on board: Miguel carefully boarded a boat as he prepared to be whisked away

Getting on board: Miguel carefully boarded a boat as he prepared to be whisked away

Stunning: S. mark's Square proved to be a striking backdrop as the couple lapped up the sights of Venice

Stunning: S. mark's Square proved to be a striking backdrop as the couple lapped up the sights of Venice

The setting: Venice will hold the long-anticipated wedding of George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin this weekend

The setting: Venice will hold the long-anticipated wedding of George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin this weekend

Greetings: George and Amal receive a warm welcome when they exit their taxi boat for dry land later that afternoon, closely followed by Rande and Cindy

Greetings: George and Amal receive a warm welcome when they exit their taxi boat for dry land later that afternoon, closely followed by Rande and Cindy

Warm welcome: The foursome were going to be very special guests for the rest of the lavish four-day extravanganza

Warm welcome: The foursome were going to be very special guests for the rest of the lavish four-day extravanganza

 

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