Nicole Richie and Joel Madden tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at the weekend

The couple - who have been dating for four years and have two children, Harlow aged two and 15-month-old Sparrow, together - said their vows in front of 130 close friends and family at Nicole's father Lionel Richie's vast Beverly Hills estate.

With Joel's twin brother and fellow Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden reportedly assuming the role of best man, it is believed one particularly unusual guest was in attendance at the nuptials.

According to gossip website Radar Online, a trained elephant named Tai was spotted being led into the estate prior to the wedding.

Meanwhile, DJ Samantha Ronson was bridesmaid, while several high-profile close friends, including Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Kris Jenner and music legend Quincy Jones - who is also Nicole's godfather - also saw the couple marry.

However, the 29-year-old star's former best friend Paris Hilton - with whom she famously had a well-documented spat in 2005 - was reportedly nowhere to be seen at the nuptials.

Nicole - who is believed to have worn a custom-made Marchesa gown - was said to be keen to ensure her wedding was only attended by the couple's "closest friends and family".

An insider told People magazine: "They wanted an Old Hollywood, glamorous feel to their wedding. They went all-out with the decor. Nicole wanted a memorable, elegant affair for only their closest friends and family on their special day."