Andy Murray Ready For Wedding Day

Andy Murray will marry his long-term girlfriend Kim Sears in his home town today.

The couple will exchange vows at Dunblane Cathedral followed by a reception at Cromlix House, the luxury hotel owned by the 27-year-old.

Hundreds of locals are expected to gather outside the 12th-century building to catch a glimpse of the pair who met as teenagers and have been together for more than nine years.

The proud Perthshire community has spent the last few days decorating the high street with bunting in preparation for the celebration which will be reported around the globe.

Murray fans have been posting their best wishes on social media and Scotland's First Minister has offered her congratulations.

Nicola Sturgeon said: I send my warm congratulations to Andy and Kim on their big day and wish them all the very best for a long and happy life together.

Saturday promises to be a great day for Dunblane. Andy is a local hero there but he is also a Scottish sporting superstar, and the whole nation will be delighted for him and his new wife.''

The ceremony is scheduled for late afternoon and is expected to be conducted by Reverend Colin Renwick.

Murray said recently he will have three best men - his brother Jamie and friends Ross Hutchins and Carlos Mier.

Sussex-born Sears, also 27, will have four bridesmaids but the style and design of her bridal gown has so far remained a secret.

Several names from the world of tennis are likely to be on the guest list, with former British number one Tim Henman among those tipped to appear.

Reports suggest Murray and Ms Sears had originally planned to marry at a chapel within the grounds of Cromlix House, which Murray purchased two years ago, but later opted for the 300-seat cathedral.

The couple met in 2005 through tennis circles - her father Nigel is a coach and former head of women's tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association.

They moved in together in 2008 and briefly split the following year before rekindling their relationship.

Speculation about their engagement was fuelled by Murray who, responding to a fan's question on Twitter last year, joked that he would marry Ms Sears after Wimbledon.

He was forced to point out that he was not serious but announced his engagement for real in November.

Murray told BBC Sport last month: I am actually not nervous about getting married because we've been together like nine-and-a-half years and we've lived together for six or seven years as well.

So, I don't think a whole lot's going to change. I kind of feel like we have been married already in terms of the way we spend our lives together and live together.

I think I will be more nervous about starting a family because that would be more life-changing, in a good way.''