Preparations for a huge party at the French home of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have sparked fevered speculation that they are secretly preparing to marry.

Guests, including Brad's parents, have arrived at the Chateau Miraval ahead of the party this weekend. The couple's engagement was revealed back in April, after seven years and six children together.

It has long been known that the pair were planning to hold their eventual wedding at their £35 million estate in the south of France. After their engagement was announced it was learnt that a huge reception hall was under construction at the Provence home.

The Hollywood power-couple had originally stated that they weren't going to marry until the United States had passed legislation on same-sex marriage. But mounting pressure from their growing brood of children seems to be taking effect.

"It seems to mean more and more to our kids," Brad said in January. Ange also claimed that they often ask her why they aren't married "like Shrek and Fiona".