GWYNETH PALTROW - GWYNETH AND CHRIS 'APPLY FOR MARRIAGE LICENCE'

GWYNETH PALTROW and her beau CHRIS MARTIN are expected to take a trip down the aisle any day now - they've applied for a marriage licence.

The expectant parents applied for a marriage license in Santa Barbara County, California, American TV show ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT reported on Friday (05DEC03). Two days earlier, Paltrow announced she was expecting their first child next summer (04).

Paltrow's publicist STEPHEN HUVANE has yet to comment.

MARY ROSE BRYSON, a supervisor in the county recorder division, says the twosome haven't requested a public marriage license. But she adds that some licenses are granted confidentially and must be used in Santa Barbara County within 90 days.

Paltrow, 31, was seen wearing what appeared to be an engagement and wedding ring early last week (ends05DEC03), which she dismissed as "friendship bands".

But reports state a wedding reception for "an OSCAR-winning actress" has been planned for today (07DEC03) at New York's 60 THOMPSON HOTEL.