NEW YORK, NY --

Singer Beyonce Knowles reportedly wed rapper Jay-Z on Friday, a source close to the couple told People magazine.

“It happened earlier this evening. Jay wanted it to be a really private affair – close friends and family,” the source said.

News of the reported wedding comes after days of speculation following reports, which surfaced on Tuesday, that Jay-Z and Beyonce had taken out a marriage license in Scarsdale, New York.

The couple reportedly followed their private ceremony with a star-studded reception that included Destiny Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, Tina Knowles, Solange, and close friends Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay singer Chris Martin, and Jay-Z’s close friends.

Jay-Z’s favorite man on the turntables, DJ Cassidy, was at the reception spinning, according to the source.

“Cassidy mentioned a week ago that he was really excited for the Jay Z and Beyonce’s wedding party to happen,” the source said.

Earlier in the day, speculation that the new couple was marrying reached a new high outside Jay-Z’s Tribeca building.

Just before 8 PM local time, Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, pulled up to the locale, where a rooftop event, believed to be the nuptials of the singer and her beau may be taking place later tonight.

Beyonce’s former Destiny’s Child bandmates – Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams also arrived, but hid behind an umbrella as Gwyneth and Chris were mobbed by paparazzi on the scene.

A fight broke out between paparazzi as Beyonce’s father, Mathew Knowles arrived and dozens of them surrounded the vehicle he was being carried in.

Beyonce’s sister, Solange arrived shortly after her father, dressed in a white dress.

Earlier in the evening an SUV believed to be carrying Oscar winner Forest Whitaker also turned up.

The number four has particular significance to the couple. Both Jay-Z and Beyonce were born on the 4th – Jay Z was born on December 4, 1969, while Beyonce was born September 4, 1981.

A host of media including four live trucks are currently stationed outside the location in preparation for coverage of the suspected nuptials. More than three dozen reporters and paparazzi are also outside with the numbers growing.

Throughout the day SUVs were seen entering and exiting the garage located underneath Jay-Z’s building.

The rooftop penthouse, owned by Jay-Z is adorned in flowers and tented scaffolding.

A Maybach luxury vehicle arrived at the location shortly before 7 PM local time and drove past as it was mobbed by paparazzi. Jay-Z reportedly owns one of the super high-priced cars.

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