VENICE, Italy - George Clooney's representative says the actor has married human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in a private ceremony in Venice, Italy.

The one-line statement from Clooney's long-time representative Stan Rosenfield is expected to be the only communication on the much-anticipated marriage of the actor who long reigned as Hollywood's most-eligible bachelor.

Clooney's celebrity pals joined the couple to celebrate the ceremony in the luxury Aman hotel overlooking Venice's spectacular Grand Canal.

Clooney was followed by a flotilla of photographers to the hotel, and the actor rubbed his hands in anticipation before disappearing inside as the sun set Saturday evening.