Big Apple is in thrall as Swift and Kelce tie the knot

Manhattan was sweltering at 100 degrees and preparing to mark 250 years since the United States declared independence from Great Britain.

- SUMMER LIN, KAREN GARCIA AND ROLLINS-FIFE

RYAN MURPHY Associated Press FANS line up outside Madison Square Garden in New York City to catch a glimpse of wedding attendees.

But on Friday, the city seemed transfixed by what might be the closest the country gets to a royal wedding: The nuptials of pop superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.

The two were married Friday night, but the party was expected to continue into the morning. Swift's publicist confirmed the marriage to several news organizations.

Madison Square Garden and its surrounding streets 31st and 33rd streets toward 6th and 8th avenues - were blocked off as guests arrived for the event. Fans craned their necks for any views they could get from the street.

The world-famous arena was reportedly set to transform into a "massive castle," surrounded by a garden fit for pop culture's royal couple, both 36. While the complete event details and guest list were kept a secret, the Associated Press reportedly obtained a city permit showing Friday's wedding event was set to start at 5 p.m.

Eastern time and could last until 4 a.m.

Secrecy surrounding the event was so tight that the reported venue has been cordoned off with privacy tents, tarps and barricades.

But neither those measures nor Friday's sizzling temperatures stopped fans from gathering in hopes of sneaking a peek at their longtime idol and sending Swift their well wishes.

"I heard we won't be able to see her either way because the spot that they picked is going to be covered," said Sarah Shrestha, 21, an Anaheim resident visiting friends in Manhattan.